Sunriver offers activities for everyone in the family, but some are particularly adept at bringing you all together. Your family can build meaningful memories and indulge in much-needed bonding time while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Here are the top activities to consider as a Sunriver family that will keep everybody happy.
Take the Plunge — the Paulina Plunge!
If you are searching for safe outdoor experiences in one location, Paulina Plunge is an easy choice. The blend of biking, hiking, and swimming is fun and mild enough to suit family members aged 4 to 70. A local guide takes you on a tour and teaches you about the area’s indigenous people who have lived there for more than 10,000 years, including Chief Paulina, the war leader of the Paiute people. Use fat-tire mountain bikes to descend over 2,000 feet to tour six waterfalls and two natural water slides, with a few having walking trails.
Paulina Plunge is a great way to view nature, get in movement while outdoors, and enjoy a cool dip, all in one trip!
Indulge in Nature and History at the High Desert Museum
The High Desert Museum is a top place to visit for a day of education and exploration if you have young kids. The museum is home to wildlife like otters, raptors, and birds of prey. You can also view over 29,000 objects that range from current artwork to historical items, such as the famous DeMoss Stagecoach, period clothing, tools, basketry, sculptures, and rare books. The museum also offers multiple events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Have a Mountain of Fun at Mt. Bachelor
Mt. Bachelor is famous for its snow and ski runs, but it also offers fun experiences during the summer. Enjoy activities like zip lining, mountain biking, hiking, scenic lift rides, frisbee golf, and mountain dining in one of the most beautiful areas near Sunriver.
Become a Family of Explorers on the Deschutes River
Sunriver sits alongside the Deschutes River, one of the best places to take in the beauty of surrounding nature. To stay cool during hot summer days, you can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting, and tubing. The Sunriver Marina will outfit you and the family with everything that you need. It even offers a shuttle ride back to the marina when you’re done.
Visit Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory: A Feast for the Eyes
Sunriver is ideal for stargazing, and Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory gives you a front-row seat to the sky and stunning geography of Sunriver. There are also on-site activities to keep everyone busy. Explore Creature Cave to learn about snakes, lizards, and frogs. Visit Exploration Ridge, where your kids can discover and play with nature up close. Take a tour of the botanical garden, and get a closer look at birds like hawks, owls, and eagles. Then, sit along the shores of Lake Aspen for even more bird watching.
When the stars come out, you and the family can enjoy over a dozen telescopes that offer up-close views of moons, planets, and stars. The observatory also provides special presentations that everyone will appreciate.
Eat and Shop Until You Drop at “The Village” at Sunriver
The Village is Sunriver’s premier open-air shopping area and offers something for everyone. Shop to your heart’s content at quality stores, and enjoy tasty treats, meals, and cocktails along the way. Sunriver is also home to the Sunriver Brewing Company’s first pub/restaurant, which has a play area for the kids. Sunriver Entertainment offers kid-friendly activities during the summer, like a train ride, bumper cars, and miniature golf.
Cool Off at the SHARC Aquatic Facility
The Sunriver Homeowner Aquatics and Recreation Center (SHARC) at Sunriver Resort is an indoor and outdoor facility with large pools, a lazy river, water slides, and even a kid’s pool for the youngest family members.
Other conveniences include a café, picnic area, basketball court, bocce ball court, dry-tubing hill, and amphitheater. You can even rent space to host a family reunion. It also hosts wine-and-cheese events for adults.
All swimming is on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan accordingly!
Have Some “Reel” Fun by Fly Fishing in Sunriver
Sunriver offers fly fishing for red band trout, mountain white fish, and non-native brown trout. Summer is the ideal time to go because this is when the Upper Deschutes River is open!
If you need to teach the family how to fly fish, the Hook and Fly Shop offers all-inclusive guided fishing trips to lakes or rivers, teaching everyone all they need to know. Fishing licenses can be purchased at Sunriver Country Store or Camp Abbot Trading Company.
Take Up Golfing, a Hole-in-One for All Experience Levels
Sunriver is known for its spectacular, award-winning golf courses, but you don’t have to be an expert golfer or even an adult to enjoy them. Caldera Links is a friendly, nine-hole course that is an excellent place to introduce people of any age to the sport. Children under 12 can even play for free when with an adult. As a visitor, you must be a guest of the Caldera Springs residential area or Sunriver Resort.
Alpine Entertainment at The Village also offers mini golf during the summer.
Stay in a Vacation Rental
Renting a local home is a great way to keep everyone together and stay connected as a family. The more amenities it has, the more fun your time will be. Cascara offers rentals throughout Sunriver, and a few have pools and jacuzzis. You also get a full kitchen, so you can eat in or out as often as you want. With comfortable beds in residential neighborhoods, you can get a good night’s sleep between your adventures.
Explore our vacation rental options by clicking here.