A Colorful Tulip Season Itinerary for Pella, Iowa, with Kids

This post featuring a 3-day itinerary to Pella, Iowa, with kids, may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).

Some trips just bloom a little brighter. For me, tulip season in Pella, Iowa, is one of them! Last spring, we packed up for a multi-generation family getaway with my tween daughter, sister-in-law, and mother-in-law. And, it felt extra special because it was my second year in a row visiting during peak tulip time. I'd gone the year before with my mom and grandma. Returning again, this time with my daughter, felt both nostalgic and brand new. Pella is such a lovely Midwestern city-it's easy to fall in love! 

Take it from me, you can't beat these tulips! The colors in Pella are unreal. And, the town feels festive without being overwhelming. Pella's Dutch roots are woven into every corner of town. You'll even see storybook canals and charming windmills! Plus, family-run Dutch bakeries serve up warm Dutch letters and other almond-filled treats. If you're wondering about things to do in Pella with kids, you're in the right place. The city's slow pace and rich history make it surprisingly easy to plan a trip that works for kids, tweens, and adults alike.

I'm also sharing the best places to eat and stay in Pella for families. Think of this as a tried-and-loved guide on how to plan a family trip to Pella (from someone who happily came back for seconds!). Curious about what to do during tulip season in Pella? Keep reading! I promise, Pella is an experience that truly lives up to the hype.

Tips + Packing List for Pella, Iowa, with Kids

If you are planning a fun weekend itinerary for Pella, Iowa, with your family, there are a few things you should know first! Let's start with when the tulip season is, a few packing tips, and more for your upcoming trip to Pella, Iowa, with kids!

A Few Tips

Here are a few tips for planning your family trip itinerary to Pella, Iowa:

• The best way to explore Pella is to take it slow. Pella's slower pace is perfect for all ages. Expect to spend lots of time in gardens and on playgrounds.
• The town is very accessible for strollers and tiny trekkers. 
• Parking is free across the city. That said, it might be tricky to get a spot, depending on how close you are to the Tulip Time festival. Plan to walk more than you drive.
• The best time to see tulips is at the end of April and early May. We went the weekend before the Tulip Time festival, and the timing was excellent! We saw tons of colorful flowers with fewer crowds. (Mid-week between the two weekends is ideal!)
• Tulip Time is the official tulip festival in Pella. It is usually held the first week of May!
• Check out our Instagram stories for a better visual of our experience in Pella, Iowa, with kids.

Packing List Reminders for Pella with Kids

In addition to the things you usually pack for a spring family getaway, here are a few quick things to remember. Then, check out this travel locker to see if you are missing anything else.

• Rain coats.
• Rain boots
• Stylish waterproof shoes for city adventure (adults + kids sizes)

Day 1 in Pella, Iowa, during Tulip Season with Kids

Day one of my family trip itinerary for Pella, Iowa, focuses on arrival and settling in for the fun weekend ahead. Once you've arrived, you'll take a walk around Pella's scenic canal and have dinner.

Arrive + Get Settled in Your Accommodations (Where to Stay in Pella)

We stayed at a Vrbo near downtown Pella. It was such a great home base for our weekend. The space was roomy and comfortable. It easily slept all of us without ever feeling crowded. 

Charmante Loft is a 2-bedroom loft that sleeps 6 (two queen beds and one king bed). The kitchen is well-appointed (always a win when traveling with family), and everything feels cozy and thoughtfully set up. If you like having room to spread out and the option to cook a few meals at home, I'd absolutely recommend this stay.

Last year, we stayed at The Rock House, and I'd recommend that option just as enthusiastically. Built in 1856 by Dutch homesteaders, this historic home has been carefully updated with modern amenities while still holding onto its charm. With two bedrooms and three beds (two twins and one king), it's perfect for a small group. The stairs to the upstairs room are a little steep for young kids, but would easily work with older kids, tweens, or teens.

Looking for more family-friendly Hotels in Pella with kids? 

Here are some of the best hotels in Pella, Iowa, with kids:

• Royal Amsterdam Hotel (pretty spendy, but you can't beat the charm or the central location)
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Pella, IA
• Links Bos Landen Hotel & Spa of Pella, Trademark by Wyndham
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Oskaloosa (about 20 minutes outside of town)
• Cobblestone Hotel & Suites in Knoxville, Iowa (about 25 minutes outside of town)

First Stop: Molengracht Plaza & Canal

Once you're settled, it's time to start exploring some of the most charming things to do in Pella with kids! Start with Molengracht Plaza & Canal. Right in the heart of downtown, this beautiful plaza was designed to mirror an authentic Dutch canal. It even has arched bridges, flowing water, and European-style buildings that feel straight out of a storybook. It's the perfect spot for snapping a few family photos.

