Water Parks & Splash Pads
6 water parks, splash pads, and swimming spots rated and reviewed by families.
🧗 AdventureSmith Rock State Park offers families breathtaking canyon views and adventure-friendly trails that work wonderfully for kids ready to explore the outdoors. While famous for rock climbing, the park's easier riverside trails and iconic viewpoints make it accessible for families, with plenty of spots to picnic while soaking in the dramatic rock formations that tower overhead.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
🛝 PlaygroundDrake Park offers a refreshing departure from typical playgrounds with its natural play area featuring logs, boulders, and organic elements that spark imaginative play. Located along the scenic Deschutes River in downtown Bend, this beloved park combines creative outdoor exploration with beautiful riverside views, making it a must-visit destination for families seeking nature-based play in the heart of the city.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
🌿 NatureNewberry National Volcanic Monument offers families an otherworldly adventure through ancient lava flows, accessible caves, and dramatic volcanic landscapes just south of Bend. Kids will feel like explorers as they walk through lava tubes, climb cinder cones, and discover the powerful forces that shaped this incredible terrain over 7,000 years ago.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
🌿 NatureDeschutes National Forest is Central Oregon's ultimate outdoor classroom, offering over 1.6 million acres of family-friendly adventures just minutes from Bend. From easy nature walks perfect for little legs to pristine lakes for swimming and fishing, this vast wilderness provides endless opportunities for families to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature together.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
🌿 NatureThe Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory offers hands-on exploration of Central Oregon's high desert ecosystem through interactive wildlife exhibits, nature trails, and engaging naturalist programs. Kids can get up close with rescued raptors, learn about local wildlife through touch-and-feel displays, and explore the surrounding botanical gardens while discovering what makes this unique environment special.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
🌿 NatureOregon Badlands Wilderness offers families a unique high desert adventure with miles of easy to moderate hiking trails through stunning volcanic rock formations and juniper forests. Kids will love exploring the otherworldly landscape of twisted lava flows, spotting wildlife like jackrabbits and hawks, and feeling like they're on another planet in this 29,000-acre preserve just minutes from Bend.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →