How your family can make the most out of three glorious days in Bend, Oregon

(Last updated August 23, 2023)

You chose Bend as your three-day weekend destination, way to go!

We highly recommend making note of the mountain bike, sunset dinner and zip line offerings up at Mt. Bachelor, as well as late season raft trips with Sun Country Tours. For the rest of your weekend planning, we collected a handful of our other favorite activities in Bend and Central Oregon worthy for the whole family!

Hayden Homes Amphitheater

The locally owned Hayden Homes Amphitheater has been bringing world-class music to Bend since 2002, and this summer’s Les Schwab Tires Concert Series line up is no different. And, they still have artists Lindsey Stirling, GOO GOO Dolls and O.A.R., Rick Springfield, KIDZ BOP, The Lumineers. Jelly Roll and Counting Crows still on the horizon. The amphitheater is a family-friendly venue accommodating 8,000 music fans on a grassy infield offering horizon views of the Cascades making this a spectacular space to support live music and top-notch musicians.

High Desert Museum

Wildlife, art, history, living history – the High Desert Museum has it all! Located five minutes south of Bend, the museum sits on 135 acres and features river otters, porcupines, an authentic homestead and sawmill from 1904 as well as seasonal exhibits. Current museum exhibits include the Autzen Otter Exhibit including both outdoor and indoor viewing areas to watch the otters, “Creations of Spirit” a celebratory experience featuring the stories of living works of art from seven Indigenous artists, and “Vistas del Cielo” a  walk through the vibrant world of Justin Favela and the history of Latinx vaqueros.

Wheel Fun Bike Rentals

Rent a Surrey that seats 3-9 people and ride through the Old Mill District and along the river trails. They have surreys, coupes, cruisers and multi-speed bikes, tandem bikes, baby jogger, Norge boards and more. Visit Wheel Fun Rentals for more information and check out all the bike options. Located at the Riverbend Dog Park on Southwest Columbia Street catty-corner to the Old Mill District. Plus, they offer a special happy hour deal – $10 off after 4 p.m.

Confluence Fly Shop

Another experience we love are the casting lessons and fly tying classes at Confluence Fly Shop. Enjoy the scenery along the river while the experts at Confluence Fly Shop teach you how to cast and tie flies. Then laugh about it over a local craft beer at their indoor-outdoor bar at the shop while planning your next adventure.

Boxwood Kitchen

Bend’s Boxwood Kitchen is putting a new, quicker twist on its popular menu this season, catering to family vacations, concertgoers and others with jam-packed schedules. The Old Mill District restaurant is also partnering with Hood River’s pFriem Family Brewers for a summer-long tap takeover.

Wild Child Toy Store

The Old Mill District’s whimsical toy store is home to a selection of beautifully curated and sustainable toys, games and crafts. We’re in love with all the Elsa Beskow books and gorgeous wall hangings owner Keri Travis has stocked her store with. Located next to Evoke Winery and Avalon Salon and Spa in the Old Mill District, this is the go-to spot for something special while you’re here in Central Oregon.

Wanderlust Tours

Wanderlust Tours is the premier destination for outdoor fun in Bend now offering Cascade lakes tours, starlight tours, lava tube cave tours, brews and views tours, and perfect this time of year – kayak tours. The whole family will enjoy paddling along the rolling waters while soaking in the scenery of our forests and rolling rock formations.

Radiant Day Spa

Bring it all home with a revitalizing trip the Radiant Day Spa in the Old Mill District. This desert oasis spa is intermingled with some of Bends most breathtaking views and attractions. You’ll be relaxed and transported to what most have called a wonderful getaway, simply by enjoying one of their many services like a soothing stone massage, a rejuvenating facial or one of our favorites, the Signature Swedish Massage.