Sunriver is the Perfect Place For Your Workcation

Posted on November 5, 2021 by Tony Kinney

Have you spent the last few months (or even years) working from home and find yourself craving a change of scenery, a change in your routine or just feel cramped in your home? If so, then it may be time for you to take a workcation. What is a workcation? It’s an opportunity to travel somewhere while keeping up with your work projects.

You may have already experienced something like a workcation in the past. Have you ever brought along your laptop when visiting family over the holidays or wrapped up a project while on the road? These situations are like a workcation but with one huge difference, you’ll be working. In the past when you’ve brought along your laptop or work phone you were not certain whether you’d have to work while you are away. Simply having your work devices with you creates anxiety that can loom over your vacation and essentially negate the positive benefit of taking time off.

When you take a workcation, you already know that you’ll be working during your normal work hours and anything that ‘comes up’ can be addressed in the same manner you normally would while working from home. However, the big difference is that your downtime or off work hours is spent exploring a destination of your choice with the convenience of already being in that location at the end of the workday.

Riverfront patio of 16795 Pony Express Way

It’s no secret that a change of scenery is likely to increase your productivity, creativity, and motivation. In a recent Nature Neuroscience paper (mentioned in this NYU article) subjects reported that “on days when people had more variability in their physical location—visiting more locations in a day and spending proportionately equitable time across these locations—they reported feeling more positive: ‘happy,’ ‘excited,’ ‘strong,’ ‘relaxed,’ and/or ‘attentive.’”

Benefits of taking a workcation

Increased productivity, creativity, and motivation.

Return home feeling refreshed and full of energy.

See places you’ve dreamed of going to.

Easily take advantage of downtime to relax or explore.

Imagine having a Zoom meeting from your vacation rental’s deck that overlooks the mighty Deschutes River. Have a conference call while wildlife frolic in the woods in your peripheral vision. Simply taking a walk or bike ride on your break could be what you need to inspire your next great idea. After work, you’ll be able to switch from work to play with ease because you are already physically located in the destination of your choice! Whether you’re craving an evening of mountain biking, stargazing, hot tubing, tubing, hiking or simply letting the day take you, your workcation destination doesn’t get any better than Sunriver, Oregon.

Riverfront deck of vacation rental 56079 Snow Goose Ct.

Reasons why Sunriver, Oregon is the perfect destination for your workcation!

It’s easy to get here. For many major cities in the Pacific Northwest such as: Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, and Boise you can drive to Sunriver within 7 hours, making it the perfect drive-to workcation destination.

No plane ticket necessary. You don’t need to buy a plane ticket to get here! Conveniently located in Central Oregon, Sunriver is easily reached by car all over the pacific northwest. However, if you do want to fly in the Redmond Airport (RDM) is just a short drive away!

There’s so much to do! Central Oregon and Sunriver is widely considered “Oregon’s Outdoor Playground” and offers many family-friendly and pet-friendly outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, spelunking, skiing/boarding, and a local waterpark with lazy river!

The Lazy River at SHARC (Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center)

Sunriver is perfect for families and pets! Bring the whole family along (including your furry family members) and enjoy the most kid/pet friendly town you’ve experienced! Many of our vacation rental homes are pet-friendly so no one has to be left behind!

Don’t sweat it if you forgot to bring something. We have a local grocery store. If you forget to pack an essential ingredient for your meal or you’d rather not eat out for every meal, we’ve got two grocery stores in town to grab what you need.

Sunriver is the only Dark Sky Friendly city in Oregon. Visit the Nature Center and Observatory. Sunriver was recently named Oregon’s only Dark Sky Place in Oregon (see the report). Our observatory also has the most outdoor telescopes accessible to the public and a retractable ceiling for an experience you’re sure to remember for a lifetime.

Shop & Dine! Go shopping or dine at The Village Mall in the heart of Sunriver.

The Village Mall located in the heart of Sunriver

Love golf? We’ve got 3 golf courses right in Sunriver and many more in the surrounding area for you to enjoy!

