In Central Oregon, Sunriver Resort has been quietly perfecting the art of multigenerational family travel for decades. Sprawled across 3,300 forested acres just outside of Bend, Sunriver is ideal for families with toddlers, groups traveling with grandparents and everyone in between.
During my own stay at the property this summer, I discovered a place that I find exemplary at serving wildly different needs simultaneously. I had heard about Sunriver from fellow West Coasters for years — families who kept returning with multiple generations in tow. After visiting with another family and our combined six children (ages 5 to 14), I can see why.
In summer, the location is spectacular: endless miles of greenery, plus waterways and mountain views to enjoy during that perfect stretch of Pacific Northwest weather. I hear the winter season, with snowy landscapes and cold-weather activities, is equally appealing.
A Premium King room in the resort’s Lodge Village
Credit: 2025 Sunriver Resort
Here's what else travel advisors should know about this property.
Accommodations at Sunriver Resort
The resort is divided into two main lodging areas: Lodge Village and River Lodge. Lodge Village sits closer to the Cove Aquatic Center and feels more suited for families with young children.
We stayed in a comfortable two-queen suite with a lofted sleeping area — ample space for our family of five (Lodge Village suites accommodate up to six). The family traveling with us booked the same setup a few doors down, so the kids could scamper out the back patio onto the expansive lawn and play together to their hearts' content. The kitchenette proved essential for early risers (and the adults who woke up with them, who desperately needed a cup of coffee).
River Lodge offers a quieter, more intimate experience. Rooms and suites here feature soaking tubs, fireplaces, easy access to outdoor hot tubs and decks with golf course or mountain views. Note that suites on this side sleep up to four people maximum.
For longer stays or more space, a wide variety of vacation homes and condos are available on-site, with Caldera Springs offering the most luxurious options. Guests in these rentals have access to all Sunriver Resort's amenities, plus those in their specific enclaves.
Easy access to the Deschutes River means resort guests can go on kayak or paddleboard adventures.
Credit: 2025 Esther CarlstoneTop Activities for Kids at Sunriver Resort
Beyond the simple pleasure of nature right outside clients’ doors, there's no shortage of activities for all ages — though most come with an additional fee. The Cove Aquatic Center features heated indoor and outdoor pools with waterslides, private cabanas and poolside dining. Families can also book horseback riding at the on-site stables.
Our kids' top highlights: kayaking down the Deschutes River and biking the resort's 40 miles of paved trails (rentals are a must). There's also a family float trip down the same river that we didn't get to try this visit but are eager to experience next time. Clients can also play pickleball on one of the resort’s 18 indoor or outdoor courts (according to the property, its Pickleball Pavilion is the most expansive pickleball complex of any resort in the Pacific Northwest). We noticed quite a few local families who came prepared with their own bikes, paddles and even inflatable kayaks.
The writer’s kids enjoyed cycling on miles of resort-adjacent bike paths.
Credit: 2025 Esther CarlstoneThe tweens in our group felt independent and safe enough to explore on their own, discovering cornhole games or taking mini-hikes, while the younger ones had a blast doing what they do best: rolling around in the grass and playing chase. During select summer dates, kids ages 8 to 14 can sign up for the Kids Adventure Camp, which offers supervised adventures led by trained counselors.
The Sunriver Nature Center, meanwhile, makes for a great midday activity, and for kids who can stay up late, the Oregon Observatory is a must for nighttime stargazing. Sunriver's complimentary shuttles (easily scheduled through an app) transport families around the resort and to the observatory, nearby shopping center and hiking trails — important to note if there’s a person with mobility challenges in the party.
For the Adults
The on-site Spa at Sunriver Resort is worth visiting, even if clients are just using the hot tubs and saunas for some kid-free time, while four award-winning golf courses surrounded by gorgeous vistas offer the perfect escape for avid golfers. If guests venture off the property, a short walk across the way leads to numerous shopping and dining options.
The resort’s main lobby
Credit: 2025 Sunriver ResortDining at Sunriver Resort
Our dining highlights included delicious breakfasts at Lodge Kitchen overlooking the golf course, craft cocktails at Owl's Nest and a spectacular meal at Lake House in Caldera Springs, where the kids roasted marshmallows while the adults took in views of a serene lake and Mount Bachelor at sunset. Several casual eateries and a Starbucks round out the on-site options.
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The magic of Sunriver lies in how effortlessly it brings multiple families together against a backdrop of towering ponderosa pines and mountain vistas — while still giving everyone the space to enjoy the trip on their own terms. Whether that's 5-year-olds playing lawn games within eyeshot of the adults enjoying appetizers and drinks by the fire pit, or teenagers disappearing down bike trails while grandparents tee off at sunrise, the resort's vast natural setting makes it all feel easy and unforced.
