Top Things to Do in Sunriver for Families

JohnMar 3, 20235 min read

A Destination Full of Fun for the Entire Family

Sunriver, Oregon is a gem of a destination that offers something for every member of the family, from the youngest to the oldest. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or a relaxing time, Sunriver has it all. The best part is that you can enjoy all of these activities while staying at the Sunriver Cascade House, which is the perfect luxury vacation home for families.

Here are some of the activities that you can enjoy in Sunriver:

SHARC: The Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center (SHARC) is a family favorite for all. This aquatic center has a lazy river, water slides, a hot tub, a kiddie pool, and even a wave pool. SHARC is perfect for a day of fun in the sun with the family.The Sunriver Cascade House offers 10 SHARC Passes that offers free unlimited daily access to the SHARC for your entire stay. The typical admission for summer entrance is $30~ per person per entrance without the SHARC passes. For example a family of 10 going to the SHARC for two days during their stay that alone is basically a $600 savings!
Biking: Sunriver is known for its bike-friendly atmosphere. With 40+ miles of paved pathways that are away from the main roads, Sunriver is a cyclist's paradise, offering a safe and enjoyable way for to take in the area's stunning natural beauty. It's very family friendly and perfect for all ages including those who are just learning to ride to the advance riders. And if you don't have a bike, no problem. The Sunriver Cascade House offers 6 adult cruiser bikes and a bike trailer that can tow an additional 1-2 kids. From the house many of our guest love to venture out to Cardinal Bridge(3 miles r/t), SHARC (6 miles r/t), Sunriver Village(6.5 miles r/t), Benham Falls(7 miles r/t), Lava Lands (10 miles r/t), and much more!
Sunriver Village: The Sunriver Village is full of fun activities for the entire family, including mini-golf, bumper cars, ice skating(in winter), rock climbing, bungee/bounce play, and Goody’s ice cream. You can also grab a bite to eat and drink at one of the many restaurants in the village.
Lava Lands National Park and Lava Caves: Explore the unique geological features of the area with a trip to Lava Lands National Park and Lava Caves. This national park has trails that lead to a 500-foot-tall volcano and a mile-long lava tube.
The Sunriver Stables for Horseback riding: Take a scenic horseback ride through the forest and meadows of Sunriver. The Sunriver Stables offer guided rides for riders of all skill levels. Or just take your bikes along the trail to the stables and feed the horses on the side of the trail.
Hike or Bike to Benham Falls or Cardinal Bridge: Experience the natural beauty of Sunriver by hiking or biking to Benham Falls or Cardinal Bridge. These trails offer stunning views of the Deschutes River and are perfect for a family picnic. The trails are literally a few footsteps away from the Sunriver Cascade House. Many hikers/walkers/runner who are looking for a nice evening stroll(3 miles r/t) to catch sunset will head down to the Sunriver Cardinals Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that stretches across the Deschutes River and into the Deschutes National Forest. Those looking for more excitment and scenery can head North on the trail to Benham Falls(7 miles r/t). You can choose to take the paved trail or the dirt trail both of which are scenric and has you immersed into the Deschutes National Forest. Prior to arriving to Benham falls you'll get to cross the Deschutes Bridge where most kayakers will pull out. Then you'll hit a dirt path the takes you along what appears to be a calm river that is until you start to hear the rushing and roaring of the falls to which you'll be greeted with and amazing view.
Visit the Sunriver Observatory and Nature Center: Learn about the stars and planets at the Sunriver Observatory and Nature Center. This facility has a state-of-the-art observatory and offers stargazing tours.
Fort Rock & Paulina Park: The two main playgrounds for kids within Sunriver. Fort Rock features a large kids playground, 12 Tennis courts, 2 horse shoes courts, Covered picnic area, restrooms, basketball ball court, volley ball court, playground. Paulina Park situated right next to the SHARC offers large boulders for kids to practice their rock climbing skills. Also don't forget the year round SHARC sledding hill. The Sunriver Cascade House offers SHARC passes that allows guests to check out an innertube to slide down the SHARC Sledding Hill.
Visit the High Desert Museum: The High Desert Museum is a must-visit destination in Sunriver for families. This museum has exhibits on the natural history of the area, including the plants and animals that call it home. While is sounds boring to visit a museum but what we found was it was perfect for young kids.
Mt. Bachelor: During the winter season, skiing and snowboarding are popular activities in Sunriver. Perfect for familes as it offers free or discounted passes for begginers and young kids. However in summer the mountain biking and ziplining is absolutly amazing. Mt. Bachelor is just a short drive away and offers world-class skiing and snowboarding(6th largest ski resort in N. America).
Deschutes River rafting or Floating: Rafting or floating on the Deschutes River is an exhilarating experience that the whole family can enjoy. There are many outfitters in the area that offer guided tours.
Geocaching: Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt that is perfect for families. There are many geocaching sites in the Sunriver area, and all you need is a GPS device and a sense of adventure.
Golfing: Sunriver has four world-class golf courses that are perfect for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Disc Golf: A Short 9 hole course located behind the SHARC. Holes play up and down and around a hill and through some woods. Great beginner/rec course and a nice practice course for more advanced players. The Sunriver Cascade House offers SHARC passes that allows for guests to stop by the SHARC to pick up some Discs to try their hands at Disc Golf.
Twilight Cinema: Outdoor movie night at the Sunriver Village. During the summer months, the Sunriver Village hosts Twilight Cinema

Bonus

Last but not least the Sunriver Cascade House is an experience in itself for families. As soon as you step inside this beautifully designed, single level home, you'll feel a sense of warmth and relaxation that will help you create unforgettable memories with your friends and family.

Set on ⅓ acre, this spacious 3,000 sq. foot house is perfect for kids, parents, grandparents, and all generations. With a private backyard featuring a cascading waterfall, arcade, board games, corn hole, bocce ball, and an indoor hot tub that opens to the outdoor, this is the perfect retreat to relax, recharge, play, create, and dream.

Enjoy the finest outdoor living with family dinners outside, chilling on the lounge chairs, playing games, grilling on the propane BBQ, or simply relaxing with your choice of beverage. The Sunriver Cascade House offers the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living.

But it's not just about the amenities. At the Sunriver Cascade House, we believe in creating an experience that will stay with you long after your vacation is over. Our goal is to help you create memories that will last a lifetime - whether it's sitting around the cozy fireplace with your loved ones or exploring the many outdoor activities that Sunriver has to offer.

As owners of the Sunriver Cascade House, my wife and I fell in love with the magic of this place and wanted to share it with others. This is not just a house - it's an experience that you and your friends and family will never forget.

So why wait? Book your next Sunriver vacation at the Sunriver Cascade House and experience the magic for yourself.