Typically when we write an article about what to do in Sunriver over a certain holiday or season, we focus on athletic endeavors. This time around, we’re focused on our younger visitors. The High Desert Museum and the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory both offer excellent opportunities for groups and families with young children, or for those still young at heart. We gathered some of the best opportunities for your child to continue learning during Spring Break, away from those pesky screens.

Mingle with the Stars

Sunriver is one of those magical places in the world where the night is so dark and the stars sparkle so bright. Treat yourself to an exclusive Star Party at the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory. Star Parties offer private access to the observatory and all that the night sky has to offer for your group. Staff astronomers guide you through the galaxy using their vast collection of telescopes. Reserve a time in advance online and experience the wonders of space.

Unleash Your Inner Mad Scientist

On Saturday, April 1, from 10:30AM – 12PM, head to the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory for a morning of fun and messy science experiments with your family. Make your own slime and lava lamps, break Newton’s laws of viscosity, inflate balloons using chemical reactions. If this sounds like it would interest the aspiring mad scientist in your family, pre-register before Spring Break to confirm your spot. $13/adult, $10/child (ages 3+)

Become a Junior Biologist

Central Oregon’s High Desert Museum is a gift to the community and during Spring Break they offer Kids Camps. This extra special camp experience gives your child hands-on fun. Second and third graders have the chance to participate in “Jaws and Claws” — learning about the jaws and claws of native High Desert animals. Fourth and fifth graders have the opportunity to become junior biologists using tools like trail cameras, track manuals and observation. “Junior Biologist” allows your child to get up close and personal with the animals living at the Museum.

Watch Sky Hunters Take Flight

“Sky Hunters” is a popular recurring program at the High Desert Museum. On Saturday and Sunday, March 25 and 26, attend one of the two daily demonstrations of raptors taking flight live inside the High Desert Museum. Experience these powerful, beautiful predators as our wildlife specialists showcase the bird’s agility and grace. Demonstrations daily at 11am and 1:30pm on Saturday and Sunday, March 25 and 26, 2023.

Explore the Natural World in Sunriver During Spring Break 2023

The last several years have included more screen time and online learning than we ever could have imagined. Kids and adults alike need to be having more hands-on experiences and learning in the natural world. This Spring Break, consider integrating some stargazing or some slime into your packed schedule of skiing and golfing. Both the Nature Center and the High Desert Museum bring so much to our communities, we encourage you to visit whenever you have the opportunity.

Are you still in need of lodging for Spring Break 2023 in Sunriver? Browse our homes and contact our reservationists to find the perfect vacation home to meet your specific needs.