Parks and Recreation Events

Join us after hours for a tour of the historic Fort Hunter Mansion as we explore taboo topics from mourning etiquette to hair jewelry. This is not intended to be a scary or haunted tour of the Mansion, but rather an opportunity to dig up the history of customs and practices that have since been laid to rest.

Join us for a walk at the newly opened Boyd's Park! 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. A Park Rx Wellness Program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield and supported by Penn State Health.

Stop by the summer kitchen at Fort Hunter’s Tavern House to see what’s cooking. Guests are invited to stop in and ask questions as we prepare sweet and savory summer treats over the hearth. This is an informal meet-and-greet style program so registration is not required.

Take an after-hours walk through the Olewine Nature Center and watch the Exhibit Hall critters come to life! Kids will meet these fun talking animals and visit other stations including a campfire to make s’mores, sip apple cider, a craft, and a not so scary Halloween story. Everyone is encouraged to dress as their favorite animal or in a Halloween costume. Don’t forget your trick or treat bag!

Join a Naturalist for an afternoon hike at Fort Hunter Conservancy. Our adventure at this lesser-known park will include a look at plants, trees and whatever other interesting things we can find! Please bring water, a snack and proper footwear as the last section of the trail is very steep and has a lot of loose rock.

During our Homeschool Days, students will explore different aspects of American history in our two-part program. The first portion of the program, Native Americans along the Susquehanna River invites students into a wigwam to learn about the Native Americans of the region. In the second part of the program, students will take a guided tour of Fort Hunter Mansion to see what life was like during the Victorian Era in Harrisburg. The tour will also include a visit to the mansion shop.

We can't control the world, but we can control how we choose to focus.  This program will teach the basics of meditation and provide meditation for you to practice. The focus will be on techniques to help dissolve anger and irritation. Participants should be age 12 and older. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Participants will be seated in chairs and this program is accessible to all. The instructor is Kelsang Chondzin, a Stanford graduate and an American Buddhist nun of 18 years.

During our Homeschool Days, students will explore different aspects of American history in our two-part program. The first portion of the program, Native Americans along the Susquehanna River invites students into a wigwam to learn about the Native Americans of the region. In the second part of the program, students will take a guided tour of Fort Hunter Mansion to see what life was like during the Victorian Era in Harrisburg. The tour will also include a visit to the mansion shop.

Join Penn State Master Gardener Kevin Kelly for an in-depth presentation about many easy-to-grow trees, shrubs, and perennials, mostly native, that will help you create a beautiful autumn landscape that will also support pollinators and birds as well. Many of the plants to be discussed are underused in the landscape. This presentation will help your garden achieve the fall "WOW" factor. Attend in-person or virtually for a comprehensive experience! Preregistration is required. Registration is required to receive the link to access the webinar. A link to the recorded webinar will be emailed to registrants within ten business days after the live event. The recording will be accessible for six months from the event date.

Are spiders insects?... No way! They have 8 legs and are members of the class arachnid which includes: scorpions, ticks, tarantulas and mites. Join a Naturalist to learn about their unique defenses, their variety of sizes and shapes and their range. Registrants must be accompanied by a chaperone for the duration of the program.