All About Holland 2023

TOP PLACES FOR FAMILIES

OUTDOOR NATURE CENTERS - Holland is home to three exceptional outdoor education centers. The DeGraaf Nature Center, Hemlock Crossings, and the Outdoor Discovery Center all have extensive hiking trails and naturalists on hand with interactive programs for the family. Check listings for nature classes, kayaking, snowshoeing, and live animal viewing at: miottawa.org/parks • outdoordiscovery.org URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARK - There’s so much to do inside Urban Air that you might have to go back for a second visit. Young or old, tall or short, athlete or armchair quarterback – the attractions will help you defy gravity. Test your skills in the Warrior Obstacle Course, compete with friends, or practice your own tricks freestyle. No matter how you choose to play, you can take it to the next level. urbanairtrampolinepark.com • $ WINDMILL ISLAND GARDENS - Stroll the 36 acres of the beautifully manicured grounds of Holland’s own treasured Island. Wander the gardens, dikes, and canals; take a ride on a hand-painted Dutch carousel; enjoy music from an antique Amsterdam street organ, and f ind a Dutch treat in the village gift store. Don’t miss a climb inside De Zwaan – it’s the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. windmillisland.org • $ • Î WOW NATURE PLAY PARK - Go to Window on the Waterfront for the best playground ever! At this fully accessible play park, kids can climb logs, nets, rocks, and boulders. There's a fenced in area for the wee ones, hammock posts, and an amphitheater for creative play. outdoordiscovery.org/wow-nature-play-park • Î

Family time is fun time in Holland . From outdoor play to indoor adventure parks to Dutch-themed attractions, there is something to make even the grumpiest toddler or teenager LOL. BAM! – Expect non-stop action at this family entertainment center. With multi-level laser tag, animated bowling, axe throwing, a high ropes course, climbing walls, and a huge arcade with cool prizes, there will be an activity to excite kids of all ages. For a slower pace, gather the family for a round of pool and pizza. gobamgo.com $ THE BEACH – Miles of Lake Michigan shoreline are just waiting for your family to discover. For a classic day at the beach, take a dip in the lake, savor a towering waffle cone, and dive for a volleyball at the Holland State Park. A short distance away, Tunnel Park is a great place for a picnic; plus, kids can run up and tumble down a soaring sand CRITTER BARN - New location and accessible! This year-round active farm provides an unforgettable hands-on learning experience for thewhole family. Bottle-feed a calf, milk a goat, playwith the kittens, and even collect eggs from the hens. Join interactive demonstrations on animal care, agriculture, and how local farmers grow our food. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day on the farm. If your timing is right, the kids might even join a “Little Farmers” or “Good Night Barn” day camp. critterbarn.org • $ HOLLAND AQUATIC CENTER – Check out the indoor water park! The whole family will be thrilled with the lazy river, water slide, kid’s play pool, and sprayers. There is also a warm-water lap pool, steam room, sauna, and giant hot tub. For “dry” exercise options, check out the elevated 1/10th mile track, work-out equipment, and wellness area. All features are designed to welcome an intergenerational mix of guests. Check current hours and special event info at hollandaquatic.org • $ KOLLEN PARK - A local favorite, Kollen Park rests upon the shores of Lake Macatawa. When combined with the Heinz Waterfront Walkway, this award-winning park sits on 24 beautiful acres. Along the water, there's public boat launch, f ishing decks, and a boardwalk stretching all the way to South Shore Village. A playground and manicured lawns provide perfect spots for picnicking and playing frisbee. Bring your favorite blanket to Kollen Park and spend an evening watching a sunset or a free summer outdoor concert or movie. cityofholland.com/430/parks • Î NELIS’ DUTCH VILLAGE - Discover family fun of another era. Explore the kinderboerderji petting farm, where animal lovers can cuddle a bunny, groom a goat, and feed all the farm friends. Join in a joyful klompen folkdance, or make special family memories on an antique carousel, windmill Ferris wheel, and imported chair swing. Dutch Village is a treat for all the senses, with lots of yummy food options. dutchvillage.com • $ • Î dune and then walk through it via a tunnel. holland.org/things-to-do/beaches • $

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HOLLAND AQUATIC CENTER (LEFT) HOLLAND STATE PARK (RIGHT)

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