Parks and Recreation Events

Enjoy a tour of the historic Fort Hunter Mansion followed by a stroll to the McAllister Family Cemetery. Join us at the Mansion at 1 p.m. to learn about the McAllister family and the beautiful building they called home. After a complimentary snack and comfort break, the group will take a 20-minute walk to the McAllister Family Cemetery. The cemetery portion of the tour will travel through a tunnel and across uneven ground, so please dress appropriately in sturdy walking shoes. 

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.  Some trees may be bearing fruit. Meet at the North Lot. This program is part of the Dauphin County Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.  

Join Tony “Doc” Schoch for an indoor presentation. Doc is a former educator and long-time conservationist. He has spent the past 13 years studying, photographing and surveying dragon and damselflies around the country and Central America. His presentation about these iconic insects will focus on their anatomy, life cycle, indication of water quality, identification and their place in the food chain of wetland environments. Local and national organizations and research programs will also be touched on as well as some tips on photographing these amazing creatures! Pre-registration required.  

Spend the day exploring Wiconisco Creek Park. Nature enthusiasts ages 7-10 will discover what habitats are found here and learn about the various animals and plants that call this park home. Hands-on activities will include creek exploration and plant and animal identification. Each day will bring new activities and experiences. Dress for the weather. This camp will take place entirely outdoors. Registration limited to 15 campers.

 Join us on the front stairs of Fort Hunter Mansion as we read “Sewing Stories: Harriett Powers’ Journey from Slave to Artist” written by Barbara Herkert. After the story, we will learn a little bit about sewing and different stitches used, and even get to practice sewing. Pre-registration is required.

Spend the day exploring Wiconisco Creek Park. Nature enthusiasts ages 7-10 will discover what habitats are found here and learn about the various animals and plants that call this park home. Hands-on activities will include creek exploration and plant and animal identification. Each day will bring new activities and experiences. Dress for the weather. This camp will take place entirely outdoors. Registration limited to 15 campers.

Enjoy a free movie night outdoors under the stars at Fort Hunter Park. The whole family is sure to love "Wonka" which has a “PG” rating and a run time of 1 hour and 57 minutes. The Friends of Fort Hunter will operate a concession stand with movie snacks and drinks.

The Friends of Wildwood invite you to join them on their third “Off the Beaten Path” bus trip. We’ll take a comfortable, chartered mini-bus to explore three stops along the Susquehanna in York and Lancaster counties.

Can you name the cute little round red beetle that starts out looking like a mini alligator? Join a Naturalist to discover the life cycle of ladybugs. Children will enjoy a story, a craft or hands-on activity, and a short outdoor discovery walk. 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.  

Join us at Fort Hunter Mansion for a picnic in the park. Admission will include a picnic lunch and live entertainment on the West Lawn overlooking the beautiful Susquehanna River. Two ticket options will be available for purchase, one for lunch and live music, and one with lunch and live music plus a tour of the Fort Hunter Mansion. Please visit the website for more information!