Mondays
Homeschool Jump – Midday Fun for Homeschoolers
ACTIVITY – Mountain Air Bend welcomes homeschoolers to a special session which provides a fun, active and social environment where kids can jump, climb and play with friends. Perfect for homeschool groups or individual students, this event encourages physical activity, teamwork and imaginative play, while parents can relax knowing their kids are safe and engaged.
Mountain Air | $14
mountainairbend.com/events/
Mondays – Fridays
Toddler Time Jump
ACTIVITY – Perfect for preschoolers, early learners and active toddlers, Mountain Air Toddler Time encourages physical activity, social interaction and imaginative play in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Watch your little ones thrive in a safe, clean and exciting indoor playground. For children 5 and under. 9am – 12pm.
Mountain Air | $14
mountainairbend.com/events/
Wednesdays
Family Story Time
LEARN – Join in for stories, songs and rhymes designed to support early literacy skill development, social emotional awareness and family engagement. 11:30 – 11:55am.
Deschutes Children’s Foundation | Free
dpl.libnet.info/event/15036233
Wednesdays and Saturdays
Winter In-Depth Observatory Program – Through February 28
LEARN – Seek the stars with the nation’s largest collection of publicly accessible telescopes. Two-hour sessions start with an educational presentation, followed by night sky viewing through various telescopes with staff astronomers and a guided constellation tour. All sessions will take place regardless of weather or visibility and activities may be modified as weather warrants. Capacity for each session is limited. Recommended for
ages six and up. 7 – 8:30pm.
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory | $24-$28
snco.org
Thursdays
Board Game Social Club
GAMES – Join the fun from 6-10pm. Bring your friends, family or come alone and make some new friends. Play games from the library, have some drinks and enjoy a great time.
Modern Games | Free
moderngamesbend.com/
Snowshoe with a Ranger – Saturdays & Sundays Through March 22
ACTIVITY – Discover Your Forest offers donation-based 90-minute interpretive tours through late March. Learn about winter ecology at Mt. Bachelor, the geology of Central Oregon, the Deschutes National Forest watershed and the plants and animals found throughout this area while on a snowshoe hike led by U.S. Forest Service Volunteer Rangers. 10am and 1pm.
Mt. Bachelor, West Village Base Area | Free
mtbachelor.com/events-activities/winter-activities/snowshoeing
Teen Open Mic Night at the OAC – February 19 (Every 3rd Thursday)
EVENT – Calling all Central Oregon teens! Take the stage for a night of creativity and community. Share your music, poetry, comedy, dance or any other stage-worthy talent in a welcoming, supportive space. Come perform or just
cheer on your fellow teen artists! Bonus points if you incorporate
the library’s monthly theme.
Ages 12-18. 5 – 7pm
The Open Arts Center | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
February 19 – 22
Shrek the Musical
THEATER – Shrek the Musical is a stage adaptation of the 2001 animated film, “Shrek,” based on William Steig’s 1990 book. The musical follows the story of Shrek, a reclusive ogre who embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona to reclaim the deed to his swamp. Along the way, he befriends a talkative donkey and discovers that Fiona harbors a magical secret of her own. The musical blends humor, heart and catchy songs to explore themes of self-acceptance, friendship and love, celebrating the idea that beauty comes in many forms.
Summit High | $15 – $20
beatchildrenstheatre.org/
February 19-22 & 26-28
Spring Awakening
THEATER – Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Spring Awakening” explores the pressures and desires of adolescence. With a contemporary rock score that shook Broadway and transformed the musical theater genre, the play contrasts its 19th century German setting with an electric energy that jumps off the stage. Ponderosa Players is proud to be carrying the torch, which is to tell these powerful, transparent stories through the eyes of young performers. This show is recommended for audiences ages 15+, parental discretion is advised.
Ponderosa Playhouse | $20 – $30
ponderosaplayers.com
February 20 & 27, March 6 & 13
Fun with Clay
LEARN – Create something new each class including animals, imaginative creatures, bowls and so much more. Learn hand-building skills and techniques and glaze your pieces with bright colors. The fee includes one child and one required accompanying adult.
Harmon Park Studio | Prices vary
bendparkandrec.org
February 20, March 20, April 3 & 17
Stargazing at Fork Rock
OUTDOORS – Enjoy a stunning sunset hike at Fort Rock followed by a night of immersive stargazing. Fort Rock is an incredible stargazing destination, lying just north of the newly designated Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Wanderlust Tours | $140
wanderlusttours.com/special-events#fort-rock-2
February 25
Kids Intro to Welding
LEARN – In this hands-on class, kids will cut steel with a torch and weld pieces back together. They’ll learn some amazing skills and take their creations home. This can be a powerful experience they won’t soon forget! Beginners and intermediate beginners are welcome and will progress in their skill level. 5 – 7pm.
DIY Cave | $89
diycave.com/classes/kids-welding
February 25
Kids Woodworking: Build a Birdhouse
LEARN – Get creative in this fun, hands-on workshop where young makers will build and decorate their own birdhouse. Kids will receive all the materials and step-by-step guidance they need to introduce them to the joy of woodworking and design, while creating something of their own. This project is perfect for kids of all skill levels.5:30 – 8:30pm
DIY Cave | $99
diycave.com/classes
February 26
Museum & Me
EXPLORE – This event provides a quieter time for children and adults who experience physical, intellectual and/or social disabilities to enjoy the High Desert Museum after hours. Explore the museum’s newest exhibits and revisit your favorites. Sensory packs are available to borrow with headphones, fidgets and more.
High Desert Museum | Free
highdesertmuseum.org/events/museum-me/
February 27
Pokémon Day
EVENT – Calling all Pokémon fans. It’s Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, and you’re invited to the party! Every year on February 27, Pokémon fans around the world celebrate Pokémon Day to commemorate the release of the very first Pokémon video games in Japan. Celebrate with battles, trading, snacks and more. 2:30 – 5pm.
Redmond Library | Free
dpl.libnet.info/event/15504118
February 28
Puzzle Swap
EVENT – Bring your gently-used puzzles (no missing pieces) in the original box and take home new-to-you puzzles to enjoy. You’re also welcome to take a puzzle even if you don’t have one to swap. Puzzles for all ages and of all sizes will be accepted, if they are in good condition. This is an all-ages program—everyone is welcome! 12 – 2pm.
Larkspur Community Center | Free
dpl.libnet.info/event/15446717
February 28
High Desert Museum Free Day
EXPLORE – Everyone gets in free! Come to this wonderful museum of exhibits, live animals, raptors, nature experiences, trails and so much more. 10am – 4pm.
High Desert Museum | Free
highdesertmuseum.org
March 6
Music Together Central Oregon
ACTIVITY – Join this early childhood music and movement program for children ages 0-5 and their grownups. The early childhood music curriculum has decades of research behind it, in both music education and child development. These classes help little ones develop their innate musicality and show parents and caregivers how to help their children become confident music-makers.10:30 – 11:15am
Sisters Library | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
March 6
Piano Flow Live at Meissner Ski Park
OUTDOORS – Ski the candlelit trails under the stars, while award-winning pianist, Paula Dreyer, serenades you with her beautiful piano music. Nordic ski or snowshoe and celebrate the season in the great outdoors while listening to a live piano performance! 6 – 7pm or 7 – 8pm.
Virginia Meissner Sno Park | $20-$40
pauladreyer.com
Mar 10
Artrageous
EVENT – Buckle up and get ready for the road trip of your life with Artrageous! This 5-star, internationally touring show has fans raving. Embark on an unforgettable journey where every turn reveals a new adventure. Enjoy a visual concert that blends the mesmerizing music of Artrageous’ original recording artists and composers with dynamic live art by award-winning artists. 7:30pm
Tower Theatre | $24 – $44 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee)
towertheatre.org
March 12 (Sunriver) & 26 (Sisters)
Needle Felt Fungus
CRAFT – Looking to expand your hobbies and learn needle felting? With a bit of wool and a special needle, this workshop will guide you into creating a beautiful three-dimensional mushroom. It can be used to create ornaments, mini habitat displays or just for general decoration. Ages 13-18
Sisters and Sunriver Libraries | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
March 1
Kids Ninja Warrior Competition
EVENT – Get ready for this adrenaline-pumping competition, which is an area qualifier for the UNAA Season 10. Participants will take on a thrilling array of ninja challenges designed to test their skills. Each kid athlete will get a shot at navigating the obstacle course with expert judges scoring points and time. There will also be a 30-minute open gym.
Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play | Price varies
freespirityoganinjaplay.com/events
March 13
Page to Screen Family Movie Night: Wild Robot
MOVIE – Enjoy this heartfelt story based on The Wild Robot series by American author and illustrator Peter Brown about a robot named Roz shipwrecked on a remote island. Chaos ensues when Roz is accidentally activated by local wildlife. Eventually Roz finds purpose in raising an orphaned gosling and prepares him to spread his wings for winter migration. Appropriate for all ages. 6 – 8pm. Free tickets are required and will be available to the public at the Tower Theatre website three weeks before the program.
Tower Theatre | Free
dpl.libnet.info/event/15149350
March 13 – 15
Kids Yoga Training | Tweens & Teens
ACTIVITY – Live or work with tweens and teens? Join us for a fun, insightful weekend filled with self-acceptance tools, anti-bullying strategies, teamwork building and compassionate communication. This course will be a mixture of lecture, discussion and mindful games. No experience in yoga or meditation is necessary. Friday 5:30 – 8:30pm, Saturday 11am – 6pm, Sunday 12 – 4pm.
Namaspa | $195
namaspa.com/yami-children-s-yoga-teacher-traini
March 14
EGG-tastic Baskets!
CRAFT – Hop on over to the library. Create and decorate a spring basket, while listening to egg-cellent music. Play games and make seasonal crafts. Registration is required. This activity is geared towards kids 3-11 years old. 1:30 – 3pm.
Redmond Library | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
Winter Carnival at HooDoo
EVENT – Come for the premiere event of the season! Winter Carnival has been a tradition at Hoodoo for 40+ years and includes several free events (no lift ticket required) including the ax throwing booth, frisbee golf, musical chairs, three-legged obstacle race, team tube race, hula-hoop contest, snow sculpture contest and more! The lifts are open 9am – 9pm. There are always a special dinner menu and professional fireworks
on the mountain.
Hoodoo Ski Resort | Free
hoodoo.com/event/winter-carnival-presented-by-coenergy-propane-and-crux/
Lucky Leprechaun 5K, 10K Run or Walk
RUN – Don’t miss this fun run through the charming town of Sisters. Grab your green gear and run, walk, skip or trot this chip -timed race! Enjoy the Irish finisher party in the grassy knoll thanks to Luckey’s Woodsman and Sisters Meat and Smokehouse. Strollers, dogs and kids are welcome! Register by March 1 and receive a beanie or scarf.
Sisters – Near Luckey’s Woodsman | Free-$35
runsistersrun.com/
Pop Up Exhibits with the Children’s Museum of Central Oregon
EXPLORE – Come check out some favorite exhibits during this open playtime. Experiment, create, collaborate and explore! Children’s Museum of Central Oregon is on a mission to inspire curiosity and creativity through hands-on, open-ended exploration and play. Ages 0-11 with a caregiver are welcome. 1 – 2:30pm
Larkspur Community Center | Free
dpl.libnet.info/event/15323468
March 15
Prineville Paddy Pint Run
RUN – Head to Prineville for this family fun race sponsored by the Brace Place. Choose your distance, bring the kids and even the dog! Race distances include the two-mile, 5K and 10K options. Kids five and under are free. Proceeds benefit the Tooth Taxi, Crook County Foundation and initiatives to encourage healthy lifestyles in Crook County.
Pioneer Park Prineville | Prices vary
paddypintrun.com
Absolutely Incredible Kid Day!
EVENT – Help Camp Fire celebrate “Absolutely Incredible Kid Day” and Camp Fire’s birthday! Teens will help with setting up at the Pavilion, running party games, crafts, serving cake, helping kids with ice skates and cleaning up. Free skates will be provided for teens to ice skate as well. We encourage teens to bring their own skates and helmets. 11:30am – 4pm.
The Pavilion | Free
campfireco.org
March 19
Pokémon Club
EVENT – If you are a big fan of Pokémon, then join this attendee-led club. We will be trading cards, have activities and talking all things Pokémon. Bring your friends, family or rivals, and come see where the Pokémon universe will take you. No registration required.
