Rovaniemi: Family Snowmobiling & Kids Mini-Ride Apukka Resort

Summary

Lapland snowmobile day for families with kids at Apukka

You’ll share laughs on snowmobiles through Lapland forest near Rovaniemi while your kids ride safely in a heated sled. Warm up with hot berry juice mid-ride before watching your children take on mini-snowmobiles at Apukka Resort — all bundled up in proper winter gear with local guides making sure everyone feels welcome and safe.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it looks,” our guide grinned, handing me the helmet. I was still fumbling with my mittens — somehow they always feel too big — while the kids were already bouncing around the sled, shouting over each other about who’d spot a reindeer first. The air in Rovaniemi that morning felt sharp and clean, like biting into fresh snow. My youngest squeezed my hand before we set off, her nose red but eyes huge with excitement. The snowmobiles hummed to life and off we went, engines buzzing low under all that white sky.

I didn’t expect how peaceful it would be out there. Just the soft crunch of the tracks and the occasional whoop from behind when our guide steered us around a bend. He pointed out animal tracks once — “fox, maybe,” he said — and I tried to see them but mostly just saw endless blue shadows on snow. The kids were bundled in the sled behind another guide’s snowmobile, faces poking out like little astronauts. Every so often I’d glance back and catch my son waving wildly (probably at nothing). We stopped halfway for hot berry juice that steamed up my glasses; tasted sweet and a bit tart, warming up my throat right away.

Back at Apukka Resort, the real highlight for the kids was trying those mini-snowmobiles. There’s this fenced-off area where they can drive in circles — honestly, I think they felt like superheroes or something. The guides kept a close watch but let them figure things out on their own (my daughter stalled hers twice and just laughed it off). It was cold but not in a way that bothered us; we were layered up in those thick thermal suits they gave us at pickup. Even now I can remember how my cheeks tingled when I pulled off the balaclava at the end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Family snowmobiling and mini-snowmobiles

• Drive snowmobiles in the forest
• Children ride in heated sled
• Children try mini-snowmobiles in safe yard

Top questions

Is this family snowmobiling tour suitable for young children?

Yes, children ages 4-14 ride safely in a heated sled pulled by a guide’s snowmobile; mini-snowmobiles are for ages 5-10.

How long does the snowmobile ride last?

The main ride covers 10–20 kilometers and lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes including stops.

Are transfers from Rovaniemi included?

Yes, transfers from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort and back are included if needed.

What is provided for winter clothing?

You get thermal overalls, boots, woolen socks, mittens, and a balaclava to keep you warm during the tour.

Can parents drive the mini-snowmobiles with their children?

No, only children between 5–10 years old can drive mini-snowmobiles alone in the safe area; parents are not allowed for safety reasons.

Is food or drink included during the tour?

You’ll be served hot juice during a break on the snowmobile safari.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Will there be a local guide during the experience?

Yes, local guides lead the group, give instructions, and supervise both adults and children throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi or Santa Claus Village if needed, full thermal winter clothing (overalls, boots, socks, mittens, balaclava), safety instructions before riding shared adult snowmobiles through Lapland forest trails (about 10–20 km), hot berry juice along the way to warm up chilly fingers, plus time at Apukka Resort where children aged 5–10 can try mini-snowmobiles under supervision before heading back home together.