Parks and Recreation Events

Join volunteer Jane Earle to see some of the wetland plants, such as American lotus and the rose mallows. Common ragweed, responsible for a great deal of allergic response, will be identified along the North Boardwalk. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

Do you like flowers, chocolate or watermelon? These all rely on pollinators! Join a Naturalist to discover the many different animal species that are pollinators and examine their important roles in helping the environment, including wildlife, plants and people. Become a detective and explore the flowers around Wildwood Park to get up-close views of pollinators in action! Then, make a pollinator house that you can take home to help pollinators that live in your area.

Monarch butterflies are some of the most widely studied insects in the entire world. Join a Naturalist for a chance to see these amazing insects up close and personal in three of their prominent life stages. Program will occur outside on the West Lawn by the small pavilion closest to the Nature Center.

Are you ready to laugh your way to wellness? Join us for a unique and joyful experience that combines laughter and yoga to boost your mood and well-being! Join instructor Erika Malorzo from CommUNITY Yoga Space for Laughter Yoga! What to expect at Laughter Yoga: Bring more oxygen to the body and brain, foster positive feelings and energize yourself with laughter. Laughter yoga is a unique concept where anyone can laugh for no reason. It combines laughter, exercise, and yoga breathing. A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield.

Join us at the Mansion at 10am to learn about the McAllister family and the beautiful building they called home. The cemetery portion of the tour will take visitors through a tunnel and across uneven ground, so please dress appropriately in sturdy walking shoes. 

Enjoy a movie night outdoors under the stars at Fort Hunter Park. The whole family is sure to love Mufasa! The Friends of Fort Hunter will operate a concession stand with movie snacks and drinks. Dauphin County Parks & Recreation is excited to offer a summer of fun events for the whole family with our Sunset Music & Movie Series! These events are free thanks to our Presenting Sponsors, Veolia and Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Services along with our Event Sponsor, Ollies.

Registration Opens - Saturday, March 1 Join Wildwood Park for the 6th annual Run Wild for Wildwood 5K & 10K. This scenic run/walk will take you on the Wildwood Way Trail around the lake and the Towpath Trail along the Pennsylvania Canal! Bring your friends and family to show your support for Wildwood Park and the community. Registration will open on March 1, 2025 for this event.

Join Wildwood Park for the 6th annual Run Wild for Wildwood 5K & 10K. This scenic run/walk will take you on the Wildwood Way Trail around the lake and the Towpath Trail along the Pennsylvania Canal! Bring your friends and family to show your support for Wildwood Park and the community. 

Join Penn State Master Gardeners for a leisurely stroll to learn about one of Harrisburg’s Best-Kept Secrets - The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. 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.

Join a Dauphin County Library System Librarian and Wildwood Environmental Educator for a fun outdoor story session for children ages 2-5. Stories, songs, rhymes, play and an activity will introduce Wildwood critters and the joy of books and language to youngsters. This program is sponsored by Altrusa of South Central PA, providing a book for each participant.