Once you’ve decided on the dates for your Sunriver workcation, you’ll need to consider homes that have workspaces in them to seamlessly allow you to work and play. We’ve curated a list of all our workcation ready homes here. You’ll also need to ensure that the home you choose to stay in during your workcation includes excellent Wi-Fi which is offered for FREE at all of our homes. Below are the workcation essentials you can expect when you book a vacation rental home with Village Properties at Sunriver:

Benefits of booking your workcation with
Village Properties at Sunriver

Custom 12 person hot tub at Sable Rock Manor vacation home

ALL our vacation homes come with FREE Wi-Fi. We’re not going to nickel and dime you while you’re on your workcation like most hotels will. Any home you book with us will give you access to FREE WIFI, so you don’t have to worry about your video freezing or losing your work due to sketchy internet service.

Choose your view. Are you interested in a mountain, golf course, or river view? Click on the links to the view you prefer, and you’ll get a curated list of homes that speak to you.

Room to roam. When you rent a vacation home the entire home is at your disposal to work from. Start your morning on the deck while you answer your emails. Mid-morning switch to the livingroom where the cozy fireplace eases you into the busiest part of your day. At lunch, grab a bike and ride to one of our local restaurants. Mid-afternoon, finish your workday strong while seated at the desk in your rental and get excited for what the evening holds in store for you.

You get FREE SHARC passes when you book any of our homes. SHARC is the Sunriver Homes Owner’s Aquatic and Recreation Center which boasts, a lazy river, outdoor waterslide, indoor pools, kiddie pools, music on the lawn (summer only), and a winter tubing hill!

Need a list of homes that have built in workspaces just for workcations? You’ll find it here!

Now that you’re ready to take your workcation, be sure to use this handy list of items you’ll need to bring with you to have a productive and fun time!

Your laptop
Charging cables for your phone and laptop
Headphones
Foldable laptop table if you have one
External hard drive if you don’t use cloud storage
Power bank
Documents or other papers that are essential for your current projects (and maybe even upcoming projects).
Your phone
Credit cards/cash
Masks and hand sanitizer
Your toys! Bikes, skis, boards, paddle boards, kayak, tennis racquets, etc.
Sunscreen to protect you from those 300 days of sunshine!
Sunglasses because your future is bright and sunny!

Christmas In Sunriver Is The Best!

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Tony Kinney

Imagine a place nestled in the pine tree covered foothills of the Cascade mountains and where the days seem to meander in tranquil bliss like The Deschutes River. A place where stars sparkle like diamonds in the evening sky and dazzle your entire field of vision. That place is Sunriver, Oregon and it’s the best place to spend the holidays. In Sunriver we don’t dream of a white Christmas. We (almost) ALWAYS have a white Christmas and spreading Christmas cheer is the norm here. This is the place where you can actually go dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh.

Where a Christmas tree lighting ceremony isn’t complete until the fireworks are set off. We host a contest to see which local business, elementary school class, and individual can make the best themed gingerbread and confection “lot” in their category called Gingerbread Junction.

From November to January, Sunriver transforms into a Winter Wonderland with more inches of snow in town than most of Central Oregon. This 2-month long celebration is called ‘Traditions’ because that’s what it is. It’s the tradition of creating memories to last a lifetime and it’s exactly what the holiday are all about: being with your loved ones, stopping to appreciate each other and being thankful for your many blessings. Being here is evokes the feeling of not wanting time to move on, to relish in the quiet, slow pace of life and to fill your lungs with the crisp mountain air.

Sunriver is where you come to unplug, to remove yourself from the chaos of the everyday and to play. Here, we embrace play whole heartedly and have even placed our ice skating and tubing areas are right in the center of town. Plus we have over 30 miles of trails to walk or fat tire bike through. For traditional holiday fun there’s Santa’s Wokshop at The Great Hall, Brunch with Santa, kids ornament and gift making, cookie decorating, and so much more. If a little more adventure is on the play-list then Mt. Bachelor is only a 25-minute drive away. At the mountain you’ll find endless activities to excite you such as dog sled rides, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, tubing, and of course ski or snowboarding.

If you’ve decided to join us for Christmas here are some ideas of how to spend your time.

