Wildwood Park
It’s time for riverfront festivals and fireworks over the Susquehanna.
Summers in central PA showcase how lucky we are to be here, thriving and raising our families. The City Island floodlights are almost as packed with mayflies as the local parks are with kids. The creek waters are warm enough for splashing, and tubing season is well underway.
Nearby waters are even getting hot enough to erupt from the ground! Pennsylvania’s only geyser is just an hour from Harrisburg. Big Mine Run Geyser is a hidden gem in Schuylkill County. A consequence of coal mining in Centralia, the geyser rockets water into the sky in Ashland. Big Mine Run Geyser is on private property, though it can easily be viewed from the roadside. The geyser ranges in height from 3 to 15 feet and emerges from a hole in the ground, so be careful when visiting. Surrounding the geyser, waterbeds have been stained bright orange due to iron and other mineral content. Big Mine Run Geyser will have scientists and nature enthusiasts of all ages gushing about the experience.
On the second Saturday of each month, from March through November, including Saturday, July 13, Wildwood Park holds a Volunteer Day. The whole family has the opportunity to learn the importance of reciprocity with nature while cleaning up trash in this valuable park. Blooming with diverse plant life, Wildwood’s wetlands are home to an extensive variety of birds, reptiles, mammals, fish and fungi, many of which can be spotted while traversing the park’s trails. Wildwood also boasts a free educational science center, The Olewine Nature Center, where kiddos (and parents) can cool off after a few hours of making a positive impact on our environment. Volunteer Day hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. but will be canceled if it’s raining.
This month starts Harrisburg’s “Movies at the Bandshell” at Reservoir Park. These free movies start at 8 p.m. and are family friendly. Arrive early and let the little ones run around at the Chutes & Ladders Playground, located within the same grassy area. The playground is built on a hill that lends its elevation to increase sliding velocity, so fast-paced young people will thrive on the many levels. If your kid is like mine, they’re going to roll down the hillside, so pack an extra change of clothes in the bag just in case. Food and drink are usually available to purchase at the event, or feel free to pack a picnic to enjoy while the sun sets on a stunning view of the Appalachian Mountains.
Our community is bursting with activities throughout our lush summer months, and ways to keep your family happy and healthy literally grow on trees. Whether climbing a dogwood or attending an event, it seems that every weekend, there’s a new opportunity to connect, learn and explore. As we grow together, remember to take time to appreciate yourself as the awesome parent, caregiver or friend to littles that you are.
Big Mine Run Geyser is located at 2-528 Big Mine Run Rd., Ashland.
For more information about Wildwood Park, visit www.explorewildwoodpark.org.
To learn more about Harrisburg’s Movies at the Bandshell, visit www.harrisburgpa.gov.
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Read More: Chutes & Ladders Playground Archives