Parks and Recreation Events

Stop by the summer kitchen at Fort Hunter’s Tavern House to see what’s cooking. Guests are invited to stop in and ask questions as we prepare sweet and savory summer treats over the hearth. This is an informal meet-and-greet style program so registration is not required.

Campers ages 9 to 11 who are interested in discovering the outdoors will spend the week learning more about species identification and natural history. Hands-on activities will explore life beneath water, amphibians, reptiles, birds and insects. Discover new habitats while visiting Detweiler Park and enjoy a live animal presentation. Various activities such as hiking, journaling and using binoculars will also be included. Please register for only one week. Registration limited to 20 campers.  

Join us for a FREE concert at Fort Hunter Park as Central PA Music Hall of Fame presents Elly Cooke. Dauphin County Parks & Recreation is excited to offer a summer of fun events for the whole family with our Sunset Music & Movie Series! Food Trucks: Sarah’s Creamery is available beginning at 6:30 pm.

Join a Naturalist at Detweiler Park for a chance to observe and catch fireflies in their natural habitat at night! A short hike and all the supplies you need will be provided. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. If the weather prevents the program from happening on Friday, June 28 the alternative date is Saturday, June 29. Program is for all ages and limited to 30 participants. This program is part of the Dauphin County Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Pre-registration required.  

Instructors will provide you with stringing tips and will show you a few stringing methods. All tools and materials will be supplied. This workshop is for ages 13 and up. Children 13-16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required. For more information on Horst Arts visit https://horstarts.com/   

Enjoy a two-mile hike on the East Shore Trail led by a Naturalist. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy hiking shoes. All ages are welcome. This program is part of the Dauphin County Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.  

Participate in our fourth annual Wildwood Park Coloring Contest! Children of all ages may submit a nature-themed 8 ½ x 11 hand drawn, portrait-style coloring page using colored pencils, crayons or markers. Entries will be submitted to the Nature Center in person, via mail or email during the month of July and hung for the public’s viewing in the Exhibit Hall. Vote for your favorite in early August. Please note the Nature Center is closed Mondays, and holidays.

Join us on the front stairs of Fort Hunter Mansion as we read “The Hike” written by Allison Farrell. After the story, we will learn some hiking basics and take a short hike through the park. Pre-registration is required.

Enjoy a free movie night outdoors under the stars at Fort Hunter Park. The whole family will love "Elemental" which has a “PG” rating and a run time of 1 hour and 49 minutes. The Friends of Fort Hunter will operate a concession stand with movie snacks and drinks.

Can you name our PA state species? Did you know we have a state amphibian? Join a Naturalist for a fun morning of exploration and learning. Participants will get to explore animal artifacts while learning interesting facts about them. Registrations must be accompanied by a chaperone for the duration of the program; a maximum of one chaperone per child. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.