Parks and Recreation Events

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. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Design and bring to life a nature-themed, wooden sign to decorate your space. All materials necessary to create your sign will be provided – just select your style of board and let your creativity run wild! Design samples, stencils and other decorations will be available. Pre-registration is required, and participant spaces are limited.

Junior Naturalists ages 9 to 11 interested in the flora and fauna of Wildwood Park will spend the week learning about species identification and natural history. Topics explored include life beneath the water, mammal skulls, amphibians, reptiles, trees and fungi. Discover new habitats while visiting Detweiler Park and enjoy a live animal presentation. Various activities such as hiking, journaling/sketching, and specimen collection will also be included. Please register for only one week; activities and topics will be repeated. Registrationis limited to 20 campers.

Enjoy a movie night outdoors under the stars at Fort Hunter Park. The whole family is sure to love Wicked! The Friends of Fort Hunter will operate a concession stand with movie snacks and drinks. Pack a picnic basket (or purchase from our food concessions), bring your blankets and your lawn chairs, and enjoy an evening of family fun! These free events are made possible by our Presenting Sponsor, Veolia, and Event Sponsor Ollies.

Join a Naturalist for a hike on some of Wildwood’s less-traveled trails. Look for wildflowers, frogs, snakes, and more. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy close-toed shoes. Hike will be around 3 miles. This hike is part of our new Adventure Awaits series sponsored by UPMC. Pre-registration required.

Have you ever been as "hungry as a bear?" What do bears actually eat? Join a Naturalist to learn the varied diet of Pennsylvania's Black Bears. Participants will read and sing about bears, do a bear craft, and an outdoor activity. Registrants must be accompanied by a chaperone for the duration of the program; Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Sprouts ages 4 and 5 will discover nature through hands-on activities. Spend the day exploring the outdoors through discovery and sensory walks, stories, crafts and much more. Learn about the different plants and animals that call Wildwood Park home. Chaperones are not required to stay with their sprouts. Registration limited to 15 campers.   Registration will open Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

Join us for a FREE concert at Fort Hunter Park featuring The Greater Harrisburg Concert Band! Dauphin County Parks & Recreation is excited to offer a summer of fun events for the whole family with our Sunset Music & Movie Series! Each week will highlight local performing arts organizations or an outdoor movie every Friday night from June - August. Pack a picnic basket (or purchase from our food concessions), bring your blankets and your lawn chairs, and enjoy an evening of family fun! In the event of inclement weather, a decision will be made around lunchtime on Friday whether the movie will proceed. If necessary, the rain date would be Sunday, July 6, 2025. This is a free event made possible by our Presenting Sponsor, Veolia, and Event Sponsor Ollies.

Junior Naturalists ages 9 to 11 interested in the flora and fauna of Wildwood Park will spend the week learning about species identification and natural history. Topics explored include life beneath the water, mammal skulls, amphibians, reptiles, trees and fungi. Discover new habitats while visiting Detweiler Park and enjoy a live animal presentation. Various activities such as hiking, journaling/sketching, and specimen collection will also be included. Please register for only one week; activities and topics will be repeated. Registrationis limited to 20 campers.

Adventure Awaits! We’ve partnered with Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association (CATRA) to provide you with some time on their farm having fun and learning to care for miniature horses! A unique opportunity to connect with miniature horses while learning essential skills. Open to children age 5 & older, teens, and adults! Pre-registration is required. Space is extremely limited. Adventure Awaits programs are sponsored by UPMC and supported by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg Adventure Trails.