Christmas Eve/Day Activities

**Meet, greet, and pet real reindeer at Camp Abbot Trading Post**

**Get in the holiday spirit, Central Oregon style by grabbing the family and hitting the slopes at Mt. Bachelor’s Santa On The Slopes celebration!**

**Go for a ride in a one-horse open sleigh**

**Head outside and build a snowman together, make snow angels or challenge each other to a friendly snowball fight.**

**Snuggle up next to the fire and play board games, sip cocoa, and enjoy a moment of family fun.**

**Go to the movies! Treat your family to some reimagine nostalgia and check out the Mary Poppins Returns. Check out the trailer here.**

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

Posted on April 11, 2018March 20, 2024 by Tony Kinney

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.

Kid-Friendly Activities in Sunriver That Help Parents Relax

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Tony Kinney

There are lots of kid-friendly activities in Sunriver. There is ice-skating in the village in the winter and bumper cars and mini golf in the summer. These Pavilion activities are a must when visiting the area. Another must-do and well-known kid-friendly activity in Sunriver is the SHARC. Most of our homes come with complimentary SHARC passes for your whole crew so the kids can swim to their hearts content.

But, what about that last day or two? The kids have hit the Pavilion activities and their skin has become pruned from all the swimming at SHARC. We know that feeling. Mom and dad are feeling the need for a bit of rest outside of entertaining the little ones. Here are a couple of ideas that will please the kids and give the adults a moment of peace.

Crafting in the Village!

Live, Laugh, Love, Art in the Sunriver Village offers classes and activities galore for the whole family. Choose a square or rectangle pallet and a design to paint your own wood sign to take home. If you prefer the more traditional route, the store offers blank canvases for you to paint a masterpiece. You may also choose from ready-to-paint pottery. Tons of options like mugs, plates, tiles and more are waiting for you to pick up and glaze. The store has quick kiln firing so you can take your piece home the same day. If painting a project doesn’t sound like it’s for you, then choose the glass-fusing project. Piece beautiful glass together to be fired and fused into one complete piece. Projects like night-lights, votives, coasters and more are ready to go. Mom and Dad, set the kids up with a project, grab a beer or a glass of be sure to check out the gallery of projects that are for sale in the store. When the kiddos finish flexing their creative muscles, treat them to a soda at the old-fashioned soda bar. Village Properties at Sunriver guests take advantage of 10% off of fountain drinks with any art activity! To soak up this fun, visit Building 23 in the Village at Sunriver. No appointments are necessary, stop in any time and create!

Enjoy a Brew and Have a Conversation!

You may have walked past the awared-winning Sunriver Brewing Co. a few times during your stay. You probably chose to not stop due to having the kids with you and the word “Brewery” being in the name. Fear not, this is not only a kid-friendly restaurant, kids are welcome with open arms. Walk on into the restaurant and you’ll see plenty of tables, a bar for those that want to belly-up and chat with the friendly staff and… yes, a play area for the little ones. Ask your host/hostess to seat you near the area and you won’t see your kids again until you have to pry them away from the toys. Mom and dad, grab a brew and some nachos and enjoy a full and uninterrupted conversation!

Spring in Sunriver – Part 2

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Tony Kinney

With the mild winter we’ve experienced in central Oregon this year, we just can’t stop thinking about Spring. Blue skies, comfortable temperatures and longer days are giving us spring fever. That said, here are some more super fun ideas for your spring adventure in Sunriver.

Mountain Biking

There are tons of amazing mountain biking trails in central Oregon. A favorite for us locals is Phil’s Trail. This trail, located just outside of Sunriver, is a system of over 100 miles of interwoven trails. The trails vary from beginner to advanced difficulty levels. Not only is this trail a local favorite, but it’s I one of the most popular in the Pacific Northwest. Find directions from Sunriver here.

