🛷 Best Snow Play Areas in Central Oregon for Families
Best Snow Play Areas in Central Oregon for Families
Planning a family winter getaway? Central Oregon is packed with fun, safe, and kid-friendly places to enjoy the snow. Whether your crew loves sledding, tubing, or simply building snowmen, you’ll find the best snow play areas in Central Oregon just minutes from Bend and Sunriver. See our guide to family friendly winter activities in Central Oregon for more ideas on family friendly winter fun.
From groomed tubing hills to wide-open sledding zones, here are our top picks for the best snow play areas in Central Oregon:
❄️ Wanoga Sno-Park – Bend’s Family Favorite
When it comes to the best snow play areas in Central Oregon, Wanoga Sno-Park tops the list. Just 15 miles west of Bend on the Cascade Lakes Highway, this spot offers:
- A large, designated sledding hill
- Plenty of space for snowman building and snowball fights
- Restrooms and parking
Families love Wanoga because it’s easy to access and has room for everyone, from toddlers taking their first sled ride to older kids racing down the hill.
Tip: Bring your own sleds or tubes—there are no rentals on-site.
🛷 Bend Parks & Recreation – Neighborhood Hills for Quick Sledding
If you’re staying at a vacation rental in Bend and want to enjoy one of the best snow play areas in Central Oregon that's closer to town, you don’t need to drive up the mountain. Bend Parks and Recreation maintains several great parks that locals love for sledding on snowy days:
- Hollinshead Park: Wide, gentle hill perfect for families with younger kids.
- Drake Park: A downtown favorite where kids can sled with a view of Mirror Pond and grab hot cocoa nearby afterward.
- Al Moody Park: A community park with open space that transforms into a sledding spot when snow covers the hill.
- Shevlin Park: Known for its scenic trails and big hill, this park is a great mix of sledding and exploring in the snow.
These parks are free, easy to access, and perfect for last-minute sledding sessions without a long drive.
📍 Map-Style Distances from Bend & Sunriver
- Wanoga Sno-Park: ~25 min from Bend | ~30 min from Sunriver
- Hollinshead Park: ~10 min from Downtown Bend | ~30 min from Sunriver
- Drake Park: Downtown Bend (walkable) | ~25 min from Sunriver
- Al Moody Park: ~15 min from Downtown Bend | ~35 min from Sunriver
- Shevlin Park: ~15 min from Downtown Bend | ~35 min from Sunriver
🛷 Local Tips for Snow Play
- Pack extra gloves, socks, and layers—kids get wet quickly.
- Bring a thermos of hot cocoa to warm up between sled runs.
- Head out early in the day to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Always carry an Oregon Sno-Park Permit, required at Wanoga and most play areas.
🏡 Where to Stay – Family-Friendly Vacation Homes
A vacation rental is the best way to enjoy Central Oregon’s snow play areas—especially with kids. We have vacation rentals with hot tubs, game rooms, bunk beds, and large living spaces perfect for families.
A few of family-friendly options include:
- Lone Pine Lodge (Sunriver): Sleeps 20 with 7 king master suites, double-sided fireplace, and an executive kitchen—perfect for multi-family gatherings.
- Buckboard Lodge (Sunriver): Cozy with room for families to spread out, close to Sunriver Village.
- Juniper Getaway (Bend): Sleeps 10, close to Bend parks, breweries, and a few of the best snow play areas in Central Oregon.
👉 Explore more family friendly tips in our Central Oregon Winter Guide for Kids.
🎁 Winter Lodging Specials
Make your family’s snow day extra sweet with our seasonal lodging deals:
🦃 Thanksgiving Special
Stay 5 nights or more November 21 – 30 and save 15%
❄️ Winter Special
Stay 4 nights or more from January 20 – March 20 and save 15%
Plan Your Family Snow Day in Central Oregon
From sledding at Wanoga to a quick ride down the hill at Drake Park, the best snow play areas in Central Oregon guarantee fun for the whole family. After a day in the snow, return to a cozy vacation rental with a fireplace, hot tub, and plenty of space to relax.
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