Ylläs offers countless opportunities for families who want to experience Lapland’s enchanting nature and activities together. For families with children, there are day trip options in the fell landscape throughout the year – from summer hikes to winter snow activities. A family day trip in the Ylläs landscape will leave memories that will last in your mind for a long time. Whether it’s a nature trail of a few hours or a whole day adventure, the versatility of Ylläs will surprise the whole family. Let’s now explore the best family-friendly destinations and tips for planning a successful day trip.

What are the most child-friendly day trip destinations in Ylläs?

Ylläs offers many ideal destinations for families where children are sure to enjoy themselves. The Ylläs Adventure Park is an absolute favorite, where children of different ages can climb safely in rope courses among the trees. The park has courses for both the smallest (from 3 years old) and teenagers, and parents can either participate or watch their children’s adventure.

The Äkäslompolo nature trail is an easily accessible and educational route where families can learn about Lapland’s nature and wildlife. The path is only about 2 kilometers long, making it perfect for smaller hikers too. Along the route, there are information boards and rest stops for eating packed lunches.

Konijänkä petting zoo offers children the opportunity to get to know northern animals such as reindeer and sheep. The place is open during the summer season and is suitable for children of all ages. Kids especially love the opportunity to pet and feed the animals.

Other noteworthy destinations include the Kesänki nature trail, which has beautiful scenery and fairly easy terrain, and the Ylläsjärvi playground, which offers activities especially for children aged 3-10.

How to plan a successful day trip in Ylläs with children?

A successful day trip with children requires a bit more planning than a trip among adults. Scheduling is crucial – leave plenty of time for exploration and breaks, and don’t try to fit too many activities into one day. Rushing can ruin the entire trip experience for children.

Pack enough:

• Drinks and energy-rich snacks (bread, fruit, nuts)
• Spare clothes, especially socks
• Sunscreen and insect repellent in summer
• First aid kit for minor accidents
• Small backpacks for children where they can carry their own things

Weather conditions in Ylläs can change quickly, so layered clothing is always a good choice. In winter, take special care with warm clothing and it’s worth bringing a thermos of hot drinks.

When traveling with small children, consider a baby carrier instead of a stroller, as many routes are not suitable for strollers. Also remember to take care of children’s energy levels – regular snack breaks help them last longer. During nap time, it’s good to plan for calmer activities or an opportunity to rest.

Are there free excursion destinations for families with children in Ylläs?

Ylläs has plenty of completely free activities for families who want to enjoy nature in a budget-friendly way. The marked nature trails in the national park are free, and for example, the Varkaankuru route offers impressive landscapes and suitably easy access also for families with children.

In summer, the beaches of Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo offer refreshment – the beaches often also have playgrounds. Many viewpoints, such as Kellostapuli, are also free attractions where you can admire breathtaking fell landscapes.

With everyman’s rights, you can take advantage of seasonal offerings:

• June-July: wild herbs and flowers (for viewing and learning only)
• July-August: blueberries, which are an excellent activity for children too
• August-September: lingonberries and mushrooms
• September: admiring the autumn colors

In winter, sledding hills are a free hit for families with children, and in many places, you can also build snowmen or snow castles. Many of our holiday cottages are located within a convenient distance of these free attractions, making trip planning easy.

What to do in Ylläs with children on a rainy day?

Rain doesn’t mean cancelling your trip day in Ylläs. Indoor activities are available in variety for children of different ages. The Äkäslompolo village house offers craft workshops and events, while the Ylläs Hall provides sports opportunities such as badminton and wall climbing.

The Lapland Nature Centre Kellokas is an excellent destination for a rainy day. It has interactive exhibitions about Lapland’s nature and history, and children can also participate in guided workshops. Admission is affordable, and children under 7 get in for free.

Levi Spa is located about a 40-minute drive away and offers water slides, hot tubs, and a children’s spa for the youngest visitors. This is a great way to spend an entire rainy day.

For smaller children (1-5 years), a good option is the Ylläsjärvi playroom, which offers indoor play opportunities in rainy weather. For older children, the Ylläs library has a children’s section where they can read books or participate in story hours.

How long are the hiking routes in Ylläs and are they suitable for children?

The hiking routes in Ylläs range from easily accessible short paths to more demanding routes. The most relevant for families are the easy routes, of which there are plenty:

• Kesänki family route (2 km) – Very easy, partly accessible even with strollers, suitable for ages 2 and up
• Äkäsmylly route (3.5 km) – Easy, flat terrain, suitable for children over 4 years
• Varkaankuru circuit (5 km) – Moderate, beautiful scenery, recommended for children over 6 years
• Pirunkuru (7 km) – Moderate, varied terrain, suitable for experienced little hikers over 8 years old

With preschoolers, it’s advisable to choose routes under 3 km, and keep in mind that with children, progress is often about half the speed of adults. More breaks are needed, so you should add 50-100% to the travel time depending on the age of the children.

In winter, snowshoe trails are an excellent option for families. Ylläs offers marked and safe routes, the shortest of which is only 1.5 km. Snowshoeing can be safely tried with children as young as 5 years old.

The best family destinations in Ylläs during different seasons

The offerings of Ylläs vary significantly according to the seasons, which makes it an attractive destination for families all year round.

In summer (June-August), the best family destinations are:

• Ylläs Bike Park, which has easy mountain biking routes for children too
• Äkäslompolo beach and playground
• Konijänkä petting zoo
• Guided canoeing trips on calm lakes (for ages 6+)

During the autumn colors (September-October), it’s worth experiencing:

• Kukastunturi nature trail, which has magnificent autumn colors
• Berry picking trips with children to collect lingonberries
• Gondola lift ride to the top of the fell to admire the scenery

In winter (November-April), families favor:

• Children’s ski areas and sledding hills
• Reindeer rides in Konijänkä
• Ice sculpture exhibitions and snow castles
• Northern lights safaris (suitable for children over 6 years)

In spring (April-May), families enjoy:

• Longer ski trips in sunny weather
• Ice fishing
• Snowshoe trips in the awakening nature

Our cottage accommodations in Ylläs provide the perfect base for experiencing these seasonal activities. From our rental cottages, it’s easy to plan day trips according to the family’s schedule and interests.

Family time in Ylläs – experiences for all senses

Day trips aimed at families with children in Ylläs offer an opportunity to break away from everyday life and enjoy the peace of nature and diverse activities. The landscapes surrounded by fells, clean nature, and silence create a setting for experiences that will stay in children’s minds for a long time.

Whether it’s a short nature trail, an adventure park visit, or a ski day, Ylläs adapts to the needs of children of different ages in all weather conditions and during all seasons. Careful planning and selection of routes with consideration for children’s endurance ensures a successful family day.

Our cottage accommodations offer families a cozy setting at the end of a trip day – time spent together in the warmth of a sauna or by the fireplace makes the holiday perfect. Are you planning your next family trip? Ylläs’s diverse possibilities await you regardless of the season.