Parks and Recreation Events

Join Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Nicole Cassel, for a High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) program that has been scientifically proven to help increase endurance and performance for your aerobic (cardiovascular) and anaerobic (muscular) systems. Tabata is a highly efficient method to achieve maximum results by helping you burn fat and build muscles. Tabata training works in 20 second intervals of high intensity exercise, followed by 10 seconds of rest, and repeated eight times for a total of four minutes. Are you looking for new and effective ways to switch up your workout routine? Tabata training might be exactly what you need! The workout will be solely bodyweight-focused, so you only need to bring a mat and water. A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Pre-registration is required for this program.

Join a Naturalist at Detweiler Park for a bird walk, in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day! Spring migration will be near or at its peak, meaning a wide variety of birds can be seen as they move into or through the area. Come explore the trails while listening and looking for warblers, orioles, wrens, raptors and more. After the walk, stop by the first annual Discover Detweiler Park BioBlitz 2025, hosted by the Friends of Detweiler Park, from 10am – 3pm. Learn about plants and animals that call Detweiler Park home, enjoy exhibits from various environmental organizations, and participate in interpretive walks throughout the day. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Join the Friends of Wildwood for their fourth annual dog event! This will be a unique opportunity to honor your favorite furry friends and celebrate the wonders of Wildwood Park. Complete a fun scavenger hunt with your best friend, engage with local pet-centered vendors, buy some homemade tasty dog and human treats and more! Friends of Wildwood Dog Memberships will be available for purchase throughout the day for a small $10 annual fee. You won’t want to miss this event!

Join the Friends of Detweiler Park for their first annual Discover Detweiler BioBlitz event. Spend the day outdoors with naturalists, field specialists, and nature enthusiasts from various organizations identifying plants and animals that call Detweiler Park home. iNaturalist, a free app, along with other methods will be used to help participants identify their discoveries. Guided walks will be scheduled throughout the day.

Curious about edible plants and how to utilize them to create yummy spring recipes? Join Naturalists at Wildwood Park to learn how to cook a light lunch using a few spring ephemerals. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Join volunteer Jane Earle to search for Jack in the Pulpits along the North Boardwalk. Learn interesting facts about the Jack in the Pulpit and why it could also be known as “Jill in the Pulpit.” Meet in front of the Nature Center. 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.

Enjoy an afternoon luncheon tea, an illustrated talk, and a tour of Fort Hunter Mansion. Begin the afternoon with an illustrated presentation, "The First Ladies of the White House,” presented by Dr. Donald Koones. You’ll enjoy a delicious luncheon tea consisting of homemade scones, savory and sweet treats, and unending cups of tea. Unique raffle prizes will be available with raffle tickets ($1 per ticket or $5 for six tickets), with proceeds benefitting The Friends of Fort Hunter. The afternoon will conclude with a walk through the Fort Hunter Mansion.

Join us for some fresh air and time outdoors for a walk at the recently opened Boyd's Park in Susquehanna Township! The Walk With A Doc program is designed to provide some general health information and a moderately-paced walk. This is a FREE walk, but we ask that you pre-register. This walk is appropriate for all ages and children are welcome to attend but should be accompanied by a responsible adult. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash. 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. The full walk is estimated to take approximately 1-hour based on the pace of the walkers. We encourage you to come out and join the walk for as long or as little as you are able The program topic will be on women’s health and will be led by Dr. Maria Tucker from Penn State Health Women’s Health. 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 instructor Nicole Cassel for a relaxing outdoor Pilates class at Fort Hunter Park. Embrace the serenity of nature and the rejuvenating power of Pilates in our outdoor class! This class is perfect for all fitness levels and offers a refreshing break from the ordinary gym setting. Connect with your body, breathe in fresh air, and enjoy the beauty of nature. See you on the mat! A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Advance registration is required, space is limited.

This adventurous wellness program is geared for those interested in learning how to kayak. Enjoy approximately six miles of easy paddling for approximately two hours on the normally gentle, tree lined Swatara Creek. This guided two-hour 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. Everything is provided including kayaks, equipment, shuttle, guides, and safety instruction. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Participants must be at least 6 years of age to participate. Participants between ages 6-9 years old must be in a 2-person kayak with a responsible adult. A parent or other responsible adult must participate in the program. No one under the age of 18 can participate without a participating parent, adult family member, or guardian. Adventure Awaits programs are supported by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg Adventure Trail.