Molengracht Plaza & Canal is an easy, low-stress place to start your family trip to Pella. Kids can wander along the paths, peek over the bridges, and watch the water below. With shops and restaurants nearby, it's simple to hang out and explore at your own pace. Of course, your first dinner is right on Molengracht Plaza (and, it's my favorite restaurant in Pella!).

Dinner at Liberty Street Kitchen

After exploring a bit, it's time for dinner at Liberty Street Kitchen. If you're looking for the best places to eat in Pella with kids, you can't skip this one! 

Located right along the canal, Liberty Street Kitchen serves contemporary comfort food with a local twist. The menu has something for everyone, including fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, pastas, and well-executed entrées. The Atlantic salmon was a standout for me on my first visit. Last year, I devoured the Brisket Poutine and an order of Steak and Fries. Of course, the rest of our table found plenty to love, too. Liberty Street Kitchen also offers a kids’ menu, making ordering easy even for the pickiest eaters.

The service is warm and genuinely welcoming. You can tell the staff takes pride in Pella and the tulip season. With indoor seating, a lively bar area, and a spacious patio in warmer weather, it's a perfect place ease into your weekend. Reservations can be made online, which we definitely recommend during tulip season.

Day 2 in Pella, Iowa, during Tulip Season with Kids

Next on this itinerary for Pella, Iowa, with kids is a colorful day exploring local history and tasty treats inspired by the city's Dutch roots! Here's how to plan day two of your family trip to Pella.

Start Your Day at Iris Coffee Company + Jaarsma Bakery

Start your first full day in Pella the sweetest way possible (with two local favorites that families love!). Iris Coffee Company and Jaarsma Bakery are an ideal pair!

Iris Coffee Company is bright, cheerful, and incredibly welcoming. It feels like a breath of fresh air the moment you walk in. It's one of the cutest coffee shops I've enjoyed on my travels. During tulip season, they offer fun seasonal drinks that make the stop feel extra festive. Grab a latte and a kid-friendly hot chocolate to go. Then, take the short stroll down the block to Jaarsma Bakery. (While you order, let kids play in the STEM zone!)

Jaarsma Bakery has been a Pella institution since 1898. In my opinion, it's a stop you truly can't skip. This family-owned bakery is famous for its Dutch Letters (flaky, buttery, S-shaped pastries filled with rich almond paste-YUM!). They're a hit with both kids and adults, and yes, you'll want more than one. While you're there and likely waiting in line, browse the shelves stocked with Dutch-imported treats, gifts, and old-world goodies. Don't worry, the line usually moves pretty fast! I recommend arriving before 8:00 am if you don't want much of a line.

Once you have your treats, head back to your accommodations to enjoy them. Or, if the weather is nice, sit in the park across the street to have breakfast with the tulips.

Explore the Vermeer Windmill + Pella Historical Village

No family visit to Pella is complete without a stop at the Vermeer Windmill and Pella Historical Village. It easily ranks among the best things to do in Pella with kids. This stop is packed with hands-on history, wide-open spaces to explore, and plenty of "wow" moments for all ages.

Before your trip, check the Vermeer Windmill and Pella Historical Village for details on how to reserve your tour time. The process was different between the two years I've been there. I recommend reserving your tour time in advance if you can. 

Vermeer Windmill

The Vermeer Windmill is the tallest working windmill in North America. It stands at an impressive 124 feet tall. It was brought to Pella in 2002 to celebrate the town's Dutch heritage. Climb the stairs as you move through five levels of the windmill, starting at the base where grain would have been brought in and ending at the top where it's milled. The views from the top deck are incredible (you can see all of downtown Pella!). We learned SO much during the tour, and seeing the massive blades up close is something kids (and adults) won't soon forget.

While exploring the Windmill, you'll also have access to the Miniature Dutch Village. Originally created in 1938 as a school project, this detailed display depicts life in the Netherlands in the 1840s. And, delightfully, features all four seasons. The craftsmanship is impressive, and kids love spotting tiny details throughout (like little cows, tulips, and kids on ice skates).

Pella Historical Village

Before or after your tour, the Pella Historical Village is not to be missed. It features 22 historic buildings that bring early settler life in Iowa to life. You'll find gardens, a koi pond, demonstrations of traditional Dutch crafts (like wooden shoe making), and even Wyatt Earp's boyhood home. There are indoor and open air exhibits. You'll even find a puppet play area for kids in one of the indoor exhibits. It's a wonderful place to wander at your own pace, learn together, and soak up the history that makes Pella so special.

