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 “The Earth Laughs.” A map-brochure about the exhibit is available online, at the kiosks or inside the Nature Center.

Come and see how John and Helen Reily, the last inhabitants of Fort Hunter Mansion, spent their time from their marriage in 1887 through the early 20th century. View John as an outdoorsman, Helen in her wedding dress, among other artifacts, clothing photos and even entries from Helen’s diary, plus much more. All mannequins will also feature period-accurate hairstyles courtesy of professional wig maker and stylist, Ashley Leitzel-Reichenbach. Please visit our website to schedule a tour time, or stop in the museum shop to purchase an exhibit-only ticket.

Do you have a group of summer campers or homeschoolers and need a fun activity this summer? Come spend a day at Fort Hunter Mansion and Park! Our standard field trip program includes two parts: a mansion tour geared towards children with games and activities and “Native Americans Along the Susquehanna,” an interactive program where children will learn hands-on how Native Americans obtained food, shelter, clothing, and water. Looking for a half-day program? Schedule just the Native American program at a discounted rate. Contact us to make a reservation for your group of 15 or more children. Chaperones must attend with children. Reservations required.

Wildwood Park $8 per child, chaperones are free Learn about photography concepts and explore Wildwood Park with a new perspective. Complete a photo scavenger hunt and practice editing your photos. A camera, smartphone, or tablet is required for this program. Participants will be asked to download a free editing app. Ages 8-11. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Wildwood Park $8 per child, chaperones are free Learn about photography concepts and explore Wildwood Park with a new perspective. Complete a photo scavenger hunt and practice editing your photos. A camera, smartphone, or tablet is required for this program. Participants will be asked to download a free editing app. Ages 8-11. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Wildwood Park $12 per scout, chaperones are free Exploring outdoors is always enjoyable and even more so when searching for shapes and patterns in nature. During this program, scouts will investigate Wildwood Park to discover patterns in insects, leaves, spiders, and their webs. They will also observe the many colors of birds and record their findings on a chart or graph. With the help of staff, scouts will report their bird count to eBird. The program will end with a craft and summary of their discoveries. Please bring a snack and a drink. Dress for the weather. Sneakers or other close-toed shoes are recommended. Leaders are responsible for obtaining badges for their scouts. Pre-registration required.

This adventurous wellness program is geared for those interested in learning how to kayak. Everything is provided including kayaks, equipment, shuttle, guides, paddling, and safety instruction. Enjoy approximately 5 miles of easy paddling for approximately two hours on the normally gentle, tree-lined Swatara Creek! This guided 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. You will be paddling, not just floating, at a leisurely pace during this program. There is a pathway made of pavers that leads you downhill to the entry point on the water. There you will be met by our EZ in EZ out kayak launch. If you need special assistance with this paddle, please contact us directly so we can discuss any accommodations needed for this program. Click on the registration link below for full program details.

Fort Hunter Park $5.00 per participant Join instructor Erika Malorzo from CommUNITY Yoga Space for Laughter Yoga. What is Laughter Yoga: Bring more oxygen to the body and brain, foster positive feelings, and energize yourself with laughter. Laughter yoga is a unique concept where anyone can laugh for no reason. It combines laughter exercises and yoga breathing. No yoga experience is necessary. This class will be very interactive and there will be a whole lot of laughing going on. This class will take place outside on the beautiful grounds of Fort Hunter Park overlooking the Susquehanna River. Class size is limited. Pre-registration is required. This is a Park Rx program sponsored by Highmark and supported by UPMC.

Wildwood Park $5 per child, chaperones are free A short walk along the Towpath or Delta Boardwalk reveals a row of turtles basking in the sun, a startled frog leaping into the water or a snake curled up on a log. Frogs, turtles and snakes have many adaptations unique to animals who spend their lives near wetlands. Come to see these animals up close and learn about what makes each one special. Meet at the North Lot. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Join us for a moderately paced walk at Wildwood Park. The walk will be approximately 3 miles around Wildwood Lake, but participants can choose to only walk part of the way depending on their own fitness needs. Pre-registration is required. This is a Park Rx program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield.