Best Lapland Activities to Book on Klook: A Family Guide to Finnish Winter Magic
Plan your family trip to Lapland with Klook! Book Santa Claus Village, Northern Lights tours, husky safaris & more. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK for discounts on activities in Finnish Lapland.
Our girls have been asking about Lapland for years now. Every December, when we're somewhere warm like Thailand or Vietnam, they'll spot a Santa Claus decoration and ask the inevitable question: "Can we visit the REAL Santa?" This year, we're finally planning to make it happen, and at ages 6, 8, and 10, Lily, Cora, and Harper are at the perfect age to experience all the magic Finnish Lapland has to offer.
While researching our upcoming trip, I've spent countless hours comparing booking platforms, and Klook has consistently offered the best combination of family-friendly activities, competitive pricing, and flexible booking policies. Here's everything we've learned about planning a Lapland adventure through Klook.
Why Lapland is Perfect for Families with School-Age Kids
Finnish Lapland sits above the Arctic Circle, making it one of the few places on Earth where the magic of Christmas feels absolutely real. The region offers a unique combination of natural wonders and carefully curated family experiences that work brilliantly for children between 5 and 12 years old.
For families with kids in this age range, the activities available strike an ideal balance. Children are old enough to remember the experience vividly, participate in most outdoor activities, and appreciate the cultural significance of what they're seeing. They're also young enough to still believe in the magic, which makes visiting Santa Claus Village an entirely different experience than it would be with teenagers.
The Northern Lights season runs from late August through early April, with peak viewing conditions typically occurring between November and March. This timing coincides perfectly with school holidays in many countries, making Lapland an increasingly popular destination for worldschooling families and those on winter break.
Santa Claus Village: The Heart of Every Lapland Family Trip
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus, and honestly, it's difficult to overstate how special this place is for children. The Arctic Circle line runs directly through the village's central square, meaning your family can literally cross the Arctic Circle while visiting Santa.
What makes this destination work so well for families is how they've designed the entire experience around children. Santa himself is available for personal meetings every single day of the year. The elves running the Main Post Office help kids send postcards home with a special Arctic Circle postmark. Mrs. Santa Claus has her own Christmas Cottage where she bakes gingerbread and tells stories.
Klook offers several Santa Claus Village packages that include transportation from central Rovaniemi, which simplifies logistics considerably when traveling with children. The village is located about 8 kilometers from Rovaniemi city center, and while public buses run regularly, having pre-arranged transfers means one less thing to coordinate with tired or excited kids.
Activities worth booking at Santa Claus Village include:
- Personal meetings with Santa Claus at his official office
- Reindeer sleigh rides through the surrounding forest
- Husky farm visits with opportunities to meet the dogs
- Snowman World, which features ice sculptures and activities designed specifically for families
- Mrs. Santa Claus meet and greet experiences
Northern Lights Tours: Creating Lifelong Memories
Seeing the Aurora Borealis is on most travelers' bucket lists, but experiencing it as a family adds another dimension to the memory. Through Klook, you can book various Northern Lights tours ranging from small group expeditions to private family experiences.
The key to successful Aurora viewing with children is choosing tours that build in comfort stops and don't run too late into the night. Many operators now offer family-specific departures that leave earlier and include warm drinks, campfire stops, and opportunities for kids to learn about the science behind the lights.
Professional photographers on many of these tours capture images that would be impossible to get on your own, especially when you're simultaneously trying to keep three kids warm and pointed in the right direction. These photos become treasured family keepsakes and, let's be honest, perform significantly better on social media than our smartphone attempts.
The best months for Northern Lights viewing in Finnish Lapland are December through February, when the nights are longest and darkest. Clear skies are essential, which is why guided tours are worth the investment. Local guides monitor weather conditions and solar activity forecasts, taking groups to locations with the best viewing chances on any given night.
Husky Sledding: The Activity Kids Talk About Forever
Ask any child who's visited Lapland what they remember most, and husky sledding usually tops the list. There's something deeply magical about being pulled through a snow-covered forest by a team of enthusiastic dogs.
Husky safaris available through Klook range from 30-minute introductory experiences to full-day wilderness adventures. For families with younger children, the shorter options work well because kids can sit in the sled while a parent or guide drives. Older children, typically those 12 and above, can learn to drive their own sled under supervision.
Most husky farms in Finnish Lapland take animal welfare seriously, and many tours include farm visits where children can meet the dogs, learn about husky care, and sometimes play with puppies. These educational components transform what could be just an adrenaline activity into a genuine learning experience.
The typical husky safari includes:
- Warm thermal clothing and boots (provided)
- Safety briefing and driving instruction
- The sled ride itself through forest trails
- Hot drinks and snacks by campfire
- Time to interact with the dogs before and after the ride
Reindeer Experiences: Traditional Lapland Culture
Reindeer herding has been part of Sami culture for thousands of years, and visiting a reindeer farm offers families a window into this traditional way of life. Unlike husky sledding, reindeer rides are slower and more contemplative, giving children time to absorb the landscape and ask questions.
Through Klook, you can book reindeer farm visits that include feeding the animals, learning about Sami traditions, and taking short sleigh rides. Many farms also offer "Reindeer Driver's License" certificates that kids love collecting.
For our family, the educational component is particularly appealing. We're always looking for ways to incorporate worldschooling into our travels, and learning about indigenous Sami culture provides excellent opportunities for follow-up discussions about Arctic ecosystems, sustainable traditional practices, and how different cultures adapt to extreme environments.
Snowmobile Safaris: Adventure for the Whole Family
Snowmobiling represents Lapland's more adventurous side, and it's become one of the most popular activities for families with older children. On Klook, you'll find snowmobile tours ranging from one-hour introductory rides to full-day wilderness expeditions.
Age restrictions vary by operator, but children typically need to be at least 4 years old to ride as passengers and 15 or older (with a valid driver's license) to drive. For families like ours with kids under 15, the standard setup has children riding on a sled pulled behind the guide's snowmobile.
Several Lapland resorts, including Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä, offer mini snowmobiles specifically designed for children. These are restricted to safe enclosed areas and give kids the thrill of driving their own machine without any real danger.
Snowmobile safaris often combine with other activities. You might ride to a reindeer farm, stop at a wilderness cabin for hot drinks and traditional food, or time your evening departure to coincide with Northern Lights viewing.
Practical Booking Tips for Klook Activities in Lapland
When booking Lapland activities through Klook, there are several things we've learned that make the process smoother.
First, book early. Lapland's popularity has exploded in recent years, and December dates at popular attractions like Santa Claus Village can sell out months in advance. We're booking our trip for next winter, and many premium slots are already showing limited availability.
Second, use the code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout for discounts on your booking. Every bit saved on activities means more budget for those memorable extras.
Third, pay attention to what's included. Some tours provide thermal clothing and boots, while others expect you to bring your own. Renting gear separately in Rovaniemi is possible but adds logistical complexity when traveling with children.
Fourth, check cancellation policies carefully. Weather in Lapland can be unpredictable, and reputable operators will reschedule activities that can't proceed safely. Klook's booking protection provides additional peace of mind.
Fifth, read reviews specifically from families. An activity that works brilliantly for a couple might not suit families with young children, and vice versa.
Best Time to Visit Lapland with Kids
The optimal timing depends on what you want to prioritize.
November through early December offers the best combination of snowy landscapes, Northern Lights viewing, and manageable crowds. Santa Claus Village is busy but not overwhelming, and you'll avoid the premium pricing of the Christmas period.
Mid-December brings peak Christmas atmosphere but also peak crowds and prices. If being in Lapland for Christmas itself is important to your family, this is obviously the time to visit, but expect to pay premium rates and book well in advance.
January and February provide excellent conditions for outdoor activities and Northern Lights viewing with somewhat lower prices than December. The polar night period means limited daylight, which some families find challenging with young children.
