Lapland Winter Family Adventure with Kids: The Ultimate Guide

Probably one of our best adventures, with the most magical Christmas feeling we’ve ever experienced. Keep in mind, this is a guide tailored for DIY style travel enthusiasts in Lapland.

For a visit here you need to plan in advance, at least 2-3 months so besides getting the best offers also to find availability for most of the main attractions. Depending on your budget and availability try to make some research before booking your flights. “We chose to travel from December 3rd to December 11th for the reasonable prices and, most importantly, the low crowds. This allowed us to fully enjoy all the places at our own pace without interruptions or long lines, especially at Santa’s Village, which attracts about 70% of the tourists. Great place, but I’d definitely recommend others that offer more authenticity.

So here are the things to consider before starting your journey:

Flights to Lapland

Since all the direct flights were through travel agencies, our option was to fly with a stop in Liverpool on both legs of the journey, which turned out to be a great addition to our trip. We used a combination of Ryanair and WizzAir.

Make sure to install the airline apps for easy check-in and to have your flight tickets readily accessible.

Accommodation

Also, this is very time-sensitive, and most of the places are booked quickly, especially the good ones near the city center or in desired locations. Like always Booking and AirBnb were our way to go. In Levi, we stayed in a lovely place that had a sauna and a charming bird’s nest, accessible by a ladder, which Clara was absolutely excited about. In Rovaniemi, we had a huge place for us called the Tammi Suite, placed in an old school owned by Jari, a former hockey player and also a car enthusiast, owner of a 5-Series Hybrid and Volvo S40. Check his Instagram channel here.

Car Rental

Now here, you need to have some experience driving on snowy or icy roads and in blizzards with low visibility if you are going up north during the winter. We got ourselves initially a Golf Polo from Enterprise (if you use their app, you might get a nice discount), but we got lucky and got a nice upgrade to a Toyota Yaris Cross, which with its 4WD was a beast on the slippery snowy roads and took as safely all the way.

Fun Activities

From husky rides to hunting the Northern Lights, the North Pole Circle offers a variety of experiences that will leave a lasting impression like never before. It’s a great place to enjoy the winter wonderland, no matter your age.

Husky / Reindeer Rides

Lately, a lot of places started to offer reindeer or husky rides, but do your own research before booking anything. Also, check our experience here. A few things to consider before booking a ride::

The Duration – because of the low temperatures, it’s advisable to book shorter experiences, especially if you’re not accustomed to temperatures below -10 degrees. If you’re ‘lucky,’ the temperature can drop to -20 as well. So, 10 to 20 minutes should be fine for most rides. You can also consider a 3-4 hour exploration into the frozen lands, but I don’t recommend bringing kids along.
Additionally, building a tolerance for low temperatures is essential.
The Time – i like to take pictures, so I need light, therefore, we opted for time slots during the very short days at this time of year, between 11 AM and 2 PM, giving you a small window.
The Experience – some of these locations have farms with plenty of animals that are eager to be fed or petted, which can be a truly wonderful experience, especially for the little ones.
The Cold – dress accordingly; some places will offer you extra coats and gloves to add layers to your outfit.
The Ride – for huskies, you may want to ride the sled and control the dogs, which can be challenging but is also a great experience.

Northen Lights

Here is a tricky one, because the lights can be seen in the clear sky. We managed to enjoy the spectacle on our way from Rovaniemi to Levi during our arrival in Lapland. The next days had a cloud coverage of 80/90% so we just needed to settle with that first fantastic session. You could book a night tour with one of the locals but you can also do your own hunting using some of the below apps that show you in detail the probability and precise location where you might see an Aurora Borealis:

My Aurora Forecast & Alerts – my choice by far, with a really nice UI and easy-to-use interface, and with plenty of predefined spots with webcam,
Northern Light Aurora Forecast – this is also a great app to have, usually I was switching between the two to find different locations.