Grab Lunch at Butcher's Brewhuis and Deli

For a casual, crowd-pleasing lunch, head to Butcher's Brewhuis and Deli. It's one of the best places to eat in Pella with kids (and a true local favorite!). This is where you'll find Pella's iconic bologna sandwiches. They are all served fresh and generously piled high. 

The menu goes beyond bologna, too, with bratwurst, Reubens, pulled pork, and other hearty options that are perfect after a busy morning of sightseeing. There's usually a line, especially during tulip season, but it moves very quickly. You can have someone grab a table while another waits to order. There are a few children’s options on the menu as well.

The deli is supplied by In't Veld's Meat Market, the adjoining butcher shop. It's famous for its ring bologna, and it’s definitely worth a quick peek or a supply pickup for dinner. We picked up a few items for dinner back at the house.

If you'd rather eat outdoors or keep things flexible with kids, this is also a great spot to grab food to go. Stock up on meats and cheeses from In't Veld's and head to a nearby park for a picnic. The Bologna on a Stick is a fun, kid-friendly classic. And, the Double Dutch (thick-cut bologna with Gouda) is a standout choice, too.

I recommend aiming for a light lunch, you'll have High Tea in just a few hours.

Browse Shops along Franklin Street + the Gardens at Central Park

Wondering what to do next in Pella during the tulip season with your kids? Spend a little time browsing the many downtown shops. Franklin Street and Central Park are full of cute shops.

There's something for everyone in the family. Check out stylish home décor at Blush by Simple Treasures. Browse fabric at The Quilted Windmill (we found the cutest fabrics for a little souvenir project!). Or, update your wardrobe at Adorn Clothing Company. My favorite stop is always Pella Paperie. I love checking out their unique stationery and gifts.

This is also a good time to check out the colorful blooms in Central Park. There are several garden collections here, featuring nearly every color you can think of. You'll see everything from bold blacks to more playful multi-colored petals in pinks, reds, and yellows. Little ones can wander safely along the paths while marveling at the vibrant tulips. Kids will also love spotting the historic fountain, sundial, and Tulip Tower. Central Park is the ideal spot for getting a few family photos with Pella's tulips!

This is also a good time to catch Pella's unique Klokkenspel musical display, where mechanical figures bring the town's Dutch-inspired history to life alongside a 147-bell carillon. The best times to view the display are at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 9 p.m. You can watch from either side for a different view.

Self-Guided Tour of the Scholte House Museum + Gardens

After a bit of shopping, head across the street from Central Park to the Scholte House. For families looking for fun things to do in Pella with kids, the Scholte House Museum and Gardens is a must-visit stop. 

This 175-year-old mansion, built by one of Pella's original founders, Hendrik Scholte, is not only a beautiful historic home but also a chance to step back into the town's early Dutch roots. Inside, you'll find period furnishings and personal belongings of Dominie Scholte and his wife, Maria. While this tour is self-guided, each room includes notes explaining its use and history. Kids are fascinated by the house's scale, including 26-30 rooms, six stairways, and dozens of doors and windows. It's also fun to imagine life in a home built so long ago.

The gardens outside are equally captivating. Open and free to stroll, they're beautifully designed. And, of course, give you another chance to enjoy Pella's tulips! Between the home and gardens, the Scholte House offers families an opportunity to experience Pella's unique history and cultural roots during tulip season.

Enjoy High Tea at Maria's Tea Room

If everything timed out correctly today, you'll be just in time for the 3:30 pm seating at Maria's Tea Room! I didn't get a chance to do this on my first visit, so it was at the top of my list this time. And, I'm so glad we made it happen! 

While it's not the fanciest high tea you'll ever experience, it's brimming with history, stories, and a personal touch that makes it a memorable stop for the whole family.

Located inside the historic Scholte House (yep, the one you just toured!), the tea room offers a Dutch "koffie tijd" featuring treats from local bakeries, meat markets, and chocolatiers. As you sip and nibble, you'll hear the story of Maria Scholte and how she traveled from her original home in the Netherlands to the Scholte House in Iowa.

Your visit also includes a self-guided tour of the museum. You can do the tour before or after high tea. Just show them your tea reservation at the door. Maria's Tea Room is by reservation only. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

Choose Your Own Adventure for the Evening

After Maria's Tea Room, your evening can be a relaxed, choose-your-own-adventure kind of time. High tea wraps up around 4:30, so you may not need a full dinner right away.

