Top 10 Things to Do in Holland, Michigan with Kids
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN HOLLAND
Planning to visit Holland, Michigan with your family this spring or summer. Here is a family-friendly guide to the best things to do in Holland for kids. We’ve included recommendations for activities, restaurants, beaches accommodations and outdoor adventures at Holland State Park.
Trip Guide Map of Holland, Michigan
Here is a helpful interactive map to assist you in your trip planning.
1. Visit Holland State Park
Ottawa Beach
A wide, spacious beach with the softest white sand. The water is shallow for a long distance, with a large sand bar. It’s a decent trek across the sand, I’d recommend wearing sandals in the heat of the day because the sand gets hot! A large day use bath house has restrooms, changing area, lockers, and a concessions snack shop with pretzels, ice cream and grilled cheese. A playground on the south side near the channel has a large play structure. A blue handicap walking mat leads partway to the beach but stops halfway to the water’s edge. The beach can get quite crowded during peak hours.
Big Red Lighthouse
The Big Red Lighthouse is a stunning backdrop to Lake Michigan’s sparkling water. I’d recommend choosing an evening or morning to head to the beach for the sunset, beautiful time for photo opportunities when it’s less crowded.
Walk the narrow pier and climb along the large rocky sea wall to watch the ducks swimming.
Grab Ice cream at the General Store then walk down and watch the boats drift along the canal from Macatawa Lake with the Big Red Lighthouse as a backdrop. Great spot for pictures or fishing along the pier.
Kayak on beautiful Lake Macatawa along the boat docks and channel. Kayak rentals are available on the tiniest strip of sandy beach across from the Lake Macatawa campground. Note there is very limited parking.
Bike the barrier-free path just outside the campground. It runs along the road which leads to the beach, about 0.6 miles. Great for leisurely biking or walking. Another enjoyable bike ride is to Tunnel Park, which is only 2 miles away.
Camp with two different campgrounds there are numerous sites available. Curious, read our full Review of Camping at Holland State Park, with tons of pictures and tips.
2. Hike Mt. Pisgah
Stair Climb to Mt. Pisgah
A short trail leads to a platform with a scenic overlook of the Holland area. The stair climb will reward you with beautiful views from a tree-top level of Lake Michigan and the Big Red Lighthouse. Continue hiking, if desired, through a series of well- maintained trails that connect with Holland State Park trail system. The elevation changes with a variety of wooded and sandy trails is fun to explore. The parking lot is small and you have to cross the road to the trailhead, but it’s an easy walk or bike from the state park. *No dogs allowed on Mt. Pisgah stair climb.
Rosy Mound Another beautiful hike nearby is Rosy Mound, only a short distance away.
3. Run through the Tunnel at Tunnel Park
This park was one of our favorite day adventures during our stay in Holland. It’s a smaller Lake Michigan beach, but was less crowded than the state park. Children will delight in climbing the stairs and running full tilt down the dunes. The modern playground is great for children of multiple ages. Aptly named, make sure to pass through the tunnel that leads to the beach. Restrooms, picnic tables, and multiple sand volleyball courts make it a great spot to spend the day and pack a picnic. If you’re camping at Holland State Park this is an ideal 2 mile bike ride along a beautiful shaded path. Read the full post here.
4. Learn at the Outdoor Discovery Center
Free admission to experience and learn all about the outdoors and wildlife with nature playscapes, zipline, live birds of prey, interactive trails, and an interactive visitor’s center.
5. Support Local Farms
Experience Blueberry picking at Bowerman’s Blueberries, U-pick begins in July and last through August. Visit the Holland Farmers Market, and grab some fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers or baked goods, with over 100 vendors you are sure to find something locally homegrown or made. Open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm.
