Hobby Groups

We offer a variety of activities in Helsinki for children and young people with special needs and their families. Weekly hobby groups welcome all children and young people who benefit from hobby in a small group. You don’t need a diagnosis nor a doctor’s referral to join our groups.  

We always have two instructors in a group and maximum of eight participants. Groups are organized by professionals and they are held mainly in Finnish. The professionals make sure that the activity is tailored to suit everyone.

All groups practice skills to spend meaningful free time. Social skills are strengthened in our activities alongside other skills learned in the group. When skills training is taken into account in group planning and guidance, group members learn while having fun. It is therefore important that the hobby is participatory and that groups are formed with expertise. 

Contact info: info@malary.fi

Kunnon Huone

The training utilizes your own body, which strengthens your motor and physical skills. Kunnon Huone also teaches how to spend leisure time. The groups are led by professionals who specialize in instructing children with special needs. At Kunnon Huone, we exercise and encourage each other because joy is essential in our activities. 

Hobby groups at Kunnon Huone: 

  • Gym classes for children, youth and young adults 
  • Swimming classes for children, youth, young adults and families 
  • Ball games for youth and young adults 
  • Juoksukoulu (running class) 6.5.-10.6.2025

    Toiminnan Huone

    In Toiminnan Huone hobby groups, children and young people can practice basic skills of independent living such as cooking, moving around in nature and in the city. In small groups, each child and young person receives personal guidance. In addition to learning practical skills, the participant’s social skills and self-confidence develop. The participant gets to experience the joy of doing and moments of success. 

    Hobby groups at Toiminnan Huone: 

    • Cooking classes for childer, youth and young adults 
    • Lego group for children 
    • Malary’s youth excursions (once a month) 
    • Nature club for families (once a month) – in co-operation with Kehitysvammatuki 57  

      Ilmaisun Huone

      At Ilmaisun Huone, the instructors actively support participants’ social and interaction skills. Children can learn to work together through joy, play, and personalized support. We support their activities by strengthening interaction, empowering, and celebrating their successes. With young people and young adults, the focus is on creating a conversational culture, considering others, and functioning in society.  

      Hobby groups at Ilmaisun Huone: 

      • Nuorten tulevaisuus  
      • Leikki tutuksi – playgroup for children 
      • Playgroup for children 
      • Youth evenings (once a month) 

      Basic Information

      We have about 40 hobby groups weekly. You can find the schedule from below or HERE. In addition we offer short courses which don’t require binding for the whole season. Short courses usually last from 2 to 5 times and they meet up typically once a week. The activities are in the Helsinki area, and everyone is welcome without municipal boundaries. 

      If you are interested in starting a new hobby, you can contact us via email: info@malary.fi. In your message, please tell us the following information: 

      • Participant’s name
      • Participant’s age
      • Needs of support 
      • What activity you are interested in 
      • Guardian’s / contact person’s phone number 

      We will arrange a free introductory visit first. You will meet the instructors and get to know our facilities at your own pace. Together, we will think about which group would be suitable for you. 

      It is important for us to know what kind of support the participant needs. Finding the right group is influenced by wishes, age, and skills. We strive to find a nice group for everyone, with like-minded participants. 

      The first group visit is not binding; you can come to try it out and see how you like the activity. 

      PRICE LIST 2025

      CONTACT INFORMATION

      Come try our activities if any of the following apply:

      • There are challenges in sensory processing
      • The child has difficulties of speech production
      • The child uses alternative communication methods
      • Engaging in hobbies has not been succesful in a large group 
      • The child’s hobby skills need practicing 
      • The child needs support in executive functioning 
      • The child needs support in tasks requiring movement or fine motor skills 
      • The child needs support in social situations 
      • Accessible spaces ensure participation in hobbies 
      • Structure in daily life is important 
      • The use of aids such as pictures helps with participation 
      Check the Hobby Group Schedule
      Check the Short Course Schedule
      How to get in Malary´s leisure time activities