Top Family-Friendly Resorts in Oregon

Just 18 miles south of Bend, Sunriver Resort has been welcoming families since 1969—and remains as relevant as ever today with luxe rooms, on-site activities, and thoughtful amenities for kids of all ages.

Overnight stays accommodate families of all sizes and include well-appointed lodge rooms (whose decor draws inspiration from Pacific Northwest landscapes), cozy suites with lofts and kitchenettes, and luxurious vacation rental homes that boast private patios, outdoor hot tubs, and separate bedrooms. For a small fee, add a s’mores kit to your reservation—and roast marshmallows over your outdoor fire pit when the sun goes down.

Once you’ve booked your overnight stay, the fun is just beginning. In summer, ride bicycles on more than 30 miles of paved, mostly protected paths through the resort’s ponderosa pine forest—or enjoy a float on the nearby Deschutes River. In winter, the Traditions program celebrates the holidays with festive lights, special dinners, and other beloved events. Other fun activities you’ll enjoy when you visit Sunriver include pickleball courts, aquatic parks, horseback rides, and four world-class golf courses. For more inspiration, check out the top 10 must-do activities in Sunriver.

As the name implies, Juniper Preserve resides in the midst of a grove of centuries-old juniper trees that are synonymous with Central Oregon’s high desert. But natural beauty is just the start at the luxe resort.

Families of all sizes flock to Juniper Preserve, where overnight stays include modern lodge rooms in the midst of the resort’s attractions, as well as well-appointed vacation rentals with up to four bedrooms. 

Around the resort, adults can pamper themselves in an on-site spa and hit the links on two championship golf courses (each incorporating the rugged landscape into their layouts—and each designed by a legend of the game). Little ones, meanwhile, can play a few rounds of pickleball on brand-new courts, ride bikes, and play lawn games. The whole crew can even tour a lava tube underneath the resort, take part in customizable craft activities, and celebrate the day’s adventures at one of five restaurants and bars throughout Juniper Preserve.

Learn more about the fun that awaits when you visit Bend, Oregon.

Family resorts in Central Oregon offer plenty of rest and relaxation—so there’s no reason the planning process should be anything but smooth sailing. Here are a few tips to make the most of your trip and have the best vacation possible.

Budgeting: Many resorts host a mix of lodge rooms and vacation rental homes. Lodge rooms tend to cost a little less and are ideal for smaller families, while vacation rental homes typically host larger groups and generally offer a wider range of amenities. Rooms and homes alike tend to cost more in summer, so schedule a weekend getaway in spring, winter, or fall for discounted rates and a quieter experience.

Packing essentials: When you stay in Central Oregon, you’ll want to prepare for the elements. In winter and fall, that means layers to account for chilly temperatures and brisk afternoons. In summer, you’ll want moisture-wicking materials to keep cool on warm days—and a light jacket for when the sun sets and temperatures drop on the high desert. And since Central Oregon enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year, you’ll always want to bring along a reusable water bottle and plenty of sunscreen.

Seasons: You’ll find something to appreciate about each of the four seasons in Central Oregon. Winter brings fresh powder at our ski resorts and cozy nights around the fire in town, spring means the season’s first wildflower blooms and gradually warming temperatures, summer is synonymous with sunny skies and cool evenings, and autumn keeps the good weather going with brisk mornings and crisp afternoons. No matter the season, you’ll always find plenty of fun things to do in Central Oregon.

For more, check out our guide to Central Oregon vacation planning to learn all about weekend escapes, family getaways in Oregon, and other fun suggestions for a memorable vacation.