Family events in Holland, MI

Designed for families with children from birth to age 5, this free program features story time, music, and engaging educational play. Each family receives a free book to take home. Parents and caregivers can also find information on child development and reading readiness.

At Hemlock Crossing County Park, Bugs, Blooms, & Brown Bags offers a presentation on prairie insects, the native plants they rely on, and the host plant relationships that sustain pollinators and other wildlife. Bring a lunch to enjoy during the talk. Afterward, an outing into the prairie provides a hands-on chance to collect and identify insects, giving attendees a close look at the diversity of life within this ecosystem.

Got questions about Velo Kids or want a simple way for you or your child to borrow a bike for a short ride at Window on the Waterfront? Wheelhouse Open Hours provide a friendly, drop in setting where you can ask questions and pick up quick tips. It is an informal help time, not coaching or a training program. Whether you are curious, need a bit of guidance, or hope to take a test spin, support is available. Bikes are limited, can be borrowed only during Open Hours, and must remain at Window on the Waterfront.

The Oaks at Jamestown Annual Car Show brings automotive enthusiasm to Hudsonville, Michigan with cars on display, food, and live music. Vehicle owners who want to participate can bring their car to be part of the show.

Join a US Chess rated and scholastic chess club tournament at the Holland Charter Township Community Center. The event runs from late morning into the afternoon with three rounds in a Quads or Small Swiss format depending on turnout. Rated play is open to anyone with a US Chess membership, while the scholastic section is for players under 18. Registration happens on-site only between 9:15 AM and 9:45 AM, and you’ll need to be registered by 9:45. The time control is G/25 with a 5-second delay per move, and the entry fee is $10. Chess sets and clocks will be available, though bringing your own is encouraged.

Open Farm Saturdays at Fellinlove Farm offer a family-friendly outdoor experience filled with animals, nature, and creative play. Meet the gentle Fell ponies and more than 100 other animals, then head to the pond to try a pedal boat, kayak, or canoe. Wander the nature trail while tackling an I SPY adventure, and visit the pavilion for craft projects, lemonade, prize bags, and unicorn themed fun. Admission is $8 per person, and each visit helps support the farm’s mission to provide meaningful animal interactions and inclusive experiences for guests of all abilities.

At Fellinlove Farm, the I Spy Adventure Trail invites visitors onto a nature path about three quarters of a mile long, with playful discoveries tucked along the route. Families, friends, homeschool groups, and explorers of any age can hunt for colorful finds such as a rainbow, a giant pumpkin, a teddy bear, shark fins, and other surprises. Along the way, meet friendly animals, take part in pond activities, get creative with crafts, and receive a small prize bag to cap off the outing. A suggested donation of $8 per person is appreciated.

Step into your favorite era and move at whatever pace feels right at this decades-themed Heights of Hope 5k and 1.5 mile fun run. Dash with 80s energy, cruise with 90s chill, or enjoy a relaxed throwback stroll with neighbors and the mascot, Flash the Flamingo. The fun run is untimed and every finisher receives a prize. After you cross the line, the neighborhood celebration keeps going. Cheer on other participants while enjoying a pulled pork sandwich from Earl’s Meats, fresh blueberries, iced coffee from Biggby, and a sweet treat from the Holland Police Department’s Polar Patrol ice cream truck. Food and drinks are complimentary for participants and volunteers, and spectators can purchase dinner for a small fee. Awards and raffle prizes follow the 1.5 mile event, with recognition for top racers, standout decade-inspired costumes, and the volunteers who keep the course energetic. You must be present to win raffle items. In the in-person 5k, awards go to the top three in each age and gender division, with stroller and wheelchair divisions included. Age groups include 6 and under, 7–8, 9–10, 11–12, 13–14, 15–19, 20–29, 30–39, and beyond. Team trophies honor the fastest group and the biggest turnout, and Road Warrior stations earn special kudos for spirited themes. Pick up your bib, shirt, and race goodies at check-in or shortly before your start. Online registration is available, and on-site registration will be offered during check-in and on race day with separate windows for each distance. An exclusive decade-themed shirt is part of the experience, and registration fees support the work of Heights of Hope. SOAR residents receive a $10 rate. Groups and families of five or more who register and pay together receive $5 off per person, and you can choose to skip the shirt for a discount by the stated deadline. Both routes begin and end at Calvary Church and wind through the Abbey Court and Stratford Way neighborhood, passing the Heights of Hope Community Center along the way. Parking is available on nearby streets that are not on the course and at Holland Heights Church. Plan a little extra time so you do not miss the pre-race fun. Volunteers help make it all happen and enjoy pulled pork, Biggby coffee, and a raffle entry, plus they count toward team awards. The top volunteer corner takes home the Road Warrior Trophy for best theme and energy. Volunteer shirts are available for $10. Prefer to participate remotely? A virtual option lets you run or walk from wherever you are, with race essentials available by shipment or local drop-off. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, from sponsoring a racer for $30 to corporate packages that include free entries and recognition on shirts and signage.

