Parks and Recreation Events

Are you interested in experiencing a wellness immersion that is book-inspired? During this program, you will be guided through a nature-based wellness immersion inspired by the book The Forest Unseen: A Year's Watch in Nature written by David G. Haskell. We will be going outdoors to collect natural materials to create mandalas. Feel free to read the book before the program, or just come and we'll walk you through the details. This program is planned to take place both inside the Centennial Barn and also outside in the park. The program is being presented by wellness educator Suzann Schiemer. Suzann is a Certified Pennsylvania Master Naturalist and a Certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy – Forest Therapy Guide.

On this slow-paced walk, you will be invited to experience your breathing, senses, and the natural environment at various locations throughout Wildwood Park. Participants should be able to walk about 1- 1.5 miles on paved, gravel, and wood plank trails with some elevation gain. The program concludes with a lovely forest tea. What is Forest Bathing? Forest Bathing or shinrin yoku is a nature-based mindfulness practice and experience of interconnection with physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Re-engage the wonder and awe of play, create space for your Eco-grief, and connect with Earth. Preregistration is required. Space is limited. 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. 

Are you ready to play some disc golf? Valley Flying Discs is committed to teaching the community about the sport of Disc Golf. Step into the world of disc golf with our engaging and inclusive disc golf clinics, where sport meets community building. Practice baskets and discs will be provided for use during this program. Whether you never heard of disc golf, are new to disc golf, or are an intermediate player, our experienced instructors foster a supportive environment that encourages skill development and camaraderie. We will highlight the rules of disc golf, teach the players how to 'putt', and teach the players how to throw! Beyond the fairways, we believe in giving back to the community that supports us. This program is designed to be enjoyed by children, adults, and seniors. Children must be 6 years of age and older. It is open to children, adults, and seniors. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. All "future flyers," those under the age of 18 will receive a disc to keep compliments of Valley Flying Discs. Adventure Awaits programs are supported by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg.

Meet Rick and Peggy Price at the Nature Center Parking Lot to search for spring migrants. This can be the best walk of the year when it comes to the variety of species seen. Warblers, phoebes, wrens, orioles, other songbirds and raptors are all a possibility. Spring migration will be in full swing! This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. 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.

Create your own wind chime using a glass bottle and dozens of beads and embellishments along with clappers and sails to create your own beautiful and functional work of art! You’ll be able to enjoy the calming and gentle sounds of your windchime all summer long. The class will be held outdoors if weather permits. Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited. This is a Park Rx program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield.

Join the Friends of Fort Hunter for an exciting Virtual Illustrated Lecture with Sam McKinney for a presentation on early distilling at Dills Tavern Site and Central Pennsylvania.

Join Brian Scott of Deep Hollow Forest Farms for an evening workshop. Brian will provide background on mushroom logs and the process of their creation. Participants will then use an oak long harvested from the Parks system to create their own take-home mushroom log. This program is for participants 18 years or older. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. For more information about the farm visit https://deep-hollow-forest-farm.square.site/

Join us at Garden Faire as we kick off the museum and festival season at Fort Hunter Mansion and Park. Families can participate in a variety of activities, view exhibits in the Centennial Barn, tour the Fort Hunter Mansion, enjoy lunch in the Tavern House, among many other fun activities. Admission to the festival is free and mansion tours are available at a reduced price during the event. Event sponsored by: Dig My Earth | Media Sponsor: Macaroni Kid Harrisburg & West Shore. Please visit our website www.forthunter.org to reserve your tour time.