Is a Reindeer Ride in Lapland Worth It? Our Honest Family Review

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When planning a school holiday trip to Lapland, we wanted more than skiing. We wanted unique experiences that the kids would remember forever, and a reindeer ride in Lapland quickly became a must-do.

Now that we’ve done it, we can honestly say: yes, it’s worth it — but there are a few things families should know to make the most of it.

Getting to the Reindeer Farm: Easy and Stress-Free

Our adventure began with a 1:30pm pick-up from the village square in Ruka on December 24th. The reindeer farm is only about 20 minutes away, so it didn’t feel like a long transfer for the kids.

The farm offered snow suits if needed, but we wore our ski gear, which worked perfectly. If you’re planning a Lapland trip in winter, check out our full packing guide for families:
👉 What to Pack for Lapland in December (Family Packing List)

First Impressions: Meeting the Reindeer

When we arrived, we were greeted by the reindeer farm owner, a lovely Finnish woman who has been running the farm all her life. She immediately took us to meet the reindeer — and the kids couldn’t get enough. They spent the waiting time playing in the snow, watching the reindeer, and exploring the farm.

The farm felt authentic and family-friendly, not a tourist trap. That made the experience feel genuine and memorable.

The Reindeer Ride: Short but Magical

The ride itself lasted around 3–4 minutes, which is brief but utterly enchanting. Sitting in the sleigh behind these gentle animals as we glided through the snow was truly magical — perfect for photos and videos the kids will treasure.

Even though the ride was short, the full experience felt much longer because of all the other activities and the relaxed pace of the afternoon.

Finnish Snacks by the Fire

Immediately after the ride, we headed to a small Finnish hut to grill local sausages and enjoy warm cranberry juice. It was a cosy, fun moment to relax after the ride, and the kids loved it.

Feeding the Reindeer: Hands-On Fun

Next, we got to feed the reindeer, which was surprisingly interactive. The kids learned about how reindeer eat and loved getting close to the animals. For a family looking for educational and memorable winter activities in Lapland, this part is a real highlight.

Sledging: Thrills for the Whole Family

One of the most exciting parts was the sledging hill. It was huge, fast, and safe — a perfect adrenaline rush for kids and adults alike. Our children went down multiple times and couldn’t stop laughing.

Hot Chocolate and Finnish Treats

To finish, we went into the farm café for free hot chocolate, local cinnamon buns, and Finnish cookies. It was such an unexpected treat and a perfect way to wind down before heading back to Ruka village.

Timing and Convenience

The whole experience ran from 1:30pm to about 3.30/4pm, which made it perfectly timed for families. The short transfer from the village meant we weren’t spending hours on the road, and the afternoon was packed with activities without feeling rushed.

For a school holiday trip to Ruka, this kind of timing is ideal: skiing or snow play in the morning, a relaxed afternoon with reindeer and sledging, and enough time to get back for dinner or evening activities.

Tips for Families

• Dress warmly: even if snow suits are offered, layers are essential.

• Bring gloves with good grip for handling reins and feeding reindeer.

• Camera ready: the ride is short, so take photos before and after.

• Book in advance: school holidays fill quickly.

Why We Loved It

The reindeer ride in Lapland is more than a sleigh ride — it’s a full afternoon adventure:

• Meeting and feeding reindeer

• Sledging down a massive hill

• Grilling Finnish sausages and cranberry juice

• Hot chocolate and local treats

For families visiting Ruka during the school holidays, it’s magical, hands-on, and authentic. The kids had so much fun that even the short sleigh ride felt like an entire adventure.

Bottom Line

If you’re asking, “Is a reindeer ride in Lapland worth it for families?”, our answer is a big yes. It’s a manageable, magical experience even with younger children, and the combination of rides, feeding, sledging, and Finnish treats makes it feel like a full, memorable afternoon.

We also recommend pairing it with other family-friendly activities in Ruka:

👉 Is Snowmobiling in Finland Safe for Families? Our Experience
👉Skiing in Ruka with Kids: Is It Beginner-Friendly?

And if you are thinking of visiting Ruka you may also want to look at our other blog posts covering:
👉 Our Honest Review of Crystal Ski in Ruka, Finland (Family Perspective)
👉Ruka Chalets Review: The Perfect Family Base for a Stress-Free Lapland Ski Holiday

Bottom Line

If you’re asking, “Is a reindeer ride in Lapland worth it for families?”, our answer is a big yes. It’s a manageable, magical experience even with younger children, and the combination of rides, feeding, sledging, and Finnish treats makes it feel like a full, memorable afternoon.