Bend, Oregon is one of the best destinations in the Pacific Northwest for families who love the outdoors. With easy-access trails, calm lakes, scenic parks, and an active outdoor culture, there are countless ways to help kids of all ages develop a love for nature. Whether your family enjoys hiking, paddling, biking, or simply exploring, Bend offers activities that are accessible, safe, and fun.
Outfitting the entire family, however, can get expensive. Growing kids need new boots every year, seasonal clothing adds up quickly, and trying new sports often requires new gear. At
Second Wind Sports Bend, we help families stay adventure-ready without overspending by offering high-quality, lightly used outdoor gear at affordable prices.
Below are some of the best family-friendly outdoor activities around Bend, along with practical tips on saving money on gear for parents and kids.
Top Outdoor Activities for Families in Bend
1. Floating the Deschutes River
A summer float on the Deschutes River is a classic Bend experience and perfect for families.
What makes it great for kids:
- Calm, gentle water for most sections
- Easy access to launch and landing points
- Scenic views and plenty of wildlife to spot
The most popular family route begins at
Riverbend Park and ends at
Drake Park. Families can bring their own tubes, paddleboards, and life jackets or rent floats and boards from
Second Wind Sports Bend during summer months.
Always remember to bring U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for every member of the family, especially children.
2. Hiking at Shevlin Park
Shevlin Park is one of Bend’s most family-friendly outdoor areas. With gentle trails, shaded forests, creek crossings, and abundant wildlife, it is ideal for families with children ranging from toddlers to early teens.
Highlights include:
- Wide, well-maintained trails
- Creekside play areas
- Picnic spots with room to spread out
- Moderate loops that keep kids engaged without difficulty
At Second Wind Sports, we offer lightly used
daypacks, kids’ hiking shoes, and sun-protective clothing to help your family hit the trail comfortably.
3. Biking the Larkspur Trail
The
Larkspur Trail provides a safe, mostly flat route that is perfect for young riders, trailers, or family cruisers. This paved multi-use path travels through residential areas, parks, and open green spaces, making it ideal for leisurely rides and skill-building.
Families appreciate the following:
- Smooth, paved surface
- No technical riding required
- Playgrounds and parks along the route
- Opportunities to safely practice riding skills
Second Wind Sports often carries affordable
used children’s bikes, helmets, and bike accessories, allowing families to gear up without high retail prices.
4. Picnicking and Playing at Drake Park
Drake Park provides a beautiful riverside setting in the heart of Bend. Families enjoy open lawns, shaded areas, a riverfront trail, and plenty of space to relax and play.
It is ideal for:
- Picnic lunches
- Frisbee and soccer
- Kite flying
- Nature watching along Mirror Pond
Pairing a picnic with a short walk to downtown Bend for a treat or ice cream makes the perfect low-cost family outing. If you need a durable pack to carry food, blankets, or outdoor toys, we stock
family-size backpacks and totes to make outings easier.
5. Exploring Tumalo State Park
Located just outside Bend,
Tumalo State Park offers hiking, riverside play, camping, and opportunities to explore nature up close. Families enjoy the shallow river areas, wildlife viewing, and spacious campsites.
Reasons families love Tumalo:
- Easy, accessible walking paths
- Safe areas for wading and nature exploration
- Dog-friendly options for families with pets
- Access to overnight camping for a budget-friendly getaway
We frequently have
family tents, sleeping bags, and camping accessories available on consignment.
Affordable Gear Tips for Outdoor Families
1. Buy Used Kids’ Gear
Children often outgrow quality outdoor gear before they wear it out. Buying used lets families stretch their budget while still getting gear built for performance and durability.
At Second Wind Sports Bend, you can often find:
- Hiking boots and trail shoes
- Rain jackets and snow outerwear
- Puffer jackets, fleece layers, and wool base layers
- Hydration packs and daypacks
Since inventory rotates weekly, checking in frequently ensures you don’t miss great finds.
2. Trade In What You’ve Outgrown
Turn outgrown items into store credit or cash through our consignment program. It is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your family’s outdoor gear without paying full price.
Best-selling children’s items include:
- Seasonal outerwear
- Footwear in good condition
- Technical clothing and layers
- Kids’ bikes and bike trailers
Clean, well-kept items tend to sell faster, especially when dropped off at the beginning of the season.
3. Layer Smart with Multi-Use Clothing
Layering is one of the easiest ways to outfit kids for multiple seasons without buying new gear every few months.
Recommended versatile layers include:
- Base layers for hiking, biking, skiing, and winter play
- Lightweight fleece jackets
- Softshell or waterproof rain jackets
We carry top brands known for durability and comfort, such as Patagonia, Columbia, REI Co-op, and The North Face—often at a fraction of retail cost.
4. Get Advice from Local Parents
Our staff includes local parents who spend time hiking, biking, floating, and camping with their kids. We understand which gear works well in Central Oregon’s variable weather and which items are worth investing in.
We are happy to recommend:
- Bike sizes for kids learning to ride
- The right type of footwear for local terrain
- Best-value layers for long hiking days
- Affordable options for growing families
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you carry outdoor gear for toddlers and small children?
Yes. We regularly stock boots, jackets, snow gear, rain layers, and base layers for children as young as two. Baby carriers and child bike seats appear periodically depending on consignment availability.
Can I consign my children’s outdoor gear?
Absolutely. Gently used children’s gear from reputable brands sells quickly, especially during peak seasons.
What gear is best to buy used for families?
Footwear, outerwear, daypacks, camping gear, and kids’ bikes are some of the best categories to buy used. These items typically maintain quality well and are outgrown more often than worn out.
Gear Up for Family Adventures Without Overspending
Outdoor experiences help families connect, build confidence, and create lasting memories. At Second Wind Sports Bend, we are committed to making those experiences accessible by offering affordable, reliable, and sustainable gear for outdoor families.
Whether you are planning a weekend float, a short hike, a biking day, or your first family camping trip, we are here to help you gear up without breaking your budget.
Visit us: 725 NW Columbia Street, Bend, Oregon
Call: (541) 797-0487
Email: info@secondwindbend.com
Website: https://www.secondwindbend.com
Big adventures start with smart gear choices—and we love helping families get outside together.
