You can begin your adventure at the Lava Lands Visitor Center in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument (fs.fed.us), approximately 11 miles from Bend on Highway 97. In addition to hands-on activities for the younger members of your family, you will learn in detail about the volcanic landscape around Bend. Better than that, you will be able to explore the Lava Butte Cinder Cone, which rises 500 feet above the visitor center, courtesy of the Trail of the Molten Lands self-guided interpretive trail.
For the family that would like to explore all that Bend has to offer, in a variety of ways to explore it, Wanderlust Tours (wanderlusttours.com) provides guided tours of central Oregon. David and Aleta Nissen founded this company in 1993 and, in 2011, still offer tours to match your group's taste. These include kayak, cave and volcano tours, some of which occur under the starry splendor of night. The guides are passionate about the environment, providing a sustainable tour with respect to the awe-inspiring ecosystem around Bend.
High Desert Museum (highdesertmuseum.org) teaches you and your family all about the region of central Oregon, including the volcanic history thousands of years prior to the establishment of Bend. The museum pledges to not only teach the past, but to teach an appreciation for the present and instill an individual responsibility for the future. In addition to kids camps, other activities are available for your children regardless of age. There is also a club that provides hands-on experiences for children with disabilities. The museum's Totally Touchable Tales series held each Tuesday features surprising storytelling that includes anything from puppets to live animals.
Several festivals bring a taste of family fun and excitement to the Bend area annually. Operating for more than two decades is the Bank of the Cascades Bend Summer Festival (no website; 541-385-6570) in downtown Bend each July. This free event made its name as a signature summer art festival with street performers, musicians and artists that come from all over the Northwest. For the family, this festival is also home to the True North Parenting Magazine Kids Block Party, which keeps families cool while they are participating in arts, crafts and water games. Kids can party in their jammies at the Saturday evening Pajamy Jam.
