See fields of tulips in full bloom during the Holland tulip festival. Photo courtesy of Canva

All About the Holland Tulip Festival

Beginning the first week of May, the Tulip Time festival in Holland, MI is a celebration honoring the beautiful Dutch flower, first planted there in the 1920s. Public parks and local attractions feature displays with thousands of tulips in bright hues of red, pink, and yellow (just to name a few).

Daily events include concerts, Dutch dance performances, art exhibits, and a carnival with kid-friendly rides. Many of these are free to attend, including the 'Kinderparade,' which is always a festival highlight. Visitors can see community floats, high school marching bands, and costumed locals as they make their way through downtown Holland, MI, tossing out sweet treats as they go.

This year's Tulip Time festival runs May 4-12, 2024.

Spend a fun-filled day at Nelis' Dutch Village.

Other Family-Friendly Attractions in Holland, MI

1. Nelis' Dutch Village

This theme park modeled after an old Netherlands village has outdoor rides, a petting zoo, lawn games, and cool demonstrations like cheese making and wooden shoe carving. Shops sell Dutch gifts and foods, and the grounds are beautiful with canals, bridges, and, yes—plenty of tulips. Nelis' Dutch Village is open seasonally. Save a few bucks by buying tickets ahead of time online.

2. Holland Aquatic Center

Get some splash time in at this state-of-the-art indoor facility (a great place to take the kids when rain is in the forecast). A single-visit pass gives you access to the aquatic center's splash pad, zero-entry pool, massive water slide and lazy river, and fitness center and locker room. Last renovated in 2022, the center is impressively clean and modern.

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Tour the only operating windmill in the US at Windmill Island Gardens.

3. Windmill Island Gardens

This 36-acre park has its own collection of stunning floral displays, an Amsterdam street organ, stately Friesian horses, a hand-painted carousel, and Dutch gift shops. Of course, the big highlight is the De Zwaan Windmill, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the US. Our family enjoyed touring its five stories and learning about how it is still turning and grinding wheat into flour.

4. Mt. Pisgah Dune Climb

Another great place to see Big Red and the gorgeous lake shoreline is atop Mount Pisgah. The 239-stair climb up the sand dune is a real workout, but worth it for the panoramic view (we also saw some cool birds of prey on our hike). Access the trail on Ottawa Beach Road. Two-hour public parking is available for free. Note: Dogs are not allowed on Mount Pisgah.

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Take a swim in the beautiful lakes in Holland State Park. 

5. Holland State Park

Take a swim in the refreshing waters of the Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan channel. Along with beach access, this public park features a playground, fire pits and grills, a beach volleyball court, and a concession stand known for its ice cream offerings (24 flavors of soft serve!). It's also a great place to view the iconic "Big Red" lighthouse, a structure that dates back to the 1870s.

6. Holland Museum

Learn about the city's history at this museum where more than 100,000 artifacts are on display. The collection includes fine furniture, Dutch costumes, dolls, coins, and photo. For my kids, the highlight was visiting the museum's Spark!Lab, a Smithsonian-sponsored exhibit where children are given challenges to problem solve, such as building a boat that really floats. My girls could've spent hours there.

7. Holland Princess

Take a lunch or dinner cruise aboard the Holland Princess, a Victorian-style paddle-wheel riverboat. Travel through the Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan channel on the two-hour tour. Kids get to meet the captain and blow the ship's whistle. The Holland Princess runs May through October and sets sail rain or shine.

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Don't pass up the perfect photo op at Centennial Park.

8. Centennial Park

Just across the street from the Holland Museum is this lovely 5.6-acre park that has a fish pond and fountain, flowerbeds, and tons of grassy space for a picnic. Looking for a photo op? Centennial Park features a Wizard of Oz sculpture garden, where thousands of plants are used to create a giant book of the classic novel. Legend is that author L. Frank Baum wrote the story while vacationing in Holland!

9. Downtown Shopping

I normally don't mention shopping in my travel write-ups, but the Holland downtown shopping experience is special. The district encompassing East 8th Street and its surrounding thoroughfares is awash in small businesses selling toys, kitchen accessories, and clothing for every member of the family. A standout for us was the old-school bookstore Reader's World, locally owned and operated since 1967.

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Holland, MI

10. Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant

Enjoy incredible views of Lake Macatawa as you nosh on American classics like burgers, steaks, pizzas and pasta (seafood lovers may want to try the Great Lakes walleye). For the kids, there are plenty of options including popcorn shrimp and grilled cheese.

11. DeBoer Bakerij

This bakery and restaurant, known for its homemade breads and artisan donuts, has two locations in Holland, MI (one more of a to-go spot than the other). Come in for breakfast or lunch, or for some of their fresh roasted coffee. Locals also rave about the eatery's double-fried chicken.

12. The Curragh

It's fun to eat at this Irish pub that has a great patio and is located in the heart of the downtown shopping district. Traditional Irish fare, like corned beef and cabbage and shepherd's pie, are on the menu. Kid-friendly options like burgers and fish and chips are available, too.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Holland, MI

13. Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown

This hotel checks many of the boxes for families: spacious rooms, free parking, an indoor pool, and a cafe in the lobby serving Starbucks coffee. It's also located on East 8th Street, within walking distance of many downtown shops and restaurants.

14. Tulyp, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Enjoy the view at this Hilton hotel, where the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and the common areas feature charming tulip-themed artwork. Visitors are steps away from Centennial Park and the Holland Museum. There's also an on-site restaurant and cafe.

15. The Beach House at Lake Street

I had to mention this vacation rental because my family had such a pleasant stay there. Though there are only eight townhouse-style units, the Beach House has notable amenities like full kitchens, outdoor grills and tables, and a heated saltwater pool. And true to its name, the rental is within walking distance of the Holland State Park beach.

Unless noted, photos by the author

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