Bend Family Loop: Weekend of Apr. 10-12

Hi there,

Something about this week has me itching to get outside! Our family has been enjoying lots of afternoon bike riding and park time, and we’re excited to continue it into the weekend.

Also, a little personal note: my nephews (ages 5 and 8!) are coming to Bend for their very first visit next week, and I would love your recommendations. What are the things we absolutely cannot miss with kids that age? Hit reply and let me know! 🙏

In this weekend's Loop:

Let’s jump right in!

–Megan

If getting outside more with your kids is on your list this spring, this is the place to start! Slow Season Hike Club is a free, casual group hike for parents with babies and toddlers, and Friday's hike at Shevlin Park is a perfect low-pressure entry point for the season. Whether you've been hiking with your kids since day one or you've never attempted it with a little one strapped to your chest, you'll fit right in.

Megan from Slow Season does a wonderful job making sure everyone feels welcome and comfortable, no matter their experience level. You'll be surrounded by other parents in the same boat as you, some seasoned hikers and some lacing up their hiking boots for the first time with their baby. The pace will be gentle and accommodating, and kids are welcome to hike on their own little feet too.

I'll be there for my very first hike with my 1-year-old in tow, too! (If she cooperates, you know how it goes... 😅)

Friday, April 10 • 10am • Shevlin Park (18920 NW Shevlin Park Rd.) • RSVP

What to bring: Sunscreen, snacks, plenty of water, comfortable hiking shoes (boots or trail runners), and a carrier if your babe might need a boost partway through.

BTW, I have been personally loving this Trail Magik carrier that works for my 1 year old and toddler! They are having a great sale right now, too.

Here’s what’s happening this weekend!

🥾 Slow Season Hike Club
10am • Ages 6 mo+ • Free • RSVP
📍 Shevlin Park (18920 NW Shevlin Park Rd.)

A gentle group hike for parents with babies and toddlers in carriers or strollers. Community, fresh air, and no pressure to keep up. All-terrain strollers are recommended if you’re using one.

🎨 Art Play
10am-11am • Ages 2-4 • Register
📍Two Suns Art Studio (70 SW Century Dr.)

Has your kiddo been obsessed with the images coming back from Artemis II mission? If so, they’re going to love this week’s Outer Space themed art and sensory stations during Two Sun’s Art Play!

🎶 Zumbini Bend
10am–11am • Ages 0–4 • Free • More info
📍 Central Oregon Family Resource Center (2500 NE Twin Knolls Dr)

Music, movement, and bonding for little ones and their grown-ups. Think baby-and-me dance party with instruments and bubbles!

🤝 Play & Connect Workshop
12:30pm–2:30pm • Ages 0–5 • Free • More info
📍 La Pine Community Campus (51627 Coach Road, La Pine)

Guided play and parent support time with the Central Oregon Family Resource Center. Snacks, toys, and real conversation with other caregivers. Especially great for anyone feeling isolated in the baby/toddler years.

🐰 Peter Rabbit Spring Celebration
1pm–2pm • Ages 6–11 • Free • More info
📍 Sisters Library (110 N Cedar St., Sisters)

Celebrate all things spring and Peter Rabbit with snacks, crafts, and a bouncing good time!

🔥 OAC Teen Listening Session w/ Campfire
5pm–6:30pm • Ages 13–18 • Free • RSVP
📍 Open Arts Center Teen Studio (999 NE 2nd St.)

Join Camp Fire and the Open Arts Center for a listening session where teens can share their voice about the future of teen programs and connect with others interested in building community, volunteering, and career opportunities. Includes a $25 gift card from Camp Fire National!

🤸 COGA Open Gym
7:30pm–9pm • Ages 6–12 • More info
📍 Central Oregon Gymnastics Academy (2550 NE Twin Knolls Dr.)

Staff-supervised open gym with trampolines, bars, balance beams, and foam pits. A great Friday night energy release for school-age kids!

🧘 Kid’s Yoga
9:30am-10:45am • Ages 4+ • More info
📍Namaspa Yoga Community (1135 NW Galveston Ave.)

An interactive yoga class for kids that runs at the same time as the adult Power Flow class, so the whole family can get some time on the mat.

☕️ Mugs 4 Mom
10am–12pm • All ages (under 16 w/ adult)
📍 Mud Lake Studios (50 SE Scott St)

Paint and decorate a mug as a Mother's Day gift! Kids can make a surprise or create alongside a parent. All supplies included; pick up your fired mug before May 8.

🎶 Youth Songwriting Workshop: Songs In The Valley
10:30am–12pm • Ages 9–15 • Free • More info
📍 Sisters Library (110 N Cedar St., Sisters)

Write an original song together in this collaborative, all-skill-levels workshop! Bring an instrument from home if you have one, or just bring your voice. Whether your kid sings in the shower or plays piano, there's a spot for them.

