Discovering Inclusive Activities in Bend, Oregon: Community Events for Families & Adults
- Lisa B
- Sep 9
- 8 min read
Bend, Oregon isn’t just a gorgeous outdoor playground—it’s a place where everyone, regardless of ability, is invited to participate. In this post, you’ll find community-powered, accessible, and often free events tailored for families and individuals with special needs. From adaptive cycling days to fall festivals and inclusive recreational programs, these gatherings celebrate ability, connection, and belonging.
Be sure to check out our guides for Salem, Eugene and Portland Oregon as well. We are trying to highlight inclusive activities in communities all over Oregon, with more cities to come soon. Send us an email at cen@enable.family with your favorite community activities.
Free Community Events for Families
Free Community Skating & More -- Pavilion-Palooza
When: Sunday, September 14 from 2 PM to 4 PM
Cost: Free, but registration is required
Location: The Pavilion, 1001 SW Bradbury Wy, Bend
What it is: Pavilion-Palooza is back and even better – it’s FREE! Pavilion-Palooza is a fun-filled afternoon with roller skating, skatepark features, music by DJ Teafly, drums and hula performance by Hokule’a of Central Oregon, art and sports activities and more.
Register here for this free event.
Free Inclusive Community Event -- NatureConnect Fest
When: Saturday September 20, 11 AM -- 3 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Alpenglow Park, 61049 Southeast 15th Street, Bend
What it is: NatureConnect Fest, presented by the Gear Fix, celebrates the diversity of ways we all connect with nature. Bring your family out to try a new outdoor activity, connect with amazing community organizations, and learn how we can all help take care of our environment and community.
There's something for everyone, including nature, arts and crafts, STEM activities, outdoor recreation, music, food and more. This event is made possible by 20+ community partners, including Bend Park and Recreation District and Deschutes National Forest. For more information, visit NatureConnect Fest.
Free Family Friendly Activity -- Bend Fall Festival
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday October 3-5, see website for times & details
Cost: Free (Vendors and organized activities in the festival may require tickets)
Location: Downtown Bend, free parking is available at the Deschutes County Administration building parking lots on Friday after 5 PM and all day Saturday & Sunday.
What it is: Bend Fall Festival is October 3-5. There’s a family play zone, bands performing each of the festival days (Friday 5:30-10, Saturday 11:30 AM to 10 PM, Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM) and more! Watch artists at work and shop at the harvest market. Located in downtown Bend, the festival covers six city blocks.
Family-fun at the Library -- Try a New Hobby
When: During open Library hours
Location: Check website for locations of items
What it is: The Deschutes public library offers a Library of Things option and board games that can be checked out for three weeks. Categories include science projects, play parachute kits, wooden logs, train kits, Magna-tiles, badminton supplies, musical instruments, cooking tools (like cake pop pans), bread machines, bike repair tools, hiking kits, painting supplies, disc golf, and much more! There are 86 different board games available for a variety of ages and interests.
Inclusive & Free Outdoor Activities in Bend for Families
Explore the Outdoors -- Kids in Parks
When: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: All over Oregon, and nationwide
What it is: Kids in parks is a free national program that connects families to the outdoors. Self-guided activities help families find a trail near them with downloadable trail maps and descriptions of the terrain. Families can track the trails they've visited and earn prizes for completing short activities at the trails when they register on the website. There are also e-adventures that families can complete in a local park or backyard with a smartphone.
Activities near Bend include:
All of their central Oregon self-guided activities can be found here or on individual hike pages.
Guided Nature Walk Designed for Kids -- Metolius Preserve
When: September 20, 1 PM -- 3 PM
Cost: Free, register to participate. Find more information and register here
Location: Metolius Preserve
What it is: "Kids Falling for Nature" Bring the kids and join the Deschutes Land Trust and Mary Yanalcanlin for a fall nature exploration! Explore the pine forests of the Metolius Preserve and search for woodpeckers and the obvious signs they leave behind. Discover why birds are harder to find at this time of year and enjoy the fall colors of the changing season. Perfect for kids ages 4-10 with a grown-up in tow. This is a 1-2 mile walk on established trails; terrain will be uneven at times. The hike will start at the North Trailhead of the Metolius Preserve and will explore Preserve trails. Please email them at event@deschuteslandtrust.org at least one week in advance if there is something they can do or provide to support you in participating in this outing to the fullest and they will accommodate as possible.
What to bring: Snacks, water, closed toe shoes. Dress for the weather. There is no drinking water or trash removal onsite; seasonal portable restrooms at the North Trailhead.
More Free Outdoor Family Fun -- September Nature Kids "Frog, Toad, and Abode!"
When: Saturday September 27, 10:30 AM -- 12 PM
Cost: Free, register for directions and details
Location: Paulina Creek Preserve
What it is: A free guided nature walk -- learn about the life cycles of frogs and toads, and create a toad home for you to take home and place in your yard! Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Karen Walsh for Nature Kids! Get outside and explore the nature of Central Oregon on guided family nature walks just for kids ages 5-10 and their grown-up. Kids and their families can explore, imagine, and grow through hands-on activities and experiences outside. Meet other families, learn more about the natural world around us, and have fun!
Offered on the second Wednesday and last Saturday of the month April-October at Land Trust Preserves and in Bend. Registration for this and upcoming events opens one month prior to the event. The Land Trust is working to make their Walks + Hikes as accessible as possible. Please email them at event@deschuteslandtrust.org at least one week in advance if there is something they can do or provide to support you in participating in this outing to the fullest and they will accommodate as possible.