SOUND THE ALARM! is a rock benefit supporting Holland Professional Firefighters Local 759, with a full day of community activities and live music. The event features a community pre-show picnic from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, including food trucks behind the Park Theatre, chances to meet local firefighters, tour fire engines, and family-friendly activities. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and live music starts at 8:00 PM with multiple bands, followed by a grand finale where all bands and local firefighters come together for a collaborative performance. There will also be a silent auction and a raffle with big-ticket prizes. The event concludes at 11:00 PM.

Enjoy views of the night sky with the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association as the observatory opens to visitors for guided telescope observing. The session depends on clear conditions and will be canceled if skies are overcast or if rain or snow is expected. Plan to arrive early to ensure you can enter the park. Check the calendar in advance to confirm whether viewing will take place.

Car lovers gather for the annual Cars & Coffee meetup. Owners are welcome to show off their vehicles, and visitors can browse the lineup. Enjoy coffee and a treat while you stroll among the cars and connect with new people. Everyone is welcome, whether you are showcasing a ride or simply stopping by to look around.

Explore the Weaver House at Pine Bend County Park during a relaxed open house. Volunteer Don Williams shares the history of the house and guides informal walk-throughs so visitors can see the rooms and hear its story. These open houses are offered periodically, and no advance registration is needed.

This lactation support session welcomes anyone who is expecting, breastfeeding, pumping, or combining feeding methods. All feeding journeys are welcome. Registration is recommended.

Books & Blooms is a children’s summer series at Windmill Island Gardens that pairs a Herrick District Library story time with a hands-on activity from community partners, inviting families to explore topics like planting, water conservation, wind, and pollinators. For this session, Explore Hope leads A Garden to Save the Birds, where participants make seed bombs to take home, encouraging the planting of wildflowers that support birds, insects, and other pollinators, along with simple ways to make a yard or garden more wildlife friendly. Admission is free for everyone; mention Books & Blooms at the admission booth. The program takes place outdoors on the grass on the east side of the Posthouse, and a parent or guardian must remain with children throughout.

StrEATs Food Truck rolls into Midtown Center for a summer stop featuring fresh tacos and sides. It is an easy dinner option where families and friends can meet up for a relaxed meal, skip the cooking and cleanup, and enjoy taco favorites from StrEATs.

At Holland Farmers Market, the summer Kids Activities program offers free, family-friendly fun supported by Corewell Health. Each week begins with Market Story Time presented by Herrick District Library, then transitions to an interactive project led by community partners. This session spotlights Corewell Health with a Healthy Snack Walk, a playful take on a cake walk that showcases creative, nutritious ideas for the school year. Children can explore hands-on stations that promote smart snacking habits, and free samples will be available. Activities take place in the northwest parking lot by the Holland Civic Center. Families may drop in during the program, and a parent or guardian must remain with children throughout.

A summertime series of kid-friendly concerts fills Holland Ice Park with music created for young audiences. Each date features a different performer, inviting children to sing, move, and enjoy the show. Picnics are welcome, and the nearby playground and other on-site amenities make it easy to turn the performance into a longer outing. Admission is free and open to everyone. This season includes Trino with magic for families, Super Stolie, and An Enchanted Afternoon. The series is sponsored by Haworth and supported in part by an award from the Michigan Arts & Cultural Council.

Joy99 brings its Afternoon Show to The Parlor by House of Flavors for a live broadcast hosted by Jeremy and Amanda. Guests can take part in interactive activities and prize drawings, and there is a featured treat inspired by the show called the Jeremy & Amanda Afternoon Show Sundae. A junior scoop is offered for 99 cents during the broadcast to add a little extra sweetness on Michigan’s Sweetest Coast.

Bring your wheels to the Holland Ice Park ribbon and cruise a 700-foot roller ribbon. Roller skates, inline skates, and kick scooters are welcome. The program begins with a session set aside for young children who are still learning, followed by time for older kids and adults who already have some experience. This is open, drop-in use of the ribbon with no instruction provided. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the admissions counter, and payment is by card only.