🎨 Small Mobile Workshop
11am–4pm • All ages • More info
📍 Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts (550 SW Industrial Way #155)

Create a one-of-a-kind mobile using natural materials and glass beads in about 30 minutes. A relaxed, drop-in workshop for curious makers. Free and no experience needed!

🤸 Family AcroYoga Workshop
2:30pm–3:30pm • All ages • Book now
📍 Tula Movement Arts (2797 NW Clearwater Dr.)

Learn to fly, base, and spot as a family in this playful AcroYoga workshop! Stretch, move, and breathe together with no experience necessary. A unique way to connect and get silly with your kids..

🕹️ The Capitol's Arcade Grand Opening
3pm-8pm • Family-friendly
📍 The Capitol (155 NW Oregon Ave.)

Summit Arcade PNW opens at The Capitol with 50% off games all day, raffle prizes, and more. Doors open at 3pm with family-friendly hours until 8pm. A fun new spot for game-loving kids and families!

🎬 "The Sound Of Music" Screening & Sing-Along
3pm–6pm • All ages • Free • More info
📍 Redmond Library (827 SW Deschutes Ave, Redmond)

Sing along to the classic film with lyrics on screen! Members of Ridgeview High School's Ravensong choir will be there to help lead the songs. A free, family-friendly afternoon at the library. Run time is about 3 hours, so settle in with snacks.

💃 Mrs. Marcelle's Annual Movie Night Recital Party
4:30pm–7pm • All ages (7 & under w/ parent) • Tickets
📍 Highland Elementary School (701 NW Newport Ave.)

Open to everyone, not just dance families! Come dressed as your favorite Disney character for a costume parade, enjoy pizza, popcorn, crafts, a dance performance by older students, giveaways, and a screening of Zootopia 2. Bring blankets and pillows to get cozy. Kids need a ticket; parents are free.

🏃 Bend Marathon 5K
8:30am • Ages 12 & under free, 13–18 $25 • Register
📍 Old Mill West Parking

Run the official Bend Marathon 5K course through the Old Mill! Free for kids 12 and under. Students 13-18 can use code "StudentRacer" for a discounted $25 entry. This is a timed event, so it's a great goal race for young runners.

🏃 Bend Marathon Kids 1 Mile Run
11am • All ages • Free • More info
📍 Old Mill West Parking

A free, not-so-competitive and very cute 1-mile kids race as part of the Bend Marathon. Just show up at 10am to sign a waiver and grab your customizable bib, then line up for the 11am start. Every finisher gets a medal!

🐰 With A Child: Spring Bunnies
11am–1pm • Ages 5–15 • Register
📍 Harmon Park Clay Studio (1100 NW Harmon Blvd.)

Make spring bunnies out of clay with your kiddo! Learn hand-building skills and glazing techniques together.

🧘 Mini + Me Yoga
10am–11am • Ages 6 wk–4 yr • Register
📍 Hanai (62430 Eagle Rd)

A gentle yoga class for parents and little ones focused on movement, breathing, and stretching together.

🤸 The Little Gym Of Bend Open House
12pm–2pm • Ages 4 mo–12 yr • Free • RSVP
📍 The Little Gym (61334 S Hwy 97 Suite 190)

Explore classes, plan birthday parties, and learn about camps at this free open house for families with kids ages 4 months to 12 years, with great discounts on classes and camps if you enroll during the event.

🎻 Charlene Chi w/ Central Oregon Chamber Orchestra
2pm • All ages • More info & tickets
📍 Mountain View High School (2755 NE 27th St.)

Sunday matinee of the Central Oregon Chamber Orchestra with mezzo-soprano Charlene Chi, whole will be performing Celestial Threads by composer Chris Thomas. The 2pm start time is perfect for families who prefer an afternoon concert.

Opportunities for you get a little time without the kids (hello, date night!)

🎉 Parents' Night Out
Friday • 5pm–9pm • Ages 5–10 • More info
📍 Play Theory Cafe (2221 NE 3rd St)

Drop your kids for four hours of playtime, group games, activities, music, and snacks while you enjoy a night out. Dinner is included. $45/child. Limited spots, so book early!

🎬 Kids Movie Night
Friday • 6:15pm–8:15pm • Ages
📍 Athletic Club of Bend (61615 Athletic Club Dr.)

Popcorn, hot chocolate, games, and a screening of Charlotte's Web for a fun kids Friday movie night. Open to members & non-members. Reserve a spot by email [email protected]

🤸 Kids Night Out
Friday • 6-9pm • Ages 4-12 • More info
📍Mountain Air (20495 Murray Rd #150)

Drop the kids off for a night of jumping, games, and staff-led activities while you get to take a break! 🍕 Pizza included.

🤸 Ninja Night Out
Saturday • 5:30-8:30pm • Ages 6-13 • More info
📍Free Spirit (320 SW Powerhouse Dr Ste 150)

A high-energy Saturday night perfect for active kids who love competition! Free Spirit coaches lead an evening of obstacle course races, team-building games, and ninja challenges.

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