Free-of-charge Park Lunches for children under 18 in three parks from June 8 – July 17

The city of Oulu organizes Park Lunches already for the third time for children under 18 in three parks from June 8 – July 17, 2026. A free-of-charge lunch is offered to children and young people from Monday to Friday, as well as varying programming, in Kaukovainio, Rajakylä, and Tuira. 

Parks and schedules: 

• Haukkapuisto Playground in Kaukovainio 

• Rajakylä Central Playground 

• Merikoski Playground in Tuira 

• 11.00–12.00 varying programming 

• 12.00–13.00 Lunch (food is distributed until it ends, but not after 13.00) 

This summer, the Park Lunch locations are the Haukkapuisto Playground in Kaukovainio, Merikoski Playground in Tuira, and the Rajakylä Cenral Playground. 

“With the new parks, we want to offer lunches in the areas we estimate them to be needed the most. The need has been evaluated with the help of regional specialists based on statistics, such as number of children, unemployment rates, and income levels. Even though the Park Lunches are centralized in certain areas, they are meant for all children and youth in Oulu”, Coordinator Sonja Nuottila explains. 

Bring a dish with a lid – the menu is published online 

The lunches and other programming are all free of charge, and you do not need to register beforehand. 

The child will need their own dish with a lid, cutlery, and drink. The lunch can be eaten at the park or taken home. If there is excess food, it may be distributed to avoid food waste. This is why you must bring your own dish with a lid for taking food home with you. The guardians are responsible for their children visiting the parks. 

The meals vary daily, so all special diets cannot be considered. 

The menus, park locations, and other details are listed on the Park Lunches webpage. 

See the varying programme and menus also on the Park Lunches Instagram: @puistoruokailuoulu 

The Park Lunches are coordinated by the city of Oulu’s Youth Services. Several operators and volunteers participate in programme production and food distribution.