Local favorite, Bend Summer Festival, is kicking off the 2026 season with a fresh new schedule and a new title sponsor. The 2026 Hixon Mortgage Bend Summer Festival returns to downtown Bend May 29–31 marking the event’s first-ever move to late May. The new dates set the scene for ideal early-summer weather which will better support […]
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 inNews
Mt. Bachelor to Open Trailhead Lodge— Another reason to stay and play in Central Oregon
Mt. Bachelor, known for being one of the hottest winter ski and snowboard destinations in Oregon, will soon be in the lodging business. Come summertime the mountain transforms from snow to dirt creating an adventure lover’s playground. Visitors can glide through the sky on the Northwest’s fastest zipline, enjoy views from a chairlift ride up […]
Posted inExpert Q&A
Expert Q&A with Dr. Cate Quas
Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist for Bluefish Dental and Orthodontics
My son is six years old and still sucks his thumb. We are working on helping him lose the habit, but it hasn’t been easy. Q: Will my son’s thumb sucking hurt his teeth long term? A: The short answer is: it depends on how long and with what intensity the habit has persisted and […]
Posted inBend Nest
Editor’s Note, Summer 2026
Birds are singing and the sun is shining!
Onward to summer! We have an exciting issue for you, including one of our favorite features: Best of the Nest. Read all about this year’s winners in a variety of categories and remember to support the local businesses that go that extra mile for Central Oregon families. Have you ever thought about trying your hand […]
Posted inBend Nest
Best of the Nest Ballot 2026
Cast your vote by 5pm, March 20!
Every spring, we gear up for our annual Best of the Nest ballot issue, and this year, we can’t wait for the tally! Here’s where you voiceyour opinion s for all your faves across Central Oregon. Who’s your favorite pediatrician? Kids’ clothing store? Best summer camp? We love hearing from you, and we also love […]
Posted inBookshelf
Together we are Sunshine
Recommended by Paige Bentley-Flannery, Community Librarian, Deschutes Public Library
Haala and Sanaa and Munira are sisters. They are three different ages—so can they work together as a team? Explore the sun and skip through the grass. Listen to the wind’s music. Dance, tiptoe to the lily pond and climb the tree. This is an adventurous and heartwarming story about nature, playing outside and the […]
Posted inTrending
A Different Type of Travel
Volunteering Abroad for the Whole Family
Here, in Central Oregon, local volunteer opportunities are plentiful, both for children and adults, and range in variety from animal welfare to community events to farming tasks and more. Participating in any of these activities has countless benefits for the whole family. Not only do we help others and make a meaningful impact in our […]
Posted inBend Nest
Bend Nest Spring Calendar 2026
Mondays Homeschool Jump – Midday Fun for HomeschoolersACTIVITY – 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 […]
Posted inCulture
Once Upon a Time…
Local Theater Company Presents “Shrek, The Musical, JR”
Celebrating its 20th season this year, BEAT Children’s Theatre is excited to present “Shrek, The Musical, JR,” by David Lindsay-Abaire, with music by Jeanine Tesori. This February 20 – 22, BEAT actors will take the stage with this hilarious, touching and joyful story of Shrek and his fairy tale friends on a journey to find love, […]
Posted inHealth
Self-Expression with a Touch of Caution
Navigating the world of beauty products for your tween or teen
Most parents remember that iconic moment in middle school or beyond when they were first allowed to wear make-up and finally dip their toes into the world of beauty products. Kids today have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing their look, including vibrant hair color, extensive skin cleansing products and bold […]