Rosie Bareis Campus | Free
dpl.libnet.info/event/15414687
March 21
Sunset Snowshoe
OUTDOORS – Embark on a guided snowshoe tour through the old growth forests on the lower flanks of Mt. Bachelor. Join local author and historian Glenn Voelz for the hour-and-half interpretive tour that discusses natural and cultural history while exploring the spectacular alpine scenery. The tour covers a two-mile route that gently climbs to a stunning high point for sunset, pauses for a trailside hot chocolate break and returns to the Nordic Lodge at dusk. Enjoy light snacks and conversation as you warm up by the cozy wood stove. Be sure to bring a headlamp! 4 – 7pm.
Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center | $59
mtbachelor.com/nordic/events/sunset-snowshoe-tour-5/
March 27 – 29
Subaru Winterfest
OUTDOORS – Enjoy this one-of-a-kind music and mountain lifestyle tour that invites friends, family, skiers, snowboarders and dog-lovers to bask in their love of winter and adventure! Come enjoy live music, Subaru swag, the latest in adventure gear, free snacks and beverages, activities for your pup and amazing daily giveaways!
Mt. Bachelor | Free
mtbachelor.com/events-activities/events/events-calendar/subaru-winterfest-2025
Big Wave Challenge
OUTDOORS – Join Mt Bachelor in celebrating the 14th year of the Big Wave Challenge hosted by legendary big wave surfer, Gerry Lopez. This event is a snowboard contest held on a custom-built course, featuring a series of sweeping banked corners, quarter pipes and spines, all incorporating the natural terrain. The result is a series of wave-like features linked up along a flowing course that brings the surf to the mountains!
Mt. Bachelor | Prices vary
mtbachelor.com/events-activities/events/events-calendar/big-wave-challenge/
April 1 – 4
High Desert Stampede
EVENT – Check out this fast-paced, entertaining event. Avid rodeo fans will enjoy the world champion athletes and animals. Even if you’re just looking for a fun evening, come join the party! Kids under 11 are free.
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center | $25
highdesertstampede.com
April 2
Drum Tao
EVENT – Established in 1993, with the dream of creating the best show in the world using “Wadaiko (Japanese drums)”, the instrument which has a very unique variety of sound expressions, Drum Tao set their base at Oita, Japan and started creating their own music, stage set-ups and costumes to produce their one and only world of entertainment. Show starts at 7:30pm.
Tower Theatre | $39 – $59 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee)
towertheatre.org
April 4
The Cascade Crest Nordic Race & Tour
OUTDOORS – Check out this Nordic ski event which boasts four different race distances. The 25k is an adventure that winds through the Mt. Bachelor trail system, out to the Todd Lake Road, and back into Dutchman Flat Meadow with picturesque views along the way. The 12.5k event is a shorter loop that shares a portion of the 25k course. The 5k course takes a short loop through the beautiful Dutchman Flat Meadow. All ages welcome. Races start at 9am.
MBSEF | $25-$60
mbsef.org/cascadecrest/
April 5
Nordic Easter Egg Hunt
OUTDOORS – Head to Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center on Easter morning for a family-friendly Easter egg hunt on the ski trails. Colorful eggs with tasty treats will be hidden all over The Upper Trails and will be visible from the groomed trails—look in the snow and up in the trees! Participants must be on skis (or pulled behind) and have a valid trail pass to participate. Be sure to bring a backpack or basket to collect the eggs. Fun and festive outfits are highly encouraged! Easter eggs will be replenished from 10am – 1pm.
Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center | Free with pass
mtbachelor.com/nordic/events/nordic-easter-egg-hunt/
April 6
Preschool Story Time
LEARN – Join us for stories, songs and rhymes designed to support early literacy skill development, social emotional awareness and family engagement. You and your child will hear great stories while also becoming more familiar with letter sounds, rhyming, vocabulary and print. Plus, there will be directions to follow, which will help prepare for kindergarten.
Deschutes Historical Museum | Free
deschuteslibrary.org
April 10-12
Great Northwest BMX Nationals
EVENT – Enjoy one of the premier indoor experiences in BMX. This event features perfectly groomed dirt, climate-controlled comfort and stadium-style seating that puts you right on top of the action.
