If you’re planning a winter weekend trip to Bend, Oregon, with your kids in tow, get ready for an adventure-packed trip filled with magical soaking pools, scenic parks, epic ski days, and even toddler-approved breweries.
Is Bend, Oregon, a Family-Friendly Winter Destination?
As a parent who’s traveled to Bend with a toddler—and with plenty of experience wrangling little ones on vacation all over the globe—I can confidently say that Bend knows how to cater to families.
Whether you’re chasing powder on Mt. Bachelor, enjoying a cozy coffee while your toddler explores vintage treasures, or letting your kids burn off energy in one of Bend’s gorgeous parks, there’s something here for everyone.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the top 7 best things to do in Bend, Oregon, in winter with kids!
7 Best Things to Do in Bend, Oregon, in Winter with Kids:
1. Stay and Soak at the St. Francis School Hotel
Downtown Bend offers no shortage of places to stay, but The St. Francis School Hotel, a historic schoolhouse turned hotel, is my top pick for things to do in Bend with Kids. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a full-on experience packed with activities for all ages!
My personal favorite feature at the hotel is their unique soaking pool. This isn’t your average pool—with intricate tile mosaics, stained glass windows, and fountains, it feels like a blend of a steam room and a Turkish bath and is for sure a must-do winter activity in Bend. After a day on the slopes, our family loved unwinding here, letting our toddler splash around and practice his swimming skills while we relaxed in the steamy water.
Beyond the pool, St. Francis School Hotel also has some seriously amusing hidden surprises. Each building has secret rooms that blend seamlessly into the walls—if you’re up for the challenge, you can hunt for them as a family. Each hidden space has a unique theme, and when our son walked through a disguised door into an enchanting room, his reaction was priceless.
Other family-friendly amenities include outdoor community firepits (perfect for roasting s’mores), several bars, a pub with a great kids’ menu, and—if you’re looking for some adult fun—a hidden speakeasy exclusively for hotel guests. Plus, the location is ideal, just across the street from the heart of downtown Bend, so you’re within a five-minute walk of great restaurants and shopping.
2. Play, Slide, and Stroll at Harmon and Drake Park
For a perfect winter afternoon outdoor activity, head to Harmon Park and Drake Park, two scenic parks in downtown Bend, connected by a charming wooden bridge.
Start your afternoon at Harmon Park, where the playground is a kid’s dream come true. It features jungle gyms, climbing tubes, swings, and even a wooden boat complete with cabins, ladders, and a helm—ideal for little captains. One of the additional bonuses that make this park great for the winter is that it gets plenty of sun, keeping temperatures a little warmer for outdoor play. Plus, it’s partially fenced in, making it a stress-free spot for parents of energetic toddlers.
Next, after the kids are exhausted from climbing and running, pop them in the travel stroller and take a scenic stroll across the bridge to Drake Park. With over half a mile of paved trails and boardwalks along the waterfront it’s a great spot for strollering your kiddo while soaking in the winter scenery. And, pro tip: downtown Bend is only about a ten-minute walk from the park, so I definitely recommend popping over to Bond Street to grab yourself an afternoon pick-me-up latte while you’re strolling!
3. Family Skiing and Mountain Daycare at Mt. Bachelor
If you’re a family that loves to ski—or honestly even just thinking about trying it for the first time—Mt. Bachelor is a fantastic place to hit the slopes and an absolute must-visit in Bend! As the 7th largest ski resort in North America, it has everything from gentle beginner runs to thrilling terrain for more advanced skiers. We brought our 1.5-year-old skiing here for his first time, and it turned out to be the perfect spot to introduce him to the sport!
The beginner area at Mt. Bachelor is a dream for tiny skiers (totally free, by the way!), with a training lesson area, a magic carpet lift, and an easy green run accessible via a beginner chair lift. Since we planned to stick to the bunny slopes all day, we skipped the lift tickets entirely—saving a ton of money while still getting in plenty of fun runs.
Once at the top of the magic carpet, the bunny slope was perfect for our toddler with just the right length and pitch to build confidence without picking up too much speed and wiide enough for little turns but gentle enough to keep things in control—it was the ideal spot for those wobbly, first-time ski moments.
Pro tip: If you’re skiing with a toddler for the first time, bring toddler-friendly plastic skis! They cost less than a daily rental and strap right onto their regular snow boots, making the experience more comfortable and less intimidating for little beginners.
After skiing with your kids, or for parents who just want to enjoy some well-deserved, more advanced runs, Mt. Bachelor is incredible because they offer a kids daycare on-site at the mountain for kids anywhere from 6 weeks to 10 years old.
They offer both half and full-day options with super flexible drop-off and pick-up times. We especially loved that we could check our toddler in for a few hours, sneak in some skiing, then pull him out for a midday ski session or lunch before dropping him back off for some more adult ski time.
