HDW Children’s Design Week
HDW Children’s Design Week introduces children to the creative fields through workshops and participatory programming. Helsinki Design Week’s 2026 theme, The Oncoming Other, is reflected in the programme through community and workshops.
The event invites families of all kinds to explore, learn and create together, while offering opportunities to meet new people, discover different perspectives and find new ways of making. The workshops spark curiosity, nurture imagination and encourage collaboration in an inspiring environment.
The event is free of charge for visitors. Please check the age recommendations for the workshops below. Welcome!
Aalto University Junior
Aalto University Junior inspires children and young people to explore art, science, technology and economics through curiosity and experimentation. Junior bridges the gap between university and schools by offering engaging workshops that combine Aalto University’s research, creativity and multidisciplinary expertise. Its aim is to support learning, discovery and imagination, while making the university an accessible place for everyone. All activities are united by a shared goal of building a sustainable future.
At HDW Children’s Design Week, Aalto University Junior invites young designers and researchers to a creative workshop where they can design and build their own virtual pet using recycled materials. In the second stage, the creations are briefly brought to life with the help of technology. The result is an inventive, playful and slightly magical experience where imagination and technology go hand in hand.
The workshop is intended for children aged 6–15. Children aged 10–15 can participate independently. Please note that children aged 6–9 must participate together with a parent or another adult.
Kulosaari Art School
Kulosaari Art School, founded in 2014, offers around 230 children and young people weekly opportunities to explore art, architecture, animation, comics, photography and fashion drawing. The school encourages students to find their own way of expressing themselves, experiment with different techniques and develop their creative thinking together with others. All children and young people interested in art are welcome to join, also during the school year if there are places available.
At HDW Children’s Design Week, Kulosaari Art School invites participants to dive into the world of fashion and drawing. The workshop introduces fashion illustration and explores how ideas transform on paper into outfits, silhouettes and complete characters. Come draw, experiment and let your imagination run wild – no prior skills are needed, just the courage to try!
The programme at Kulosaari Art School is best suited for children aged 7–15.
Arkki
Explore architecture in a cardboard workshop with Arkki!
Arkki, the School of Architecture for Children and Youth, provides basic education in architecture for 4–19-year-olds in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa. Its programme also includes holiday camps and themed courses for schoolchildren, as well as tailor-made workshops for groups such as day-care centres and schools. Arkki also organises inspiring workshops for all ages.
The programme at Arki’s workshop during HDW Children’s Design Week offers accessible creative activities suitable for a wide range of ages. Cardboard is the main material used in the workshop. As scissors are used, the youngest children can take part together with a parent or other adult.
