Ruka-Kuusamo aims to be the best family vacation destination in Finland

When children are enjoying themselves, joy spreads to the family. Ruka-Kuusamo has plenty of activities, both indoors and outdoors and from morning to evening, all year round.

The summer weekly programme and winter weekly programme offer a variety of adventures for the entire family, free of charge.

Koskenlaskua Kitkajoella Oulangan kansallispuistossa. Ruka-Kuusamo. Kuva Jani Kärppä

Summer adventures for the families

Diverse day trip trails in the stunning Oulanka National Park, rafting, summer sled track in Ruka and a water park are experiences you simply can’t miss.
Ruka village during summer. Photo Harri Tarvainen/Kota Collective

Ruka Summer resort is open from June 11 onwards

Ruka Coaster, summer sled track, mountain carts, Zipline, Ruka Bike Park, scenery lifts and lots of other things to do and see!
Ruka-ranneke ja kansallishuvipuisto

Unlock summer fun with Ruka Fun Pass!

With the Ruka Fun Pass, you're in for endless fun on Ruka Coaster, Ruka Rally downhill carts, the summer sled track, scenic lifts, zipline, mini-golf, and Bike Park, together with other perks.
Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikin kylpylä. Kuva Mikko Santasalo.

Indoor activities for families with kids

If the weather gets too cold or rainy, Ruka-Kuusamo also has a wide range of indoor activities for kids. Why not try the spa, adventure park, bowling alleys or an escape room?

Children get to meet arctic animals

Feeding reindeer or visiting a Finnhorse farm are family vacation highlights in Kuusamo.

Winter fun for families

In the winter, Ruka-Kuusamo is a genuine centre for family vacations with a wide selection of activities. We have paid special attention to kids, especially when it comes to Ruka Slopes.

You might also be interested in:

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Playgrounds
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Ruka Summer Resort
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Ruka Coaster symbol
Ruka Coaster
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Ruka Bike Park

Events for families:

Suunnistusrasti maastossa, kuva: Suomen Suunnistusliitto
Suunnistusrasti maastossa, kuva: Suomen Suunnistusliitto

Kuusamorastit Orienteering Event on Wednesdays

6.5.2026 - 23.9.2026
17:00 - 20:00
From 10.00€
Kuusamorastit are organized on Wednesdays from 4 May 2026 onwards. Start from 17:00 to 19:00, finish by 20:00.
Kesämaisemia Ruka-Kuusamossa
Kesämaisemia Ruka-Kuusamossa

Ruka-Kuusamo Midsummer 2026

17.6.2026 - 21.6.2026
From 0.00€
Join us in celebrating the shortest night of the year! And in Finland the sun never really sets tonight!

The Midsummer Festival is about happy people and interesting traditions! There's plenty to do and see at Ruka-Kuusamo area for the whole family. Some events and activities are free of charge!
Ruka Bike Park
Ruka Bike Park

Bike Park: Ten Euro Wednesdays

17.6.2026 - 16.9.2026
14:00 - 18:00
From 10.00€
Perfect time for the Bike Park! Whether you're a beginner, a passionate enthusiast, or somewhere in between, now's the ideal moment to enjoy Ruka Bike Park: Wednesday evening lift tickets for just 10 € and Bike Park intro courses for 10 €.

Check the details below the image.
Suunnistusta Rukan maisemissa, kuva Viivi Sirkeinen
Suunnistusta Rukan maisemissa, kuva Viivi Sirkeinen

Orienteering clinic and DIY control points Thu at 17 * FREE *

18.6.2026 - 30.7.2026
17:00 - 19:00
From 0.00€
Orienteering clinic is suitable for all ages - separate groups for children and adults! DIY control points at the terrain between 17:00 and 18:00. Meet at Wolfs nest at Ski Stadion building, guidance from Tykky Scenery Tower.

This program is available on Thursdays during 19.6.-31.7., duration about 1-2 hours. Free of charge!

Midsummer Decorations at Ruka Village

18.6.2026 - 18.6.2026
19:00 - 21:00
We decorate Ruka Village for the Midsummer together.

Free entrance. No pre-registration.
Clothing according to the weather
IPS-areena
IPS-areena

IPS arena in Ruka village

19.6.2026 - 20.6.2026
IPS arena is a fun, interactive speed game suitable for all ages. The object of the game is to touch as many lights as possible in 45 seconds. The one with the most points is the winner!

No entrance fee.

