Parks and Recreation Events

Join us for a moderately paced walk around Wildwood Park in Harrisburg. Parking and meet-up will be in front of the Olewine Nature Center. The walk will be on a variety of surfaces and may include some slight inclines. It will be an out-and-back walk so participants can customize the length of the walk based on their individual goals. The Walk with a Doc program is designed to provide some general health tips and a moderately-paced walk. A Park Rx Wellness Program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield and supported by Penn State Health.

Feel the water surround you as you tiptoe, stalk, cast, hook, and land some of the most beautiful fish in the world. Guides provide instruction to youth between the ages of 8 and 16 on the types of fish found in Pennsylvania, fish habitats, safety, equipment, outdoor manners, and protecting our water resources.

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.

Join Penn State Master Gardeners for a leisurely one-hour stroll around Fort Hunter to learn about plants in the parks. This program is for all ages, but children should be accompanied by an adult chaperone. The group will meet up at the Everhart Covered Bridge on the “barn” side of Fort Hunter Park. Pre-registration is required.

Join us for a FREE concert at Fort Hunter Park as Open Stage presents “An Evening of Song from Broadway and Beyond!” Dauphin County Parks & Recreation is excited to offer a summer of fun events for the whole family with our Sunset Music & Movie Series! Food Trucks: Lykens Valley Bison | Sarah’s Creamery are available beginning at 6:30 pm.

Join wildlife photographer, Troy Bynum, owner of TB Wildlife Photography LLC, for this introductory photography workshop and unlock the secrets of digital photography! This hands-on course delves into the essentials of Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO, empowering participants with a solid foundation. Pre-registration required.

Enjoy a tour of the historic Fort Hunter Mansion followed by a stroll to the McAllister Family Cemetery. Join us at the Mansion at 1 p.m. to learn about the McAllister family and the beautiful building they called home. After a complimentary snack and comfort break, the group will take a 20-minute walk to the McAllister Family Cemetery. The cemetery portion of the tour will travel through a tunnel and across uneven ground, so please dress appropriately in sturdy walking shoes. 

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.  Some trees may be bearing fruit. Meet at the North Lot. This program is part of the Dauphin County Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.  

Join Tony “Doc” Schoch for an indoor presentation. Doc is a former educator and long-time conservationist. He has spent the past 13 years studying, photographing and surveying dragon and damselflies around the country and Central America. His presentation about these iconic insects will focus on their anatomy, life cycle, indication of water quality, identification and their place in the food chain of wetland environments. Local and national organizations and research programs will also be touched on as well as some tips on photographing these amazing creatures! Pre-registration required.  

Spend the day exploring Wiconisco Creek Park. Nature enthusiasts ages 7-10 will discover what habitats are found here and learn about the various animals and plants that call this park home. Hands-on activities will include creek exploration and plant and animal identification. Each day will bring new activities and experiences. Dress for the weather. This camp will take place entirely outdoors. Registration limited to 15 campers.