Get some exercise and fresh air with two hikes by the Indianapolis Hiking Club:
7 p.m. today: Meet at Shapiro’s Deli parking lot, 808 S. Meridan St., Indianapolis, for a 6-mile “Walk Out the Old Year” hike through Indy. Park in the rear of the lot away from the building. Eat dinner afterward at Punch Burger. Be home before midnight.
1 p.m. Friday: Get walking with the “Happy New Year and Bicentennial Hike” at White River State Park.
To celebrate Indiana’s bicentennial, the club will visit each of the state’s 25 state parks.
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There will be two options: a 5 to 6 mile hike at a modest pace and a slightly faster 8-mile option.
The hike will start at the White River State Park Visitor Center, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Park in the outdoor lot at White River State Park or in the underground parking at the state museum. Street parking will be free. To learn more, visit indyhike.org
Count down to noon today
Kids don’t have to stay up too late to have fun with a countdown to a 12 o’clock hour.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will give youngsters the chance to celebrate between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. today in the museum’s Sunburst Atrium.
Families can celebrate the final day of 2015 with activities, music from Grammy-nominated musician Zak Morgan, and countdowns to 2016 at noon and 1 p.m. Receive hats and other festive favors for the big moment! While supplies last.
Entry is included with museum admission.
The museum is at 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis.
For more information call 334-4000 or visit childrensmuseum.org.
Watch balloons drop at 8 p.m. today
The Indiana State Museum also will offer families a fun but early night of festivities.
State museum members can attend the Family New Year’s Eve party from 5 to 9 p.m. The public can attend at 6 p.m.
End the year with a bang with a family-friendly alcohol-free celebration in the Gov. Frank O’Bannon Great Hall at the museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Face painting, stilt walkers, clowns and music will highlight the evening. A balloon drop at 8 p.m. allows the little ones to celebrate the New Year in style. Reservations are recommended, 232-1637 to reserve your spot.
Cost is $7 for members and $13 for nonmembers.
Celebrate with seniors tonight
The Nineveh Senior Center will offer adults 50 and older a festive opportunity to ring in the new year starting at 8 p.m. The senior center is at 3208 Rodeo Drive, Johnson County Park.
Bring a snack to share and be ready for cards, fun, music and more.
Count Birds
Veteran and novice birdwatchers are invited to the Christmas Bird Count Friday at the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, 12985 U.S. 50 East, Seymour.
The annual “bird inventory” of the refuge will last the entire day but staying the whole time is not required. Participants should plan to meet at the refuge Visitor Center at 7:30 a.m. to form groups and be assigned areas.
The bird count is a great opportunity for less experienced birders to learn from experts in bird identification. Participants should bring binoculars and wear warm clothing and waterproof footwear as the trails will probably be wet. A hot lunch will be provided free of charge by Muscatatuck Wildlife Society volunteers.
