Events

Spend time outdoors this spring and summer at beautiful Detweiler 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 summer season.

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.

Explore the history of the Fort Hunter Park Service Station in this year’s special exhibit. Built in 1929, the Fort Hunter Park Service Station has served the community in a variety of ways over the past century. Once home to an automobile service station, café, antique store, mini golf course and more, there are unlimited possibilities of what lies ahead for this historic building.

Now is a great time to visit Wildwood Park, camera in hand to snap outdoor photos for the upcoming Photo Contest!

Children ages 6 to 8 will learn about animal adaptations, explore aquatic life in Paxton Creek and enjoy a live animal presentation. Each day will focus on a new, fun topic about our local plants and animals and include nature themed activities and crafts. Please register for only one week. Registration limited to 20 campers. 

Outdoor enthusiasts ages 12 to 14 will spend the week in nature exploring the natural world and learning basic wilderness survival skills. Each day will include a hike and digging deeper into a different aspect of survival. Activities may include fire building, wild edibles, water filtration, and navigation skills. Discover the importance of teamwork during daily “initiative” challenges and activities. The week will also include an off-site hiking trip and tandem kayaking experience. Registration is limited to 18 campers.

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.

Develop your inner artist by creating a uniquely painted glass jar or pair of wine glasses! In this creative painting workshop, participants will choose from a selection of glass jars (with lids) or wine glasses to paint. Local artist Chris Pettman will have lots of painting design ideas, so everyone will have their own unique jar when finished. Chris even has templates available for those who are just beginning painters. For ages 6 -adult. Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited. This is a Park Rx program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield.

Enjoy a moderately paced walk around Wildwood Lake while enjoying the trees and animals at the park. June, July & August - The walk will occur from 6-7 PM. September - December - The walk will occur from 1-2 PM 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.

African dance and drum reduce stress and anxiety, build self-esteem, and assist with weight loss. This energy-filled class provides an opportunity to experience West African culture through learning traditional dance movements accompanied by live music, using traditional drums. Advance registration is required. Space is limited.