Parks and Recreation Events

Join volunteer Jane Earle to search and view joe-pye weed, pokeweed, three species of monarda and two species of jewelweed. Learn how these flowers were named and some of their early and even modern day uses. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration 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.

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.

What in the world is letterboxing? Join us to find out! We’ll cover everything from what a letterbox is, how to find one, how to make your own stamp, and practice solving clues. Adventurers will leave the program with all the tools necessary to continue letterboxing well after the program has ended. Girl Scouts, this program will cover parts of the Letterboxer badge! This program will take place both in and out of doors, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Pre-registration required.

Come out and join Plantscapes By Design for an interactive night of planting fun! Tune into your natural vibes while you create this succulent stone-look planter (cement with stippled texture and a natural brown/gray finish, measures 6"Lx8"Wx3.5"H). The ladies from Plantscapes will bring all the materials needed and will provide plant information, planting instructions and tips/tricks for keeping your planters looking beautiful. Program limited to 30 participants. Pre-registration required.

Fort Hunter Park Free Enjoy a movie night outdoors under the stars at Fort Hunter Park. The whole family is sure to love “Vivo.” The Friends of Fort Hunter will operate a concession stand with movie snacks and drinks. Series sponsor: Renewal by Andersen of Central PA Supporting sponsor: Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Services

Design a unique cotton pillow cover (18” x 18”) using flowers and leaves from Wildwood Park. Natural dyer Carol Reed will lead participants on a short walk to forage plant material at the Park before returning to the Olewine Pavilion where participants can choose from additional flowers and herbs from her garden. Create a design with your gathered materials and use a hammer to pound color, petals and leaf shape and veins into the cloth. Create a one-of-a-kind memory of a place and a time. Program will occur outdoors; participants should meet at the Olewine Pavilion located near the Nature Center. Timeslots are limited to 18 participants. Pre-registration required.

Join Ryan Bridge “The Bug Man” at Wildwood Park for a LATE NIGHT Lecture and Insect Foray on opening night of International Moth Week! The first part of the evening will include an indoor lecture presentation on the specifics of observing insects at night. The second half of the evening will include outdoor black-lighting in the Olewine Pavilion. Participants are encouraged to stay for both portions of the evening. Bring a flashlight and your friends! Space is limited. Pre-registration required. To learn more about the Bug Man visit ryanthebugman.com/

Fort Hunter Mansion Summer Kitchen Free Join us in the summer kitchen at Fort Hunter Mansion for a live, in-person demonstration. Each month we will explore a different skill or chore whether it’s drying fresh herbs from the garden, hand-washing laundry, or preserving food for the winter. Admission to these demonstrations is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Discover off-roading in miniature form with our 1/24 scale remote control rock crawlers! Start by testing out our RC crawler course with different trails ranging from beginner to expert, allowing drivers to crawl up and down bridges, through tunnels, and into caves. Then we’ll hit the trails to design our very own obstacles and test the limits of these mechanics. Participants must be at least 7 years of age to participate. No one under the age of 18 can participate without a parent, adult family member, or guardian. The parent/guardian does not need to participate but does need to be present during the program. The parent/guardian can be a registered participant if desired. See the registration link for additional program details. Preregistration is required. Class size is extremely limited. This is a Park Rx program sponsored by Highmark and supported by UPMC. This program is being presented by Adventure Explorations.