Central Oregon is known for its outdoor beauty — but the fun doesn’t stop when you get off the river, return to the trailhead, or hop off your bike.
No matter your tastes or interests, and no matter the weather, indoor fun abounds year-round throughout Central Oregon. Memorable ideas include immersive museums, bustling tasting rooms, arts-and-crafts studios, local boutiques, and — believe it or not — the sole remaining Blockbuster Video store.
To help plan your next adventure, we’ve rounded up a few ideas for exploring the “great indoors” throughout Central Oregon:
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Here’s how to make memories and enjoy the region’s indoor adventures.
High Desert History & Cultural Museums
Central Oregon’s rich history is on display at award-winning museums. Just south of Bend, the High Desert Museum tells the story of the region’s past and present through tribal artifacts and photographs, rotating and interactive exhibits, and dozens of live animals suited to our dry climate; numerous lizards and snakes, a porcupine, and a bobcat can all be viewed indoors. No reservations are necessary, and give yourself a half day to explore all the museum’s offerings.
Further north, spend a couple hours at The Museum at Warm Springs for an in-depth look at the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs. The museum’s thoughtful displays include replica dwellings, historic photographs, and interpretive panels that trace thousands of years of history. Learn more about the region’s past, present, and future with our guide to museums and galleries in Central Oregon.
Local Boutiques, Bookstores, and Creative Studios
Whether you’re shopping for the latest fashions, the biggest bestsellers, or the perfect gift, you’ll find plenty of locally owned shops throughout Central Oregon.
Prineville, especially, hosts a few thoughtful stores that embody Central Oregon’s high-desert spirit. The Wild Rose Boutique specializes in women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories — while the long-running Prineville Men’s Wear brings together durable denim shirts, jeans, cowboy hats, and other West-inspired apparel. Discover other boutiques and vintage shops, like Big Chief Vintage in Sisters, with our guide to vintage shopping in Central Oregon.
If you’re looking to kick back with an exciting page-turner, Roundabout Books & Cafe stocks top titles and routinely hosts live events with local authors in Bend. Further south, the dog-friendly Sunriver Books sells a wide range of titles across a variety of genres in The Village at Sunriver.
In Bend, find locally made art and goods in the Old Iron Works District that make for the perfect souvenir or gift. There, Mud Lake Studios & Supplies comprises an art gallery, an art supply shop, and studio space for more than 75 artists — all under one roof; sign up for hands-on classes and workshops, or browse the selection of curated projects to work on your next piece back home. Art classes are also available at The Creator Lab in Sunriver, which offers painting, candle and soap making, glass fusing, and other creative activities.
Active Recreation & Family Entertainment (Climbing, Trampoline Parks, Bowling)
Kick it old school with a variety of family activities in Central Oregon.
Strap on a pair of bowling shoes and find the perfect ball at Madras Bowl & Pizza, which pairs its beloved bowling lanes with a snack bar that serves classic pies, chicken strips, and other kid-friendly fare.
At the northern edge of Bend, the indoor highlights at Sun Mountain Fun Center include an 18-lane bowling alley, a multi-level laser tag arena, a four-person virtual reality game, and an arcade filled with popular titles and charming classics — like air hockey and Skee-Ball machines. Elsewhere in town, let your little ones run wild at Trampoline Zone & Adventure Park, which offers more than 50 trampoline beds, six climbing walls, a ninja course, and other kid-friendly activities. And at Free Spirit Yoga Ninja Play, you’ll find yoga classes, obstacle courses, ninja challenges, and other indoor fun.
Relaxation & Wellness (Resort Spas, Day Spas, Yoga)
Health and wellness doesn’t end when you take a vacation; in fact, this might be the perfect time to pamper yourself with a spa day or to sign up for a yoga class.
A number of our world-class resorts host on-site spas. The Spa at Sunriver Resort uses products with locally grown ingredients to provide massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more. Just outside Sisters, The Spa at Black Butte Ranch provides a wide range of massages, facial treatments, hand and foot treatments, and other relaxing experiences. Between Bend and Redmond, Juniper Spa at Juniper Preserve complements its signature services with a barrel sauna, guided breathwork, sound baths, and other wellness-minded offerings. And Spa Brasada, housed at Brasada Ranch, draws inspiration from the surrounding high desert for its facials, body treatments, and other services. These spas can fill up fast, especially on summer weekends, so consider booking a treatment as soon as you know when you’ll be here and what your schedule might look like.
