As the last days of Summer are heading undeniably toward Fall, it’s a good time to revisit rainy day activities for kiddos on the Coast.  Lincoln City has tons of options, and we have rounded up our favorites below. September, October and November can be gorgeous months on the Oregon Coast – and an ideal time to visit Meredith Lodging vacation rentals! On the off-chance you find yourself in stormy weather, pack up the kids and check out these kid-approved Lincoln City outings!

Read’s Candy

It will not be a tough sell to talk the kiddos in to visiting a candy store – rain OR shine! Read’s Homemade Candies is a Lincoln City institution and one of the only places on the coast that still makes their taffy by hand, in-house.  The kids will love watching the candy being made and listening to the whir-of the wrapping machines. Read also has lots of coast classics for the grown-ups too – even Seafoam!

Prehistoric

Do you know a kid that is obsessed with all things dinosaur? A kid who likes rocks and uncovering treasure? Pretty sure we have just described every kiddo we know.  When the rain hits, head to Prehistoric for hours of education and fun. From the baby T-rex greeting you at the door, to the extensive collection of rare rocks and crystals, to the chance to crack your own geode and mine for precious gems – Prehistoric really is fun for everyone!  Your kids will love spending a few hours in this unforgettable space.

Old Line Lanes

Bowling is always a good rainy-day idea…and bowling with great food and drink is even better!  Visitors love the remodel the owners of Olde Line Lanes completed a couple years ago and many choose to spend time in this classic space during any kind of weather!  The food is great and grown-ups will appreciate the chance to have an adult beverage with their pizza. Everyone will love the chance to get their bowling game on in this cheerful and inviting location.

 Lincoln City Glass Center

Take the kiddos for an arts-based outing and visit the Lincoln City Glass Center – where everyone can create their own piece of blown glass, alongside the talented (and patient!) instructors. Make glass floats, paper weights, votive holders – and you even get to choose your own colors.  Kids love to create something new and thanks to the expert instruction that comes with this activity, you will love displaying the end result in your home, or sharing it as a gift. If you aren’t feeling in the mood to make something, consider just stopping by and watching others as they create their own personal works of art.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Technically this outing involves a bit of a drive – but a drive to something fun can be a good thing!  Located just South of Lincoln City, the Oregon Coast Aquarium offers and world-class educational experience for curious kiddos.  See Otters, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Octopus, Puffins and hundreds of other marine species all in one award-winning place. The underwater walkways of the Open Sea exhibit will have your child’s eyes wide with wonder!

Game Over Arcade 

With of 50+ arcade games and a myriad of pinball machines, Game Over is a gem when it come to rainy day activities on the Coast. Parents can partake in the action or can relax and take in some sports on the 10+ 70 inch TVs while the kids enjoy themselves. Visit Lincoln City’s gem on your next Oregon Coast getaway rain or shine.

Experience Halloween in Bend for Yourself!

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Bend Lodging by Mt Bachelor Village Resort or Meredith’s Bend Vacation Rentals Collection has the perfect vacation rental home for you. And, what better time to come experience all that Bend has to offer than during Halloween?

So you’re coming to Bend, but you aren’t sure what there is to do. Well here are five of the most “Bend’y” things to get yourself acclimated to the area. Don’t worry—once you’ve had an introduction to Bend, you will be back for more!

1. Pilot Butte and a Pilot Butte Drive-In Burger

One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in Bend—besides the excessive number of Subarus—is Pilot Butte. It’s that large cinder cone in the middle of town. Visiting the top on a clear day will allow you to see a full 360 degrees for miles and miles. A very handy geographical marker there will allow you to identify the different features around Bend. There are two ways up, a trail and a roadway. The road makes it easily accessible, but it is closed during the winter months. Luckily, the trail is always open. Whichever way you take, I recommend grabbing yourself a tasty burger from the Pilot Butte Drive-In at the bottom of the Butte and enjoying a picnic while you watch the sun set over the Southern Cascades.

2. High Desert Museum

Rain or shine, I always recommend guests to check out the High Desert Museum. If you have ever wondered about the formation of these lands and the people that have lived here 100s of years ago, then this is the place to go! The exhibits are incredibly informative, interesting and cover a wide variety of topics. It’s also an accredited zoo that includes otters and recovering birds of prey. It’s guaranteed to catch the interest of everyone in your family!

