Scientists say that being outdoors has many health benefits, including reduced risk of diseases and conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and depression. Better health is a great reason to get out and enjoy Oregon’s natural beauty, but it’s also just plain fun.

You don’t necessarily have to plan a big adventure or find a difficult hiking trail to reap the benefits of Oregon’s outdoors – sometimes your neighborhood park offers everything you need. There’s a pretty park in Bend that we love, and if you’ve never visited, you’re going to fall in love with it, too. Check out Harmon Park:

Harmon Park is a pretty, 3.7-acre park in Bend that's a great place to burn off some energy and get some fresh air.
Jon Small/Google
Located on the Deschutes River, the park has all kinds of recreation activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. Bring a picnic lunch and settle in on the grass for a riverside lunch.
Inhale Exhale/Google
You'll find a sports field, a baseball field, pretty pathways, and a playground. There's even a pedestrian bridge that will take you across the river to Drake Park, for even more outdoor fun.
Rogue Trip/Google
Before you go too far afield, pay a visit to the epic playground here. Kids will find two swingsets...
Jon Small/Google
...one equipped with swings for babies and toddlers...
Shawn Provost/Google

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...and one for bigger kids, who can pump their legs as hard as they can to reach soar high in the air.
Salo G./Google
There's a cool spot with tunnels to climb through and slide down, but everyone's favorite feature at the playground is the tub boat.
Stephen Way/Google
Built by park employee Kenny Lehto in the mid-1970s, the tug boat is a true work of art. It served its purpose as a World War II life boat, and Lehto transformed it into the adorable tug you see today.
Ken Broman/Google
A "dock" provides easy access to the tug boat, and your kids will spend hours playing make-believe, sea-faring, games aboard.
F W/Google
Check out the cabin, and hang out on the main and upper decks. You'll want to allow plenty of time at this playground, because when you announce that it's time to go, you'll certainly hear pleads of, "Just a few more minutes!"
Katrina Smith/Google

Visit the Bend Park & Recreation District’s website for more information. Have you visited this park before? We’d love to hear your stories and see your photos in the comments!

If you’re looking for another fun playground to visit, take a look at this natural playground right in Portland, and if the weather’s not cooperating, visit this island-themed indoor playground.

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