Indiana, December 23, 2025
Indiana is set to celebrate the New Year with a variety of outdoor adventures and family-friendly events. From First Day Hikes in state parks to a festive New Year’s Eve party at the Indiana State Museum, the state is fostering community engagement and promoting health and wellness. These initiatives provide unique opportunities for families and individuals to connect with nature and each other, showcasing Indiana’s natural beauty and vibrant community spirit.
Kick Off 2026 with Outdoor Adventures in Indiana
Explore First Day Hikes and Family Festivities Across the State
Indianapolis, IN, is gearing up to welcome the New Year with a variety of engaging events set to take place on January 1, 2026. Indiana’s local leaders and park organizers are championing outdoor activities alongside family-friendly celebrations, demonstrating the power of community engagement in promoting health and wellness. These initiatives not only unite families and friends but also encourage individuals to embrace the natural beauty that Indiana has to offer.
On New Year’s Eve, families can enjoy a celebratory party at the Indiana State Museum. The resilience of community organizers ensures that these events remain accessible, though thoughtful approaches to logistics and planning could further enhance participation. The state’s diverse offerings showcase how fostering an environment where civic involvement flourishes can lead to memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
First Day Hikes Across Indiana
As part of a nationwide initiative, several state parks across Indiana will host First Day Hikes, encouraging everyone to step into the New Year by connecting with nature. Noteworthy hikes include:
Indiana Dunes State Park
Participants can meet at the City West Shelter at 10 a.m. for a scenic 2-mile loop along the beach and Trail 7. The hike concludes with a delightful campfire and snacks provided by the Friends of Indiana Dunes.
Turkey Run State Park
A guided hike in Rocky Hollow will take place at 11 a.m. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear for a comfortable experience.
Versailles State Park
Hikers can gather at the Oak Grove parking lot at 10 a.m. for a moderate 2-mile trek covering sections of trails 2 and 3, with light refreshments available at the Oak Grove Shelter post-hike.
Family New Year’s Eve Party at the Indiana State Museum
On December 31, 2025, the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis will host its annual Family New Year’s Eve party from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This event is packed with fun activities, including a live DJ, face painting, glitter tattoos, and hands-on activities for guests of all ages. A countdown to 2026 will culminate in a spectacular balloon drop at 8:30 p.m., contributing to a vibrant and alcohol-free family-friendly celebration.
Additional Events to Welcome the New Year
In addition to the First Day Hikes, several state parks are offering unique activities on the first day of the year:
Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
Starting at 1 p.m., meet at the Forest Education Center for a Pinecone bird feeder program. This activity will be followed by a pleasant hike around the campground and lake’s edge at 2 p.m., complete with light refreshments.
Summit Lake State Park
Join fellow participants at the park office at 9 a.m. for coffee, snacks, and a craft, followed by a hike on Trail 3, which includes a Snowman and Friends Scavenger Hunt.
Tippecanoe River State Park
At 11 a.m., hikers can gather at Trail 8’s parking area for a 1.2-mile excursion through the Sand Hill Nature Preserve, where they can learn about winter wildlife and local resource management efforts.
Conclusion
Indiana’s approach to hosting welcoming events like First Day Hikes and family gatherings showcases the strength of civic engagement and the importance of local leadership. By offering opportunities for individuals and families to connect with nature and celebrate together, these events foster community spirit and enhance the quality of life in Indianapolis and beyond. We encourage everyone to participate in these enriching experiences and support local initiatives to help shape a vibrant future for the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the First Day Hike at Indiana Dunes State Park?
The First Day Hike at Indiana Dunes State Park is a 2-mile loop along the beach and Trail 7, starting at 10 a.m. on January 1, 2026. The hike concludes with a campfire and snacks provided by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. - When is the Family New Year’s Eve Party at the Indiana State Museum?
The Family New Year’s Eve Party is on December 31, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis. The event features a live DJ, face painting, glitter tattoos, and hands-on activities for all ages, culminating in a giant balloon drop at 8:30 p.m. - Are there any other events at Indiana state parks on New Year’s Day?
Yes, other state parks are offering unique activities, such as a Pinecone bird feeder program and hike at Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, and a Snowman and Friends Scavenger Hunt at Summit Lake State Park.
Event Details
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Day Hike at Indiana Dunes State Park | January 1, 2026 | Indiana Dunes State Park | A 2-mile loop along the beach and Trail 7, starting at 10 a.m., concluding with a campfire and snacks provided by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. |
| Family New Year’s Eve Party at the Indiana State Museum | December 31, 2025 | Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis | From 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring a live DJ, face painting, glitter tattoos, and hands-on activities for all ages, culminating in a giant balloon drop at 8:30 p.m. |
| Pinecone Bird Feeder Program and Hike | January 1, 2026 | Starve Hollow State Recreation Area | At 1 p.m., a Pinecone bird feeder program, followed by a hike around the campground and lake’s edge at 2 p.m., with light refreshments provided. |
| Snowman and Friends Scavenger Hunt | January 1, 2026 | Summit Lake State Park | After enjoying coffee, snacks, and a craft at the park office at 9 a.m., participate in a hike on Trail 3 featuring a Snowman and Friends Scavenger Hunt. |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
