Kid-Friendly (and Educational) Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory

Are you looking for an educational and kid-friendly adventure for your Sunriver vacation? We recommend visiting the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory, an independent nonprofit organization offering education on the natural world surrounding Sunriver. Two entities in one location, the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory offer classes and activities for all ages.

The Nature Center

The Sunriver Nature Center offers hands-on activities and exhibits that will keep the kiddos engaged and yearning to learn more. Take a walk along the Sam Osgood Nature Trail, learning about the surrounding forest and wetlands. You may walk the trail yourself or choose a guided tour. Visit exhibits and see amphibians and snakes close up, or view the impressive birds of prey that reside at the nature center. Check out Exploration Ridge, the Cosmic Crater or crawl on through creature cave. The options are endless. Knowledgeable staff is always on hand to answer your questions about local wildlife.

Hours and activities vary based on the season. Be sure to check out their website or give them a call to make sure you get the best experience.­

The Observatory

For those that like to look up at the stars more than at the Earth around them, the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver is a fantastic activity. Visit the observatory on a clear summer night and watch the roof disappear, giving you access to the largest collection of telescopes open to the public viewing, in the United States. The elevation in Sunriver provides the perfect environment for stargazing. With our skies that are void of light pollution and our clean air, the views are like nowhere else!

The Observatory has day and night viewing options. See distant galaxies or a meteor shower at night or view the sun through a filtered telescope for an incredible and safe view. Be sure to check their current hours, as it shifts from season to season.

Top off your family vacation with a trip to the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory for a truly educational experience (we won’t tell the kids).

Want Free Tickets to the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory Included With Your Stays?

Village Properties at Sunriver would be happy to help you find a vacation rental for your visit with guest perks that include tickets to the nature center! We offer many benefits from these free tickets to Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory to discounts at local businesses and more! Learn about your guest perks program and its offerings on its webpage or blog.

Your A-Z List of Things To Do In Sunriver

There is no shortage of things to do in Sunriver, but it can be difficult to find all of the amazing activities and sights. That’s where our A-Z guide comes in. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of things to do in Sunriver that is sure to keep you busy no matter how long your stay is!

YR = Year Round
Sp = Spring
S = Summer
F = Fall
W = Winter

Art (YR) – From roundabout art in Bend, to a plethora of art galleries throughout the area, there is not shortage of unique and local art to be enjoyed in Sunriver and beyond.

Beer/Breweries (YR) – Known as “Beertown USA”, Bend and the surrounding communities are a hot spot for beer lovers. With well over 20 breweries and counting, the area is home to some of the best beers in the nation. Beer is such an attraction in the area that there is even a Brewery passport you can work on filling up with the Bend Ale Trail. As a guest of Village Properties at Sunriver, you will receive a discount to the Bend Brew Bus, a service that will take you and your crew to breweries in the area.

Cross Country Skiing (W) – Take in scenes that you can only see in the Deschutes National Forest. Cross Country Skiing is a peaceful and rewarding activity that is available at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center or from any of the areas many Sno-Parks.

Dog Sledding (W) – Central Oregon is home to Oregon Trail of Dreams, owned by Rachael Scdoris, her husband Nick and her father, Jerry. Rachael is a world-renowned athlete and had her first Iditarod finish in 2006. Stay warm in the sled while a real dog sled team takes you on an unforgettable winter adventure.

Elevation (YR) – With the Cascade mountains nearby, you can easily gain some elevation in Central Oregon. In the winter, see some epic views and speed down the mountain from the top of Mt. Bachelor on the Summit Express lift. In the summer, Mt. Bachelor offers scenic chairlift rides on the Pine Marten Lift. From mid-mountain you’ll be able to see some breathtaking views. Or, head up in the evening for dinner at the Pine Marten Lodge with sunset views.

Floating the Deschutes (Sp, S, F) – When the days are long and warm, visitors and locals alike love floating the Deschutes River. There are several great spots to put-in throughout Central Oregon. We share just a few of many ideas here.

Golf (Sp, S, F) – With more than two-dozen golf courses, Central Oregon is a must-visit destination for golf-enthusiasts. Be sure to visit a nearby course on your stay, or even plan an entire vacation surrounding golf. As a guest of Village Properties at Sunriver, you will receive discounts at a select few courses in the region.

High Desert Museum (YR) – Discover the natural world and cultural history of the West’s High Desert through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs and meaningful history at the High Desert Museum. Open all year, this is a fantastic activity for the whole family.

Ice Skating (W) – Ice skating is a necessary family tradition in the winter. The Village at Sunriver offers a newly remodeled Ice arena for this activity. With skate rentals and even a viewing area for those that don’t want to brave the ice, you won’t be sorry you chose this activity.

Jazz (F, W) – Jazz at the Oxford, that is. Jazz at the Oxford brings world-class artists to the area over 5 separate weekends in the fall and winter. Enjoy fine dining and incredible music in a tranquil setting.

Kayak (Sp, S, F) – With the Deschutes River and too many gorgeous lakes to count, kayaking is a favorite activity in the Sunriver area. If you are visiting and want to try a kayak out, Village Properties guests will receive a discount on kayak and gear rentals at some great local businesses.

Lakes (Sp, S, F) – If kayaking isn’t your cup of tea, simply visiting the lakes for some photo opps is still necessary if you’re in Sunriver. The high mountain lakes are stunning and often make you feel as if you’re standing in a postcard.

Mt. Bachelor (YR) – Mt. Bachelor has an activity for every season. From biking, hiking, site-seeing or disc golf in the warmer months to skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, sled dog rides, snowblast tubing and more in the winter, you will find an activity for everyone up at the mountain.