4. Kid-Friendly Coffee Break
Whenever I travel somewhere new, I’m always determined to find the best local coffee shop to enjoy a latte and the local community vibes. Lone Pine Coffee Roasters is a must-visit in Bend, not just for its excellent coffee and non-coffee drinks but also for its super relaxing and kid-friendly atmosphere.
The space is a remarkably cozy escape from the winter weather, with warm wooden decor, plenty of greenery, and comfy seating—including couches perfect for lounging while sipping your drink. And for parents traveling to Bend with kids, Lone Pine has tons of children’s books and toys to keep them entertained while you enjoy a moment to drink your beverage.
Not only are the vibes perfect, but coffee is also top-notch. I personally loved the taste of the plain drip coffee (which actually comes with free refills if you drink it there!!), but they also offer non-caffeinated options such as turmeric lattes, which I chose when I returned that afternoon and loved as well.
5. Explore Downtown Bend: & Don’t Miss the Toy Store and Sandwich Shop!
Downtown Bend is a perfectly sized adventure for a family visiting Bend with kids. It’s big enough to fill a morning or afternoon with fun but small enough that it never feels overwhelming—especially when you’re navigating with a stroller or a toddler who insists on walking.
My first must-visit recommendation in the heart of downtown is Leaping Lizards Toy Store. This is one of my favorite toy shops I’ve ever taken my son into—it’s packed with everything from innovative toys to nostalgic, vintage-style treasures. Browsing the shelves feels like stepping into a wonderland of puzzles, animals, and interactive toys, where you and your kid can pick out something fun together, making for a great vacation souvenir that isn’t just another generic trinket.
Also, for lunch, make sure not to miss out on Planker Sandwiches, it’s perfect for parents looking for something quick, tasty, and kid-friendly. The shop may be small, but the menu is packed with amazing and hearty sandwiches and delicious tomato soup—exactly what you’ll want after a morning out in the winter air. They also have a fun kids’ menu with options like Nutella and Apple sandwiches, and although it’s small inside, they do have high chairs available.
6. Smith Rock State Park
Just 30 minutes north of Bend, Smith Rock State Park is considered one of Oregon’s ‘Seven Wonders’ and a must-visit for families looking to get outside.
Towering rock spires, canyon views, and a winding river make this spot feel straight out of a postcard—but with trails easy enough for little legs to explore. Plus, winter here brings a special kind of magic with fewer crowds, allowing your fam to get those jaw-dropping views practically to yourselves.
The Canyon Trail is my favorite choice for a scenic, low-effort, kid-friendly hike at Smith Rock. This 3-mile roundtrip route starts with a dramatic overlook of the canyon before easing into a relatively flat riverside path with nonstop views of the rock formations. It’s perfect for families with toddlers in a hiking carrier or little ones, like mine, who are determined to hike on their own.
Also, if you’ve got older kids, or any interest in climbing, Rope de Dope is where some serious fun begins. This beginner-friendly climbing area features easy-to-moderate bolted routes and a big landing area for first-time climbers. And, even if no one in your group is ready to harness up, it’s still worth stopping by—kids love watching climbers scramble up the rock face, and the area makes for an epic picnic spot with front-row seats to the action.
7. Sip and Play at Kid Friendly Breweries
If you’re visiting Bend, a brewery visit is a must-do part of your vacation, and with over 30 breweries across town, it’s easy to find a great spot to enjoy a local pint. But, what makes Bend’s brewery scene perfect for families is how many of them are kid-friendly, with open spaces, relaxed atmospheres, and plenty of room for kids to run and play while parents unwind.
For a family-friendly brewery experience in winter, Crux Fermentation Project and Bend Brewing Company are two of my personal favorites.
Crux offers a spacious indoor area with large picnic tables that are perfect for groups and families. And, their outside is even better, with an extensive, partially fenced-in space that keeps kids entertained while parents can stay warm around the large firepit. Crux is also set away from busy roads, making it a perfect low-stress spot to let little ones roam freely. And, with a rotating lineup of food trucks and an impressive selection of beers, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon.
Bend Brewing Company also delivers a laid-back, family-friendly setting with an attractive grassy, fenced-in space along the river. Kids can explore nature in the open space while parents relax with a craft beer and enjoy the view. Even in winter, the atmosphere remains inviting, with cozy outdoor seating and plenty of room for families to spread out.
Final Thoughts
Bend is an incredible winter destination for families with kids. Whether you’re soaking in the St. Francis Hotel’s mystical pool, skiing with your little one at Mt. Bachelor, or exploring scenic parks and breweries, there is no shortage of amazing things to do.
With the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and delicious food, Bend is a magical place to make winter memories with your kids.
