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.

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. August - 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.

This adventure awaits program is geared toward those interested in learning how to kayak and those looking to explore a new kayaking location. Everything is provided, including kayaks, equipment, shuttle, guides, paddling, and safety instruction. This will be a 6.5 mile excursion from Mahantango Creek to Millersburg on the Susquehanna River. Total trip time will be 2.5 – 3 hours.

Join Tony Schoch for a leisurely morning walk on the Towpath Trail to view, learn about and photograph dragonflies. Meet at the South Lot kiosk. Pre-registration required

Join volunteer Jane Earle to view fragrant water lilies, yarrow, white beardtongue, blue-eyed grass and common milkweed. Learn how these and other flowers were named and some of their uses by early settlers and Native Americans. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Design and bring to life a nature-themed, wooden sign to decorate your space. All materials necessary to create your sign will be provided – just select your style of board and let your creativity run wild! Design samples, stencils and other decorations will be available. Pre-registration is required, and participant spaces are limited.

Junior Naturalists ages 9 to 11 interested in the flora and fauna of Wildwood Park will spend the week learning about species identification and natural history. Topics explored include life beneath the water, mammal skulls, amphibians, reptiles, trees and fungi. Discover new habitats while visiting Detweiler Park and enjoy a live animal presentation. Various activities such as hiking, journaling/sketching, and specimen collection will also be included. Please register for only one week; activities and topics will be repeated. Registrationis limited to 20 campers.

Enjoy a movie night outdoors under the stars at Fort Hunter Park. The whole family is sure to love Wicked! The Friends of Fort Hunter will operate a concession stand with movie snacks and drinks. Pack a picnic basket (or purchase from our food concessions), bring your blankets and your lawn chairs, and enjoy an evening of family fun! These events are free thanks to our Presenting Sponsors, Veolia and Dauphin County Drug & Alcohol Services along with our Event Sponsor, Ollies.

Join a Naturalist for a hike on some of Wildwood’s less-traveled trails. Look for wildflowers, frogs, snakes, and more. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy close-toed shoes. Hike will be around 3 miles. This hike is part of our new Adventure Awaits series sponsored by UPMC. Pre-registration required.