Deschutes County Expo Center | prices vary
expo.deschutes.org/
April 11
Babysitters Training
LEARN – Whether you are gearing up to take care of siblings or thinking of making a little extra cash as a babysitter, you won’t want to miss this educational and hands-on learning experience. Youth in 5th-8th grades learn important babysitting skills, including basic childcare, first aid and safety measures, engaging games and activities, as well as some food preparation skills. Participants also learn job ethics and how to present themselves in a professional manner. 9am – 5pm.
Camp Fire Central Oregon, Sunlight Solar Bldg | Free
campfireco.org
April 18
Salmon Run
RUN – Kick off the 2025 race season with this exciting Oregon tradition and one of the oldest races in Bend. Draw inspiration from the iconic salmon of the Pacific Northwest, while joining hundreds of runners on their own journeys along the beautiful Deschutes River. With three distances: 5K, 10K and half marathon, there is a race for everyone. All ages welcome. No dogs, please.
Riverbend Park | Prices vary
bendraces.com/salmon-run/
April 25
Teen Connects: Earth Day Fair
EVENT – Help Camp Fire celebrate Earth Day! Teens will help Camp Fire at the fair by setting up, running a fun obstacle course game and cleaning up. Please choose a shift: 9:30am – 12:30pm, 12 – 2pm, 1:30 – 4:30pm.
Troy Field | Free
campfireco.org
May 12
360 AllStars
EVENT – A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 AllStars connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record holding artists and athletes, 360 AllStars is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture. 7pm
Tower Theatre | $39 – $59 (plus $8 Historic Preservation fee)
towertheatre.org
CAMPS
March 23-26
Skate & Scooter Camp
Ages 6-17
Come shred with the best! Each day focuses on progression, safety and fun. Learn new skills and tricks while developing balance, control and confidence with guidance from experienced local coaches in a supportive outdoor environment. Scooter or skateboard, helmet and pads are required. Bring a water bottle, snack and sack lunch too. Program is weather-dependent. Old Ponderosa Skatepark, 10am – 2pm.
Cost: $285 (in district), $342 (out of district)
bendparksandrec.org
March 23-27
Wildheart Outdoor Camps
Ages 6-12
Time and play in nature are vital for healthy child development. Wildheart Nature School offers transformational experiences through their camps in the beautiful wild lands of Central Oregon. Each day of camp features a different theme that will teach kids about the earth and themselves. Choose between these exciting adventures: March 23: Mind Craft Shelter Building, March 24: Hobbit and Faerie Finders, March 25: Special Ops Survivors, March 26: Juniper Jedis, March 27: Witches and Wizards. Skyliner Lodge, 9am – 3:30pm.
Cost: $77/day
wildheartnatureschool.com/kid-portal/spring-break-camp/
Abstract In Motion – Parkour Camp
Ages: 7-14
Give your kid a week of movement, confidence, and pure fun this spring break. This full-day camp focuses on progressive parkour skills, safe spotting, run-building, games and themed challenges all taught by experienced Aim Parkour coaches in a supportive, small-group environment. Abstract In Motion, 9am – 3pm.
Cost: $500 (in district), $600 (out of district)
bendparksandrec.org
High Desert Museum: Animal Myths Camp
Grades 3-5
Can porcupines shoot their quills? Are bats blind? Why do owls symbolize wisdom? Explore the science behind famous animal myths and find out answers to common misconceptions about animals. High Desert Museum, 9am – 3pm. Extended care offered: 3 – 5pm.
Cost: $350 or $425 with extended care (10% discount for members)
highdesertmuseum.org
Campfire: Pack Your Passports to Explore Wild Wonders
Kindergarten-5th grades
Over Spring Break, “travel” with Camp Fire as we globetrot, learning all about animal science and habitats. We’ll focus on how animals adapt to their environments and, through engaging activities, grow our understanding around food chains, endangered species, habitats and eco-tourism! Join Camp Fire for one or more days of camp! Amity Creek School, 9am – 3pm, Extended care offered:
3 – 5:30pm.
Cost: $80/day, plus $14/day for extended care
campfireco.org/nsdc-bend/
This article appears in Bend Nest Spring 2026.
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