March offers a surprising sweet spot. Days are getting longer, temperatures are still cold enough for snow activities, and Northern Lights remain visible. Crowds thin considerably after February.
Sample Family Itinerary: 4 Days in Rovaniemi
Based on our research, here's the itinerary we're planning:
Day 1: Arrive in Rovaniemi, settle into accommodation, early evening Northern Lights tour (family-friendly departure time)
Day 2: Full day at Santa Claus Village including Santa meeting, reindeer ride, Snowman World
Day 3: Morning husky safari, afternoon free for relaxation or spontaneous activities, optional evening Aurora chase
Day 4: Snowmobile experience or ice fishing, departure
This schedule builds in downtime, which we've learned is essential when traveling with kids. Four packed days might work for adults, but children need recovery time between activities.
Where to Stay in Lapland
Accommodation options in Lapland range from standard hotels in Rovaniemi to once-in-a-lifetime glass igloo experiences where you can watch the Northern Lights from bed.
Santa Claus Holiday Village offers family-friendly cabins with private saunas right on the Arctic Circle. Glass Resort and Santa's Igloos provide the famous glass-ceiling experience, though these book out extremely far in advance and carry premium pricing.
For budget-conscious families, staying in central Rovaniemi and booking transport to activities works well. The city has good public transportation and a compact, walkable center with restaurants and shops.
Staying Connected in Lapland
One thing we've learned from our travels is that reliable internet becomes essential when traveling with kids. Between booking confirmations, navigation, and those inevitable moments when someone needs to video call grandparents, connectivity matters.
For travelers heading to Finland, Holafly offers excellent coverage throughout Lapland, including the remote areas where you'll be chasing Northern Lights. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off, and if you're planning a trip longer than 30 days, check out their new monthly unlimited plans starting at $49.90 per month.
FAQ
What is the best age for kids to visit Lapland?
Children between 4 and 12 years old tend to get the most from a Lapland trip. They're old enough to participate in activities, remember the experience, and appreciate the magic of meeting Santa, while still young enough to believe in it all. Our girls at 6, 8, and 10 are in that sweet spot.
How cold does it get in Lapland?
Winter temperatures in Finnish Lapland typically range from -10°C to -30°C (14°F to -22°F). Proper thermal clothing is essential, and most tour operators provide high-quality gear designed for Arctic conditions.
Can you see Northern Lights in Lapland?
Yes, Finnish Lapland is one of the best places on Earth to see the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights are visible approximately 200 nights per year in Rovaniemi, with September through March offering the best viewing conditions.
Is Santa Claus Village worth visiting?
For families with children who believe in Santa, absolutely yes. The experience of meeting Santa at his official home, crossing the Arctic Circle, and mailing postcards from Santa's Post Office creates memories that last a lifetime.
How do I book Lapland activities on Klook?
Visit Klook and search for Lapland or Rovaniemi activities. You can filter by date, activity type, and price. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout for discounts on your booking.
What should I pack for a Lapland trip with kids?
Pack warm base layers, mid-layers, and bring waterproof outer layers. Most activity operators provide thermal suits and boots, but you'll want warm clothing for walking around towns and transfers. Hand and toe warmers are lifesavers for keeping kids comfortable.
How far in advance should I book Lapland activities?
For peak dates in December, book 3-6 months in advance. Popular activities like Santa meetings and husky safaris fill up quickly. For January through March, 4-6 weeks advance booking is usually sufficient.
Is Lapland expensive for families?
Lapland is generally expensive compared to other destinations, with activity costs adding up quickly for families. However, booking through platforms like Klook often provides better value than booking directly, and the experience is genuinely worth the investment.
Planning your own Lapland adventure? I offers personalized travel planning services for families. Contact me at [email protected] for custom itineraries that take your family's specific needs into account.
FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our Klook link and use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend platforms and services we genuinely trust. All opinions and recommendations are our own based on extensive research and our family's travel experience.
