Holland, Michigan offers activities for the whole family in the warmer months. Whether you’re looking for a tulip festival you will remember for a lifetime or you want to spend time relaxing on a gorgeous beach, the following five recommendations are not to be missed.
Don’t forget to check out our full City Guide on Holland. There are more attractions highlighted that your family will enjoy any time of year — even in the colder months.
Tulip Time Festival
What to know
Springtime in Holland is truly something to behold. Each year for a week in May, the Tulip Time Festival awakens the town with vibrant colors and perfumed air.
Why you should go
For the last few years and counting, Dutch horticulturist Ibo Gülsen has created a floral immersion experience titled “Tulip Immersion Garden — The Journey of the Tulip.” The flowers are arranged in three stunning displays that tell the story of the tulip. Families can walk among 50,000 raised tulip beds and get photos that would be impossible to get anywhere else. There are also Dutch dancers, parades, fireworks, local and international entertainers, and a carnival throughout the week.
What people say
“Tulip Time is a great festival that really celebrates tulips, it celebrates Dutch heritage and Holland today so it really gets people out and involved in the community . . .” — Chad Mespergen, 2023 event coordinator, said in a Fox17 article.
“The parks and so many downtown corners were filled with different varieties and colors of tulips . . . Centennial Park is incredible, and the Dutch attired people would walk around posing for photos, sharing insights as to the history of the clothing (and wooden shoes). This is also wheelchair accessible . . .” — Dave S. on Tripadvisor.
LAUP Fiesta
What to know
As one of the longest-running events of its kind in west Michigan, the Latin American United For Progress (LAUP) Fiesta draws over 20,000 attendees every year in July.
Why you should go
With live music and performances, dancing, authentic food, shopping, car shows, educational events and more, this fiesta is filled with fun for the whole family. It’s a true celebration of Latin American culture in Holland.
What people say
“There are a lot of Latin American folks living here in Holland…and to celebrate the whole of the cultures that make up this place and the fact that we’re all stronger together is really important to us.” — Miranda Craig, 2023 coordinator, said in a MLive article.
“This year’s ¡Fiesta! is a great event. I love the way it’s organized, and I really enjoy being able to help out …. Seeing the excitement in the little kids’ faces reminds me of how I felt when I attended ¡Fiesta! as a child. Getting to be a part of it now makes it an even better experience.” —Volunteer Emma Garcia sain in a Lakeshore West Michigan article.
Farmers market
What to know
The Holland Farmers Market is the perfect way to start off any family vacation day. It is located at 8th St. Marketplace, adjacent to the Holland Civic Center Place. It runs May 17 through December 16 on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Why you should go
Seventy-five different vendors sell a variety of products including jam, honey, fruits, vegetables, artisan cheeses and meats, fresh fish, cut flowers and even blueberry donuts.
What people say
“The Holland Farmers Market is the nicest farmers market we’ve ever been to. We were amazed at the amount of produce …everything looked so fresh. The selections were amazing and all very reasonably priced. Be sure to grab a blueberry donut from the nicest couple at the end on the right. Delicious! All the vendors were courteous and friendly and happy to answer any questions.” — D. Perk on Tripadvisor.
“I’ve been to a lot of Farmers Markets all over the country and this one is my favorite by far. There’s always an incredible variety of fruits and vegetables available, as well as some flowers and food.” — Lynn V. on Tripadvisor.
Summer concert series
What to know
From June to August, the most popular place to be on a Friday night in Holland is at a summer concert in Kollen Park.
Why you should go
This concert series offers different musicians each week and all are kid-friendly. It’s recommended that you bring a blanket or beach towels to sit on. Alcohol is prohibited, but dancing is encouraged.
What people say
“The summer concert series is like a lot of programs that we offer through the Parks and Recreation Department — it’s centered around accessibility, inclusion and community engagement.” — Garrett Thelen, city of Holland Deputy Director of Recreation, said in Wood TV 8 article.
“Concertgoers can expect a wide variety of genres throughout the summer series, from Motown to country to blues.” — Kemri Hilton, event coordinator, said in a Holland Sentinel article.
Beaches
What to know
In the summer, Holland comes alive for visitors looking for soft, sandy beaches and warm sunlight. Spring has its tulips and summer has its sand.
Why you should go
Holland State Park Beach and Tunnel Park Beach are perfect for sunbathing, swimming and having fun with your family. For the adventurers, there is kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing. If you visit the state park, you will be able to see the iconic Big Red Lighthouse that overlooks the lake.
What people say
“Tunnel park in Holland is awesome. It’s right by Lake Michigan, so you get to see amazing views of the water and sandy beach. The big tunnel to the beach is cool to walk through, and there are lots of spots of picnics and playing. There are dunes to climb and a super place for wedding photography. It is an enjoyable place for families or anyone who loves beaches. I totally recommend visiting this with kids.” — Mrudula on Tripadvisor.
“Wonderful beach with beautiful views of Lake Michigan. The beach has several paved paths to help with accessibility for better views of the ‘Big Red’ lighthouse and watch the boats go out onto the lake. There is a concession stand and multiple restrooms. Great place to spend a couple of hours as you look at the lake.” — Bill H. on Holland State Park Beach via Tripadvisor.
Looking for great family-friendly places to stay and eat while you are in Holland? Check out our full City Guide to Holland — and make a plan to bring your family to this vibrant destination in the colder months, too.
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