Our family of five has made a summer tradition of taking a family vacation in Sunriver, Oregon. Sunriver is in Central Oregon, about 15 miles from the town of Bend, a hub of recreational fun for families. We choose not to involve airports and make the 6-ish hour drive (but there are frequent direct, one-hour flights available Seattle to Bend).
You can usually bet on great weather between June and September, and it’s the sort of destination that you can tailor to your family’s ages and stages. When our kids were younger, our days consisted of pool play, bike rides, and visiting the river otters at the High Desert Museum. As they grew, we added other activities like whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and hiking some of the coolest trails we’ve seen.
What We Loved Most
Things to Do in Sunriver with Kids
The Sunriver Village
Charming with cafes, shops, and restaurants, the Village is a destination in itself. Alpine Entertainment (located in the Village) sells punchcards that include activities like bumper cars, bouncy houses, rock climbing, and mini golf. Stop by the Riverscape Arcade for a little 80s nostalgia, with two floors of retro games (Frogger!) plus snacks and drinks. Last year we tried our hand at painting at The Creator Lab, a DIY art studio. It was a fun way to beat the heat for an hour.
Bumper cars at Sunriver Village = guaranteed giggles. (Image: Allison Holm)
Miles of Bikeable Paths
You can’t go on a family vacation to Sunriver, Oregon without hopping on a bike. 34 miles of well-paved paths meander through the village and out past meadows and Sunriver Stables. Pack a lunch and picnic by the river. Rent a bike by the hour or day through the resort or any of the three bike shops in the village. Teen tip: If your kiddos crave more adventure, there are off-road biking options, like the 8-mile Benham Falls loop.
Exploring Sunriver’s 34 miles of bike-friendly paths. (Image: Allison Holm)
Pools and Water Fun
Booking through the Resort gives you access to The Cove, a year-round aquatic center with indoor/outdoor pools, a cool rock water slide, a tube slide, lazy river, and hot tubs. There are poolside bars, great food, and a large outdoor yard space with lawn games. The space is big enough to keep the kids stimulated but small enough (and enclosed) for peace of mind. My kids are of the age where I can break out my vacation reading and sneak in a few chapters.
For a more “waterpark-like” feel, check out SHARC. The complex boasts two water slides, indoor/outdoor pools, a water jungle, a separate tot pool, and a lazy river. It’s pricey, so check if your rental includes day passes (otherwise it’s $30 per person, even if you don’t plan to swim). B.Y.O.T. (Bring your own towel), and grab lunch at their Reef Café.
There’s a new pool at Forest House at Caldera Springs with a dual-racer waterslide, and a family game room (shuffleboard, anyone?). Book through Sunriver Resort and stay at a Caldera Springs home.
Big smiles and bigger splashes at The Cove. (Image: Allison Holm)
Outdoor Adventures Beyond the Village
Sunriver Marina & River Floats
A water-lover’s dream: Explore the Deschutes River via kayak, canoe, SUP, float, or tube. A six-mile float takes you to Benham Butte; those with littles might opt for the shorter, three-mile tube float.
While I haven’t been, I know a couple of families who have loved floating the Deschutes through Tumalo Creek, especially with kids in the 6-11 age range. The 2-mile journey departs from Bend, just south of the Old Mill District, includes a small rapids section mid-float, and ends in picturesque Drake Park. It’s a fun, low-key adventure that combines a bit of excitement with plenty of opportunities to take in the beauty of Bend — and a great reason to explore the town before or after.
Tackling the Big Eddy Thriller with Sun Country Tours. (Image: Allison Holm)
Parent friends also rave about the whitewater rafting trips offered by Sun Country Tours. One popular choice is the 45-minute Big Eddy Thriller, a family-friendly introduction to river rapids. You’re bused from their office in Sunriver Village, to the rafting location about 30 minutes away. The trip offers just the right amount of thrill for beginners, and is well-organized from start to finish.
Horseback Riding at Sunriver Stables
Treat your little wranglers to a guided trail ride through ponderosa forests and stunning Sunriver scenery. The experienced guides offer instruction and share nuggets of history about the resort and the surrounding area during the 45 and 75-minute rides. Got little ones? Try a super short pony ride in the corral. Even for those deciding to forgo the saddle, it’s fun to watch as the horses are wrangled in from the pastures most mornings around 7:30 a.m.
Exploring Sunriver’s trails the old-fashioned way. (Image: Allison Holm)
Hiking
Located between Sunriver, Oregon and Bend, Benham Falls offers a tot-friendly hike (.5 miles), among other, longer options from family vacations. A bit further out of town is Smith Rock State Park, boasting sweeping views of clay-colored rocks and deep river canyons. If you feel like you’ve been dropped into a Clint Eastwood movie, there’s a good reason; Smith Rock has served as the backdrop for a handful of Hollywood productions.