Theme Parks

Depending on your location, whether in Levi or Rovaniemi, you’ll likely visit at least one of these spots. However, it’s essential to plan your visit, as some locations can be fully booked or may host private events. Here are the best ones you shouldn’t miss:

Santa’s Village – often referred to as the ‘official home of Santa Claus’ here, you can easily spend a few days enjoying various activities and even opt to stay within the Village itself, if you’re having or willing to spend the right amount of money.
Tonttula Elves Village – our personal favorite, also known as Elves’ Hideaway, this magical spot near Levi in Finnish Lapland, just 8 kilometers from Levi Center, offers enchanting adventures inspired by local folklore and nature.
Arcandia – known as the Arctic Adventure Park, is a unique destination near Levi in Finnish Lapland. Approximately 8.5 kilometers from Levi Center, it offers visitors an immersive experience blending fantasy and action themes.

Ski Resorts in Lapland

The slopes are exceptionally well-maintained, offering a magical experience as you ski down under the glow of nocturnal lights. Because of the low temperatures, I’ve just given a run by myself without Clara at Levi Ski Resort, but there are plenty of other great options nearby to explore:

Levi Ski Resort – Finland’s largest ski resort, located in Levi itself, offers 43 slopes, vibrant après-ski, and activities for all skill levels, including night skiing and cross-country trails.
Ounasvaara Ski Resort – Just a few kilometers from Rovaniemi, this small yet charming resort is perfect for beginners and families, with 10 slopes and stunning views of the Arctic Circle.
Ylläs Ski Resort – Located 50 km from Levi, Ylläs boasts 53 km of slopes, making it ideal for cross-country enthusiasts, with family-friendly options and breathtaking backcountry experiences.

The Clothing

This is not a walk in the park. If you’d like to fully enjoy all of these activities, make sure you’re prepared with proper insulation based on your tolerance for low temperatures. The good news is that blizzards or windy weather are uncommon most of the time. Here is a short list of items you should definitely have:

Thermal Base Layers: Top and bottom to wick moisture away and keep you warm.
Insulated Jacket: A down or synthetic parka with a hood for maximum warmth.
Waterproof Snow Pants: To protect against snow and keep your legs dry.
Warm Accessories: Wool hat, gloves or mittens, and a thermal neck gaiter or scarf.
Wool Socks: Thick, heat-retaining socks for cold conditions.
Insulated Boots: Waterproof boots with good grip and thick soles.
Hand and Foot Warmers: Optional but great for long outdoor activities.

The Driving

It’s not that hard, but not that easy either, especially if you’re not used to driving on icy, snow-covered roads. Opt for a 4WD vehicle, it’ll provide you with much-needed comfort and control on those challenging routes. Depending on your trip plans and how far you’ll be driving (we covered nearly 1,000 km), keep in mind that most of your driving might happen at night, with low visibility, especially if it’s snowing.

If possible, take turns driving with your partner to avoid fatigue. And here’s a pro tip: stick to the main roads! Venturing off into the woods might sound adventurous, but getting stuck out there is no fun, and chances are, your insurance won’t cover it. Play it safe and enjoy the journey!

The Budget

By default, this is not an easy ride, at least if you’d like to experience all the activities and places mentioned before. But with proper planning, I’d say you can reach a decent budget. One important thing to note is that cash is obsolete here, so as long as you have a card set up on your phone, you’re all set. I’ll try to give you an overview of pricing to have a starting point for your research on a family with one child:

Flights	€150–€300 (per person)	Connect flights can save costs
Accommodation	€100–€250 (per night)	Costs vary by location and type
Car Rental	€50–€80 (per day)	4WD may cost extra but it’s ideal
Fuel / Gas	€1.90–€2.20 (per liter)	Costs depend on your total km
Restaurant	€20–€40 (per meal)	Mid-range dining
Husky Ride	€100–€150 (per person)	Short sledding experience
Reindeer Ride	€50–€100 (per person)	Short sledding experience
1 Day Ski in Levi	€120-€160 (per person)	Ski Pass, Equipment, Lunch