A desire to learn new things, an interest in the sport, and the location. In the Varila and Valpas family, these are the key aspects that influence their children’s choices in physical activities. Experiments in sports clubs have offered surprising lessons for the whole family.

Puolalanpuisto Park is full of joyful energy as 10-year-old Ilona and 7-year-old Senni sledge downhill and play with their dog, Yoda. Anni-Veera Valpas calls her daughters for a warm drink.

– Walking the dog and going for walks in the nearby forests is the most natural way for us to get moving. We also go swimming, ice skating or sledding, if the children want it, Anni-Veera describes.

Niko Varila, the father of the family, is at home, taking care of their youngest child, 3-year-old Peetu, who was more interested in some playful wrestling this time around. The parents take their children’s motivation levels into account when planning leisure activities.

– The girls can have as many hobbies as they want. They can explore hobbies they are enthusiastic about and take as many classes as they can manage, Anni-Veera describes.

Two children sit on the same sledge and slide downhill in the centre of Turku. There are trees and buildings in the background, with an adult and a dog higher up on the slope. (Picture: Timo Jakonen)
When there is enough snow, you can enjoy the thrill of speed on the beautiful sledding hills in Turku. There is no winter maintenance or supervision at Puolalanmäki, so sledding is at your own risk.
Image: Timo Jakonen

Experiments and doing things together

This spring, the family intends to take advantage of the Boostii benefit. It can be used to try out organised sports activities twice before committing to a club or organisation.

This is especially useful for first-grader Senni, as she is still searching for a suitable hobby.

– Senni really enjoyed the family scouting, but now he is too old for it. She would still like a hobby that he can participate in together with his parents. There is nothing like that available for school-age children, Anni-Veera says.

In addition to scouting, Senni has attended art school and trick school. Her latest interest is horseback riding. Sometimes children's hobbies also offer new challenges to parents.

– At first I was nervous about whether I would be able to follow the riding lessons, as I am terrified of horses. It has gone well, though. I am no longer afraid of Shetland ponies, and I have even learned to take care of them, Anni-Veera laughs.

Two children and one adult happily throw snow into the air in the centre of Turku. A black-and-white dog bounces in front of them, joining in the snowy play. There are trees and buildings in the background. (Picture: Timo Jakonen)
Dogs must be kept on a leash in public park areas. You can walk your dog freely in fenced dog parks.
Image: Timo Jakonen

Gymnastics became a hobby for the whole family

As the eldest child in the family, Ilona has gained the most experience with hobbies in sports clubs.The latest to be experimented with have been ballet, horseback riding, aerial acrobatics, artistic gymnastics and aesthetic group gymnastics.

– I like group gymnastics the most because it's versatile. Artistic gymnastics was nice, but training and competing with a team is more fun, Ilona explains.

Gymnastics is more than just exercise: Purchasing equipment and putting together a performance outfit are part of the hobby. Parents help Ilona with purchases and finishing the outfit, and participate in events organized by the club.

– We have learned that gymnastics is a hobby for the whole family. We were warmly welcomed into Lahja Sport's activities, even though the sport was completely new to us and felt a bit foreign at first. We were surprised at how much attention is paid to the child's well-being in the activities, Anni-Veera admits.

A mother pours a warm drink from a thermos bottle for two children in Puolanpuisto. (Picture: Timo Jakonen)
There are many hiking destinations in Turku that are suitable for families with children. Nature trails allow you to explore Turku's stunning and diverse nature. You can enjoy snacks at the break point.
Image: Timo Jakonen

The challenge sparked a competitive spirit

This spring, Ilona is participating in gymnastics classes four times a week. The family was looking for a team that would practice one to two times a week, but ended up trying a team that participates in competitive activities.

– Gymnastics is quite challenging. I am constantly learning new moves and becoming more skilled. The support of the team and practising together also motivates me to continue training, Ilona enthuses.

Parents think that a smaller number of practice sessions would be enough. The number of hours of organised tuition significantly impacts the hobby expenses. The City of Turku offers financial support to organised sports activities for Turku residents aged 7–19.

– Fortunately, we can partially cover the seasonal fee with the new Boostii benefit. The situation would be easier if the clubs offered more options between hobby groups and competition groups, Anni-Veera says, in a hopeful tone.

TEXT: ANNIKA KUJANPÄÄ

The article has been published in Finnish in Turkuposti 1, 2025.

Boostii benefit
  • Financial support to help with fees related to organised sports activities for Turku residents aged 7–19.
  • In 2025, the amount of subsidy will be 160 euros for 7–11 year-olds and 260 euros for 12–19 year-olds.
  • The subsidy is used in the electronic payment system.
  • The system contains information on all the clubs and groups for which the Boostii benefit can be used as a payment method.