ABOUT LITTLE FINNS

Little Finns is a community where parents come together to socialize and to organize activities around Finnish culture and language for their children. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to participate in the planning and workshops.

  • Children are welcome regardless of Finnish skill level.
  • During the sessions, the children will listen, speak, read and write Finnish using fun, age and skill level-appropriate activities, games and play. We will also get to know Finnish culture and traditions through hands-on experiences.
  • We provide activities to continue learning at home.
  • We maintain a library of Finnish children’s books that students can borrow to read at home. Donations of gently used books are welcome!
  • There is no fee, but a Calgary Finlandia Cultural Association membership is required. Visit our MEMBERSHIP page for more information.

Sessions run on Sunday afternoons at the Scandinavian Centre unless otherwise specified.

LITTLE FINNS FALL – WINTER 2025 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

This fall, you can sign up for each session separately. Choose just one or all five sessions! There is no fee, but active CFCA family membership is required for 2025. 

The fall term will begin with a special Finnish song-writing workshop on September 28. Other fall activities coming up are outdoor games and crafts, and baking/cooking workshops. For detailed fall program information, refer to the sign up form. 

To Register

NEW Fall – Winter Special Events 2025

These programs are FREE with an Active CFCA Membership.

For more information OR to REGISTER, click on the image or the button below.

TO REGISTER
About the Foods
About the Crafts

Finnish Outdoor Games & Crafts

19 October 2025 — 3:00-5:00pm

We have a special guest instructor, Miska Kouvalainen. Miska is a fourth year Student-Teacher from the University of Oulu. Miska will guide participants through some Finnish outdoor games and crafts that the children may bring home to enjoy.

LOCATION ANNOUNCED AT REGISTRATION

Finnish Themed Bead Crafts, Kantele Playing & Games

16 Nov 2025 — 3:00-5:00pm

We have a special guest instructor, Miska Kouvalainen. Miska is a fourth year Student-Teacher from the University of Oulu. Miska will guide participants through some Finnish games and crafts that children may bring home to enjoy.

Supplies and instructions included

LOCATION ANNOUNCED AT REGISTRATION

Culinary Workshop: Makaronilaatikko & mustikkapiirakka (Finnish Macaroni Casserole & Blueberry Pie)

02 Nov 2025 — 2:00-5:00pm

We have a special guest instructor, Miska Kouvalainen. Miska is a fourth year Student-Teacher from the University of Oulu. Miska will guide participants through making of these traditional Finnish foods that children may bring home to enjoy plus you will receive a copy of the recipe.

What To Bring: Apron, take away containers

Ingredients and recipes included

LOCATION ANNOUNCED AT REGISTRATION

Culinary Workshop: Joulutorttu & piparit (Christmas Tarts & Gingerbread Cookies)

30 Nov 2025 — 2:00-5:00pm

We have a special guest instructor, Miska Kouvalainen. Miska is a fourth year Student-Teacher from the University of Oulu. Miska will guide participants through making of these traditional Finnish foods that children may bring home to enjoy plus you will receive a copy of the recipe.

Ingredients and recipe included

What supplies to bring: Apron, take away containers, rolling pin

LOCATION ANNOUNCED AT REGISTRATION

Minun suomeni scrapbook project

Since the fall, they have been working on Minun Suomeni scrapbooking project where the families explore their relationship to Finnish heritage through topics such as people, places, food, and nature.

Little Finns have experienced the Finnish culinary culture through pipari and karjalanpiirakka baking workshops. They have also tasted various other Finnish foods and treats like lakritsi, ruisleipä and laskiaispulla!