October Nature Kids Events -- "Hideouts and Habitats"
When: Wednesday October 8, 2:30 PM -- 4 PM
Cost: Free, register for directions and details
Location: Hollinshead Park
When: Saturday October 25, 10:30 AM -- 12 PM
Cost: Free, register for directions and details
Location: Metolius Preserve
What it is: A free guided nature walk -- during October, we'll explore the science behind the nests, homes, and dens that animals and their young call home. Get outside and explore the nature of Central Oregon on guided family nature walks just for kids ages 5-10 and their grown-ups. Kids and families can explore, imagine, and grow through hands-on activities and experiences outside. Bring snacks, water & close toed shoes. These events are hosted by the Deschutes Land Trust.
Sensory-Friendly Family Activities
Sensory Sensitive Swim
When: Saturdays 2:15 PM -- 3:45 PM
Cost: $7/person when adult accompanies children, under 3 free
Location: Bend Park & Recreation Larkspur pool, 1600 SE Reed Market Rd, Bend
What it is: A calm atmosphere and predictable routines with trained staff. This session is open to all ages and children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. View swim schedules and more information.
Sensory-friendly Places to Visit -- The High Desert Museum
When: Open daily 9 AM -- 5 PM until 10/31, winter hours are 10 AM -- 4 PM
Cost: Prices vary depending on the time of year, but around $24/adult and $13/child (ages 3-12)
Location: 59800 S Hwy 97, Bend, OR 97702
What it is: the High Desert Museum has sensory bags available to any guest. Inside you will find tangible items of different textures, along with communication cards, noise-cancelling headphones and strobe-cancelling glasses. The contents of the bags are provided to help reduce anxiety and stimulation during your visit. Please ask for one at the admission desk. Review their accessibility page on their website for more ways to make your visit successful.
Guests may prepare for their visit by reviewing the social story available on the KultureCity app or at https://venue.kulturecity.org/venues/high-desert-museum. Their Backpack Explorers program for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers offers weekly activities on Mondays from 10 AM -- 11 AM. Pre-register and get more information about pricing and weekly themes here.
Accessible Playgrounds & Experiences in Bend
Accessible Playgrounds and Parks in Bend--Bend Park & Recreation District
Bend Park & Recreation District publishes a list of accessible places and includes both parks and trails around Bend. Each listing includes details about accessible features and the page also includes links to their Therapeutic Recreation offerings.
Accessible Experiences in Bend--Wheel the World guide
Wheel the World gives overviews of places in Bend that are accessible to people with disabilities. They verify these details to give peace of mind to families visiting a local experience. They also cover travel destinations in the US and around the world.
Summer Community Cycling Series: Wednesday Bike Night -- Oregon Adaptive Sports
When: Wednesday evenings, September 10, 17 & 24 remaining dates this year
Cost: Free, register to secure an adaptive bike
Location: Pine Nursery Park (Middle Parking lot -- at the very end!) 3750 NE Purcell Blvd, Bend
Time: 4 PM -- 7 PM Show up anytime between 4 PM and 6 PM to start your ride
What it is: OAS is hosting weekly cycling sessions on Wednesday evenings. The September dates are the last of a series that began in June. This is a great way to get comfortable on a bike, demo an adaptive cycle, improve your fitness, and enjoy riding with friends and family. Athletes will have access to explore the two-mile paved loop, with alternate routes at Pine Nursery Park. All experience levels are welcome!
OAS will have adaptive cycles, tandem bicycles, helmets and adaptive gear available for attendees. OAS bikes are first come first served. Pre registration recommended to secure an adaptive bike. If you ride a stand up bicycle (two wheeled), plan to bring your personal bike. This is a community program, where athletes and community members are welcome to invite family and friends if desired!
More: Summer Community Cycling Series: Saturday Rise and Ride -- OAS
When: Saturday mornings September 13 & 20 are remaining dates this year
Cost: Free, register to secure an adaptive bike
Location: Pine Nursery Park (Middle Parking lot -- at the very end!) 3750 NE Purcell Blvd, Bend
Time: 9 AM -- 12 PM Show up anytime between 9 AM and 11:30 AM to start your ride
What it is: See above description from the Wednesday Bike Nights for more information, or visit Oregon Adaptive Sports website.
Online Classes to Support Families
Money Management Class for Teens & Young Adults with Disabilities
When: Mondays & Wednesdays: October 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22 6:30 PM -- 7:30 PM
Cost: Free for youth and their families; youth must attend, register here
Location: Zoom; link provided with registration
What it is: FACT Oregon is hosting a free money management class series for teens & young adults with disabilities. This 6-session series helps young people with disabilities, along with their families, learn how to manage money and make smart choices about money.
Support for Parents and Caregivers
Free Training About Developmental Disability Services in Oregon
When: Online, on demand
Cost: Free
Location: Online
What it is: FACT Oregon offers an on-demand training that gives and overview of DD services in Oregon. Register for the training on their website and view at your own pace. The training is free for families and $25 for professionals (certificate included). If you need help to register, please call (503) 786-6082 or (541) 695-5416 or email program@factoregon.org.
Register for the training on their website. This link takes you to all of their on-demand training options. Select "Overview of Developmental Disability (DD) Services in Oregon" and follow the steps to register.
There are lots of great inclusive activities in Bend, so get out and explore! We hope these ideas inspire you to try something new in your community, and please send us your favorite activities throughout Oregon so that we can highlight them in future posts. Write us at cen@enable.family.
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