Windmill Island Gardens was scheduled to close for the regular season on October 4. However, the park will remain open after Oct. 4, on weekends only, through Oct. 25.
While staff will begin tulip planting and other winter preparations, guests can continue to enjoy a virtual windmill tour, Dutch street organ, gift shop, acres of gardens and much more.
Like tourist attractions worldwide, 2020 has been an unusual year at Windmill Island Gardens. After a delayed opening in mid-June, the Island welcomed a steady stream of visitors enjoying Dutch attractions and beautiful gardens. In order to continue providing a pleasant socially distanced experience, attractions will remain open further into the fall than in years past. Reduced admission remains $5 for guests 9 and older with younger children admitted free. Some features including interior windmill tours and carousel rides will remain closed.
Where to take that bundle of energy you call a child? There are many options right here in West Michigan.
The Grand Rapids Treetop Adventure Park has six (soon to be seven) courses that are broken into four different skill levels. These range from very easy to expert. Each course takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete, but you have three hours to do as much or as little as you please. They have activities for kids of all ages with a mini zipline course designed for kids ages 4 to 6, and a main deck which starts with kids that are 7 years old. You may have a hard time getting your kids to come back to the car when you visit this outdoor adventure park.
The Tri-Cities Historical Museum in Grand Haven is the perfect place for young learners who don’t want to be limited to just reading. Instead, step in, see, touch, and even smell all things history. Each exhibit is housed in a structure that is appropriate for the era. For example, the Woodland Era of Native American history is found inside an authentic birch bark wigwam. While The Tri-Cities Historical Museum is open to all ages, parents and guardians typically find 1st grade and above to be the most invested in the exhibits, though highly engaged parents will find something teachable in each exhibit.
Critter Barn (photo from Facebook)
A visit to Catch Air in Grand Rapids is sure to have your kids jumping for joy. Their indoor adventure park has inflatable slides, jungle gym, bounce castle, and more. Catch Air is also the perfect place for a birthday party. Throw the most memorable and enjoyable party ever without lifting a finger. Whether you’re stopping by for an afternoon of fun, or celebrating a birthday, Catch Air is always a hopping place to be.
The Critter Barn in Zeeland is a nonprofit educational farm spanning three acres. Their curriculum focuses on promoting an understanding of agriculture, food sources, animal care, animal science, volunteer initiatives, and the farmer’s role in feeding the world. They have an authentic learning environment with many friendly animals. Working on a farm, even visiting a farm, develops character and deepens an appreciation for the world around us.
Windmill Island Gardens (photo from Facebook)
A palette of colors await you as you wind along the entrance to Holland’s treasured Windmill Island Gardens. Tour five stories of the DeZwaan windmill, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. From the top, you can survey 36 acres of manicured gardens, dikes, and canals. Complete your immersive Dutch experience with their costumed guides, hand-painted Dutch carousel and children’s gardens, gift shops, and more. Mark your calendars for Opening Day on Saturday, April 15th, 2017!
Windmill Island Gardens will have Peak Week July 24 – 30.
During the week of July 24 – 30, Windmill Island Gardens will celebrate Peak Week, the period of summer when the gardens are at the height of their beauty. The week will be filled with flowers and fun for all ages. As an added incentive to enjoy the gardens during Peak Week, an accompanying child can enter for free with every purchase of an adult ticket.
The Island’s horticulture staff is excited to share the gardens with the community as they represent the end product of months of designing, planting, and maintenance. This year’s garden theme is “Year of the Butterfly.” The theme is evident in more than 20 beds which mimic butterfly coloring as well as the new “Vlinder Veld” butterfly-attracting garden.
One highlight of the week is the culmination of a photo contest in which guests are encouraged to capture the beauty of the gardens and attractions during the month of July. Pictures should be emailed to windmill@cityofholland.com by Thursday, July 21 to be eligible to win. From July 22-27, a juried winner, a Facebook-vote winner and a visitor-vote winner will be chosen from the Top 5 photos.
Tuesday, July 26, is Kid’s Day on the Island. Kids and parents will enjoy scavenger hunts, activity pages, carousel rides, crafts, games, and much more. Of course visitors of all ages are invited to tour the De Zwaan windmill and explore the rest of the Island. As a special double-up treat, TWO accompanying children can enter free with each purchase of an adult ticket on Kid’s Day.
On Wednesday, July 27, there will be a night of relaxing fun for the whole family. In a special after-hours event from 6 – 8 pm, guests are invited to tour the gardens with a member of the horticulture staff. The evening will also feature the announcement of winners in the photo competition at 7 pm. This after-hours event is free of charge though not all attractions will be available during this time.
