Be sure to put a visit to Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, located only ten miles south of Bend, on your family’s list this summer! Whether you are an early bird or a night owl, there’s an activity for everyone. Located next to Lake Aspen and nestled among eight acres of pine forest, wetland, and meadow habitats, Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is your gateway to the natural world, distant galaxies, and everything in between!

During the day, gather the family and head to the Nature Center, where a team of naturalists are eager to introduce the natural world to curious minds. Children and adults will enjoy seeking out snakes, lizards, frogs, and salamanders within the dark corners of the Creature Cave. From there you’ll want to stop at Exploration Ridge, where the youngest future scientists play, build, and discover nature in a different way with each visit. Stroll through the botanical garden, an oasis for wildflowers, pollinators, and birds. Visit live owls, hawks, and an eagle and learn about their stories of rehabilitation. Complete your daytime visit with wildlife-watching on the shores of Lake Aspen and enjoy views of the sun through filtered telescopes at the observatory.

After dark, visit the Oregon Observatory, the largest of its kind in the country, for awe-inspiring views of the night sky. Sunriver’s elevation, dark skies free of light pollution, and crisp, clear air make it the perfect spot for stargazing. Over a dozen telescopes ranging in size and focused at different objects in the night sky are available for enjoying spectacular views and learning about our universe. From crystal-clear views of the moon and various planets to star clusters and nebulas, the observatory’s views will amaze first-time stargazers and amateur astronomers alike. Round out the evening by joining an astronomer for a special presentation and a laser-guided constellation tour.

Looking for a unique summer experience for your child? Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory offers a variety of summer camps and programs for children of all ages. Whether launching rockets, visiting with live animals, or exploring the great outdoors or solar system, your child will make memories that last a lifetime. For the budding naturalist, Summer Nature Camp is offered Tuesdays through Thursdays for children ages 5 to 10, while Kinder Critter Camp is offered on Fridays for your preschooler. If you are looking for an out-of-this-world experience for your child or family, join us for one of our many astronomy programs. Rocketry programs for families and children ages 8 and up give you the rare opportunity to build rockets and launch them into the sky! Or explore the solar system, constellations, and more in our inflatable planetarium during your visit.

Summer hours (Memorial Day—Labor Day): Daytime: 9 am–5 pm daily. Nighttime: 9–11 pm Tuesday–Sunday. For a calendar of upcoming events and program details and registration, visit www.snco.org.