A modest selection of family oriented attractions can be found in the city of Tampere, with the highlight undoubtedly being Särkänniemi; a facility with an adventure park, zoo, aquarium, dolphinarium and planetarium on site. The delightful Moominvalley meanwhile, is a must for small children and fans of the work of famous Finn, Tove Jansson.

Moominvalley
The lovable characters known as the Moomins are a popular part of Finnish culture and are known by kids and adults alike. Here in Moominvalley, visitors can view original illustrations created by Tove Jansson who is credited with having created these endearing creatures. Classic Moomin books, figures both small and life-size and a 5-storey miniature Moomin house are among the sights on offer at the valley. Afterwards, the kids will enjoy a trip to the Moomin shop where a variety of related merchandise is available for purchase. Tel: +358 3 3146 6578; website: http://inter9.tampere.fi/muumilaakso/index.php?lang=en

Särkänniemi Adventure Park
Without doubt one of the country’s favourite and best known theme parks, Särkänniemi Adventure Park with its varied mix of attractions, offers a great day out for all members of the family. Seven themed sections offer a total of 30 different rides between them with some aimed at the very young and others that might even raise the hair of a few parents. Refreshment and dining venues can be found in various parts of the park. Tel: +358 207 130 200; website: www.sarkanniemi.fi/www/index.php?lang=en

Särkänniemi Zoo
Located within Särkänniemi Adventure Park, the Särkänniemi Zoo is a small facility, housing just 30 different species. It’s aimed primarily at younger visitors with its collection of largely domestic animals, many of which can be petted under staff supervision. Tel: +358 207 130 200; website: www.sarkanniemi.fi/www/sisalto.php?lang=en&id=05

Särkänniemi Aquarium
Again found within the Särkänniemi Adventure Park, the Särkänniemi Aquarium is pretty impressive with its collection of over 250 different species of sea creature among which are catfish, sharks and piranhas. This is the largest facility of its kind in Finland and will appeal to kids of all ages and adults too. Tel: +358 207 130 200; website: www.sarkanniemi.fi/www/sisalto.php?lang=en&id=01

Särkänniemi Dolphinarium
A total of 900 seats are available for visitors to sit and enjoy the delights of Särkänniemi Adventure Park’s Dolphinarium. Tricks to be seen in the dolphin shows are based very much around natural displays that the creatures might perform in the wild and the facility itself attempts to mimic the dolphin’s natural living environment as much as possible. Tel: +358 207 130 200; website: www.sarkanniemi.fi/www/sisalto.php?lang=en&id=02

Särkänniemi Planetarium
Go on a journey through space and across the Milky Way at the Särkänniemi Planetarium, a fascinating centre which offers visitors the chance to learn about what lies beyond our humble planet. Modern multimedia technology and both Finnish and English narration contribute to the appreciation of this unique facility. Tel: +358 207 130 200; website: www.sarkanniemi.fi/www/sisalto.php?lang=en&id=04

Viikinsaari Island
Take a 20 minute boat ride from the city centre and you come to Viikinsaari Island, a recreational destination offering an interesting mix of scenic nature with a large selection of outdoor activity options. The smaller kids will enjoy the playgrounds, while children of all ages can appreciate swimming areas, a dance pavilion, gaming fields and a boating lake. There’s plenty to keep adults occupied too so a trip to Viikinsaari is an very much a family day out. Tel: 358 3 5656 6137.

Visits to an interesting selection of historically rich venues comprise the bulk of options for cultural activity on a visit to Tampere. Religious sites, museums, factories and classic architecture lists high on the list of must-sees; providing great photo opportunities while giving a more in-depth look at the city’s heritage and historical development.

Aleksanterin Kirkko
Named after Tsar Alexander II whose 25^th anniversary on the throne coincided with the laying of the church’s first stone, the Aleksanterin Kirkko was built as a replacement to the Old Church and its design and style are what might be considered loosely as Neo-Gothic. The church has undergone two significant restoration processes during its life with the latter concentrating on returning the church hall to its former glory.

Amuri Museum of Worker's Housing
In the early days of the city’s industrialisation, the sudden influx of workers created a demand for accommodation; a demand which was subsequently met with the building of wooden houses such as those available for viewing at this interesting museum. The houses here are intact and in their original layout and give visitors an idea of what life must have been life in the days of the city’s early development.

