Events

Spend time outdoors this spring and summer at beautiful Detweiler Park and Lykens Glen Park enjoying "Doe's Dandelions" by Laura Renauld and illustrated by Jennie Poh. Dauphin County Parks and Recreation and Penn State Health are excited to provide a new interactive Storywalk® book selection for the spring and summer seasons.

Visit naturally inspired trailside creations along Wildwood Park’s wandering trails and wetlands. Using mostly natural materials, artists have constructed large and small installations. This year’s theme is “Pathways.” A map-brochure about the exhibit is available online, at the kiosks or inside the Nature Center. Art In the Wild is Presented by the Mooney family foundation.

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. 

Enjoy a moderately-paced walk around Wildwood Lake while enjoying the trees and animals at the park. This will be a walk on paved, gravel, and dirt surfaces. You can choose to walk only a portion, then turn around at any point if you would like to customize the length of your walk to your individual fitness goals.

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!

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.

Sorry, this program is full. There is another session of this program available on July 12th. 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.