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.

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.

Explore the Fort Hunter Mansion in a whole new way! Children will help their “Aunt Helen” prepare to host a party by completing small tasks throughout the tour while the adults learn a little history about the stately home. This brief tour is perfect for families with small children that aren’t quite ready for our 45-minute family tour.

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.

Join us for a 2.5-mile walk meeting up at Penbrook Community Park and walking on the Greenbelt's Paxtang Parkway. The Walk With A Doc program is designed to provide some general health information and a moderately-paced walk. This is a FREE walk, but we ask that you pre-register. A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield and supported by Penn State Health with program coordination between Penbrook Parks & Recreation, Susquehanna Township Parks and Recreation, Capital Area Greenbelt Association, and Dauphin County Parks & Recreation.

Adventure Awaits! We’ve partnered with Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association (CATRA) to provide you with some time on their farm having fun and learning to care for miniature horses! A unique opportunity to connect with miniature horses while learning essential skills. Open to children age 5 & older, teens, and adults! Pre-registration is required. Space is extremely limited. Adventure Awaits programs are sponsored by UPMC and supported by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg Adventure Trails.

Join volunteer Jane Earle to search and view joe-pye weed, pokeweed, three species of monarda and two species of jewelweed. Learn how these flowers were named and some of their early and even modern day uses. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Enjoy a movie night outdoors under the stars at Fort Hunter Park. The whole family is sure to love Moana 2! The Friends of Fort Hunter will operate a concession stand with movie snacks and drinks. Pack a picnic basket (or purchase from our food concessions), bring your blankets and your lawn chairs, and enjoy an evening of family fun! In the event of inclement weather, a decision will be made around lunchtime on Friday whether the movie will proceed. If necessary, the rain date would be Sunday, July 13 at 8:30 pm. These events are free thanks to our Presenting Sponsors, Veolia and Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Services along with our Event Sponsor, Ollies.

On this slow-paced walk, you will be invited to experience your breathing, senses, and the natural environment at various locations throughout Wildwood Park. Participants should be able to walk about 1- 1.5 miles on paved, gravel, and wood plank trails with some elevation gain. The program concludes with a lovely forest tea. What is Forest Bathing? Forest Bathing or shinrin yoku is a nature-based mindfulness practice and experience of interconnection with physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Re-engage the wonder and awe of play, create space for your Eco-grief, and connect with Earth. Preregistration is required. Space is limited. A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield.