Parks and Recreation Events

Spend time outdoors this spring and summer at beautiful Detweiler Park and Lykens Glen Park enjoying "Doe's Dandelions" by Laura Renauld and illustrated by Jennie Poh. Dauphin County Parks and Recreation and Penn State Health are excited to provide a new interactive Storywalk® book selection for the spring and summer seasons.

Visit naturally inspired trailside creations along Wildwood Park’s wandering trails and wetlands. Using mostly natural materials, artists have constructed large and small installations. This year’s theme is “Pathways.” A map-brochure about the exhibit is available online, at the kiosks or inside the Nature Center. Art In the Wild is Presented by the Mooney family foundation.

Sprouts ages 4 and 5 will discover nature through hands-on activities. Spend the day exploring the outdoors through discovery and sensory walks, stories, crafts and much more. Learn about the different plants and animals that call Wildwood Park home. Chaperones are not required to stay with their sprouts. Registration limited to 15 campers.   Registration will open Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

Reserve your spot for a fun summer camp experience for kids 7-10 years of age! They'll spend 2 days outside exploring Wiconisco Creek Park with many interesting hands-on activities. Pre-registration is required, space is limited.

Join us for a FREE concert at Fort Hunter Park - Central PA Blues Society presents Lowry Blues Band! Pack a picnic basket (or purchase from our food concessions), bring your blankets and your lawn chairs, and enjoy an evening of family fun! These events are free thanks to our Presenting Sponsors, Veolia and Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Services along with our Event Sponsor, Ollies.

This adventure awaits program is geared toward those interested in learning how to kayak and those looking to explore a new kayaking location. Everything is provided, including kayaks, equipment, shuttle, guides, paddling, and safety instruction. This will be a 6.5 mile excursion from Mahantango Creek to Millersburg on the Susquehanna River. Total trip time will be 2.5 – 3 hours.

Join Tony Schoch for a leisurely morning walk on the Towpath Trail to view, learn about and photograph dragonflies. Meet at the South Lot kiosk. Pre-registration required

Join volunteer Jane Earle to view fragrant water lilies, yarrow, white beardtongue, blue-eyed grass and common milkweed. Learn how these and other flowers were named and some of their uses by early settlers and Native Americans. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Design and bring to life a nature-themed, wooden sign to decorate your space. All materials necessary to create your sign will be provided – just select your style of board and let your creativity run wild! Design samples, stencils and other decorations will be available. Pre-registration is required, and participant spaces are limited.

Junior Naturalists ages 9 to 11 interested in the flora and fauna of Wildwood Park will spend the week learning about species identification and natural history. Topics explored include life beneath the water, mammal skulls, amphibians, reptiles, trees and fungi. Discover new habitats while visiting Detweiler Park and enjoy a live animal presentation. Various activities such as hiking, journaling/sketching, and specimen collection will also be included. Please register for only one week; activities and topics will be repeated. Registrationis limited to 20 campers.