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.

Join a Naturalist at Detweiler Park for a bird walk, in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day! Spring migration will be near or at its peak, meaning a wide variety of birds can be seen as they move into or through the area. Come explore the trails while listening and looking for warblers, orioles, wrens, raptors and more. After the walk, stop by the first annual Discover Detweiler Park BioBlitz 2025, hosted by the Friends of Detweiler Park, from 10am – 3pm. Learn about plants and animals that call Detweiler Park home, enjoy exhibits from various environmental organizations, and participate in interpretive walks throughout the day. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Join the Friends of Wildwood for their fourth annual dog event! This will be a unique opportunity to honor your favorite furry friends and celebrate the wonders of Wildwood Park. Complete a fun scavenger hunt with your best friend, engage with local pet-centered vendors, buy some homemade tasty dog and human treats and more! Friends of Wildwood Dog Memberships will be available for purchase throughout the day for a small $10 annual fee. You won’t want to miss this event!

Join the Friends of Detweiler Park for their first annual Discover Detweiler BioBlitz event. Spend the day outdoors with naturalists, field specialists, and nature enthusiasts from various organizations identifying plants and animals that call Detweiler Park home. iNaturalist, a free app, along with other methods will be used to help participants identify their discoveries. Guided walks will be scheduled throughout the day.

Curious about edible plants and how to utilize them to create yummy spring recipes? Join Naturalists at Wildwood Park to learn how to cook a light lunch using a few spring ephemerals. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Join instructors Sandy Johnson & Charisee Grayer from Zoombalicious for a fun night of dancing! An outdoor Zumba class is a fun and energetic way to get your heart pumping while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. You'll dance to upbeat music and follow along with choreographed moves that will work your entire body. This class is held outdoors at Fort Hunter Park on the lawn in front of the Centennial Barn at Fort Hunter Park. The class is open to adults and children ages 6 and older. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Pre-registration is required. Space 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. 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 volunteer Jane Earle to search for Jack in the Pulpits along the North Boardwalk. Learn interesting facts about the Jack in the Pulpit and why it could also be known as “Jill in the Pulpit.” Meet in front of the Nature Center. Participants in attendance for any flower walk in 2025 will be entered into a raffle with the chance to win a wildflower-themed gift basket from the Nature Shop courtesy of the Friends of Wildwood. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

SOLD OUT - Join us for the Victorian Tea in December. Enjoy an afternoon luncheon tea, an illustrated talk, and a tour of Fort Hunter Mansion. Begin the afternoon with an illustrated presentation, "The First Ladies of the White House,” presented by Dr. Donald Koones. You’ll enjoy a delicious luncheon tea consisting of homemade scones, savory and sweet treats, and unending cups of tea. Unique raffle prizes will be available with raffle tickets ($1 per ticket or $5 for six tickets), with proceeds benefitting The Friends of Fort Hunter. The afternoon will conclude with a walk through the Fort Hunter Mansion.