We chose to return to our accommodations for a low-key night. I first picked up a few groceries from the local store. After a brief rest, we enjoyed a light dinner of cheese and crackers. Then, spent time playing games together. If you're staying at a family-friendly Pella hotel with a pool, this is the perfect opportunity for a quick swim or splash before bedtime.

If you're looking for heartier food options or if you don't have a kitchen, there are plenty of fun places to eat in Pella with kids for a casual dinner or snack. Keep the evening flexible-you've earned it. Tonight is perfect for letting everyone unwind and enjoy a slower evening after a full day of tulip-filled adventures.

Day 3 in Pella, Iowa, during Tulip Season with Kids

Okay, let's talk about how to plan your final day in Pella with kids. Today is a half-day in the city, including breakfast, another garden, and an epic playground stop before you leave.

Try the Dutch Letters at Vander Ploeg Bakery

If your family is on a mission to taste the best pastries in Pella, Vander Ploeg Bakery is a must-stop for your final morning. Of course, it's a great chance to compare the morning's treats with the other local bakeries you've tried, too! 

A Pella favorite since the early 1900s, Vander Ploeg is famous for its scratch-made Dutch Letters. They also have plenty of doughnuts, sweet breads, and other classic Dutch treats. Their puff pastry is made fresh daily, featuring a signature almond filling that's hard to resist.

While the bakery has modernized over the years, it has stayed true to its Dutch roots, preserving the recipes that have made it a town staple for generations. Grab a box of pastries to enjoy at Central Park or your next stop, Sunken Gardens Park. Coffee can be easily picked up nearby at Brew Coffee House or Smokey Row Coffee (though, I wouldn't blame you if you went back to Iris!).

Stroll the Sunken Gardens Park + Check Out Tuttle Log Cabin

After breakfast, take the family for a leisurely stroll through Sunken Gardens Park. If you're after colorful blooms and family pictures, it's one of the best things to do during tulip season in Pella with kids. This charming park, just minutes from downtown, is home to over 15,000 tulips each spring. The gardens surround Wooden Shoe Pond (yes, shaped like a giant wooden shoe!). It's a lovely spot for kids to wander, admire the blooms, and even enjoy a picnic if you bring along breakfast or snacks.

While you're there, don't miss Tuttle Log Cabin, a historic landmark honoring Pella's first settlers. You can find it down a short path from the pond. Along the route, several infographics feature local stories and history. Considered the oldest surviving building in Marion County, the cabin is available for tours by appointment only. The small gardens are open to the public and worth a quick look.

With vibrant tulips, a beautiful fountain, and a glimpse into Pella's Dutch heritage, this part of town is a peaceful and engaging stop for families looking to slow down and soak it all in before heading home.

Play at Kiwanis Park & Wonder Spelen Playground

If you have littles, there's one more stop you have to make before you load up the car and head home. Kiwanis Park and the Dutch-themed Wonder Spelen Playground are among the best things to do in Pella with toddlers and young kids. 

This fully accessible playground is designed for children of all ages and abilities, with separate areas for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids. Highlights include a sensory garden, an interactive Sona dance-and-play arch, swings (including wheelchair-accessible options), and a lighted shelter house with picnic tables. 

The playground is fully enclosed and safe for little ones to roam. Kiwanis Park also features community gardens, ample parking, and an indoor restroom. It's an excellent last stop for families to play and tire out before the ride home.

A Few More Fun Things to Do & Places to Eat in Pella, Iowa, with Kids

Looking for more fun things to do in Pella, Iowa, with kids? Here are some additional activities and stops to consider adding or swapping in.

• Volksweg Trail is an excellent choice for a local hike.
• If your kids love a challenge, you can also climb the local Cordova Observation Tower for epic views of the surrounding area!
• Try the Tulip Bier from Gezellig Brewing Co. You can grab a four-pack at various local distributors (including the local grocery stores).
• Review the schedule at the Pella Opera House. There might just be a fun show for families! This historic local theater offers shows year-round.

READ NEXT: Fantastic Restaurants in Pella, Iowa: A Travel Foodie's Guide

Enjoy Visiting Pella, Iowa, during Tulip Season with Your Kids!

Pella is a magical place to visit in the spring, bursting with color, history, and charm. From exploring the vibrant tulip gardens to touring historic landmarks, there are endless things to do in Pella with kids. Don't miss stops at local bakeries, kid-friendly restaurants, and fun playgrounds like Kiwanis Park. Whether you're wondering what to do during tulip season in Pella with kids or just trying to figure out how to plan your family trip, this guide makes it easy. I hope you have the best time exploring Pelly with your kids!

Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.