Finding the perfect place for family fun isn’t hard to do in Holland, Michigan. Whether you are looking for fun outdoor recreation, traditional Dutch activities, or indoor play, there are plenty of options for fun and adventure!
Dutch Village
One of Holland’s favorite attractions, Dutch Village offers an authentic Dutch experience for the whole family. A quaint, yet interactive cultural throwback to the Netherlands, Dutch Village is home to fully costumed employees dedicated to immersing the family in Dutch traditions. Make your own Dutch “Stroopwafel” cookie, enjoy demonstrations of how the Dutch make wooden shoes, participate in traditional Dutch dancing, experience the petting zoo (De Kinderboerderij), taste Dutch Brews and local beers, and even enjoy the Ferris Wheel in its small theme park!
The Beach
Kick off your shoes and enjoy the sand beneath your feet at any of our Holland beaches! Visit the Holland Michigan State Park for an expansive beach front, walks on the pier, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. Head to Tunnel Park to walk in Michigan’s only concrete tunnel through the dunes, or use the wooden staircase to walk up the dune and dune jump down to the beach!
BAM!
Holland’s one-stop family fun indoor entertainment center! BAM! Is known for its tagline: Eat. Drink. Play. Repeat…and for good reason! With Multi- level laser tag, bowling, mini and monster bowling, karaoke, high ropes courses, and a huge arcade (that rotates its games frequently), there is non-stop action! While the kids play, parents can enjoy a brew from the on-site brewery, or enjoy a meal from the full-service restaurant. With a variety of cool prizes and treats, your family will have a great time at BAM!
Windmill Island Gardens–
Take a few hours to walk 36 acres of the beautifully manicured grounds of Holland’s own treasured Island! Explore the gardens, dikes and canals, take a ride on a hand-painted Dutch carousel, enjoy the music from an antique Amsterdam street organ, and shop for Dutch souvenirs in the Dutch “village” themed gift store. Spend the afternoon and tour the 250-year-old DeZwaan Windmill, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States!
Critter Barn
Open six days a week, year ‘round, this active farm provides an unforgettable hands-on learning experience for the whole family. The Critter Barn strives to educate with its teachings and demonstrations on animal care, agriculture, and even instructional education on how local farmers to grow our food! Bottle feed a calf or kid, milk a goat, play with the kittens in the kitty corral, hug a bunny, and even find eggs from the hens! With a heated barn, the Critter Barn is a favorite year ‘round destination!
Square Play Café
– A fun place for parents to grab a cup of coffee or their favorite café drink, while the kids play! Square Play Café is filled with adventure and imagination. The toys and interactive play stations are switched out frequently in order to provide fresh experiences and enthusiasm. Think of it as an indoor classroom/toy room combined with a café atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for kids to play while the parents visit and chat over their cup of joe! And, if the kids work up an appetite while playing, the café sells awesome children’s snack foods like string cheese and applesauce! This place is a win for kids and parents alike!
Kollen Park
A local favorite, Kollen Park is located along the shores of Lake Macatawa. Along with the Heinz Waterfront Walkway, this site design award winning park sits on 24-acres of waterfront public access. Public boat launch access, various fishing decks, and a boardwalk that stretches to South Shore Village, border the park along the water, while the playground and manicured lawns border the streets. Take the entire family and spend the evening catching a sunset, fishing, walking on the Heinz Waterfront Walkway, playing on the playground, and even taking in some of the summer outdoor concert series, and free movie in the park series put on by our friends at @cityofholland!
Holland Community Aquatic Center
Grab your bathing suits and towels and head to The Holland Community Aquatic Center for non-stop water fun. With the Splash Zone indoor water park, you have plenty of options for play. Enjoy the 150-foot water slide, vortex pool, Alpine Challenge, zip line, water cannons, tumble buckets, Wiggle Bridge, Aqua Track, and much more! Don’t feel like the Splash Zone? No worries, enjoy the state of the art 50-meter pool, sauna, and fitness room. It’s open 7 days a week, so it’s the perfect destination for exercise, relaxation, and fun!
Outdoor Nature Centers
With two GREAT outdoor education centers, you can’t go wrong! Holland is home to both the 18- acre DeGraaf Nature Center, and the 150-acre Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway. Both centers have live animals on site, educational and interactive programs for the family, trails to explore and hike, and naturalists on site to educate and inform. For outdoor enthusiasts, there is plenty of exploring and adventure to be had!
Herrick District Library
Are you looking for a quiet and relaxing activity for the family? Head over to the Herrick District Library to check out the latest novel, up-and-coming author for your book club, or just enjoy a quiet and relaxing space while the kids unwind during story time. With plenty of hands on activities in the interactive play area and teen hangout area, there is access to board games, a used bookstore, and even scheduled classes and events, for ALL ages. It’s more than just a library- it’s a fun and educational destination!
