Go-Karts, Wildlife and Miles of Beautiful Bike Trails
The whole family will love a trip to the high desert, complete with wildlife, picnics, and playtime at fabulous resorts.
Photo: Dot, America’s only Northern spotted owl to have had chicks in captivity, nestles one of her owlets at the High Desert Museum. The chicks will help boost the numbers of this threatened species. Visitors can see them at the Museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, along with the father owl, Polka, who guards them from a perch above their nest, and brings them food. A video monitor aimed into the nest allows visitors to get a bird's-eye view of this fascinating and important development. The chicks may be released into the wild, or go to a breeding center in British Columbia. The two owlets, which hatched in mid-April, are a testament to the quality of the Museum’s wildlife program.
Photo courtesy of the High Desert Museum
1.
Day One
Start your adventure in Bend, known for its perfect mix of urban sophistication (great restaurants, shopping) and outdoor adventures, including river rafting on the Deschutes, skiing at nearby Mt. Bachelor and more.
Sun Mountain Fun Center
Bond with the whole family at this fun center, where kids and parents can race on an outdoor go-kart track, wage water wars, and play 18 holes of miniature golf.
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Lunch then Playtime in Drake Park
Head to downtown Bend for lunch. Choose from pizza hangouts, delis and brewpubs like the famous Deschutes Brewery (kids are welcome during certain hours). Then walk over to beautiful Drake Park to feed the ducks, kick around a soccer ball or play Frisbee.
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After a fun day of exploring, spend the night in one of the area's great hotels or inns.
2.
Day Two
High Desert Museum
From Bend, drive south on Hwy 97 for about 7 miles to the High Desert Museum. This museum celebrates all creatures and history of this high-desert region. It’s set on a forested acre of land, and has both indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as living history and wildlife areas. It’s the home to spotted owls named Polka and Dot, who recently had chicks!
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Sunriver Resort
Then drive south on Hwy 97 for about 10 miles to Sunriver Resort. With 37 miles of paved bike trails, swimming pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, championship golf courses, waters to kayak and more, you and your family could spend a number of days at this destination resort. Rent an entire house, stay in a condo or at the lodge (especially if mom wants closer proximity to the onsite luxury spa).
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