Designed to spark the curiosity and imagination in kids from K-5th grade, our day camps include everything from science and art to history and nature. Summer days spent learning, exploring and creating at the Museum are sure to leave your kids with lasting memories and are the perfect start to lifelong learning.

There are plenty of memories to be made at the Museum this summer, whether it’s through Kids’ Camp or spending time exploring the exhibits and experiencing the special programs with friends and family. Nestled on 135 wooded acres just south of Bend, the Museum is consistently ranked the #1 thing to do in Central Oregon by TripAdvisor.

Here you’ll find yourself face-to-face with animals that, while unable to survive in the wild, enjoy refuge in natural habitats in indoor and outdoor enclosures. Experience the speed and power of nature’s most spectacular predators as they swoop through the crowd during the Raptors of the Desert Sky free-flight program, held daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In the Desertarium, you’ll learn about creatures including burrowing owls and Gila monsters. Visit the Autzen Otter Exhibit where you’ll giggle at the playful antics of Brooke, Rogue and Pitch as they swim, run and tumble. See eagles and owls up close in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center and learn about them during daily Birds of Prey Encounters.

Step back in time and connect to the region’s past as you wander through dynamic, permanent exhibits such as “By Hand Through Memory” and “Spirit of the West,” and interact with living-history characters who bring the experience to life. Discover what frontier life was like at the 1904 Miller Family Ranch, where Mrs. Miller will encourage you to explore her log cabin, tend to her garden, meet her chickens and play frontier games. Wander up the hill to see the authentic Lazinka Sawmill, which was used at the turn of the 20th century.

With up to 12 changing exhibits each year, there’s always something new to explore at the Museum. Kids of all ages love exploring how engineers and architects solve human problems by emulating nature in the interactive exhibit Innovation Lab: Design Inspired by Nature, open through July 15. Adventurous spirits can test their skills on the climbing wall featured in Ascent: Climbing Explored, opening April 28. The exhibit explores the dynamic history, evolution and culture of climbing and mountaineering in the West.

Throughout the summer, the Museum offers workshops, events and special programs, with something for everyone. Visitors can even enjoy a freshly made lunch in the Museum’s Rimrock Café and pick up a unique gift or souvenir in the Museum’s Silver Sage Trading store.

Visit highdesertmuseum.org for hours, rates, current exhibits and programs.