If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a tiny critter crawling through the forest floor—or just have kids who love to climb, explore, and imagine—then you’ll want to make plans to visit the High Desert Museum in Bend this spring.

Starting Saturday, April 19, the museum is unveiling a brand-new attraction that’s been years in the making: the E. L. Wiegand Ponderosa Playscape. And yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds.

This immersive outdoor play space is more than just a playground—it’s a full-on adventure through the life of a ponderosa pine tree, from humble seed to towering giant. Think nature meets imagination, with a dash of science and a whole lot of fun.

To celebrate the grand opening, the museum is throwing a Playscape Party on opening day from 10 a.m. to noon, complete with kid-friendly activities, cookies, and drinks. (The event is free with general admission—so bring the whole family.)

But what really sets the Ponderosa Playscape apart is its incredible scale. Picture this: towering 12-foot pinecone sculptures, giant pine needle bundles, and massive wooden logs designed to climb, crawl, and conquer. It's giving big Honey, I Shrunk the Kids energy—and we’re here for it.

Kids can dive into the Log Jam Jumble, scale Pine Needle Climbers, and let their imagination run wild on the Seed Pod Stage. There's even a towering Pinecone Portal, carved by Sisters-based artist J. Chester Armstrong, that's big enough for adults to walk through. He also hid hand-carved forest creatures throughout the Discovery Snag, making it part art, part scavenger hunt.

This one-of-a-kind experience is designed to educate and inspire. As Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., puts it:

“Through immersive experiences, we evoke wonder and awe to spark curiosity about the High Desert region.”

It’s a dream come true for kids, school groups, summer campers—and honestly, anyone who still loves to play in the dirt and climb on stuff.

Backed by the E. L. Wiegand Foundation, the Bend Sustainability Fund, and Visit Bend, the Ponderosa Playscape replaces the museum’s old “Dig, Crawl, Climb” area and marks the biggest update since the Autzen Otter Exhibit got a glow-up back in 2016.

If you haven’t been to the High Desert Museum in a while, this is your sign. It’s a place where Oregon’s wild beauty, native wildlife, and regional history come together under one roof—and now, one epic pine tree playscape.

Learn more and plan your visit at highdesertmuseum.org.