Our beautiful state is filled with opportunities to learn, play, and make memories together. Whether your family loves nature, museums, or simply relaxing together, Oregon offers an experience for every age and interest. When it comes to fun things to do in Oregon with family, the list is almost endless!
Central Oregon is especially appealing for families. This region is defined by dramatic landscapes, outdoor adventures, and vibrant small towns. Located on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountain range, the high desert terrain and volcanic peaks are set against wide open skies. The charming town of Bend is the heart of Central Oregon, a lively hub on the Deschutes River.
Of course, after your explorations, it’s always lovely to return to a comfortable home base. At Historic Gilchrist Waterfront Resort, our Oregon cabins provide the perfect place to relax and reconnect. With a pool, hot tubs, and fun yard games, it’s easy to balance excitement with downtime on your family getaway. Staying at our resort is one of the most fun things to do in Oregon! Book your stay today.
Epic family Adventures: Fun Things to do in Oregon
Year-round recreation draws many visitors to Central Oregon. In winter, Mt. Bachelor is one of the largest ski areas in the Northwest. In summer, hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding on lakes, or exploring caves are just some of the outdoor fun things to do in Oregon. The region also has golf courses, scenic byways, and plenty of family-friendly attractions.
The Central Oregon region is packed with activities that make traveling with kids both fun and easy. Families can enjoy outdoor beauty, hands-on museums, and indoor fun that will keep everyone entertained. Here’s our list of the top ten fun things to do in Oregon with family:
- The High Desert Museum is one of the best things to do on a day trip to Bend. This award-winning family favorite immerses visitors in the region’s art, history, culture, wildlife, and conservation efforts, celebrating the diverse people and landscapes of the high desert.
- A visit to the Old Mill District in Bend has something for everyone. The historic mill buildings have been converted into an outdoor retail space with shopping, restaurants, and a beautiful riverfront trail. Kids will love Wild Child and the Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe.
- Petersen Rock Garden is a unique stop when looking for fun things to do in Oregon with family. Built by hand with colorful stones, the garden features whimsical sculptures, bridges, and towers that spark curiosity for all ages.
- Bond with family while you solve the Curse on the Emerald Seas escape room at Puzzle Effect. Spot clues, crack codes, or piece together puzzles, encouraging communication and cooperation.
- A visit to the Deschutes Historical Museum, located in the historic Reid School building, allows visitors to explore the rich local history and culture of this region. Exhibits focus on prehistory, Native American tribes, explorers, pioneers, the logging industry, and more.
- If you are looking for an indoor activity, check out the all-ages Vector Volcano Arcade. They have a selection of the best arcade and pinball games of the ’80s and ’90s in a family-friendly environment.
- The Redmond Caves are a fascinating stop for families seeking fun things to do in Oregon. They offer an easy way to explore lava tubes formed thousands of years ago. Kids will love the sense of adventure as they wander through these natural underground passages.
- Smith Rock State Park has cliffs to climb, trails to conquer, and views that’ll make your jaw drop! It’s easy to see why this park draws climbers from around the world.
- If your family is animal-loving, check out Crescent Moon Ranch, where you can meet alpacas and learn about life on the ranch.
- Visit the Pumpkin Patch at DD Ranch for family fun. Visit the petting zoo, find the perfect pumpkin, take a hay ride, and so much more.
Book the Best Oregon Cabins for Your Next Family Vacation
After a day filled with fun things to do in Oregon with family, returning to our resort is a treat in itself. Designed with families in mind, we offer a wide array of resort activities, providing fun for all ages. Whether relaxing in a hot tub, playing basketball on the sports court, or paddling on the lake, you’ll find so many fun things to do with your family at our Oregon Cabins.
Our cabins offer comfort and convenience, making them the ideal place to rest between adventures. Whether you’ve spent the day hiking at Smith Rock, visiting the High Desert Museum, or hitting the slopes at Mt. Batchelor Ski Resort, you’ll appreciate coming back to a welcoming, comfortable space in a beautiful location.
Each cabin is thoughtfully designed. Spacious layouts, cozy furnishings, and family-friendly amenities ensure everyone has room to unwind. When you book your stay at our Oregon cabins, you’re choosing a getaway that’s filled with play, adventure, and plenty of time to be together. We also have a full vacation rental house, ideal for larger groups, family reunions, and events. Reserve your cabin now.