Even if you’re not staying at one of our lavish resorts, a variety of day spas help travelers feel their best throughout Central Oregon. Radiant Day Spa provides customized massages, facials, waxing, and other services in Bend and Sisters. At FivePine Lodge in Sisters, the Asian-inspired experience at Shibui Spa begins with a cup of hot tea — and may include soaking in the spa’s thermal tub, solo and couples massages, and cleansing facials. In Madras, Daybreak Spa Studio pampers guests with therapeutic massage, a summertime facial that’s infused with lavender and other flora, and other thoughtful offerings.
A number of yoga studios and barre classes in Central Oregon, meanwhile, invite visitors to find balance. In Bend, Groove Yoga shares its vinyasa yoga teachings through a mix of slower-paced and upbeat classes. Redmond’s Love Bird Yoga, meanwhile, is a family-owned studio that incorporates meditation, storytelling, and breathwork into its yoga classes. Barre3 in Bend’s Old Mill District draws inspiration from yoga, Pilates, and ballet for a full-body workout — featuring low-impact exercises that can be practiced at any fitness level.
Regional Food, Craft Breweries & Tasting Rooms
Breweries and Cideries around Bend and Central Oregon
Over the years, our world-class breweries and cideries have transformed into family-friendly stops with elevated pub grub, on-site food carts, non-alcoholic selections, and other casual offerings.
Sunriver Brewing Company pairs its award-winning craft ales and lagers with burgers, sandwiches, and a robust kid’s menu — and even hosts a small play area for young children. In Sisters, Three Creeks Brew Pub serves pizzas that feature beer-infused dough, a globetrotting menu of lunch and dinner dishes (from carnitas tacos to Thai wraps), and a selection of house-made beers. La Pine’s Legend Cider pours 28 taps of fruity ciders, as well as a seasonal cocktail menu and refreshing mocktails; fare from on-site food carts is also available.
Elevated Wineries and Casual Distilleries in Bend and Central Oregon
Plenty of tasting rooms deliver elevated experiences and elegant tasting rooms — providing the perfect backdrop to savor Central Oregon’s growing wine scene. Amaterra Kitchen + Social Club pairs the winery’s offerings with a seasonally inspired food menu in downtown Bend. Friends and Vine, based in Sisters, pours a selection of worldly wines in a Western-inspired taproom — and is staffed by friendly pros who are happy to help make the most of your tasting experience.
For a sample of local spirits, the tasting room and bottle shop at Oregon Spirit Distillers encompasses craft cocktails and distillery tours in Bend’s up-and-coming Central District.
Get more inspiration with our guide to grabbing a drink in Bend and Central Oregon.
Guided Brewery and Distillery Tours in Central Oregon
Central Oregon is home to dozens of breweries — so if you’re not sure where to start, take a brewery or distillery tour with Wanderlust Tours. All year long, the local outfitter provides behind-the-scenes excursions and other inventive outings that showcase our craft culture.
Quirky Landmarks & Iconic Spots (The Last Blockbuster)
Blockbuster Video was everywhere in the 1990s — a legacy that lives on today at the last Blockbuster on earth, located right here on the east side of Bend. The last-ever outpost of the once-ubiquitous video store chain hosts a bit of Hollywood memorabilia, rents new and classic films on DVD and Blu-ray, and sells all manner of branded merchandise. For more, check out the deep dive on Blockbuster Video in Bend.
Frequently Asked Questions: Indoor Activities in Central Oregon
Q: What are the best indoor family activities in Central Oregon?
A: Families enjoy a wide range of indoor activities in Central Oregon — from educational outings to upbeat adventures. A few highlights include the High Desert Museum near Bend and Sunriver, active adventures like Trampoline Zone & Adventure Park in Bend, and Sun Mountain Fun Center — whose attractions include laser tag, bowling, arcade games, and more in Bend.
Q: Are there any museums to visit indoors in Central Oregon?
A: Several indoor museums showcase the history, heritage, and cultures of Central Oregon. Stop by the High Desert Museum near Bend and Sunriver to learn about the region’s past and wildlife, visit the Museum at Warm Springs for an in-depth look at the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, get a feel for life on the range at the A.R. Bowman Museum in Prineville, and revisit Bend’s earliest days at the Deschutes Historical Museum.
Q: Can I visit the last Blockbuster in the world in Bend, Oregon?
A: You can! The last Blockbuster is open daily on Bend’s east side. There, you can shop for merchandise, see a few items of movie memorabilia, and browse thousands of movies — from Hollywood classics to the latest releases on DVD and Blu-ray.
Q: What indoor relaxation and wellness options are available in Central Oregon?
A: Many of our resorts host on-site spas with massages, facials, and other relaxing treatments. Those include The Spa at Sunriver Resort, which uses products with locally grown ingredients, and Spa Brasada — which finds inspiration in the surrounding high desert for its experiences at Brasada Ranch. Day spas, meanwhile, can be found all over Central Oregon. Shibui Spa resides at FivePine Lodge in Sisters, while Radiant Day Spa offers a number of relaxing services in Bend and Sisters.
Q: Where are the best places to enjoy indoor food, beer, and wine tasting in Central Oregon?
A: A number of craft breweries, restaurants, and wineries welcome diners from all walks of life. Sunriver Brewing Company serves award-winning ales and lagers alongside filling pub grub — and hosts a small play area for young children. La Pine’s Legend Cider pours 28 taps of fruity ciders, as well as a seasonal cocktail menu and refreshing mocktails; fare from on-site food carts is also available. And Amaterra Kitchen + Social Club serves Oregon-made wines with a seasonally driven food menu in downtown Bend.
Q: What unique indoor shopping experiences does Central Oregon offer?
A: Sample the high-desert spirit of Central Oregon at locally owned, Western-inspired shops like The Wild Rose Boutique and Prineville Men’s Wear — both in Prineville — and find old-school styles at Big Chief Vintage in Sisters. Bend’s Old Iron Works District brings together studios, art galleries, and retail spaces that sell handcrafted goods, work from local artists, and other items that make an ideal souvenir or gift. In Sunriver, Mad Sass Soap Co. sells small-batch scrubs, lotions, balms, and more.
Q: Is there an indoor casino in Central Oregon?
A: In Warm Springs, the tribal-owned-and-operated Indian Head Casino offers a variety of table games — including blackjack, craps, and roulette — as well as slot machines, live music, and two on-site restaurants. Learn more about gaming and casinos in Central Oregon.
Trip Planning Tips for Bad-Weather & Winter Days
A little planning can make a big difference on your next trip to Central Oregon. Here are a few resources for organizing your trip, packing correctly, and adapting as the weather changes.
Trip-Planning Tools: A number of trip-planning tools can help make your next vacation a memorable one. In summer, our wildfire and smoke resources include current air-quality reports throughout Central Oregon, maps of any active wildfires, and links to the latest news and updates. No matter the time of year, consult the Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck tool whenever you’re driving to Central Oregon; the helpful site includes webcams, construction updates, closure alerts, and other traffic-planning tools.
What to Pack: Our indoor attractions are open year-round, but you’ll still want to pack for the weather. Try packing layers so you can bundle up on our brisk mornings, shed the jacket when the day warms up (or when you gather around the fire pit at a local brewpub), and get cozy after the sun sets and the high desert cools off.
How to Adapt and Stay Flexible: If wildfire smoke arrives in Central Oregon, fear not: It’s usually short-lived — and is almost never bad enough to blanket the entire region and send us all inside. Instead, consider keeping your schedule flexible so you can pivot to another part of Central Oregon if your desired destination seems to be socked in one day. To help make that planning a bit easier, we put together the ultimate Central Oregon road trip, which includes highlights and itineraries throughout the entire region.
If you’re feeling inspired, find more ideas for indoor memory-making — including movie theaters, local shops, family-friendly gyms, and more — with our round-up of 19 ways to have fun indoors in Central Oregon.