Finlayson Factory
Of great historical significance to the city, the Finlayson Factory was set up by James Finlayson and was the catalyst for a wave of growth and development that ensued in the area. Initially producing small amounts of hand-woven fabrics, the factory went on to mass produce cotton via its two mighty spinning machines. James Finlayson eventually sold the factory in 1836 to Georg Adolf Rauch and Carl Samuel Nottbeck, who proceeded to further develop the surrounding area from an industrial and social perspective.

Lenin Museum
Visitors with an interest in the background of this prolific Russian revolutionary should not miss out on a chance to visit Tampere’s Lenin Museum, a facility housed in the hall where Lenin and other prominent revolutionaries held meetings in 1905 and 1906. There are two separately themed exhibitions which are titled Lenin's life and Lenin and Finland respectively and between them they feature furniture, diaries, pictures, and other possession of Lenin’s.

Tampere Orthodox Church
With only one per cent of Finland’s population following the Russian Orthodox Church, religious buildings such as this are relatively uncommon, which is why this magnificent construction is of special interest to both visitors and residents alike. The church, which is also known as both St Alexander Nevski and St Nicolas Church, was built between 1896 and 1899 and despite sustaining war damage in 1918; its appearance has remained faithful to its original design.

Tuomiokirkko, Cathedral of Tampere
Built in the period between 1902 and 1907 by Lars Sonck, the Cathedral of Tampere is an impressive ecclesiastic construction perhaps best known for its interior artworks hailing from the art nouveau era. After checking out the magnificent exterior architecture, visitors are encouraged to step inside the cathedral to view the frescoes that were the work of Magnus Enckell, Eric O.V. Ehrström and Hugo Simberg. The paintings are famous for having caused great controversy at the time due to their inclusion of snakes, naked boys and skeletons.

Food in Tampere loosely conforms to what might be considered the national cuisine, but is also very internationally influenced and subject to cosmopolitan dining trends also. As a general rule, Finnish cuisine is based heavily around whole grains such as rye, barley and oats and smoked fish and meats. What the locals eat at home in Tampere however, is not necessarily what you’ll find in the city’s restaurants.

Haute cuisine is more the thing on the tables of the best downtown eateries and this can include the best of Indian, Chinese, Thai and other international cuisines. If it is typical Finnish food you are looking for then seek out an establishment that serves Karelian pasties, Kaalikäärylee (cabbage rolls) and Lihapulla (meatballs). If at lunchtimes you find yourself craving a little fast-food, then worry not for Finland has its own fair share of popular franchised outlets such as Burger King, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut.

For shopping, you’ll find a variety of areas around the city; however the massive Koskikeskus shopping mall is by far the best place to head in terms of variety and convenience. The mall is home to over a hundred stores as well as a movie theatre, dining venues and an area commonly used for exhibitions, shows and competitions.

With lakes, public parks and various greenbelt areas at the disposal of all, Tampere offers a number of good opportunities to get busy in the great outdoors. Summer and winter seasons present different choices, each attracting visitors for different reasons. Summer is popular with those enjoying walking activities while winter is for those inclined towards snow sports.

Fishing
Angling enthusiasts will be glad to know that the Tammerkoski rapids that run through the centre of the city are suitable for fishing and considered a designated area by local government. A permit is required in order to fish legally and this can be purchased either from the Tourist office on Verkatehtaankatu 2 or from a vending machine situated on the side of the Rosso restaurant. Permits are available for up to four hours or full day periods.

Hiking
Many forests are public land in Tampere and as Finland gives its citizens the right of public access; hiking, rambling and walking are all popular leisure pursuits. Grab some comfortable footwear appropriate to the terrain and level of walking activity you have chosen and head out for some respite from the urban sprawl and some pleasant immersion in Tampere’s green belt areas.

Ice Hockey
The same frozen ponds and water holes that are popular with ice skaters, lend themselves well to the pursuit of ice hockey. It’s probably not the best place for novices to learn how to play the game but those with their own equipment and some experience may wish to try to get in on the local action.

Ice skating
When the winter season really kicks in, ponds and water holes around the city freeze over sufficiently that ice skating is entirely safe. Finns of all ages don warm winter clothing, grab their skates and head out for some fun and entirely free entertainment. Visitors without skates will find them available for rent or second hand pairs for purchase.

Skiing
Travel just 45kms from the city, you will find reach the Ellivuori Ski Centre, an impressive winter resort offering a total of six slopes. The slopes are of varying difficulty and all are floodlit in the evening allowing for night skiing. Skis can be rented if you don’t have your own, but it’s advisable to make sure you have appropriate skiwear already as this is only available for purchase. Skiing is also available at Himos and Sapee, both of which are within reasonable driving distance of Tampere.