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. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mountain Air | $14 mountainairbend.com/events/ […]
Bend Nest
Bend Nest is a place to discuss, consider and laugh about all that parenting brings. A quarterly magazine produced by some of the finest writers, editors and photographers in Central Oregon, Bend Nest is smart and informed.
Posted inCalendar
Summer Camps 2026
There’s something for everyone!
School’s out and it’s time for kids to connect and have fun in the sun! Check out our comprehensive guide to summer camps and activities— you’re sure to find plenty to keep the wild ones happily busy all break long. Pro Tip: Most camps fill quickly, so don’t wait to sign up. Abstract in Motion CampAges 6 and up abstract-in-motion.com541-797-8122 Apex […]
Posted inBest of the Nest
The Gear Fix
Best Children’s Activity Consignment Store
Interview with owner, Josh Sims You have a unique business that fills a niche here in Bend. Can you describe what you do? We are a service-based business that falls into two different categories: consignment and service & repair. The soul of the shop is to keep gear going while also providing the best items […]
Posted inBend Nest
All the Buzz
Beekeeping in the High Desert
Amazingly, Oregon is home to over 800 species of bees, a stunning figure that may surprise readers. Although most of those 800 are wild bees and not the ones we associate with honey production, all are native pollinators that play a huge role in keeping local ecosystems healthy by helping plants reproduce, which is crucial […]
Posted inCulture
Eyes on the Sky
Balloons Over Bend expands offerings for the whole family
If you’re looking for a fun, family event, you need only look to the sky! The annual Balloons Over Bend is quickly approaching, with the festivities kicking off Friday, July 24 and concluding Sunday, July 26. “I think Balloons Over Bend is a magical event,” commented Julia Gilley, Event Director for Lay It Out Events. […]
Posted inKid's Corner
Dream Big
Kids’ subscription kits delivered straight to your door
Monthly subscription kits for kids—with toys, crafts, science experiments, cooking and so much more—are all the rage these days, and for good reason. With supplies all bundled in one place and clear instructions on what to make or do, these convenient mail-to-your-doorstep boxes pack a ton of fun for a relatively affordable cost. Summer break […]
Posted inOutdoors
Summer Swim Spots for a Cool Off
From day use beaches to stay-cations
This summer, whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or just a day at the beach, Central Oregon has no shortage of family-friendly locations, perfect for swimming, floating or boating with the whole crew. When it’s time to beat the heat, look no further than our own backyard. We have compiled a list of […]
Posted inBookshelf
You are a Burst of Color
Recommended by Paige Bentley-Flannery, Community Librarian, Deschutes Public Library
By Choi Sook-Hee. Translated by Jieun Kiaer and Sarah Kiaer What colors will you see today and what feelings will you discover in a rainbow? This is a dazzling picture book for the whole family. It’s filled with brilliant yellows, fiery reds, new blue, cozy brown and other brilliant colors. “Clear blue arrives once a storm […]
Posted inBookshelf
Goldfinches
Recommended by Paige Bentley-Flannery, Community Librarian, Deschutes Public Library
By Mary Oliver, Art by Melissa Sweet Do you hear the birds singing? Readers young and young-at-heart will feel like they are in nature while reading this poetry picture book. Discover a new poem filled with the wonder of birds, spring, summer, trees and nests. Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver creates a unique perspective shown […]
Posted inBest of the Nest
R.A.D. Camps
Best Day Camp & Best Summer Camp
Interview with Owner, Chance Caruso With so many kids’ programs and day camps in Bend, what sets R.A.D. Camps apart from the rest? R.A.D. Camps has deep roots in Central Oregon and a philosophy that still feels rare: real free play in real places. We’ve been doing this since 2008, and instead of keeping kids […]
