Families and Children at the Sami Church Days 

The Sami Church Days offer an exciting and varied program for children and families! 

One of the highlights of the children's program is the Star Tent performance by Ánte Mihkkal Gaup. There will also be storytelling sessions, film screenings, duodji (Sámi crafts), a LEGO club, and many other fun activities. Some of these events are designed for children to participate in independently while their guardians attend seminars in the main program.

 

What Does Alta Have to Offer? 

The festival area is centrally located in Alta, with several family-friendly activities nearby. 

Nordlysbadet – a fantastic water park just a short walk away. 
Bowling alley – perfect for a fun family activity. 
Play areas – there are two outdoor playgrounds nearby: one in the town square, about a five-minute walk from the Northern Lights Cathedral, and another right outside the cathedral, designed for even the youngest children. 
Library and cinema – great options for a relaxing break together. 

 

A Gathering Place for Everyone 

A large lavvu will be set up in the park outside the church. Here, you can find shelter in case of rain, relax between events, or enjoy a meal break. Some main program activities will also take place in the lavvu, but it will primarily serve as a social meeting place. 

 

 

Children's Program – Sami Church Days 2025 

 

Friday, June 27 

 

10:00–10:30 
Children 0–8 years: Storytime in Northern Sami with author Jens Martin Mienna 
Alta Library (Markedsgata 3) 
Author Jens Martin Mienna reads aloud in Northern Sami. Storytime for the whole family in the reading corner at Alta Library, with room for up to 50 participants.  

Children under school age must be accompanied by an adult. 

 

11:00–11:30 
Children 0–8 years: Storytime in Norwegian with author Jens Martin Mienna 
Alta Library (Markedsgata 3) 
Author Jens Martin Mienna reads aloud in Norwegian. Storytime for the whole family in the reading corner at Alta Library, with room for up to 50 participants.  

Children under school age must be accompanied by an adult. 

 

12:45–14:45 
Family Time 
Family Room, Northern Lights Cathedral (lower floor) 
Open to children and families during the worship service for those who need a break. Coloring materials, toys, and books are available. 

 

15:00–16:30 
Duodji (Traditional Sami Craft) for children 4–15 years 
Family Room, Northern Lights Cathedral (lower floor) 
Creative joy for children and youth! Create with your own hands alongside an experienced duojár (crafts artisan) and volunteers. Activities include simple sewing of coffee pouches, woodburning patterns, braiding traditional Sámi bands, and more. Children under school age must be accompanied by an adult. 
Entrance via the church's lower floor. 
Max 10 participants per session. 

 

18:00–19:30 
Films for Children 0–8 Years 
Aurora Room, Northern Lights Cathedral (cinema on the lower floor) 
Short children’s films in various Sami languages. Easy to follow and suitable for small children and their guardians. Staffed by volunteers.  

Children under school age must be accompanied by an adult. 

 

18:00–19:30 

Play, Read & LEGO (Ages 0–15) 
Family Room, Northern Lights Cathedral (lower floor) 
An evening hangout for kids and youth. Build LEGO, play board games, browse books, or simply relax in a safe environment. Staffed by volunteers.  

Children under school age must be accompanied by an adult. 

 

 

Saturday, June 28 

 

10:30–12:00 
Play, Draw & Read (Ages 0–15) 
Scandic Alta, Sautso Room (1st floor) 
An open space with books, drawing materials, and board games. A low-threshold meeting place for children and families, encouraging relaxation, creativity, play, and language exploration.  

Staffed by volunteers. 

 

13:00–13:45 
Performance: The Star Tent – A Journey into the Sami Starry Sky 
Scandic Alta, East Finnmark Room (1st floor) 
A family-friendly performance led by renowned Sami storyteller Ánte Mihkkal Gaup. The audience sits in darkness as constellations and celestial stories light up the tent. 

 

14:00–14:45 
Performance: The Star Tent – A Journey into the Sami Starry Sky 
Scandic Alta, East Finnmark Room (1st floor) 
A family-friendly performance led by renowned Sámi storyteller Ánte Mihkkal Gaup. The audience sits in darkness as constellations and celestial stories light up the tent. 

 

15:30–17:00 
Duodji (Traditional Sami Craft) for children 4–15 years 
Family Room, Northern Lights Cathedral (lower floor) 
Creative joy for children and youth! Create with your own hands alongside an experienced duojár (crafts artisan) and volunteers. Activities include simple sewing of coffee pouches, woodburning patterns, braiding traditional Sami bands, and more. Children under school age must be accompanied by an adult. 
Entrance via the church's lower floor. 
Max 10 participants per session. 

 

Participation in all children's program activities is free of charge.