Another great ride is the Deschutes River Trail. You may choose to do a portion of the trail or ride the entire thing from Sunriver to Bend or vice versa. With views of lava flows, the Deschutes River and the chance to spot some wildlife, you won’t be disappointed with this ride. There are several access points. Check here for more. Spring bike riding in the area is not to be missed

Mt Bachelor

One of our favorite things about central Oregon is that you can take advantage of all that Mt. Bachelor has to offer through the spring! Ski, snowboard or check out the tubing hill through Memorial Day weekend. There are also some cool events to check out up there through the spring. Check out our other blog post about spring to check those out.

Floating the river

Down in the lower elevations we won’t be waiting for snow to melt to begin those summer-like adventures. Check out some of our favorite favorite local floats for fall here. Though this post was meant for fall, these floats are wonderful in the spring and any time of the year.

Marathons and races

For you runners, Central Oregon has lots of marathons all year long. In March, don’t miss out on the family friendly March Mudness right here in Sunriver. Later in the spring head to Bend for the Salmon Run 10k or 5k runs.

Your A-Z List of Things To Do In Sunriver

Posted on January 31, 2018April 1, 2024 by Tony Kinney

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.

Your Guide to October Events in Central Oregon

Posted on October 4, 2017August 18, 2022 by Tony Kinney

Our goal at Village Properties is to provide you with just the right home in Sunriver while giving you plenty of ideas of things to do in the area. Check out our list of October events in Central Oregon as you plan your trip to the area! We hope you enjoy your stay.

Here Are a Few of Our Favorite October Events in Central Oregon:

Bend Fall Festival | October 6 – 8

One of our favorite October events in Central Oregon is the Fall Festival. As the light slants and softens, bringing the harvest in its wake, our thoughts turn to the coziness of the fall season. Celebrate with the delights of The First Interstate Bank Bend Fall Festival 2017. All the traditions that you love about this event will be there – pumpkin carving, gourmet food and wine, a harvest market, and outstanding music. New this year is the Fall Into Fashion Area, highlighting a carefully selected group of creators, retailers, and reps for both clothing and accessories which will be featured in street fashion shows.

Prepare to have your appetite whetted by the crispness of the season and an outstanding collection of vendors and do a little holiday shopping in the most unique marketplace in Central Oregon.

Friday, October 6th (5pm – 11pm)
Saturday, October 7th (11am – 11pm)
Sunday, October 8th (11am – 5pm)

Sandhill Cranes | October 12

Join the Sunriver Nature Center for a fascinating introduction to the origins and travels of three Pacific Flyway Sandhill Crane subspecies that breed and migrate through Oregon. For over 20 years, Dr. Gary Ivey of the International Crane Foundation has been actively involved in ecological research, habitat management, and conservation efforts aimed at Sandhill Cranes. Dr. Ivey will provide an intimate look at the unique natural history of this bird and its status throughout Oregon.

The lecture will take place in the Pozzi Building at Sunriver Nature Center.

Project Ponderosa Fall Seedling Sale | October 13- October 22

Project Ponderosa was founded in 2005 by Sunriver resident Lee Stevenson to promote student environmental engagement and Ponderosa Pine restoration in Sunriver, Oregon and the upper-Deschutes River ecosystem. Since the project’s inception, over 8,000 seedlings have been potted and maintained by students at Three Rivers School and La Pine High School and more than $10,000 has been raised to support non-profit organizations both locally and internationally.

Ponderosa Pines are a hardy, majestic native conifer but have been historically heavily logged. However, they are significantly more resistant to disease, mountain pine beetles, drought, and wind damage than Lodgepole Pines. They are also fire resistant when mature, due to their thick cinnamon-colored bark. Planting Ponderosa Pines helps to restore forest diversity in the Sunriver ecosystem while preserving the Sunriver community’s “Tree City USA” catchphrase.

Sunriver Nature Center is proud to support Project Ponderosa through a biannual Ponderosa Pine seedling sale and educational opportunities throughout the year. The fall 2017 seedling sale is scheduled for Friday, October 13 through Sunday, October 22 (closed Monday and Tuesday) at the Nature Center. Seedlings will be available in various sizes and prices will range from $8 to $30. Detailed planting instructions will be provided with all seedling purchases and can be viewed here.

