We offer over 1,000 different recreation programs annually for ages ranging from 18 months to senior adult. See the categories below for more information and to see current offerings. To search directly on the registration site, use the links to the right.
Here is a sampling of the programs we are offering this season:
Whether you’re taking classes for the first time or have been creating for years, there’s always a new medium to master. Art is more than just a learned practice, a skill or form of recreation – it’s about connecting and discovering yourself. Learn more about class offerings in these activities:
Food brings people together. We offer a number of practical cooking, baking and kitchen skills classes. Classes cover everything from prep, snacks, meals, desserts, specialty dinners and cooking basics.
Whether it’s drop-in session, after school program or day camp, we have a variety of childcare classes exploring a multitude of enriching and fun activities: Day Camps, Spanish, Cooking, Tae Kwon Do, Art, Pottery, Martial Arts, Music, Theatre and much more!
In addition to regular fitness classes, we offer a range of specialized fitness classes for older adults, including: Stand Tall – Don’t Fall; Strong and Supple Feet; and Seated Yoga.
Gather your friends and family and share the popular Deschutes River floating experience beginning in the Old Mill District and ending at Drake Park in downtown Bend. Before you go, check out our tips below:
Park & Float will open for summer 2024 on Saturday, June 22.
Contact Tumalo Creek for rental opportunities, weather-permitting, until June 22.
Park & Float is at Simpson Ave. and Bradbury Way, across from The Pavilion at 1000 SW Bradbury Way, and has free parking, rental services, access to the river shuttle and more. It’s a convenient one-stop location for a day of river fun. Shuttle rides have a $5 fee.
Parking Options:
Park & Float location at Simpson Ave. and Bradbury Way, across from The Pavilion at 1000 SW Bradbury Way. One block south of the whitewater park. (Directions) Riverbend Park, 799 SW Columbia St. (westside) (Directions) McKay Park, 166 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr. (westside) (Directions) Miller’s Landing Park, 80 NW Riverside Blvd. (eastside) (Directions)
Ride the River shuttle service:
The Ride the River shuttle starts and ends at Park & Float, beginning June 22 (weather permitting) and ending on Labor Day. Round trip makes transportation easy for river users with shuttles departing every 15-20 minutes from 11 am to 7 pm. Advanced tickets available at Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. Reservations for 2024 season are available now. On your reservation date, check-in at Park & Float for the wrist band valid the entire day.
Parking is available at Riverbend Park, Farewell Bend Park, Miller’s Landing Park and Park & Float (across from The Pavilion). It’s only a block away from McKay Park and about a one-mile walk to Riverbend Park. Please respect neighborhoods, businesses and parking time limits.
We don’t recommend parking at Riverbend Park, floating to Drake Park and then walking back. It’s an option, but the walk back will be about two miles. A better option is parking in “the middle” across from The Pavilion and splitting the walk up to one mile before and one mile after instead.
We also don’t suggest shuttling vehicles as parking is extremely limited and may not even be available in the area by Riverbend Park and/or Drake Park. There is also a new neighborhood parking permit required.
Bring the whole family out to one of our many free events and programs throughout the year. Free community events include the Days of Play, Let’s Picnic and Discover NatureDays.
If you or your child has a disability and are interested in participating in a general program, we will help make it happen. When people with disabilities participate in general programs, everybody benefits! To ensure successful inclusion, we encourage you to check the box during registration that says “check here if you want an assessment team to contact you about disability accommodations.” Someone from the Therapeutic Recreation Department will contact you to discuss what we can do to make your experience a success!
All of our recreation programs are inclusive as long as the participant meets the eligibility requirements. Learn More
Learning another language is like living a new life. Explore your world through a new language. We offer Red Cross babysitter training, language classes and language learning workshops, including conversational practice.
Music is the language of the soul. Whether it’s learning to play an instrument, learning to sing or just learning to appreciate new music, we’ve got something for everyone.
Whether you’re a bonafide nature bug or just wanting to step outside from time to time, a little adventure (or two) offers the exercise you’re wanting while refreshing the mind. In her own grand and beautiful style, Mother Nature always has a way of making us better, both inside and out.
Here in Central Oregon, there are plenty of ways to get outdoors, such as Hiking, Archery, Rafting, Horseback Riding, Kayaking and Paddleboarding.
In the Pacific Northwest, adventure is a way of life. We offer basic and advance certification classes in Wilderness First Aid, River Safety and Rescue, Swiftwater Rescue, and recertification classes. Learn more.
We have a variety of fun, enriching classes and camps for the spring, summer, fall and winter. We offer a number of outdoor camps, as well as STEM, art and computer camps.
Get connected. It’s never been easier to share and communicate with others. Adults can learn the nuts and bolts or dive deep to master photography, technology, computer or mobile devices. Kids can take fun, STEM-focused classes, such as computer, coding and robotics.
Curiosity and exploration are building blocks for fun. We provide a wide variety of STEM-based classes that explore basic coding, robotics, drones and mechanics.
Learn more about our Science, Learning & Technology activities.
The district provides recreation for people of all abilities. We provide a wide variety of program options that offer opportunities for our participants to engage in activities that promote socialization, skill development, and physical activity.
We offer classes focusing on Cooking, Outdoor, Art, Fitness, Sports and Camping Adventures. Learn More.
Get in the game with Bend Park & Recreation District adult recreation sports!
Whether a team or individual sport, traditional or upcoming, our sports program is focused on developing skills and sportsmanship in a fun, positive and encouraging atmosphere.
Looking for more than traditional team sports? You’ll find offerings for mixed martial arts, cornhole, fencing, skateboarding, scootering and more.
Walking and hiking are the most intimate ways to explore. This is a great way to get some good exercise and build general fitness while seeing a variety of scenic trails and beautiful locations around Central Oregon.
Play is the language of childhood. We provide exciting, enriched play experiences for young children that tickle their imaginations, encourage curiosity and allow for self expression. We offer a wide-range of craft, dance, martial arts, music and other classes for infant, toddler and children up to six.