Local Parks & Playgrounds around Bend
Bend locals quip that there’s a brewery on every corner, but guess what’s even more abundant in this outdoorsy mountain town? Parks!
Bend Park & Recreation District manages more than 80 parks in Bend, including 2,600+ acres of open space, riverfront parks, sports fields, and small neighborhood playgrounds. That doesn’t count State Parks like Pilot Butte or Smith Rock or vast outdoor wonderlands like Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
In other words, you could visit a different park on every day of your Bend vacation and still barely scratch the surface.
From surfing waves on the Deschutes River at the Bend White Water Park, honing in your mountain bike skills at Rockridge, casting a fly rod at Shevlin, or playing a round of Pickleball at Pine Nursery, there’s a park for everyone and almost every activity.
Slides, monkey bars, and swings, oh my! For the biggest park fans, kids will have a blast exploring and horsing around at one of the many playgrounds in Bend. There are plenty of neighborhood parks to choose from, so no matter where you’re staying, your little ones will be able to burn off some energy, giggle like crazy, and run around outside.
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, don’t miss Bend’s bounty of doggy playgrounds, including the 14-acre Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area at Pine Nursery Park, which boasts grassy fenced fields, a water feature, and acres of trails meandering through lava outcroppings. Or, if Fido needs a cool down on a hot day, head over Riverbend Park for an off-leash area with river access.
There are also park facilities for rent if you’re looking for that perfect spot for a family reunion, birthday party, or outdoor wedding.
In the winter, when we’re lucky enough to get snow in town, some of our parks become the perfect spot for a snowshoe, cross country ski, or snowball fight. Shevlin Park, Deschutes River Trail, and Riley Ranch can be favorites for in-town wintertime exploration by skis or snowshoes.
Pick a park, pack a picnic, and get ready to play your heart out in Bend at one of our many playgrounds, nature trails, dog parks, or disc golf courses.