IPS arena is open during Midsummer, on Friday at 10-21.45 and on Saturday at 10-18.
Benji-trampoliini
Benji-trampoliini

Bungee jumping trampoline in Ruka village

19.6.2026 - 20.6.2026
The feeling of flying! Price: 6 €/3 minutes. Sing-in and payment at the location.

Bungee jumping trampoline is open during Midsummer on Friday at 10-21.45 and on Saturday at 10-18. 
Suomen lippu liehuu, kuva Ruka-Kuusamo Matkailu ry - Adobe Stock licenced
Suomen lippu liehuu, kuva Ruka-Kuusamo Matkailu ry - Adobe Stock licenced

Midsummer Flag raising in Ruka village

19.6.2026 - 19.6.2026
18:00 - 18:30
Finnish flag will be raised at Ruka village in front of Rukapalvelu's Safari House to honor the Midsummer festival.

No entrance fee.
Downhill biking in Ruka Bike Park, Finland
Downhill biking in Ruka Bike Park, Finland

National Bike Park Day

24.6.2026 - 24.6.2026
10:00 - 20:00
From 10.00€
Downhill biking is fun and easier than you think! On National Bike Park Day, we want to make it easy for you to try out the Bike Park trails. Enjoy these all-day offers: Lift ticket: 10 € & Bike Park courses: 10 €.
Talonpöytä
Talonpöytä

Talonpöytä Fest 2026

27.6.2026 - 28.6.2026
11:00 - 02:00
From 0.00€
Laidback festival for family and friends, at Talonpöytä restaurant and yard area on Saturday 27.6.2026. No entrance fee for the day event. Night event tickets starting from 36 €.

Käylän Tukkilaiskisat
Käylän Tukkilaiskisat

The Lumberjack competition in Käylä 2026

11.7.2026 - 11.7.2026
11:00 - 16:00
The traditional lumberjack competition will take place again on 11 July 2026.
More information coming soon!
Näkymä Valtavaaran huipulta kohti Rukaa kesällä. Kuva Mikko Santasalo
Näkymä Valtavaaran huipulta kohti Rukaa kesällä. Kuva Mikko Santasalo

Finnish School Orienteering Championships 2026

28.8.2026 - 29.8.2026
Welcome to the Finnish School Sports Federation’s Orienteering Championships! The 2026 championships will be held in Kuusamo, in the diverse landscapes of Ruka. The event is organised by Kuusamon Erä-Veikot in cooperation with the Finnish School Sports Federation.

Activities for families:

Karhunkatselua Kuusamossa. Kuva Taiga Bear Kuusamo.
Karhunkatselua Kuusamossa. Kuva Taiga Bear Kuusamo.

Bear & wildlife watching

1.5.2026 - 30.9.2026
17:00 - 22:00
Discover the magic and beauty of the Taiga Forest! Experience the unforgettable journey to see and photograph the royals of the forest in their natural habitat.

Prices: 4-5 hours 125 €/adult, 70 €/child 7-15 years, the whole night 190 €/adult, 120 €/child 7-15 years. This adventure is available daily at 5 PM during 1.5.-30.9.2026.
Karhunkatselua Kuusamossa. Kuva Karhu-Kuusamo.
Karhunkatselua Kuusamossa. Kuva Karhu-Kuusamo.

Bear watching at Kuntivaara

1.5.2026 - 30.9.2026
18:00 - 00:00
From 120.00€
In addition to bears, white-tailed eagles are regular visitors in Kuntilampi, also ruffs and other waders are often seen especially in the early summer.

Bear watching evening 4 h 120 €/adult, 60 €/child 5-17 years, bear watching night 14 h 170 €/adult, 85 €/child 5-17 years. This adventure is available daily at 6 PM during 1.5.-30.9.2026.
Opastettu kanoottiretki Oulankajoella, Rukapalvelu
Opastettu kanoottiretki Oulankajoella, Rukapalvelu

Guided canoeing trip in Oulanka Mon and Thu at 9 AM

25.5.2026 - 28.9.2026
09:00 - 14:00
Experience the wonderful scenery and the peace of nature from the river. Duration 5 h. Price 136 € / adult, 58 € / child 5–11 yrs.

This adventure is available on Mondays and Thursdays at 9 AM during 25.5.-28.9.2026.
Kalastaja saaliin kera. Kuva Rukapalvelu
Kalastaja saaliin kera. Kuva Rukapalvelu

Fishing Trip at Lake Juuma

26.5.2026 - 29.9.2026
09:00 - 13:00
From 78.00€
Learn the secrets of fishing!

