The Ultimate Bend Baby Bucket List: 25 Things to Do Before Your Baby Turns One
The first year goes by faster than anyone warns you about. One day you're installing a car seat for the first time and wondering how something so tiny requires so much equipment. The next day you're planning your kiddo’s first birthday party.
Making memories in that first year can feel fleeting. Between recovery from birth, learning to care for your baby, and everything in between it can be hard to get out and enjoy time together as a family. But, take it from us, prioritizing family time is a beautiful thing.
If you're raising a baby in Central Oregon, here are 25 memory-making experiences to enjoy during that first year.
Take your baby's first stroll through Drake Park.
Watch a sunset along the Deschutes River.
Visit the High Desert Museum.
Enjoy a family picnic at Shevlin Park.
Browse a local farmers market.
Take newborn photos at Smith Rock.
Try babywearing on a local trail.
Visit Todd Lake.
Introduce your baby to their first snowfall... make a snow angel!
Enjoy a cozy coffee shop outing at Strictly Organic.
Attend a kids story time at Central Library.
Explore Northwest Crossing.
Visit Well Rooted Farm for a U-Pick.
Take holiday photos downtown.
Watch the changing leaves in the fall.
Visit the splash pad at Alpenglow Park.
Read books together at the library.
Have a family movie night at home.
Visit a local brewery patio during family hours.
Take a family road trip to Sisters.
Capture monthly milestone photos outdoors.
Have a first birthday picnic at Benham Falls
Create a family time capsule.
Celebrate making it through the first year with a sweet treat at Ida’s Cupcake Cafe.
The Secret to Enjoying the First Year
The goal isn't to check every item off a list.
The goal is simply to slow down enough to enjoy the moments that matter.
Many parents spend the first year focused on sleep schedules, feeding routines, and milestone tracking. Those things are important, but so are the quiet moments, the family outings, and the memories you'll talk about for years to come.
If you need support during your baby's first year, a postpartum doula can help lighten the load so you can spend more time enjoying these moments and less time feeling overwhelmed. At Doulas of Oregon, we love connecting families throughout Bend and Central Oregon with trusted postpartum doulas who provide daytime and overnight support tailored to your family's needs. Need help in your baby’s first weeks or months? Reach out today!
