Ultimate Family Friendly Guide to Visiting Bend, Oregon with kids
Looking for your next family vacation in Bend?
We spent 4 days in Bend , Oregon and I am here to share all the tips! In this ultimate guide to visiting Bend, Oregon with kids I’ll be sharing my recommendations on what to see and do with kids! Bend is a beautiful city in Central Oregon with many outdoor adventures for the whole family and definitely worth the visit for all nature lovers.
Disclaimer: This blog post is in collaboration with Visit Bend. Thank you for the support!
Where to stay in Bend
During our visit to Bend, we stayed at Campfire Hotel. This boutique hotel is located right in bend and is the perfect spot for those families who may be on a budget.
Each room has its own unique feel with camp vibes! We stayed in the CampfireKing with Bunkbeds and the boys enjoyed every minute of it.
Other family friendly lodging options in Bend:
Best Activities to do in Bend with kids
Bend is full of many adventures for the whole family. From biking, to hiking, exploring the forest and rivers to even visiting the local museum. You are all in for a treat!
We want to remember that when we are recreating outdoors in these beautiful places we want to make sure that we are recreating responsibly. Please respect wildlife and never approach them, stay on marked trails and be sure to pack out all your trails. Brush up on the Leave No Trace Principles before your next adventure.
Rent Bikes at the Old Mill District
The Old Mill District is a cute family friendly place in Bend to explore with kids! There are shops, restaurants, a large amphitheater for concerts in the summer and more.
You can also explore this area by bike, renting them from Wheel Fun Rentals. These bikes are rented by the hour and a great way to take a loop around the district on wheels along the river trail. We rented a Surrey bike (can fit 3-9 people) which are perfect family friendly bikes.
Bike riding at the Old Mill District in Bend
Jump at Trampoline Zone Bend
This Indoor trampoline and adventure park is so much fun with the kids. If you have a rainy day, need a break from the outdoors or want something chill to do one afternoon, this is the place to be! We visited Trampoline Zone on our first day in Bend right before dinner and it was perfect after a long travel day.
Explore the High Desert Museum
A visit to the High Desert Museum is an experience like no other. There is something for the whole family to enjoy. They have quite a few exhibits to explore and the new Wolves: Photography exhibit, blew me away.
The kids enjoyed the wildlife the most and were talking about the birds of prey center the most. We were able to have a close up encounter with one of the birds and it was truly amazing to see. Be sure to check the daily schedule for updates times and events.
Newberry Volcanic National Monument
Did you know that Oregon is the second most volcanic state next to Hawaii?! We learned this on one of our tours while in Bend and I was blown away.
If your kids are into volcanos and learning more about the volcanic history, you dont want to miss this national monument. We visited in the fall, so the Lava Lands Visitor Center was closed for the season, but during peak season (summer), there is a $5 parking pass or you can use your recreation pass to enter.
Trail of the Molten Land at Sunset
Paulina Peak
Kayak or Canoe the Deschutes River
Your family will absolutely paddling the Deschutes River. We went on a tour with Wanderlust Tours and it was my kids first time on a kayak. The guides are an amazing group of individuals and very knowledgeable so you will learn something new by the end of the tour!
Wanderlust Tours also has many other tours you can do with your kids from caving tours, volcano hikes and more.
Waterfall Hikes
With the Deschutes National Forest being a quick 30 minute drive from Bend, you will have so many hikes to explore. I always say, if you’re hiking with kids give them something to look forward to and waterfalls are the perfect destination on any hike.
Luckily these hikes below are pretty short and easily accessible. This makes them a great activity while in Bend with kids.
Please Note: When visiting the Deschutes National Forest there is a $5 day pass when visiting during peak season (May - end of September)
Tumalo Falls
Tumalo Falls is a popular and beautiful waterfall hike in the Deschutes National Forest and for good reason! To get a close up look, take the short walk up to the overlook. The hike is pretty easy for kids, but if you have much younger ones, do note that there is a minor steep incline to reach the top.
Dillon Falls
We visited Dillon Falls after Kayaking with Wanderlust Tours, but you can easily access it on a short walk from the parking lot. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous do the 6.5 mi hike from Dillon Falls to Benham Falls.
Paulina Falls
Paulina Falls can be viewed from two different viewpoints; the base of the falls and the overlook. Take a short 0.5 mi out and back hike to view the base of falls. It flows all year long, but the best views are in the spring/early summer.
Smith Rock State Park
If you’re up for a bigger adventure, make a day trip up to Smith Rock State Park. This park is known for the best rock climbing experiences and many hiking trails. On your visit be sure to look up at the rocks; you might just see a few climbers! This park also requires a small parking fee.
There are many trails here to explore, but we decided to stay at the bottom and walk along the river doing the Wolf Tree Trail which is an easy 2.7 mile hike.
Hiking Wolf Tree Trail in Smith Rock State Park
Crooked River
Best Time to Visit Bend
Bend is an amazing place to visit any time of year. Most people will tell you to visit in the Spring or Summer for good reason, but don’t sleep on Fall in Bend.
Something about fall with the crisp air, changing aspen trees and fall colors makes Bend a beautiful place to visit with kids. The mornings do bring cool temperatures, but the day time temps can be very nice and enjoyable. Do note that visiting in the fall means a chance for an early snowfall, so be prepared for the possibility if visiting during the month of October.
Where to eat in Bend with kids
The food scene in Bend is amazing and there are so many family friendly restaurants to enjoy during your visit. A few favorites:
Pizza Mondo
Miyagi Ramen
El Sancho Tacos
Wild Rose
Los Jalapeños
The Podski’s Food Cart Lot
Bonta Gelato
I hope you enjoyed this ultimate guide to visiting Bend, Oregon with kids. There is so much to do in this little town that will leave you wanting to come back for more! As a solo mom, I felt this was a very welcoming city in Oregon and a great place to visit with your kids. For more resources be sure to check out Visit Bend’s website to plan your next family adventure.