Duration 4 h including transfers. Price 78 €/adult, 53 €/child 4-11 yrs. This adventure is available on Tuesdays at 6 pm and Fridays at 9 AM during 26.5.-29.9.2026.
Koskenlaskua Kuusamon Kitkajoella. Kuva Rukapalvelu
Koskenlaskua Kuusamon Kitkajoella. Kuva Rukapalvelu

Rafting Adventure Day with Outdoor Campfire Lunch

26.5.2026 - 30.10.2026
14:00 - 18:00
Enjoy an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure on Kitka River!

Duration 4 h including transfers. Price 88 €/adult, 48 €/child 5-11 yrs. This adventure is available from Tuesday to Friday during 26.5.-30.10.2026.
Saunaelämys Pohjantähti-leirissä Juumajärven rannalla Ruka-Kuusamossa. Kuva Rukapalvelu
Saunaelämys Pohjantähti-leirissä Juumajärven rannalla Ruka-Kuusamossa. Kuva Rukapalvelu

River Rafting Adventure with Relaxing Finnish Sauna

29.5.2026 - 30.10.2026
14:00 - 19:00
Enjoy an unforgettable river rafting experience on Kitka River and sauna at the Wilderness camp!

Duration 5 h including transfers. Price 118 €/adult, 68 €/child 5-11 yrs. This adventure is available on Fridays at 2 PM during 29.5.-30.10.2026.
Perhe melomassa kanootilla Oulankajoella. Kuva Harri Tarvainen.
Perhe melomassa kanootilla Oulankajoella. Kuva Harri Tarvainen.

Summer Weekly Programme 2026 for Families

1.6.2026 - 30.9.2026
Welcome to experience an adventurous family holiday in Ruka-Kuusamo! The summer weekly programme includes the top highlights of the diverse activity and adventure offering in Ruka and Kuusamo. The weekly programmes are organised during 1.6.-30.9.
Melontaa Oulankajoella. Kuva Basecamp Oulanka
Melontaa Oulankajoella. Kuva Basecamp Oulanka

Canoeing on the Oulanka River

1.6.2026 - 2.10.2026
09:00 - 17:00
From 50.00€
Self-guided 8/25 km route from Mataraniemi to Nurmisaarenniemi/Jäkälämutka through peaceful river scenery. Duration ~4–8 h. Price from 50 € / person in a two-person canoe. Equipment and return transfer to Mataraniemi included.

This adventure is available from Monday to Saturday at 9 AM during 1.6.-2.10.2026.
More activities and events without participation fee can be found in our Event Search.

Discover Your Kind of Summer

Each of us looks for something a little different from our holiday. That’s why we’ve created five distinct summer weekly programmes, each designed to match the wishes and interests of different types of travelers. Explore our themed program recommendations below and discover the perfect way for you to experience the highlights of our region!

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Pariskunta Konttaisella ihastelemassa yötöntä yötä (pyöreä ikoni). Kuva Harri Tarvainen
Nature Lover
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Saunojat Pohjolan Pirtillä (pyöreä ikoni).
Lifestyle Traveller
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Maastopyöräilyä (pyöreä ikoni). Kuva Jaakko Posti
Outdoor Explorer
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Koskenlaskua Kitkajoella (pyöreä ikoni). Kuva Jani Kärppä
Active Hobbyist
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Lapsiperhe melomassa kanootilla (pyöreä ikoni). Kuva Harri Tarvainen
Family

Take a look at these too:

Lapset viihtyvät Camp Kitchenissä

Restaurants

Our restaurants offer special menus for children. And the delicious hot chocolate is a must-have holiday favorite!

Rental shops

Trying and learning new activities is easy with high-quality rental equipment available at our rental shops.
Lemmikin kanssa mökkilomalla, kuva Harri Tarvainen

Travelling with pets

We offer plenty of dog-friendly accommodation!
Suomen ensimmäinen kansallishuvipuisto - Ruka-Kuusamo

Land of National Parks & Ruka Summer Resort

In Ruka-Kuusamo, iconic national landscapes, stunning national parks, and fun‑filled activities come together.

Holiday tips for families

Feeding reindeer during the summer at Palosaari Reindeer Farm. Photo by Kotacollective / Harri Tarvainen

The perfect summer getaway for families in the Land of National Parks

Fatbike-pyöräretkellä talvella revontulien alla

Things to do in Ruka-Kuusamo today or tomorrow

Ruka Kuusamo hiking

Memorable summer adventures in Ruka-Kuusamo: 7 affordable family activities

Winter fun for families