Nature Center (YR) – A non-profit and educational organization, the Sunriver Nature Center offers hands-on activities, programs and exhibits that will keep the kiddos engaged and interested in the natural world.

Oregon Observatory (YR) – Your gateway to an expanding world of information and natural sciences. The Oregon Observatory at Sunriver offers daytime and nighttime viewing options as well as lots of programs and special events. Be sure to check with the Village Properties staff to see if we can offer you any special deals.

Paddle (Sp, S, F) – As mentioned in the Kayak section above, there are tons of options for paddling your kayak, canoe or even a paddleboard. Regardless of which method of paddling you choose, it’s worth doing while visiting the area. Check out your options at Good 2 Go Food and Fun or Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe. Both great companies will offer guests of Village Properties at Sunriver great discounts.

Quiet (YR) – Picture the snow falling outside and all you hear is the crackling of a fire in your vacation rental. Imagine lying on the shore of the Deschutes River and all you can hear is the water streaming by you, some birds chirping and a light breeze in the trees. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to find some peace and quiet to help you relax and rejuvenate.

Relax (YR) – Sunriver and the surrounding areas offer beauty, nature and more to help you feel rested. Whether you go out for a long walk in the forest, a dreamy paddle on the river or a speedy ride down the mountain on your skis, you’re sure to feel a sense of rejuvenation after visiting the area. If a massage or pedicure sounds more appealing, be sure to check out Sage Springs.

Sledding (W) – There are plenty of winter activities that we could mention here. We chose sledding because it’s an activity that is truly fun for the whole family. Especially at Wanoga Sno-Park.

Tubing (W) – Sno-blast tubing is the name and Mt. Bachelor is the place to go to experience an 800 foot ride, full of rollers. Fun for all ages!

Unplug/Unwind (YR) – Why not come to Central Oregon for a true escape. Come to the quiet, relax and unplug. Turn the phone off and don’t look at your laptop. Instead, bring a book, kick up your feet and let the unwinding begin. Check out Sage Springs, a local club and spa to reserve a massage and/or a pedicure to help you out.

Visit (YR) – So, you came to Central Oregon with your family. Maybe it’s not the best time to unplug. But, it’s the perfect time to visit. Take the time to reconnect with those that you’re with. Walk in nature and just be together. Bond over a cup of coffee while watching the deer stroll through the forest. Visiting with those that you love while in Sunriver is easy.

Walk/Bike (YR) – No matter what Mother Nature is offering you, the miles of paved trails in Sunriver offer endless options for walking and biking. Many of our vacation rentals are in close proximity to the Village at Sunriver and other attractions. The paved trails of Sunriver offer you walking or biking as an option for getting around.

EXplore (YR) – Sunriver and the surrounding areas offer an endless amount of options for exploring. From lakes and rivers to caves and mountains. From the forest and hiking trails to fishing and sightseeing, the options are never-ending. Be sure to check with the Village Properties staff if you have any questions about our area. Our staff is local and very knowledgeable about the area and all it has to offer.

Yoga (YR) – In Sunriver, Sage Springs offers Yoga classes all year round. This beautiful club and spa will not disappoint. Or, grab your mat and take a short walk to enjoy some yoga on your own out in nature.

Zesty food (YR) – There is no shortage of dining options in Sunriver. The area is home to several talented chefs that share their expertise with many tasty restaurants. Remember, Village Properties at Sunriver guests will receive discounts to some of these local restaurants.

A Must See — Sunriver Observatory and Nature Center

Planning a trip to Sunriver? You’ll want to include one of Central Oregon’s “must see” attractions on your visit — the Sunriver Observatory and Nature Center. This private, not-for-profit scientific and educational organization features an interactive nature center, large scale hands-on public observatory, interpretive exhibits, live birds of prey and snakes, meteorite exhibit, science classes for both kids and adults, special programs, botanical garden, and a nature trail and astronomy store featuring a complete line of telescopes.

 

Oregon Observatory at Sunriver

Unlike Planetariums, when the roof dramatically disappears at the Oregon Observatory you’ll see the real sky. You’ll be able to witness faraway galaxies, a meteor shower, and globular clusters in the night sky. And you won’t have to line up for a quick peek, because you’ll have access to one of the many telescopes at the Observatory, which actually has the the largest collection of telescopes available for public viewing in the entire country.

Also, thanks to Sunriver’s elevation, uber-dark surroundings, and crystal clear air you’ll be treated to the perfect environment for stargazing. There is nightly viewing in the summer, with guided constellation tours and expert guidance. And there is free solar viewing every day during the summer, and on Saturdays in the fall and spring, when you will be able to view the sun through filtered telescopes to get an incredible, safe view. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or a first time visitor, you’re bound to be awestruck by the views.

 

The Nature Center

Telling kids about nature is great, but letting them experience it first hand is infinitely better. At the Sunriver Nature Center children can prowl through the woods to track a porcupine, or touch a lizard or get up close and personal with an owl. There are numerous activities, programs and exhibits to keep them engaged in the natural word. And there is also a staff of naturalists on hand to guide them and answer their questions. Outside the center is a botanical garden where you can sit on a bench and take in the serene view. Numerous birds and squirrels inhabit the terrain, as well as many other elements of Oregon’s natural environment.

The Sunriver Observatory and Nature Center is open Thursday through Saturday, from 10am to 4pm from September through May, with special Winter Observatory hours and events seasonally.

 

Sunriver Vacation Rentals

Village Properties at Sunriver would be happy to help you find a vacation rental for your visit. We offer many benefits, from discounts at local merchants to our 4th Night Free special. Give us a call at 877-859-5346 for more information or to book your stay.

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