Families are invited to Windmill Island Gardens every other Monday morning through Aug. 12 for the new Books and Blooms series.
Programs in the series, which begins June 10, will start with an interactive story time hosted by the Herrick District Library at 10 a.m., followed by a fun, educational, and hands-on come-and-go style activity led by a local non-profit organization from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Youngsters can also enjoy the children’s carousel, playground, and children’s garden.
The series kickoff, hosted by the Zeeland Historical Society, gives children the opportunity to “Meet Miffy.” Miffy is a beloved Dutch rabbit, drawn in a style called “De Stijl,” created by artist Dick Bruna in the 1950s that is featured in cartoons, books, and more in the Netherlands. Children will learn about Miffy and her adventures riding her bicycle, having a picnic, going to school, and more with staff from the Zeeland Historical Society.
![]()
CourtesyFamilies are invited to Windmill Island Gardens every other Monday morning through Aug. 12 for the new Books and Blooms series.
The full schedule of Books and Blooms activities can be found below and on the Books and Blooms Facebook event page. Activities are free to attend for Holland residents, with regular admission rates applying to non-Holland residents. A parent or guardian must remain on site the entire time to supervise their children. Activities take place in the park on the east side of the Posthouse building at Windmill Island Gardens, 1 Lincoln Ave. in Holland.
For more details on other events at Windmill Island Gardens, visit
www.windmillisland.com. Windmill Island Gardens is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission sold at 5 p.m.) through Oct.1.
June 24: Blooming Shoes. The Holland Museum will help children create origami Dutch wooden shoes, or “klompen,” and create flowers out of pipe cleaners, paper, and more to fill them.
July 8:
Planting Seeds and Yard Games. Holland Parks and Recreation will guide participants in planting seeds in pots they can take home. After the planting activity, there will be a variety of yard games to enjoy.
July 22: Water Conservation Rain Cloud Mobile. Holland Board of Public Works will teach five water conservation tips to use in everyday life and help children create and decorate their own rain cloud mobile to take home,
August 5: Dutch Games and Fun. Windmill Island Gardens staff will show children how to play Dutch games, try on Dutch costumes, and more.
August 12: Living Necklaces. MSU Extension will teach children how to create their own living necklace while learning about plant germination. Youngsters can take their plant home to care for, watch grow, and … wear.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.