Kid-Friendly Activities in Sunriver That Help Parents Relax

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 ArtLive, 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!

Beer service at SR Brewing. Take the kids to play while you kick your feet up! Sunriver Brewing has a kid-friendly play area.

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!

Your Guide to October Events in Central Oregon

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

bend fall festivalOne 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.

Exploring the Village at Sunriver

You might say that the Village at Sunriver is the cultural and activity hub of the community. This shopping center extraordinaire offers not only fabulous boutique shopping, but also great dining, recreation, bike and ski rentals, groceries, as well as live entertainment and events. As a guest or long-term resident of Village Properties, you’ll be able to receive discounts at many of the establishments located there. Go here for a list of participating businesses. Then read on for a sampling of what you’ll find exploring the Village at Sunriver.

Dining

There are a number of dining establishments located at The Village. Whether you fancy exotic cuisine, an international feast, a decadent dessert or just a simple burger, you’re sure to find something to your liking. Below are a few of the offerings you have to choose from.

Sunriver Brewing Company
Since its launch on July 4, 2012, this family-owned pub has provided great service, great food and brewed its own awesome craft beer.

Brewed Awakenings
Discover coffee roasted in-house from frothing to pouring. Friendly and skilled staff know the art of creating that perfect cup of coffee with a smile.

Cafe Sintra
Indulge in delicious breakfast and lunch dishes that pay tribute to Portuguese cuisine. The warm atmosphere and friendly service make Cafe Sintra the perfect place for gatherings.

El Caporal
Family owned since 1997, El Caporal offers quality Mexican dishes and reliable customer service.

Hot Lava Bakery
Choose from a wide variety of traditional bakery items, including donuts and pastries, and coffee and sandwiches.

Marcello’s
A family run, family friendly Italian restaurant offering dining by the fire, on the patio, in the lounge or in your home, via carry-out.

Blondie’s Pizza
Pizza, pasta and calzones, sandwiches, and fresh salads. Gluten-free available, and free delivery after 5pm.

The Village Bar and Grill
This long standing neighborhood restaurant and local watering hole offers American cuisine and family dining with a casual atmosphere.

Shopping

Whether you consider yourself a seasoned shopper who keeps your eyes on the latest trends, or you’re more of a browser who enjoys leisurely strolling the mall, you are bound to enjoy the interesting shops on display in the Village’s quaint alpine setting.

Artists’ Gallery Sunriver
Premier gallery displaying fine arts from local artists.

Flowers at Sunriver
Exceptional service, gifts and high quality fresh flowers in traditional and contemporary floral designs.

Sunriver Books and Music
An independent bookstore with a full selection of books sure to delight readers young and old.

The Closet
The Closet offers a personalized shopping experience for everything from camisoles and leggings, to a fun outfit for a night on the town.

The Wooden Jewel
The Wooden Jewel showcases their unique blend of designer jewelry and wood art.

Additionally, several shops cater to the sports minded.

Sunriver Sports
Sunriver Sports is a full service, summer and winter sporting hard and soft goods store. They offer a wide range of activewear in addition to bike rental in the summer and skis in the winter.

Cascade Guides and Outfitters Fishing Guides
Cascade Guides and Outfitters is the only Orvis Endorsed Outfitter in Oregon, which therefore means they meet the rigorous standards in the fly fishing industry. They also offer a variety of river and lake trips with professional guides, a selection of fly fishing schools and accommodations and a full range of rental equipment to fishers of all types and ages.

Village Bike & Ski Shop
Village Bike and Ski is the premier bicycle and ski rental, repair and sales shop in Sunriver, with a staff that knows local trails and can recommend rides for all skill levels.

Recreation at Village at Sunriver

The Village at Sunriver also offers activities geared to the whole family, including:

  •      Ice skating
  •      Bumper cars
  •      Alpine train
  •      Mini golf
  •      Outdoor cinema
  •      Rock wall
  •      Bouncy house

The Village at Sunriver is an ideal spot for gathering with friends and family. Come for shopping as well as new fun activities reflective of the Central Oregon lifestyle. When booking your family vacation, be sure to contact Village Properties for the perfect vacation rental and local merchants discounts. Give us a call at 877-859-5346 for more information and to book your stay in Sunriver.

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