Best of the Nest 2025
The votes are tallied and the winners are here! Thanks to the hundreds of readers who voted. We are proud to announce the best businesses that deliver the gold standard to families and children in our community. Cheers! Click here to view the winners!
They’ll Be Hooked
Central Oregon is blessed with numerous beautiful, healthy bodies of water, many of which are world renown fishing spots. Our rivers like the Deschutes, Crooked, Metolius and the McKenzie, not to mention over 150 lakes, streams and ponds, all have their own distinct ecosystem. Introducing children to the great outdoors and these ecosystems opens up…
Expert Q & A: Sean Minnard, co-founder of Apogee Bend
Q: How has education changed over the years in this country? What have teachers and parents learned regarding how children thrive best in the school environment? A: Unfortunately, traditional education hasn’t changed. Public and private schools still focus heavily on academics and don’t focus on the whole human or preparing kids to be future adults.…
BendNest Summer Editor’s Note
As summer approaches, there’s a certain buzz in the air. Here in Central Oregon, we perhaps experience the magic more intensely, since our winter tends to linger and overstay its welcome a bit. Now, the days are sunny and warm, and once again our humble town transforms into a river-floating mecca where every day feels…
Always a Good Time
Nothing says summer like packing up the cooler and heading out to a festival. Although Central Oregon is famous for hosting some of the best music and special events festivals, with kids in tow, it’s a whole different ball game. Before you go, knowing what to expect and what to bring can ensure your family…
Ponderosa Players Take the Stage this Summer with the Broadway Hit Musical, “Guys and Dolls”
This coming June, Ponderosa Players brings the magic of Broadway to Central Oregon with “Guys and Dolls,” featuring a talented cast of 20 young performers, ages 11 to 18. Co-directed by founders Kisky Holwerda and Dash Conant, and choreographed by Holwerda, this production offers a delightful mix of nostalgia and modern flair. This production will…
Chill Out!
These easy-to-make frozen treats are a two-for-one win – providing a fun, engaging kitchen project on the one hand, while enjoying what you made the next day. Made with simple ingredients that you likely have on hand, these recipes require nothing more than mixing, a bit of blending, dipping and freezing – minimal effort for…
Oregon Zoo Welcomes Baby Tula-Tu
Did you know that the Oregon Zoo recently welcomed a new baby elephant to the family? Last month the youngster made her debut appearance outdoors much to the delight of zoo staff and visitors. Guests can see the new baby, named Tula-Tu, in her indoor habitat, Forest Hall, during the day and may be able…
Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play
Interview with Rachel Augustine, Co-Owner Will you tell us a little about your kids’ yoga program? Kids yoga has been at the heart of Free Spirit since we opened in 2019. As a mom, longtime yoga teacher and someone with a background in art and design, I created the program to help kids grow into…
Oregon Ranks Worst in Country for Unsheltered Homeless Children
Among the grim statistics in a recent housing report released by the state of Oregon, one sticks out as the most sobering: Oregon ranks first in the nation for unsheltered homelessness among families with children. While the statistics are striking, homeless advocates say they are likely a vast underestimate of a problem that can be…
Mudpies and Lullabies
Interview with Alissa Guthrie, Co-Owner Mudpies and Lullabies has been a mainstay in Bend for a long time. What is the history of the school? Yes, Mudpies and Lullabies has been a mainstay of early childhood education in Bend for almost 30 years! Founded by Anne Williams on the belief that children learn best through…
Bend Parks and Recreation District
Interview with Becky Rexford, BPRD Sports Program & Athletic Fields Manager With so many youth sports organizations in Bend, what sets BPRD apart from the rest? BPRD has been around since 1974 and has made great connections with many, many people in the community. The district has the benefit of being able to serve many…
BEAT Children’s Theatre
Interview with Bree Beal, Executive Director How long has BEAT been around? Was it difficult to gain a foothold in the community? BEAT Children’s Theatre started in 2006, so we are just about to kick off our 20th season! Our little nonprofit has been growing every year since its inception. We currently serve around 500-600…
Oregon Proposes Crackdown on Smart Phones in Schools
A proposed bill in the Oregon legislature aims to restrict the use of cell phones in schools statewide. The bipartisan bill is intended to cut down on student distractions, social media incidents and other limitations schools are grappling with in an age of cell phone addiction. While Central Oregon school districts already have certain policies in…
Nest Bookshelf: Good Golden Sun
Good Golden Sun By Brendan Wenzel Are you ready to play? The mysteries of light are glowing in the dark. Readers will learn how the sun touches all aspects of life on earth. From animals, to plants, to soil, the sun impacts all life around it. What questions would you ask the sun or the…
Nest Bookshelf: Hello, Sun
Hello, Sun By Julie Downing What colors will you see in the sunshine? The days are filled with colors from morning to night. Do you see silver, yellow or pale light? Ladybugs, rabbits, squirrels and sleepy bears greet the day and night. Listen to the sounds around you. As night appears in warm colors of…
The Hood River Fruit Loop
Last year, when my family took a road trip to the Hood River Fruit Loop, we were hooked. In fact, after filling our bags with fresh apples, pears and other fresh goodies, the trip became an instant annual tradition. For those unfamiliar with the Hood River Fruit Loop, it is a scenic 35-mile route running…
BendNest Calendar: Summer 2025
Wednesdays Bend Farmers Market LOCAL – Showcasing 100% Oregon-produced goods, this family-friendly event features food, drinks, flowers, crafts and more. Saturdays from 3-7pm. Brooks Alley, Downtown Bend | Free bendfarmersmarket.com In-Depth Nighttime Visit LEARN – Seek the stars at the nation’s largest collection of publicly accessible telescopes. Two-hour sessions include an educational presentation, night sky…
Taking Action
Summer fun means time outdoors with sunshine, barbecues and adventures, but it also brings an increased risk of burn injuries. Between sunburns, holiday fireworks, campfires and grills, accidents can happen when you least expect it. That’s why it’s critical for families to educate themselves on best practices for burn first aid and prepare with a…
I Made This
As a rule, most kids love arts and crafts, especially those that encourage maximum creativity! Simple projects that require kids to slow down and focus have multiple benefits – including decision-making, confidence-building and math development, to name a few. If you learned to sew as a child, you probably still know enough to sew on…
There’s Something for Everyone
Abstract in Motion Camp Ages 6 and up 541-505-3318 abstract-in-motion.com /campsandevents Apex Football Ages 6-12 541-977-1358 apexfcbend.com/club/campsclinics Athletic Club of Bend Ages 6-10 541-385-3062 athleticclubofbend.com/youth-programs-copy-3 Avid 4 Adventure Grades Pre-K-12 720-249-2412 Avid4.com/summer-camps BEAT Children’s Theater Ages 4-16 541-419-5558 beatchildrenstheatre.org Bend Elks Baseball Club Ages 7-14 541-312-9259 Bendelks.com/upcomingcamps Bend Endurance Academy Grades Pre-K-12 541-904-5048 bendenduranceacademy.org Bend…
