Petting zoos

Meet huskies, reindeer, Finnhorses and local birds

Encountering a friendly husky dog, a reindeer munching lichen or an adorable Finnhorse is often a vacation highlight for children. If your kids are a bit older, bear or bird watching might be the perfect adventure.

In petting zoos and husky and reindeer farms, children get used to interacting with animals in a gentle and respectful manner, while also learning about the animals. 

Huskies and reindeer along Rudolf Adventure Route during winter

The easiest way to meet huskies and reindeer is by skiing or snowboarding on Rudolf Adventure Route. Adventure Route can be accessed by foot from Vuosseli area along Ahonlaita Slope. Our Fun & Games on the Slopes programme includes feeding reindeer on Adventure Route on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 16-17. 

A gentle reindeer sleigh ride and feeding the reindeer

At a reindeer farm, you can enjoy a slower-paced sleigh ride pulled by reindeer. In the reindeer enclosure, children also have the opportunity to feed the reindeer lichen, following the instructions of the reindeer host.

Tutustu poroihin Ruka-Kuusamossa
Husky sleigh ride for the entire family

With smaller children, a sleigh ride on a shorter route is a chance to find out what it’s like and also experience the thrill of speed. If you get really lucky, the husky farm might also have puppies to pet!

Lovely horseback riding and sleigh rides

The youngest in the family can enjoy riding on a lead line or unforgettable sleigh rides with Finnhorses.

Rekiajelu Ruska Laukassa
Bird watching with the whole family

Many children hope to meet a Siberian jay on their vacation, and it is easy to make that come true on the most popular hiking trails in Oulanka National Park, Kiutaköngäs and Pieni Karhunkierros Trail, as well as on the Riisin rietas Trail on Riisitunturi fell and the Sinipyrstön pyrähdys Trail leading on top of Konttainen fell.

Bear watching – thrilling but safe

Children are also welcome on bear watching excursions if they can remain quiet in the watchtower and stay up until midnight.

When booking a bear watching trip, remember to check if snacks are included in the adventure and what kind of food is suitable on the trip.

Petting zoos and encounters with arctic animals:

Adventure Apes

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Karhu-Kuusamo

Bear Kuusamo

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Erolan Poro ja Puu

Erola's Reindeer & Tree

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House of Northern Senses, talvimaisemia

House of Northern Senses

Hotel
Kainuun Luontoretket vie melomaan Hossan upeisiin maisemiin

Kainuun Luontoretket

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Kujalan Porotila

Kujalan Porotila Reindeer Farm

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Kuusamo-opisto

Kuusamo College

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Kuusamon Lintumatkailu

Kuusamo Nature Photography

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Kuusamo Safaris

Kuusamo Safaris

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Lammintupa Winter Village

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Northern lights at ruka

Northern Lights Expedition

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Kelkkavuokraus Northernlight Safaries

Northernlight Safaries Yamaha rental

Rental
Palosaaren Poro- ja kalastustila

Palosaari Reindeer and Fishing Farm

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Ratsutalli Runo, hevoset talvimaisemassa

Ratsutalli Runo Stables

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Porotila Orjasniemi & Kuontivaaran latukahvila

Reindeer Farm & Ski Trail Cafe Kuontivaara

Cafe
Ruka Adventures

Ruka Adventures

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Ruka Husky

Ruka Husky

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Ruka Safaris

Ruka Safaris

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Rukapalvelu vie sinut moottorikelkkailemaan Kuusamon maisemiin

Rukapalvelu | Tailored Adventures

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Ruska Laukka Stables

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Salonki Travels

Other service
Äitikarhu ja pennut Taiga Bear Kuusamo Oy

Taiga Bear Kuusamo

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Wildout - rakenna linnunpönttö

Wild Out

Activity