Mushroom Foraging Field Trip | October 20

The Central Oregon Mushroom Club will lead a field trip in search of wild and edible mushrooms in the local area. On this field trip, participants will receive an introduction to fungi diversity and learn to identify different types of mushrooms in the forest. Instruction will also be provided on how to ‘hunt’ and collect mushrooms as well as how to identify mushrooms that are safe for eating.

The field trip is limited to 20 people (adults only, no pets please) and pre-registration is required. Please meet at the Nature Center parking lot by 9:30 am. Individuals are responsible for their own transportation to the National Forest. Individuals planning to collect mushrooms must first obtain a free Forest Products Free Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service office in Bend. Each participant should bring this permit to the field trip. In addition, each individual should bring a wide-bottomed container (bucket, basket) and a sturdy knife or small garden trowel for mushroom collection.

If you’re looking for fun October events in Central Oregon, this one can’t be beat.

FUNgi Day and Mushroom Show | October 21

Join Sunriver Nature Center and the Central Oregon Mushroom Club for a special day dedicated to appreciating and understanding fungi! Mushroom fun for the whole family includes:

Guided mushroom walks at 11 am and 1 pm (weather permitting)
Mushroom display showcasing a variety of local fungi
Meet a local mushroom expert – The Central Oregon Mushroom Club will be ready to answer all of your questions!
Identification Station – Bring your fungi specimen or photo for identification
Children’s activities and crafts
Education stations with information and resources for mushroom enthusiasts of all levels

Transplanting Forest Seedlings: Workshop and Field Trip | October 22

Lee Stevenson, founder of Project Ponderosa, will lead a hands-on workshop at the Sunriver Nature Center. Participants will learn how to identify and transplant a variety of native forest seedlings, including Grand Fir, White Fir, Mountain Hemlock, Snowbush, Manzanita, Mahala Mat, Kinnikinnick, Indian Paintbrush, and more. Information will also be shared about where to find these native species locally and how to successfully collect and transplant them into your own yard.

The first half of the program will be held at the Sunriver Nature Center and then the group will travel to one or more locations within 10 miles of Sunriver for plant collection. Please bring your own pots/containers and shovel if you have one. Participants should also obtain a free Forest Products Free Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service office on Deschutes Market Road in Bend so they can collect transplants during the field trip portion of the program.

This program is limited to 12 participants and early registration is recommended.

The Secret Garden by The Sunriver Stars | October 26 – October 29

Sunriver Stars is an all-volunteer Community Theater group with several October events in Central Oregon. All positions from the Artistic Director on down are non-paid positions and, as such, require a strong commitment to the work at hand.
For the start of the 2018 season Sunriver Stars will present a fun and upbeat adaptation of the 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett, produced with permission by Pioneer Drama.

There will be a dinner show on Saturday, October 28th. Ticket purchase includes a reserved seat and dinner before the show. Refreshments will be available for purchase at all shows. $10 for kids and $15 adults. You may purchase tickets here.

Show Dates and Times:
Thursday, October 26th – 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)
Friday, October 27th – 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)
Saturday, October 28th – 7:00 PM
Sunriver Stars is offering dinner show tickets (limit 50) for this performance – your ticket purchase includes a reserved seat and a sumptuous dinner (see menu) before the show.

For those with Dinner Show tickets, doors open at 5:30 PM
For all other ticket holders, doors open at 6:00 PM

Sunday, October 29th – 3:00 PM (doors open at 2:00 PM)

All performances are presented at:
The Door at Three Rivers in the Sunriver Business Park
56885 Enterprise Dr, Sunriver, OR 97707

Sunriver’s Tasting Dinner Featuring Bendistillery | October 27

Finally, another of our favorite October events in Central Oregon this year, Sunriver’s October Sunriver Tasting Dinner will feature Bendistillery! At this tasting dinner, you will have the unique opportunity to learn about the inspiration, history, and techniques that were used to craft these spirits and learn why they are a Northwest favorite. The dinner will feature a gourmet autumn-themed five-course meal, specially prepared by the Sunriver’s award-winning culinary team and paired with cocktails featuring spirits from Bendistillery. The tasting dinner will take place at Carson’s American Kitchen, located in the Main Lodge at Sunriver. Cost is $84.37 per person. You can check it out here!

