Discover the Magic of Winter with Dauphin County Parks & Recreation
HARRISBURG, PA – As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there’s no need to hibernate indoors! Dauphin County Parks and Recreation has an exciting lineup of family-friendly events and programs designed to connect kids (and kids at heart) with the wonders of nature—all while staying warm and having fun. Whether you’re a budding photographer, a preschool story enthusiast, or just curious about how bobcats see in the dark, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s happening this winter:
Storywalk®: "Squirrel’s Sweater" by Laura Renauld
- Lykens Glen Park: December 2, 2024 – March 31, 2025
- Detweiler Park: December 18, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Put on your coziest sweater and head to the great outdoors for this interactive Storywalk® featuring Squirrel’s Sweater by Laura Renauld, illustrated by Jennie Poh. Stroll through the scenic trails while reading pages of the story displayed along the way. It’s the perfect blend of exercise, fresh air, and literacy! Special thanks to Penn State Health for helping bring this family favorite to life.
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Winter Discovery
- December 9, 2024 – January 31, 2025, Olewine Nature Center
Discover the hidden magic of winter at Wildwood Park. Explore special exhibits at the Olewine Nature Center and enjoy self-guided activities along the Towpath Trail. From animal adaptations to the natural history of Wildwood Park, this program brings frosty fun to the whole family.
Kids Discover: Snowflakes (Ages 10–14)
- January 18, 2025, 10:00–11:30AM
Did you know the largest snowflake ever found measured over 15 inches across? Dive into the science of snowflakes with a Naturalist, craft your own designs, and uncover what makes these icy wonders one-of-a-kind.
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Photography Workshop for Youth (Ages 10–15)
- January 25, 2025, 1:00–3:00PM
Calling all future influencers and wildlife photographers! This hands-on workshop will teach you how to snap stunning photos of animals, landscapes, and more using any camera—even your smartphone. Learn tricks like controlling brightness, freezing motion, and focusing on what matters most. Who needs filters when you’ve got these skills?
Preschool Storytime: Winter at Wildwood! (Ages 2–5)
- February 12, 2025, 10:00–10:45AM
Get ready for adorable overload! Join a Dauphin County Library System Librarian and Wildwood Environmental Educator for songs, stories, and rhymes about Wildwood critters. Little ones will even take home a craft to remember the fun.
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Kids Discover: The Eyes Have It! (Ages 5–10)
- February 15, 2025, 1:30–3:00PM
How does a hawk see its dinner from hundreds of feet in the air? Why can bobcats see so well at night? This session dives into the incredible diversity of animal eyes. Kids will observe the wildlife at Wildwood Park, then create their own imaginary creatures with "super eyes."
Mark Your Calendars and Bundle Up!
Dauphin County Parks and Recreation makes it easy to explore nature year-round—even when it’s chilly. Whether you’re learning about snowflakes or snapping a wildlife selfie, these programs are designed to delight all ages.
For the full list of programs and registration details, visit Dauphin County Parks and Rec Events.
Don’t let the cold weather keep you indoors—there’s a whole winter wonderland waiting for you to discover!
About Dauphin County Parks and Recreation:
Dauphin County Parks and Recreation connects the community to the natural world through education, recreation, and preservation. From seasonal events to year-round exploration, they’re dedicated to making the outdoors accessible and exciting for all.
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