Free hobbies again available in comprehensive schools for the 2026–2027 season

Riihimäki comprehensive schools will also be offering several free hobby groups based on the Finnish Hobby Model this school year. Comprehensive school children, i.e. 1st–9th graders, are offered nearly 50 different hobbies, including physical education, music, visual arts and cooking.

Registration begins August 31st

Hobbies can now be viewed in the registration system from Monday, August 24. Registration for hobby groups begins on Monday, August 31, 2026 at 8 a.m. Hobbies begin on Monday, September 14.

In the hobbies for 1st–5th graders, places will be drawn from those who have registered during the first week. In this case, speed is not the deciding factor, but you can register at any point during the week. Information about receiving a hobby place will be sent to guardians by email on Monday, September 7. The registration of those who did not receive a hobby place remains valid. They can join the group from the waiting list during the school year.

Places in hobby groups for 6th–9th graders are allocated in the order of registration.

Groups with available places can be joined throughout the academic year. Groups with full participants can be added to the waiting list, as places become available throughout the year.

A Wilma bulletin regarding registration has been sent to guardians of primary school students.

A free hobby offers the opportunity to try something new

The selection of hobbies has been compiled based on the students' wishes and available resources. Hobby wishes were surveyed in all Riihimäki comprehensive schools in January 2026. In the survey, children and young people were able to talk about their own interests.

The goal of the Finnish model of hobbies is to support the well-being of children and young people by offering everyone the opportunity to engage in an enjoyable and free hobby during the school day.

The Ministry of Education and Culture grants municipalities special assistance for implementing the Finnish Hobby Model. The aim is to establish the operating model as a permanent part of the municipalities' operations. Hobby activities are organised for pupils in grades 1–9 of basic education.

More information

Discover the range of activities now – registration starts on August 31st (uusi.kuntapalvelut.fi)

The Finnish model of recreation in Riihimäki

The Harrastava Riihimäki Instagram account provides up-to-date information on the topic of the Finnish Hobby Model (instagram.com/harrastavariihimaki)