Parks and Recreation Events

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

Often thought of as the uninvited guests at summer functions, ants actually play a vital role in their ecosystems. Join a Naturalist to read about ants, make a craft and conduct an ant field study while learning about the scientific method. Registrants must be accompanied by a chaperone for the duration of the program; a maximum of one chaperone per child. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Songbirds have fascinated people for thousands of years, inspiring art, music, science, and even engineering! Join Naturalists at Wildwood Park for a Pennsylvania Songbird Workshop featuring the newly revised Pennsylvania Songbirds K-8 Guide. During this hands-on workshop, we will explore bird biology, adaptations, and migration; discover how birds influence design and engineering; and examine issues that affect both birds and people, such as land use and climate change. The workshop will also include bird identification and a short hike to discover the many species of birds that can be seen at Wildwood Park. PA Songbirds is coordinated by DCNR - Bureau of State Parks. This guide was developed in partnership between PA DCNR - Bureau of State Parks and Audubon Mid-Atlantic. This workshop is for any educator interested in birds and teaching through place-based education such as classroom teachers, non-formal educators, college students studying to be teachers (pre-service), school administrators, homeschool teachers, and youth leaders.

AfroCardio Dance Fitness - Move Your Feet to the Afro Beat! AfroCardio is a one-of-a-kind dance fitness workshop. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited.

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.

This adventurous wellness program is geared for those interested in learning how to kayak. Enjoy approximately six miles of easy paddling for approximately two hours on the normally gentle, tree lined Swatara Creek. This guided two-hour evening paddle will let you discover firsthand why many are getting involved in this healthy life-long hobby. Guides will provide kayak skill instruction before and during the trip. Participants should be in moderate physical condition and prepared to be physically active. Everything is provided including kayaks, equipment, shuttle, guides, and safety instruction. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Participants must be at least 6 years of age to participate. Participants between ages 6-9 years old must be in a 2-person kayak with a responsible adult. A parent or other responsible adult must participate in the program. No one under the age of 18 can participate without a participating parent, adult family member, or guardian. Adventure Awaits programs are supported by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg Adventure Trail.

Join Certified Sound Therapist, Matthew Kramer for a Community Sound Meditation. Sound Meditations encourage deep listening practices which can create an ideal entry point for a meditative experience, particularly for anyone who has struggled to embrace more traditional forms of meditation.This experience creates space for deep relaxation, calming of the mind, and empowering positive change within oneself. No experience is necessary! A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Pre-registration is required, space is limited.

Enjoy a movie night outdoors under the stars at Fort Hunter Park. The whole family is sure to love Despicable Me 4! The Friends of Fort Hunter will operate a concession stand with movie snacks and drinks. 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 and Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Services along with our Event Sponsor, Ollies.

Take this opportunity to work outside and help Wildwood’s continued park and habitat enhancement projects. Tools and work gloves provided.

During this interactive tour designed for children and families, learn what life was like for the families that lived in the Fort Hunter Mansion from the late 1700s to the early 1900s.