Parks and Recreation Events

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  • Graphic design of a horse with a wicker basket collecting yellow dandelions

    Storywalk® – "Doe's Dandelions" by Laura Renauld | Illustrated by Jennie Poh

    , Dauphin
    Spend time outdoors this spring and summer at beautiful Detweiler 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 summer season.
  • Wildwood Lake with colorful art installation

    Art In The Wild 2025: Pathways

    , Harrisburg
    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.
  • Artifacts from the Fort Hunter gas station

    Fort Hunter Park Service Station Exhibit

    Explore the history of the Fort Hunter Park Service Station in this year’s special exhibit. Built in 1929, the Fort Hunter Park Service Station has served the community in a variety of ways over the past century. Once home to an automobile service station, café, antique store, mini golf course and more, there are unlimited possibilities of what lies ahead for this historic building.
  • Kids running outside

    Nature Explorers Day Camp Week 3 (Ages 6-8)

    , Harrisburg
    Children ages 6 to 8 will learn about animal adaptations, explore aquatic life in Paxton Creek and enjoy a live animal presentation. Each day will focus on a new, fun topic about our local plants and animals and include nature themed activities and crafts. Please register for only one week. Registration limited to 20 campers. 
  • People kayaking on a river

    Outdoor Week (Ages 12-14)

    , Harrisburg
    Outdoor enthusiasts ages 12 to 14 will spend the week in nature exploring the natural world and learning basic wilderness survival skills. Each day will include a hike and digging deeper into a different aspect of survival. Activities may include fire building, wild edibles, water filtration, and navigation skills. Discover the importance of teamwork during daily “initiative” challenges and activities. The week will also include an off-site hiking trip and tandem kayaking experience. Registration is limited to 18 campers.
  • A group of people walking on a paved trail in the woods

    Weekly Wellness Walks

    , Harrisburg
    Enjoy a moderately paced walk around Wildwood Lake while enjoying the trees and animals at the park. June, July & August - The walk will occur from 6-7 PM. September - December - The walk will occur from 1-2 PM This will be a walk on paved, gravel, and dirt surfaces. You can choose to walk only a portion, then turn around at any point if you would like to customize the length of your walk to your individual fitness goals.
  • Woman in traditional west African clothes dancing

    Intro to West African Dance

    African dance and drum reduce stress and anxiety, build self-esteem, and assist with weight loss. This energy-filled class provides an opportunity to experience West African culture through learning traditional dance movements accompanied by live music, using traditional drums. Advance registration is required. Space is limited.
  • TicketLeap Logo_Dauphin County Parks & Recreation Department Ticketing System will be down from 8 PM on July 30 until 8 AM July 31.

    Ticketing System Upgrade

    , Harrisburg
    We're excited to be getting an upgraded version of our TicketLeap ticketing system! To accomplish this, our current ticketing will be down from 8 pm on July 30 – 8 am on July 31. During this time, you will not be able to register for any of our programs or events. We apologize for any inconvenience. We look forward to an enhanced future ticketing experience.
  • Members of the band "Third Stream" performing on stage

    Sunset Music & Movie Series – Central PA Friends of Jazz Present Third Stream

    Join us for a FREE concert at Fort Hunter Park - Central PA Friends of Jazz Present Third Stream! Dauphin County Parks & Recreation is excited to offer a summer of fun events for the whole family with our Sunset Music & Movie Series! These events are free thanks to our Presenting Sponsors, Veolia, Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Services, and Aetna Better Health Kids, along with our Event Sponsor, Ollies. Sarah's Creamery Ice Cream Truck will be on-site with sweet treats, including Penn State Creamery Ice Cream.
  • Kids and adults wearing hunting orange gear in a classroom learning from a teacher

    Hunter-Trapper Education Class – PA Game Commission

    All first-time hunters and trappers must complete Basic Hunter-Trapper Education before they can purchase a PA hunting or trapping license. This is a six-hour training class required by law for all first-time hunters and trappers before they can buy a license. You must pass a certification exam at the end of the class to complete this training. The Basic Hunter-Trapper Education In-Person Course is offered free of charge to anyone age 11 and older