These are just a few of the October events in Central Oregon this year. We hope you enjoy your stay!

Halloween in the Village | October 31

The Village at Sunriver is excited to present Spooktacular fun on Halloween! Kids of all ages are welcome to enjoy trick or treating with the village merchants ans how off their favorite costume during the costume contest where winners will receive frightfully fun prizes. Join us for bounce house fun, a cupcake walk, ghoulish games at our spooky Halloween party. Event starts at 4pm and continues until 6pm, free of charge.

Kid friendly activities in Sunriver

Posted on January 11, 2017August 18, 2022 by Tony Kinney

Sunriver is the ideal family vacation destination. There is plenty to do for the whole family, especially kids. If you are worried about keeping active toddlers, restless pre-teens, or bored teenagers entertained, have we got a list of kid friendly activities in Sunriver for you.

Fun on the Slopes

In the winter time, there is nothing like skiing to keep kids busy and happy. Sunriver appeals to all ages. At Mt. Bachelor, you can find ski lessons and childcare at The Otter Mountain Childcare Center (at the West Village Lodge near the main parking lot) cares for children from ages six weeks to twelve years. Activities there include crafts and snow playtime. Signature Start introduces ages three and a half to five to snow activities for half the day and indoor activities for the other half.

Museum Exploration

The High Desert Museum is just a short drive from Sunriver and offers plenty to explore for kids of all ages. Indoor and outdoor exhibits feature birds of prey, porcupines, otters, bobcats and more, interpretive trails and occasional story times. The museum is set on 135 beautiful wooded acres and is ranked the number one thing to do in Bend by TripAdvisor.

The Sunriver Nature Center and Oregon Observatory

Sunriver is one of the few communities in the country that offer both a nature center and an Observatory.

The Sunriver Nature Center is a non-profit educational center. It offers hands on activities, programs and exhibits about the natural surrounding area. Kids have fun getting up close and personal with nature, and making discoveries about the area’s plants, animals, climate and history with the help of the friendly, knowledgeable staff. The center is close to the Sunriver marina and airport and has a nature trail that staff use to educate visitors.

Head for the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver to enjoy a fun, educational evening viewing the starry night skies. Sunriver’s elevation, pitch-dark backdrop and clear air make it ideal for stargazing. It is a breathtaking display that promises to be one of the highlights of your trip to Sunriver.

SHARC

Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center, or SHARC, offers 22-acres of entertainment. You’ll find a tot pool, sand box, picnic spot, playground, basketball and bocce ball courts, winter tubing, picnic pavilion, cafe and outdoor grass amphitheater. A 3-Day Pass for indoor aquatics and tubing can be purchased for $36. Or better yet, most houses with Village Properties provides free guest passes.

Alpine Express Train

The Alpine Express is Central Oregon’s only trackless train. Riders can enjoy scenic tours throughout the Village at Sunriver. The train is modeled after the American 4-40 Locomotive, with coal tenders, passenger cars and a caboose. All ages are welcome to take the seven to ten minute ride, although you should check beforehand to make sure the train is running in inclement weather.

Ice Skating Rink

The Village at Sunriver’s recently renovated ice arena has a sleek new look and modern upgrades to the sound system, skates and viewing area. Open from Mid-November until Mid-April, the ice skating rink is fun entertainment for the whole family.

Bumper Cars

Kids love to bump each other on The Village’s bumper cars! The Village Bumper Cars offers eight colorful cars that can be spun in circles or be used to bump into siblings to your kid’s delight. This activity is sure to be one of the highlights of their trip to Sunriver.

With so much to see and do in Sunriver, it is sure to become one of your family’s favorite vacation destinations. Winter, summer, spring and fall, there is always entertainment in Central Oregon and kid friendly activities in Sunriver for your kids of all ages. When booking your family vacation, Village Properties offers many benefits, from discounts at local merchants to our 4th Night Free special. Contact Village Properties today to book your Sunriver vacation.