Parks and Recreation Events

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.

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.

Now is a great time to visit Wildwood Park, camera in hand to snap outdoor photos for the upcoming Photo Contest!

Spend time outdoors this fall at beautiful Detweiler Park enjoying The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicola Slater. Dauphin County Parks and Recreation and Penn State Health are excited to provide an interactive Storywalk®. Squirrel is happily counting the colorful leaves on his tree when he notices—gasp!—one is missing. Convinced there's a thief in the forest, he sets off on a frantic quest to find the culprit, dragging his calm and patient friend Bird along for the ride. As Squirrel suspects everyone from Mouse to Woodpecker, he eventually learns a gentle lesson about the natural cycle of the seasons.

Enjoy a moderately paced walk around Wildwood Lake while enjoying the trees and animals at the park. September - December - The walk will occur from 1-2 PM, weather permitting 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.

Did you know herons and egrets sleep standing up? Or, that they swallow their food whole? Join a Naturalist to discover the amazing world of herons and egrets and examine their super abilities to survive in the wetlands, rivers and streams. Explore their wetland habitat as we take a hike in search of these large, beautiful birds. We will end the morning with a craft and activities to take home. Registrants must be accompanied by a chaperone for the duration of the program.

Thank you for your interest; however, all spots for this program have filled. This workshop will get you started with basic djembe drumming skills and give you a taste of West African Rhythm! In just one hour, you will learn about the melodic quality of these hand drums, learn to play music in a group and understand the cultural significance of traditional West African drumming. Even if you've never touched a drum, you'll be playing music together by the end of the class. Bring your djembe, if you have one, or we will have extras to use. A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Advance registration is required, space is limited.

Welcome fall with a festival celebrating the old-time ways of life at our annual Fort Hunter Day celebration presented by UPMC! Visitors will find arts and crafts, family-friendly games and activities, historic demonstrations and exhibits, live entertainment, antique cars and tractors, and even farm equipment from the collection that is not frequently seen by the public. Stop by the Friends of Fort Hunter bake sale or visit any of the food trucks for a delicious meal. There will also be live animals, hay wagon rides, and so much more!

Save the Date! Help us celebrate Wildwood Park with a nature-themed afternoon! Learn about butterflies, birds, reptiles and more. Enjoy live music from Shine and Grace. Participate in kid’s activities and pumpkin painting; grab some good eats and plan to attend a variety of guided walks including a self-guided storywalk on the Delta Boardwalk.

Join us for an inspiring exploration of awe—the feeling that stops us in our tracks and fills us with a sense of vastness and possibility. Through interactive discussions, storytelling, and guided exercises, we’ll dive into the science behind awe, its profound effects on well-being, and how to cultivate it in daily life. Whether it’s the grandeur of nature, the magic of human connection, or moments of quiet reflection, this program will help you unlock a renewed sense of wonder. Perfect for anyone looking to bring more joy, perspective, and inspiration into their life!