Parenthood and family

A child’s sports training, music lessons, art classes, robotics or other leisure activities can represent a significant monthly expense in a family’s budget. In Estonia, the state also supports 2026 the extracurricular education and activities of children and young people, but there is an important distinction here: the state subsidy for leisure activities is not a fixed financial allowance paid automatically to every parent. Quick answer: In 2026, the state’s additional support for extracurricular education and activities […]

There is now a place in Tallinn where children and young people can not only watch drone technology, but also try it out themselves. 18. On September 2026, Tallinn’s first drone learning centre opened at Energia avastuskeskus, combining hands-on drone training with engineering, programming, electronics, physics and aviation. The new drone learning centre is intended both for children and young people and for Tallinn schools. The aim is not only to teach drone piloting, […]

Child dental care in Estonia 2026: find out about state support, actual prices and how to find the best paediatric dentist for your child easily and quickly.

How can you support a child as they begin school? Practical advice for parents and recommendations from teachers to help a child make a confident start during their first days at school.

Kindergarten and school safety in Estonia: everything parents should know and ask — a practical overview for people living in Estonia. Find useful…

Documents for a minor traveling abroad – find out which permits and consents are required so that a child can safely travel to a foreign country.

In Tallinn, the lack of a kindergarten place or an unsuitable kindergarten no longer necessarily means that parents must cover all childcare costs themselves. In 2026, families can choose between a municipal kindergarten, a private kindergarten, a childcare facility, a babysitter, and raising a child at home, with the city providing financial support for several options. A particularly important change takes effect on 1 September 2026: Tallinn will begin paying families with children aged 1,5–3 an at-home childcare allowance of up to […]

Special offers on school supplies and children's clothing are already in full swing in August 2026. At Rimi, selected school supplies are 50% cheaper when buying two or more items, Maxima's school supplies catalogue is valid until 9 September, Coop is running its “Koos kooli” campaign, and Apollo's school campaign lasts until 7 September. Meanwhile, discounts on children's clothing can be found at Pepco, Sinsay, Reserved and Lindex, among others. Easyfind gathered in one place […]

The weather in Estonia can change quickly: the sun may shine in the morning, rain may begin by lunchtime and strong winds may arrive by evening. This does not mean that a family day out, date or planned trip with friends has to be cancelled. In rainy weather, you can visit science centres, museums, spas, water parks, playrooms and indoor adventure parks in Estonia, take part in creative workshops, go bowling or karting, or solve the puzzles of an escape room. In this selection, we have […]

Tallinn and the surrounding area · 2026 Where should you go with a 1–3-year-old, which playroom is suitable for a 4–6-year-old, and what should you choose for a schoolchild or teenager? Here you will find verified prices, catering rules, parking information and practical notes to consider before booking. The information was verified on 4 August 2026. Prices, promotions and availability may change. Before paying a deposit, open the official booking page and request written confirmation of the programme language, guests' […]

Where can you go with children in Estonia if you want to do more than just take a walk or visit a playground? Estonia has many places where children can climb, run, jump, experiment, swim, see animals, complete adventure trails, and have new experiences together with their parents. This guide features 36 active family destinations across Estonia: large theme parks, water parks, adventure parks, climbing gyms, science centers, nature experiences, and places where […]

Summer is a time when it is especially important for a child not merely to “have something to do”, but to rest, enjoy a change of environment, make new friends, try new activities and feel more independent. For parents, however, summer often begins with a very practical question: where should they send their child so that it is safe, interesting, beneficial and age-appropriate? Estonia offers a wide selection for summer 2026 […]

Last updated: 24. aprill 2026 Maintenance support in Estonia is not simply “a fixed amount that one parent pays to the other.” It is a legal obligation to support a child or another family member in need, and this obligation is governed by law, case law, and the specific circumstances of the family. The main change in recent years is that Estonia no longer has a uniform minimum maintenance support amount that […]

A school holiday does not mean you have to immediately go on a long trip. Tallinn and its surroundings already offer plenty of places where you can spend a fulfilling day or even several days with children—from science centres and indoor playgrounds to animal parks and spas. However, if you want to experience something more, it is also worth looking beyond Tallinn. Estonia is small and convenient—in a couple of hours […]

Kindergarten graduation is a special event that deserves a beautiful, warm and well-planned celebration. For children, it marks the end of an important stage in life; for parents, it is a touching moment; and for teachers, it is a summary of a long journey together. The best kindergarten graduation party lasts about 1,5–2,5 hours and combines a short formal ceremony, games, photos, snacks and a pleasant ending with gifts. […]

When choosing a place to walk with a child, it quickly becomes clear that not all playgrounds are the same. Some are only suitable for a short stop. Others are places where you can spend an entire afternoon. These are exactly the kinds of places families usually look for. If you have already packed water, snacks, a scooter or a pram, you do not want to go merely to the nearest playground. It is much better to choose […]

Looking for a place to eat in Estonia that is convenient to visit with children? Here you will find a selection of family-friendly cafés and restaurants with a children’s play corner, play area or playroom. Such places make eating out as a family much easier – children have something to do, while parents can enjoy their meal in peace. The list includes eateries in Tallinn and the surrounding area, as well as in various counties of Estonia (Hiiumaa, Saaremaa, […]

(maternity leave + parental leave + parental benefit) 0) The basic logic of the system (to avoid confusion) In Estonia, so-called “decree leave” usually consists of two different parts: Leave from the employer (leave) – this is the right to temporarily stop working while retaining one's job, etc. Monetary benefit (benefit) – this is support paid by the state (through Sotsiaalkindlustusamet – SKA). These are related, but they are not […]

Introduction: why “don’t do it!” no longer works Online safety for teenagers is no longer a “don’t do it!” lecture, but an everyday skill and collaboration between child and parent. This guide gives you clear steps and conversation scripts for calmly discussing privacy, cyberbullying, scams, AI deepfakes and digital footprints—so that your teenager genuinely listens and feels comfortable talking to you. Online safety for teenagers begins with trust and […]

Modern mothers live at a frantic pace: work, children, home, self-improvement… Amid this whirlwind of activities, preparing dinner often changes from a pleasant ritual into genuine torment. Especially when a persistent stereotype is lodged in your mind: “a good mother must prepare complicated and elaborate dishes”. But what if we told you that this is just a myth? Quick dinners for mothers are not a sign of laziness, but […]