If you’re looking for a fun family summer activity, look no further than Sunriver, Oregon. There’s something for everyone here, from swimming and hiking to golfing, biking, and fishing. And the best part is that most of these activities are affordable and accessible to people of all ages.
Here are some of the top attractions in the area that the whole family can love.
Sunriver Marina
The Sunriver Marina is ideal for summer fun while enjoying views of the beautiful Deschutes River and surrounding nature. Rent an inner tube, kayak, canoe, raft, or stand-up paddleboard and spend the day cruising on the water. A local marine shop helps you load up on the essentials.
Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the river! Also, this is a popular activity, so be sure to make reservations.
Golfing
There are a wealth of things you can do in and around Sunriver, but if you are looking for a relaxed activity among magnificent grounds and some of the best views of the area, golfing is an ideal solution. In fact, Sunriver and its surrounding areas have some of the best golf courses in the country, and many cater to all experience levels.
For a closer look at the best courses in the area, see our blog dedicated to Sunriver golf courses.
Activities at Mt. Bachelor
Gorgeous Mt. Bachelor is a fixture in the area, and it offers benefits for everyone – even after skiing season. You can hike and bike within nature or test your bravery with a Bachelor Zip Tour. The line runs a total of 3,443 feet with an 866-foot vertical plunge. It is one of the longest, steepest, and fastest zip line spans in the Northwest.
Shopping
No trip to Sunriver would be complete without a visit to The Village at Sunriver. Here you’ll find everything from souvenirs to clothing and local art. There’s also a variety of restaurants, so you can grab a bite to eat after a long day of shopping.
Pilot Butte State Park
Pilot Butte State Park is a must-see during your summer vacation. This state park is home to an extinct volcano, and it offers expansive views of the area’s natural beauty. There’s also a hiking trail that leads to the top of the volcano, so you can get up close and personal with this piece of Oregon history.
Bend Park & Recreation District
If you are looking for something the whole family can enjoy, Bend Park & Recreation District is your one-stop shop. It is home to many summer activities, such as swimming, fishing, canoeing, rock climbing, horseback riding, arts and crafts, baking, learning workshops, and much more. It even offers child care. Whether your family loves physical activities or learning something new, this location has it all.
Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center (SHARC)
SHARC is a great place to cool off and have some fun, but it offers much more than swimming. You can enjoy activities like basketball and disc golf or simply relax near the playground in the park picnic area. But as the name suggests, water is a big part of the experience. The aquatics center features a lazy river, a water slide, and a lap pool.
SHARC is open to the public but has exclusive activities for the Sunriver Resort homeowners, so be sure to check the activities list here on their website.
Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory
Located near Sunriver Resort, the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory is the perfect place to go for a stargazing adventure. This observatory offers public viewing nights so that you can see the stars like never before. There are also daytime activities like exploring the botanical gardens and learning about the area’s birds. There are also planetarium shows. Be sure to call ahead for reservations.
Also, check out their calendar for special events!
The Paulina Plunge
The Paulina Plunge is an ideal spot to cool off and have fun. This aquatics center features a lazy river, a water slide, and a lap pool. There’s also a playground and a picnic area, so make a day of it!
Plenty of Hiking Trails
Hiking is a fun and relaxing way for the whole family to take in the natural beauty of Sunriver, including picturesque views of waterfalls and some superb bird watching.
The list of quality trails is long, but one strong one to consider is Benham Falls. It is a fairly easy walk and a gorgeous place to fit in a run. You can even take your dog as long as it is on a leash.
Everything You Need is Here
These are just a few of the great summer activities that Sunriver offers. For a closer look at these and other interesting traits of the area, tour our blogs. And if you are also looking for a place to stay, browse through our selection of Sunriver vacation rentals. We have something for everyone. You’re sure to find the perfect place for you and your family’s summer vacation.
