Living in Bend we enjoy year-round access to outings that remind us that adventure is a state of mind. As parents, we can instill a love for exploration by challenging ourselves to plan a variety of activities with our children.

From nature walks to ice cream shops there are an infinite number of possibilities for everyday excursions conducive to memory-making.

Need a few ideas to get you started? We’ve gathered 6 activities to spark your imagination for this weekend and beyond:

Ben & Jerry’s Ice cream is always a hit for the young and young at heart.

Discover the thrill of the chill with Mt. Bachelor Jr. Snow Ranger Events. Offered on February 22, and March 15 from 1 – 3p. Children of all ages are welcome to this free program. Donations are accepted and benefit the Discover Your Forest programs.

The 20th annual Eagle Watch celebration will be held Feb. 21-22 at Round Butte Overlook Park and The Cove Palisades State Park in Central Oregon. This free event honors eagles and other raptors that live in the Lake Billy Chinook area.  Plan a fun family weekend event where you can get up close to a golden eagle or a great horned owl, talk to birds of prey experts, watch a tribal drumming and dance performance and more.

Happy Camping: Get ready for your next family excursion by creating a list of provisions. If new tents, sleeping bags and other supplies are needed you could always hit up REI together for their Gear Sale now underway.

High Desert Museum is always high on the list for family entertainment. Their Out On A Limb Exhibit continues through March 29th and is highly recommended. Developed by the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, Out on a Limb provides interactive, sensory and creative ways to interact with nature without going outside in the winter.

Take a mini Culinary Tour of Italian food by going to Flatbread Community Oven where kiddos can make their own pizzas and enjoy a taste of locally made Bonta Gelato.

Kids make their own pizzas at Flatbread Community Oven

Adults enjoy a great selection of craft beers, wine and spirits and a full menu of savory dishes including gluten free options. 

Enjoy Dinner & a Movie with your cuties. There are a number of family friendly movies newly released including Paddington and the Spongebob movie. For current listings visit Fandango. Remember that you can take your ticket stubs in to Pastini Pastaria and receive a discount on your dinner.

We’d love to hear some of your favorite family activities. Leave a tip in the comments. If we share yours, you will receive an Old Mill District Gift Certificate.