6. Windmill Island Gardens
If you’re visiting during early May, the Tulip Festival draws crowds from all over the state. The picturesque setting of the De Zwann windmill, a 251 year-old windmill, and the rows and rows of colorful tulips is a sight you won’t want to miss. Locals and tourists alike eagerly wait for this amazing festival each year! Bring your camera to capture stunning pictures of these vibrant flowers. The town celebrates Dutch heritage during this event with traditional Dutch dancing, a parade, and food stands to enjoy. Downtown Holland is wonderful place to visit all year round with over 100 quaint shops and restaurants.
Nelis Dutch Village
Step into another country as you visit the Netherlands, right in Holland, Michigan. Watch Dutch dancers, ride on a Ferris wheel, and pet animals at the petting farm when you visit. A bit pricey for families but if you want to learn about Dutch heritage and history it’s quite interesting. You can find out more information and our experience here.
8. Window on the Waterfront
A beautiful waterfront park on Lake Macatawa that has a nature playscape for children to enjoy. A popular location to view tulips in May.
9. Kollen Park and Heiz Waterfront Walkway
This waterfront park has a playground, boat launch and live music for the whole family to enjoy on Friday nights in the summer. Your kid will love visiting.
10. Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Earn your spot at this gorgeous beach. Only a 25 minute drive from Holland. You can even see the Big Red Lighthouse far in the distance. The biggest draw to this park is the trails. I’d advise bring less (skip the sand toys, beach chairs and rafts) and make it a hiking adventure that leads you out to the sandy dunes and the sparkling Lake Michigan shore. A beautiful hike through shady wooded foredunes and sandy trails. We opted to take the longer path on the way there, and the shorter beach trail on the way back. The sparkling Lake Michigan water was a refreshing reward. The dunes will beckon anyone adventurous enough to scale them and run full tilt down. Here is a Trip Guide to Saugatuck Dunes State Park.
VISIT DOWNTOWN HOLLAND
There are great stores, shops, and restaurants up and down the main street.
Captain Sundae's ice cream shop reminiscent of the 1960’s, this popular ice cream spot is home of the world-famous Tony Turtle Sundae.
Doboer Bakkerij An incredible Dutch bakery and restaurant that you don’t want to miss. Amazing baked goods and restaurant that serves breakfast all day
New Holland Brewing is good for beers and bar food, kid friendly.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACCOMODATIONS
Make staying for the night it’s own adventure at Holiday Inn Express Holland. The highlight is the indoor/ outdoor hot tub featuring a waterfall and a large pool. If parents need a little time to relax, the pool and hot tub has adult only hours after 10. Kids will also enjoy the arcade & table games. In addition, breakfast is included in your stay and coffee is available all day in the lobby’s cozy, fireplace area.
With so many places to stay in Holland, choose from quaint bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, beach homes or hotels. You’re sure to find the perfect place for your next vacation.
WHERE TO EAT
General Store Choose from 24 flavors of ice cream as you sit under the shaded picnic tables or take it to go for a leisurely stroll down to the canal and watch the boats.
Sluggios Pizza the whole family will enjoy.
Windmill Restaurant American food, with large portions that has a kid-friendly atmosphere.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Holland is choked full of activities for the entire family. It’s an ideal beach town to visit with a great downtown area for shopping and dining, gorgeous beaches, hiking trails and playgrounds. Add this spot to your Michigan vacation list. You won’t regret it.
Follow Discovering Anew for more camping reviews, Michigan day trip ideas and family friendly activities. Make sure to pin and save for later.
Enjoy making memories as you explore this beautiful beach town. So what is your favorite things to do in Holland, Michigan? Would you add anything to the list?
In downtown Detroit, discover the best of Michigan State Parks at the DNR Outdoor Discovery Center. This indoor facility allows kids to experience the spray of a waterfall, the thrill of crossing a suspension bridge and imagine kayaking down a Michigan river. Embark on an immersive experience with hands- on educational exhibits, playscapes, family-friendly activities and a peek inside Michigan state parks. The OAC is a budget friendly thing to do with kids in Detroit.