Parks and Recreation Events

Are you ready to spend some quality time in nature? Explore Detweiler Park with an introduction to forest bathing. You'll be invited to enjoy the natural world around you while supporting restorative wellness benefits.

Join the Friends of Fort Hunter on a two-day bus trip of four presidents’ homes in the scenic countryside of Virginia. A highlight of the trip is the energetic narration provided by Dr. Donald Koones. On this tour you will explore the homes of Washington, Madison, Jefferson & Monroe!

Join Penn State Master Gardeners for a leisurely one-hour walk to learn about some of the many perennials, shrubs, and trees in the Park. Gather inspiration for your garden and gain unique information about this local Park, by learning to identify these plants, some of their pollinators, other insects or diseases, and soil or location preferences. Plants also have 'secrets' and we'll share some of them, such as being deer repellant, toxic or invasive. We are trained horticulturists and are eager to share our knowledge with you. 

This program will take place shortly after a new moon, so we will have exceptionally dark skies for stargazing! Our Night Under the Stars also occurs near the peak of the Draconid and Orionid Meteor Showers. The Orionid meteor shower is created by the trail of gas, dust, and ice from the Comet Halley and can produce highly luminous meteors known as “fireballs”. Enjoy the night sky, learn the myths and legends of constellations, and discover the basics of astrophotography! The evening will begin with a short 0.75 mile walk along variable terrain to the open fields of the Airstrip Loop. Dress for the weather, bring a flashlight. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Pre-registration is required.

Enjoy a tour of the historic Fort Hunter Mansion followed by a stroll to the McAllister Family Cemetery. Join us at the Mansion at 1 p.m. to learn about the McAllister family and the beautiful building they called home. After a complimentary snack and comfort break, the group will take a 20-minute walk to the McAllister Family Cemetery. The cemetery portion of the tour will travel through a tunnel and across uneven ground, so please dress appropriately in sturdy walking shoes. 

Join us for a walk at the newly opened Boyd's Park! The full walk will be approximately 2 miles; however, there is an option to head back earlier if you don’t want to walk the full walk. The walking trail is TSA crushed stone and it is accessible to wheelchairs. A Park Rx Wellness Program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield and supported by Penn State Health.

Explore both the wellness benefits along with the gifts of wisdom offered when spending time in a natural environment. Legends, lore and myths have recorded the symbolic connections linking the natural world to wisdom. This slow and gentle walk will reflect on the various dimensions of wellness connected with personal health and well-being.

Join a Naturalist for a leisurely walk at Detweiler Park with a focus on trees and their fall foliage. Become familiar with a variety of common species. This program is part of the Park Rx wellness series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Join us for a 1.25-mile walk at Reservoir Park! This Walk With A Doc program is designed to provide some general health information and a moderately-paced walk around Reservoir Park and the National Civil War Museum including a portion of the Greenbelt. It will be a 1.25-mile loop walking around Reservoir Park and the National Civil War Museum. A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield and supported by Penn State Health.

Grab your hiking boots, family and friends – it’s National Take a Hike Day! Get outdoors for some fresh air, scenery and exercise. Take a hike with a Naturalist or at your own pace on various terrain exploring the trails and wildlife at a local Dauphin County Park. All ages are welcome. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Pre-registration required.