Skip to main content
Bend Science Station educational institution in Bend, OR
Photo: Emily Wild
View of Bend Science Station in Bend, OR
Photo: William Hyde
View of Bend Science Station in Bend, OR
Photo: William Hyde

Bend Science Station

3.7(9 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1.5-2 hours👶 Best for ages 5-12. Elementary and middle school students will get the most out of the hands-on exhibits, while younger children may enjoy select interactive elements but might find some concepts above their level.

About

The Bend Science Station offers hands-on learning experiences where kids can dive into interactive exhibits exploring physics, geology, and technology. This community-focused science museum encourages children to touch, experiment, and discover through engaging displays that make STEM concepts come alive in ways traditional museums don't.

Highlights

  • Hands-on physics experiments that demonstrate scientific principles through play
  • Interactive geology exhibits showcasing Central Oregon's volcanic landscape
  • Technology stations where kids can build and experiment
  • Educational displays designed to encourage curiosity and critical thinking

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Visit on weekday mornings right at opening (8:30 AM) for the quietest experience and more one-on-one time with exhibits
  2. 2.The museum is closed weekends, so plan your visit during the weekday if you're vacationing in Bend
  3. 3.Parking is available at the location on SW Chandler Ave, but arrive early during school field trip season (spring and fall)
  4. 4.Pack snacks since food options may be limited inside, and plan additional outdoor time at nearby Drake Park
  5. 5.Check their website before visiting as hours may vary for school groups and special programs

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) between 9:00-11:00 AM offer the best experience with fewer crowds. Avoid Monday and Friday afternoons when school groups are more common.

What to Know

Hours are weekdays only (closed weekends). Contact ahead to confirm admission costs and whether any special programs or field trips might affect your visit.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round on weekdays only. A great rainy day activity during Bend's winter months or a morning educational stop before afternoon outdoor adventures in summer.

Nearby Eats

Head to Jackalope Grill (family-friendly American fare) or Pizza Mondo (casual pizza spot popular with families) both within a short drive from the Science Station.

More Activities Near Bend

Museum

High Desert Museum

4.8$$

The High Desert Museum is an exceptional destination where kids can get up close with live animals, explore interactive exhibits about Oregon's high desert ecosystem, and experience hands-on history. With indoor and outdoor spaces featuring live birds of prey demonstrations, a working sawmill, and resident river otters and porcupines, it's both educational and genuinely fun for the whole family.

Restaurant

Roundabout Pizza

$

Roundabout Pizza in Bend, OR is a parent's dream dining destination, combining delicious pizza with built-in entertainment. The casual atmosphere means you won't stress about noise levels, while the arcade games keep kids happily occupied between bites. Generous portions ensure everyone leaves satisfied, and the fun vibe makes it perfect for celebrating birthdays or just surviving a long day of Central Oregon adventures.

Adventure

Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway

Free

This breathtaking 97-mile scenic byway is a choose-your-own-adventure for families, offering countless stops at pristine mountain lakes perfect for skipping stones, building sandcastles, and cooling off with a swim. The route winds through Cascade forests past crystal-clear alpine lakes like Sparks, Elk, and Todd Lake, each offering easy access to beaches, picnic areas, and gentle hiking trails that even little legs can manage.

Adventure

Deschutes River Trail

5.0Free

The Deschutes River Trail offers families a stunning multi-use paved pathway that winds along the Deschutes River through the heart of Bend. With gentle terrain perfect for little legs on bikes or scooters, multiple parks and playgrounds along the route, and breathtaking river views that keep kids engaged, this trail is ideal for active families wanting to explore Bend's natural beauty at their own pace.