DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Finland Crafts, Facts, and Activities for Kids

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind this website is meant for children, so I do generalize and simplify quite a bit!

Finland is a country located in Northern Europe, bordering Sweden, Norway, and Russia, with a coastline along the Baltic Sea. Finland is known for its stunning natural beauty, including vast forests, thousands of lakes, and the enchanting Northern Lights in Lapland. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage with deep-rooted traditions and a vibrant history, which is reflected in the national epic, the Kalevala.

Finland is a linguistically diverse country, with Finnish being the official language. However, Swedish is also widely spoken, particularly in coastal areas and the Åland Islands, where it holds co-official status. In addition, Finland recognizes several minority languages, including Sami, Romani, and Finnish Sign Language.

Capital city: Helsinki
Language: Finnish
National animal: Brown bear
National flower: Lily of the valley Currency: Euro (EUR)

Ukraine Printables:
bison coloring page

Brown Bear Coloring Pages
swan coloring page

Swan coloring pages

(The Swan of Tuonela is a Finnish Folktale)

Neat Facts:

  • Land of a Thousand Lakes: Finland is often called the "Land of a Thousand Lakes" because it has over 187,000 lakes, more than any other country in the world! These beautiful lakes are great for swimming, fishing, and boating during the summer months.
  • Northern Lights: Finland is one of the best places in the world to see the magical Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. These colorful lights can be seen in the sky, especially during the winter months, in the northern part of the country called Lapland.
  • The Midnight Sun: During the summer months, Finland experiences a unique natural phenomenon called the Midnight Sun. This means that the sun does not set for several weeks in the northern parts of the country, making the days extra long and bright.
  • Sauna Tradition: Finland is famous for its saunas, which are warm rooms used for relaxation and bathing. There are over 3 million saunas in Finland, which means there's almost one sauna for every two people! The Finnish people love to enjoy their saunas with friends and family as a way to unwind and socialize.
Finland Crafts:
Finnish heart basket

Finland themed crafts
Finnish Heart Baskets
polar bear crafts

Polar Bear Crafts
fingerprint swan craft

Swan Crafts

(The Swan of Tuonela is a Finnish Folktale)

Famous natural landmarks of Finland include:

  • Saimaa Lake System: The Saimaa Lake System is the largest lake in Finland and the fourth largest in Europe. It is made up of several interconnected lakes and waterways, making it a fascinating place for kids to explore. The Lake System is home to the rare Saimaa ringed seal, which can only be found in this lake system.
  • Ranua Wildlife Park: Located in Finnish Lapland, the Ranua Wildlife Park is home to more than 50 different species of Arctic animals, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and reindeer.
  • Archipelago Sea: The Archipelago Sea, part of the Baltic Sea between mainland Finland and the Åland Islands, is an extraordinary natural landmark. It features the world's largest archipelago, with over 40,000 islands and skerries.

beautiful mouseStories from Finland:

The Kalevala is a 19th-century work of epic poetry compiled by Elias Lönnrot from Karelian and Finnish oral folklore and mythology. It is considered the national epic of Finland and has played a significant role in the development of Finnish national identity, language, and culture.

The Kalevala tells the story of ancient heroes, their quests, and the struggles between the forces of good and evil. The central characters include Väinämöinen, a wise old sage and powerful sorcerer; Ilmarinen, a skilled blacksmith and inventor; and Lemminkäinen, a brave and adventurous warrior. The epic also features the tragic and powerful figure of Kullervo, whose story has inspired numerous artistic works.

Throughout the Kalevala, the heroes face various challenges, including battles with enchantresses, the pursuit of the magical Sampo (a mysterious artifact that brings wealth and prosperity), and the search for a bride from the mystical land of Pohjola. The epic is rich with themes of love, loyalty, friendship, and the power of nature.

The Kalevala has inspired many artists, composers, and writers over the years, including Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, who created several musical works based on the epic, and author J.R.R. Tolkien, whose writings were influenced by Finnish mythology.