Kids’ Lab at the Archipelago Centre Korpoström
The Kids’ Lab at the Archipelago Centre Korpoström is open from 15 June 2026 until the start of the school term, every day from 10:00 to 16:30. Please note that there will be no programme over the Midsummer weekend, from Friday 19 June to Sunday 21 June 2026. We welcome children, young people, and adults to take part in our fun and engaging activities throughout the summer. Admission to the Kids’ Lab is free for everyone and the Kids’ Lab activities are organised by the Archipelago Sea Area Biosphere Reserve. In 2026, you can explore the contemporary art exhibition Folktro (Folklore) at the Archipelago Centre Korpoström. The exhibition begins with an introduction to folklore and local legends from the Archipelago. It opens on 16 May and admission is free.
The Archipelago Centre Korpoström is also part of the Island Expedition. Collect your Researcher’s Passport from the Kids’ Lab, then set off on an adventure! Complete fun activities and exciting challenges at 15 harbours throughout the Archipelago Sea biosphere reserve and collect stamps along the way.
Kids’ Lab during summer
In the morning, we’ll explore the aquariums and get to know who lives there, and also get to help look after the aquariums. In the afternoon we go to the beach and use handnets and aquascopes to study the sea and its inhabitants. In between, we’ll have Kids’ Hangouts where we’ll do lots of fun stuff! We can play boardgames, go on a kid’s guided tour to the exhibition, take water samples to check for blue-green algae, catch plankton, do experiments, color pictures of sea animals, and much, much more!
About the beach program
We usually use waders during the beach activities, so we recommend bringing a pair of socks to wear with them. If you prefer not to use waders, please bring your swimming costume instead. Children below school age must take part in the beach programme with an accompanying adult. At weekends, we offer Family Kids’ Lab on the beach, where every child must be accompanied by an adult. All children take part under the responsibility of their parent or guardian.
In 2026, Kids’ Lab celebrates its 10th anniversary, which will be marked in a variety of ways throughout the programme.
Kids’ Lab facilities during summer
You are welcome to spend time in the Kids’ Lab even outside of the program’s scheduled hours. The room is always open when the Archipelago Centre Korpoström is open. You can play games, color pictures of sea animals and fish, read books, do puzzles, or simply relax on the couch and enjoy the day.
Kids’ Lab during autumn, winter and spring
Groups
During May, June, August, and September 2026, we welcome groups for outdoor and indoor programs by appointment. From October to April, we welcome groups, but activities vary depending on the weather. Please contact Aija by email at aija.makinen@biosfar.fi or by phone at +358 40 553 8505.
You can book our space between September and April. You’ll have access to the room, equipment, and our educational magnetic wall that illustrates an underwater world.
The Kids’ Lab activities are organised by the Archipelago Sea Area Biosphere Reserve in tight cooperation with marine biologists at the Åbo Akademi University and the Archipelago Centre Korpoström. The Kids’ Lab is part of the Biosphere Academy’s program package, which also includes environmental education projects for preschools and schools in Pargas and Kimitoön.
A warm thank you to the foundations supporting the Kids’ Lab:
Stiftelsen Brita Maria Renlunds minne
Svenska Kulturfonden
Amos Anderson fond
William Thurings stiftelse
Contact
Biosphere Office
Aija Mäkinen, nature-educator
+358-40 553 8505
aija.makinen@biosfar.fi
Kids’ Lab
+358-50-323 3210 (number is in use during the summer)
knattelabbet@skargardscentrum.fi
www.biosfar.fi