Family-Friendly Attractions Near Sunriver
High Desert Museum
Voted as one of the best things to do in Bend, the High Desert Museum always makes our to-do list. A far cry from “do not touch” signs and hushed voices, this place feels more like a really cool summer camp than a museum. We love visiting the river otters and resident porcupine, fox, and bobcat. Events like Natural History Walks, the Bird of Prey Encounter, and other hands-on learning experiences will leave your kiddos with a better sense of the area’s unique environment and rich history. My favorite part is the Spirit of the West, where you’ll stroll past a Northern Paiute shelter, a fur trapper’s camp, and a settler’s cabin. Pack a lunch or grab one at the café; between the traveling exhibits, desertarium, cool outdoor playscape, and more, you could easily spend a few hours here.
The High Desert Museum brings Oregon’s Indigenous history to life. (Image: Allison Holm)
Lava Caves
Spelunking into a lava cave in the middle of the Oregon Lava Lands is as good a summer bucket list item as any. The Lava River Cave, part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, offers a self-guided, subterranean hike into a mile-long lava tube. No fear, though – it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. $10 will get you a parking pass plus a high-powered rental light for your 2-ish-mile round trip. Leave the strollers and grandparents at home (unless they are very able-bodied); access to the cave requires treading down steep steps, and the terrain is uneven in most places. Bring a jacket; the temps get down into the mid-40s.
Starting the adventure into Lava River Cave. (Image: Allison Holm)
Sunriver Observatory
Learn about the local birds and desert critters during the day and book a stargazing session at night. The Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is the largest publicly accessible observatory in the nation and has been designated an International Dark Sky location (meaning perfect conditions to see a shooting star or two).
Where We Stayed
We’ve always booked through Sunriver Resort when taking our family vacations to Sunriver, Oregon. We appreciate the discounts on amenities, plus access to The Cove. We love the Lodge Village, which offers guest rooms and suites located near The Cove (which came in *very* handy for impromptu swims). We loved the ability to save money and cook in the well-appointed kitchen, and the high loft ceilings were just enough to keep our family of 5 (and two dogs – yes, there are pet-friendly rooms!) from feeling cramped.
From shuffleboard to board games, lodge games are a big reason we choose it each time. (Image: Allison Holm)
Other Options to Consider
- Sunriver Vacation Homes ($$-$$$): Dotted throughout the Sunriver community, these resort-managed homes can accommodate larger groups and, depending on where you are, offer a little more privacy.
- Caldera Springs ($$$): These new luxury vacation homes and cabins include access to Sunriver Resort amenities, plus the Quarry Pool and new Forest House Pools.
What (and Where) to Eat
- Family-friendly restaurants:
- Sunriver Brewing Co.: Craft beer and great food with a family-friendly ambiance. You may need to wait for a table, but window shopping or a quick round of bumper cars are an easy fix to pass the time. With a menu that spans fish n’ chips, sliders, and shareable salads, there will be something for everyone.
- Bend Brewing Co.: Another great family-friendly brewery overlooking Mirror Pond. The menu boasts delish options like smash burgers, Mexican street corn, and Annie’s Bakeshop Pretzels (with beer cheese)!
- Hot Lava Bakery: Grab coffee, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and strudels at this popular bakery.
- Sweet treat stops: Goody’s is an absolute must. A Sunriver mainstay, the ice cream shop has been serving up waffle cones, candies, and gourmet popcorn since 1984.
- Grocery: The Sunriver Country Store is conveniently located in the village, and the best place for last-minute meals and snacks. However, your best bet is to save money and stop in Bend for your kitchen essentials.
Cooling down the sweetest way possible. (Image: Allison Holm)
What We Learned
Make the drive in one go (we have split the trip up before, and I felt it only made it seem longer). Stock up on groceries in Bend before you arrive at Sunriver. The only grocery store in Sunriver is expensive, so when you see the Fred Meyer or Walmart, do yourself a favor and stop!
Know Before You Go
- Best time to visit: Year-round, but for summer activities, June-September is best
- Ideal trip length: 3 – 5 days
- Getting there: Around a 6-hour drive from the Seattle area
- Ideal kid age range: 2–15
- Stroller-friendly: Yes. Flat, paved bike paths and accessible shops, etc.
- Getting around: Bikes are super convenient. Rent one for multiple days. You’ll need a car for excursions outside of the immediate resort area.
- Parent tip: Stock up on essentials and snacks in Bend. Dining out adds up!