3. The Bend Ale Trail

The Bend Ale Trail is always a fan favorite, but you must be 21 and older to participate. The trail consists of 18 Central Oregon breweries, although you only need to visit 10 to be eligible for the Silipint prize, which you must redeem at Visit Bend! Visiting these breweries not only allows you to sample Bend’s beer culture—it will bring you to parts of the city you might not have visited otherwise. In order to visit all 18 breweries, you need to travel to Sisters, Redmond and Sunriver. If you only have a couple of days to do the trail, please remember that you can still receive a stamp without purchasing a beverage. For any designated drivers, make sure to own your role and receive the ‘DD’ stamp at each brewery, because you will get a special prize for staying sober!

4. Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is definitely a Bend icon. It is the largest waterfall in the area at 95 feet tall, top to bottom. This waterfall is right off the trailhead, so it is not a day-long commitment if hiking is not your favorite activity. A beautiful trail follows Tumalo Creek for 3 miles (6 miles out and back), with more waterfalls along the way. The road to the trailhead is seasonal, so in the winter the road will be closed about 2.5 miles away. The falls is still accessible, though! Grab your yak tracks or snow shoes and some warm layers for a beautiful winter adventure.

5. First Friday

On the first Friday of every month Downtown Bend’s art galleries stay open later into the evening. These galleries often serve appetizers and adult beverages to encourage visitors to come in and check them out. While this is an enjoyable, family-friendly event, it is particularly fun going with a group of friends looking for an exciting night out on the town. Don’t forget that Bend has both Uber and Lyft as options to get you home.

Local Tip: If you aren’t in town during a First Friday event, then no worries! Just make sure to get into downtown in the afternoon to enjoy the galleries, then enjoy happy hour at one of the many excellent restaurants in the area. Ask your friendly Vacation Planning Experts at Mount Bachelor Village for their favorite Happy Hours in downtown if you need some suggestions!

A trip to Bend just isn’t complete unless you visit one of the 24 breweries in Bend!  There are also numerous beer events throughout the year so that you can sample multiple beers in one location.  Being from Bend, we may be a bit biased, but we truly believe that we have some of the best beer in the PNW!

Crux Fermentation

located next to the Box Factory and close to Old Mill District, Crux Fermentation is a local favorite with a fun outdoor area including outdoor fire pit, corn hole games and plenty of seating.  While you are there, make sure you check out El Sanchos Tacos too!

Worthy Brewing

located in the NE part of Bend, Worthy Brewing recently won the award for Best Patio Dining in Central Oregon.  They also have their own “Hopservatory” for solar viewing.  

Boneyard

In 2019, Boneyard Brewing took home 4 medals for the Best of Craft Beer Awards!  Visit there new Pub located off Division street, close to The Roost.

Gather your friends and try out Cycle Pub. Get your work out on, tour the city and enjoy craft beer along the way!

The Bend Ale Trail is another great incentive to check out the breweries in Bend.  Grab a Passport from Visit Bend and ask for a stamp at each one the breweries you visit.  Once you get 10 stamps, stop back by Visit Bend to collect your prize!

Events

Zwickelmania

Central Oregon Beer Week

Bend Brewfest

Bend Oktoberfest

Volcanic Bike & Brew Festival

Have fun and drink responsibly!

If you’re looking for lodging in Bend, check out your options with us today!

Mt. Bachelor Village is ideally located to numerous hiking trails along the Cascade Lakes Hwy.  Meander down to the Deschutes river trail and take in the sights of the towering pines and wildlife or visit the Three Sisters Wilderness for breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains.

Here are our top 5 family friendly hikes in Bend:

Deschutes River Trail: The Deschutes River Trail can be easily accessed directly from Mt. Bachelor Village resort.  This trail is great for kids of any age!

Benham Falls: Pack your lunch and snacks for your kiddos and spend the afternoon hiking along the Deschutes River and checking out a few waterfalls along the trail.  There are a few sloughs and picnic areas along the way which are great resting points for the family.

Tumalo Falls: Bend’s iconic and year round accessible trail.  Snowshoe or cross country ski in the winter to view the falls which is about 2.5 miles from the parking area.  In the warmer months, you can park closer to the falls and continue your hike for several miles.

Todd Lake: This trail is open during the summer months only and is fantastic for all ages.  The trail is a 1.5 mile loop around the lake with little elevation gain.  You will not be disappointed in the wildflowers and mountain views.  If you are lucky enough to visit in early summer, you will see hundreds of baby frogs!

Pilot Butte: located in the center of Bend, sits Pilot Butte.  The Butte is open year round and is about 1.5 miles round trip.  During the summer months, you can drive to the top of the butte for 360 degree views of Bend!  Often times you can see all of the mountains in the Cascades, along with Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood.