From the airplane window, an endless expanse of forest stretches out below, with the rocky peaks of fells occasionally peeking through the green canopy. Five minutes to landing. In the seats behind, the children are squirming with excitement, pointing eagerly out the window. There’s a buzz in the air – the long-awaited family holiday in Lapland is about to begin. On the wish list: quality time together, outdoor fun, relaxation, and of course, exploring the great outdoors.
Fun for All Ages at the ylläs Bike Park
The gondola glides upward, tracing the majestic contours of the fell. From the base station, cheerful chatter mixes with the whir of bike wheels. Ylläs Bike Park draws cycling enthusiasts of all ages, offering thrilling rides from mid-June well into the autumn season.
Near the carpet lift, a dedicated practice area and a newly paved asphalt pump track have quickly become favorites among younger riders – judging by the smiles. The free pump track is also a hit with adults, skateboarders, and scooter riders. Its bumps and curves are perfect for honing pumping skills before hitting the trails. For beginners, the “Intro to Bike Park” courses offered at the resort provide a relaxed and easy way to get started with bike park riding.
easy Hiking and Outdoor Cinema Under the aurora borealis
A trail covered by pine needles is crossed by a bustling ant highway, and blueberry bushes line the path. As you reach the duckboards surrounded by the mire, the enchanting scent of wild rosemary fills the air, and somewhere nearby, a redstart sings. Nature itself offers endless opportunities for discovery and adventure with children—just keep your senses open.
Great options for a family day hike include the 6-kilometre Tuomikuru Trail, which starts from the Ylläsjärvi ski resort, and the 4-kilometre Varkaankuru Loop, beginning at the Visitor Centre Kellokas. For those with strollers, the accessible Kesänkijärvi Kota (wilderness hut) is an ideal picnic destination for the whole family. Nearby, you’ll also find a lean-to shelter with fire wood and an outdoor toilet.
After a day full of outdoor adventures, what could be better than a cozy family movie night? On summer weekends, films are shown on the big screen in the auditorium of the Kellokas Visitor Centre. As autumn arrives and the nights grow darker, the cinema experience moves outdoors. The open-air movie nights at Ihmisen Rinki offer a truly unique experience for the whole family. Slip on your wool socks, wrap yourselves in warm blankets, and sip steaming hot cocoa as you enjoy a film beneath the northern sky—perhaps even with the northern lights dancing above.
A Day on Two Wheels
The air is filled with joyful laughter and the cheerful ringing of bike bells—cycling is something the whole family can enjoy. Add a stop at a cozy wilderness café along the way, and you’ve got a guaranteed hit of a day out!
The Kesängin Kierros loop, about 6 kilometres long, offers an easygoing ride through beautiful lakeside scenery. The trail is free of rocks and roots, though it includes two wide duckboard sections that can be walked if needed. Midway along the route, you’ll find the Kesängin Keidas wilderness café—an ideal spot to pause and soak in the warmth of summer or the vibrant colours of autumn, with a fresh doughnut and berry juice on the terrace.
The Story Trail (Tarinapolku) circling Äkäslompolo offers a mix of terrain, culture, and art—making it a great cycling route for families with children. Starting from Tano House (Tanon talo)—the oldest building in the village, located near the chapel—on the southwestern side of the lake, the 8.5-kilometre cultural trail features nine artworks and twenty information boards that share stories about the village’s history, notable figures, and local legends.
Halfway along the route, you’ll find Karila Navettagalleria Café, where visitors can meet friendly animals in the yard and enjoy local treats. The trail itself winds through a variety of landscapes, from forest paths and gravel roads to paved walkways.