Ultimate Scavenger Bend: Self-Guided Kids Scavenger Hunt in Bend, OR
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness—comfortable walking for short stretches and the option to bike or drive between venues.
Overview
Hand the map to the kids and watch Bend open up. This self-paced scavenger hunt sends families to 20 kid-friendly stops across town—public art, shops, parks and river viewpoints—using clues delivered by email. Ideal for curious children and parents who like a mix of learning and low-key exploration.
Ultimate Scavenger Bend: Self-Guided Kids Scavenger Hunt in Bend, OR
Select participants and date
On a bright morning in Bend, the downtown blocks hum with the low rattle of bikes and the steady pull of the Deschutes River. Families split up with smartphones and clipboards in hand, noses tuned to clues that point to public art, quirky businesses, and tree-lined parks. This is not a race; it’s a city-sized scavenger map that lets kids lead the way and parents follow, wallet at the ready for the inevitable ice cream or comic-book prize.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a charged phone and portable battery
Photos are required for the completion certificate and some clues link to online hints—keep a backup charger.
Budget for quick purchases
Many clue destinations are local businesses that reward sticking around—carry small bills or a card for snacks and prizes.
Plan for mixed transport
Routes combine walking, short drives, and optional cycling—bring a bike or plan driving legs to cover more ground within three hours.
Watch for parking and pedestrian zones
Downtown parking can fill quickly on weekends—arrive early or use designated lots to avoid parking meters and stress.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- River otters along the Deschutes
- Red-tailed hawks soaring above downtown
History
Bend grew from a late-19th-century logging camp into a mill town; after mills closed in the late 20th century, the city reinvented itself around outdoor recreation and craft businesses.
Conservation
Support local sustainability by staying on paths, using refillable water bottles, and patronizing small businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Bend
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides grip and comfort for mixed sidewalks, park paths, and short trails.
Portable phone charger
Keeps phones powered for photos, clue access, and navigation.
Light waterproof layer
Spring weather can shift quickly; a packable shell is useful for light rain and wind.
spring specific
Small backpack or tote
Holds snacks, small purchases, and any found trinkets while keeping hands free.