Events

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 “Nature Heals.” 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 engineering required, famous travelers who passed by Fort Hunter, and what has been left behind of the once awe-inspiring Pennsylvania Canals. The exhibit is included in a tour of the Mansion. Closed on Mondays.

Spend time outdoors this summer at beautiful Detweiler Park enjoying Bear’s Bicycle by Laura Renauld and illustrated by Jennie Poh. Dauphin County Parks and Recreation and Penn State Health are excited to provide an interactive Storywalk®.

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.

Enjoy a two-mile hike on the East Shore Trail led by a Naturalist. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy hiking shoes. All ages are welcome. This program is part of the Dauphin County Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.  

Participate in our fourth annual Wildwood Park Coloring Contest! Children of all ages may submit a nature-themed 8 ½ x 11 hand drawn, portrait-style coloring page using colored pencils, crayons or markers. Entries will be submitted to the Nature Center in person, via mail or email during the month of July and hung for the public’s viewing in the Exhibit Hall. Vote for your favorite in early August. Please note the Nature Center is closed Mondays, and holidays.

Join us on the front stairs of Fort Hunter Mansion as we read “The Hike” written by Allison Farrell. After the story, we will learn some hiking basics and take a short hike through the park. Pre-registration is required.

Enjoy a free movie night outdoors under the stars at Fort Hunter Park. The whole family will love "Elemental" which has a “PG” rating and a run time of 1 hour and 49 minutes. The Friends of Fort Hunter will operate a concession stand with movie snacks and drinks.

Can you name our PA state species? Did you know we have a state amphibian? Join a Naturalist for a fun morning of exploration and learning. Participants will get to explore animal artifacts while learning interesting facts about them. Registrations must be accompanied by a chaperone for the duration of the program; a maximum of one chaperone per child. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.  

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.