BEAT Children’s Theatre Brings Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” to Life
What do you get when you combine some magical conjuring, a shipwreck and a love story? For the local theater group, Bend Experimental Art Theatre, the answer is “The Tempest,” William Shakespeare’s classic featuring themes of magic, betrayal and forgiveness. The production, part of BEAT’s 20th anniversary year, hopes to make Shakespeare’s work exciting and…
Little Chefs
Somehow, the holidays seem to bring out the cook and baker in all of us. Even those who rarely find their way into the kitchen may be inspired to create something beautiful and delicious for family and friends. I learned to cook at an early age from my mother, who loved making cakes, cookies and…
Willow’s Winter Walk
Willow is an adorable black cat that goes out one winter morning to explore, using all of her senses to experience the world around her. From the smell of hot chocolate to the feeling of cold snow under her feet and the sight of a frozen pond, there is so much for Willow to see…
Bathtime for Snow Monkeys
This lovely picture book shows the true-life story of the nihonzaru-Japanese macaques at the Jigokudani monkey park in Nagano Japan, as they gather in the snow at their very own onsen or hot spring “spa” every winter. Adult and baby macaques come down from the mountains to soak in the hot waters of the natural…
Bend Nest Winter Calendar 2026
November 6–15 The Tempest THEATER – William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” is a magical tale of adventure and second chances. When Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, is stranded on a mysterious island with his daughter Miranda, he uses magic to create a powerful storm that brings his old enemies to shore. As secrets are revealed,…
Born to Rock
Walk into School of Rock in Bend on any given weekday, and you’ll hear bands jamming to “Creep” by Radiohead, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana or “Zombie” by The Cranberries. The band members range from “still losing baby teeth” to “taking the SATs,” but they have one thing in common: They love to rock.…
Ready, Set, Snow
Living in Central Oregon, we never really know what nature will throw at us. Will it be a snowmageddon like the one that hit in 2017? Or a mild winter like last year’s, which bummed out even the less enthusiastic winter fans? Either way, after living in Bend for several years, I’ve learned it’s best…
Holiday Nature Ornaments
If you’re looking for an inexpensive, meaningful craft for the kids, this one checks all the boxes. It combines time outdoors, planning, creativity and the concept of impermanence. Kids collect pieces of nature and arrange them in water, creating a holiday ornament when it freezes. Hang the finished pieces outdoors, where the sunlight makes them…
Editor’s Note, Winter 2026
Even though some time has passed since our community was struck by tragedy, we continue to grieve the loss of sweet, innocent lives. Some will never be the same. The death of a child is a universal heartbreak, experienced by families across the globe. Our own Central Oregon community is not immune, and healing will…
Expert Q&A with Burke Selbst, PT OCS GCFP
Q: My 10-year-old daughter is a fearless skier who often pushes the limits on the mountain with her jumps. I’ve heard that the impact from jumping can be hard on kids who are still growing. Do you have any advice? A: Having a hard-charging 10-year-old can be a source of pride and stress in equal…
Teen Connections: Outdoor Program,Post 58, Comes to Central Oregon
Originally established in Portland 30 years ago, Post 58 is bringing its outdoor adventure and mentorship programs to Central Oregon. Local educator Todd LaFrenz is leading the effort as director to connect teens with the outdoors while building confidence, resilience, leadership skills and a sense of belonging. Post 58 supports teen mental health by pairing…
Children’s Museum of Central Oregon Announces a New Name and a New Home
The Children’s Museum of Central Oregon announced two major milestones in its journey toward opening Central Oregon’s first children’s museum. First, the organization has secured a nearly 8,000-square-foot building in Bend’s Central District and will begin its transformation into a year-round destination. Second, with a new home comes a bold new name—Ruckus: A Children’s Science…
Eugene Father Creates “BookLooky” to Help Parents Make Informed Choices
When Jon Penneman’s two daughters started choosing their own books, he wondered why there wasn’t a simple way to access useful content information. That question eventually led him to create “BookLooky.” “BookLooky” is a free tool that allows parents and readers to scan a book cover with their phone, search for a title online or…
Furry Cuddles
One of the biggest moments in a child’s life is bringing home their very first pet. Falling in love with a new furry friend and learning how to responsibly care for it is a childhood rite of passage. As winter nights grow colder, the idea of welcoming a new pet to snuggle by the fireside…
The Slow Christmas
December sweeps families along in a current of school concerts, last-minute errands and the relentless pressure to create a perfect holiday. For many parents, Christmas feels less like the most wonderful time of the year and more like a survival challenge. By December 26, joy has given way to exhaustion. But what if another way existed? A…
