Parks and Recreation Events

Join volunteer Jane Earle to search for the infamous spring ephemerals along the Towpath Trail. Meet at the South Lot Parking area. Learn interesting facts and how to identify these common species. Participants in attendance for any flower walk in 2025 will be entered into a raffle with the chance to win a wildflower-themed gift basket from the Nature Shop courtesy of the Friends of Wildwood. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Join a Naturalist for a leisurely walk around Fort Hunter Park & Mansion. Learn one method for aging a live tree and some historical facts about these large giants. Participants will also view the Liberty Tree that was planted as a part of our nations 250th birthday. Space is limited. Meet on the lawn in front of the Mansion. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Pre-registration required.

Join a Naturalist for a hike on some of Wildwood’s less traveled trails. Look for spring blooms on this evening walk. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy close toed shoes. Hike will be around 3 miles. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Pre-registration required.

Did you know Pennsylvania is home to rabbits and hares? These fascinating animals have amazing abilities that inspire stories and legends- and help them survive in many different habitats! Join a Naturalist to explore the world of rabbits and hares, examine their differences and similarities and discover their superpowers! Become a nature detective as we take a short hike to look for signs of rabbits in Wildwood Park, then create your own rabbit and hare craft to take home. Registrants must be accompanied by a chaperone for the duration of the program. A maximum of one chaperone per child is permitted. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

During our Homeschool Days, students will discover the rich history of Fort Hunter in a series of 40-minute programs about the people that once called this park home. Registration for Spring 2025 Homeschool Days will go live on Monday, March 3, 2025. 

Note: This class has been filled, no additional spots are available. Join us in this fun class to make a fused glass votive candle holder! This is an introduction to glass fusing workshop. You will assemble pre-cut pieces to design a votive candleholder. You can choose your pieces and design to make this uniquely yours. The candleholders will be fused off-site and returned to Fort Hunter for pickup. No glass experience is required. Closed-toed shoes are a requirement for this program. The votive base is 3.5 x 3.75 and then we will add a piece of glass that is 3.5 x 5 inches high. The instructor will provide glass pieces to build your design. There will be an opportunity for some glass cutting and small pieces of glass to make each votive unique. This class is available to anyone aged 16 and older. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Pre-registration is required. A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield.

During our Homeschool Days, students will discover the rich history of Fort Hunter in a series of 40-minute programs about the people that once called this park home. Registration for Spring 2025 Homeschool Days will go live on Monday, March 3, 2025. 

Join us for some fresh air, flowers, and a moderately paced walk! We will meet up at the 5 Senses Garden to enjoy what’s blooming then continue to walk on the Capital Area Greenbelt towards the Martin Luther King Jr. garden and back. Parking is at the trailhead S. 28th Street & 441, Harrisburg, PA 17111| GPS coordinates 40.2524332, -76.8371763.  The Walk Leader will be Dr. Tara Simmons of Penn State Health and she will speak on the topic of Trauma Informed Care.The Walk with a Doc program is designed to provide some general health tips and a moderately-paced walk. This is an out and back walk so participants can choose to turnaround at any point to customize the length of their walk. This walk will be on paved walking conditions and is accessible for those using a wheelchair. Children are required to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Dogs are welcome if they are on a leash. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield and supported by Penn State Health with program coordination between Penbrook Parks & Recreation, Susquehanna Township Parks and Recreation, Capital Area Greenbelt Association and Dauphin County Parks & Recreation.

Join Penn State Master Gardeners on Arbor Day for a leisurely one-hour stroll to learn about the trees and plants at The Harrisburg Cemetery Arboretum on Arbor Day. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Gather inspiration for your garden, get your gardening questions answered, and gain unique experiences of your local gardens and county parks. Also learn to ID plants, pollinators, insects, and diseases. The Master Gardeners are trained and knowledgeable and eager to share their knowledge with you. A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield and presented by Penn State Extension Master Gardeners. Pre-registration required; space is limited. Meet up specifics will be provided via email to registered participants.

Explore Wildwood Park’s treasured wetlands for our 25th Annual Wetlands Festival! Join us for a day of free, fun, and educational activities with special musical guests and food trucks. Enjoy wildlife exhibits, walks, and a wide variety of local and regional environmental organizations. Interact with live animals and make crafts to take home. There is something for everyone!