Bend Family-Friendly Activities

Hike to Paulina Falls

The whole family – leashed pups included – will enjoy this 0.5-mile loop trail to Paulina Falls. From Bend, it is about a 25-mile drive to the falls, but the stunning sight of the side by side, 60-ft high falls is enough to make the trip worth it! If you and your kids snowshoe, or want to give it a try, this is also a gorgeous trail to hike in the winter.

Bike Around Bend

For locals and tourists alike, the preferred transportation in Bend is bikes! You must spend at least a few hours of your vacation pedaling around this biker-friendly mountain town. Head to Wheel Fun Rentals and grab some cruiser bikes, or a four-wheel surrey bike for the whole family and pedal around the Old Mill District. The surreys also make for a great family photo opportunity!

High Desert Museum

Just outside of Bend, you can visit the High Desert Museum. Come celebrate the geography, animals, and cultures of the high desert through fun, interactive, indoor and outdoor exhibits. Kids of all ages can encounter live animals, interact with living history characters at the Miller Ranch, visit the 1904 sawmill and see what life was like for early pioneers.  

Kid-friendly fun on the Deschutes

Stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or canoe on the Deschutes! In 2014, Outside magazine honored Bend as the world’s best stand-up paddle board getaway. Whether the kids or the kid in you wants to try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing, the friendly local outfitters at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe or Stand on Liquid are happy to help, offering lessons and rentals.

Need some more ideas? Check out our Bend Area Guide to learn more things to do in Bend!

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