Inspire curiosity and creativity with Youth & Family classes at 577. Designed to mirror adult programming, these hands-on experiences introduce young learners and families to arts, cooking, nature, gardening, skill-building, and more. Taught by passionate community educators and 577 staff, each class encourages exploration, learning, and connection in a supportive environment. With small class sizes, participants enjoy personalized instruction in the Pottery Studio, Cottage, Virginia’s House, and the beautiful gardens and grounds of 577—where discovery happens naturally.
Join us for engaging, family-friendly learning experiences that spark a love for creativity and the natural world.
Upcoming Classes
August classes open for registration on Wednesday, June 24, at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Dr. Doodlebug’s Storytime Adventure with Merrill Rainey
Tuesday, June 30 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Join author and illustrator Merrill Rainey for a special interactive read-aloud of his book, On the Air with Dr. Doodlebug. After the story, children will create a nature journal and learn how to draw Dr. Doodlebug with step-by-step guidance.
Following the read-aloud and draw-along, families are encouraged to explore the grounds and fill their journals with sketches and observations of bugs, plants, and other discoveries from nature.
The program will conclude with a short Q&A and an opportunity to have books signed by the author.
Class Notes: Registration includes one copy of Merrill Rainey’s book On the Air With Dr. Doodlebug and all supplies. Cost is per child; please register each child separately. Adults are free and do not need to register. Caregivers should attend with their child. This program is designed for children ages 4 to 9 with an adult guardian.
This event is part of our Meet the Author StoryWalk® series funded in part by a grant from the Walleye Wishing Well Fund of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation.
Family Art: Tie Dyeing ~ Stars, Stripes & Swirls
Thursday, June 11 ~ 5:30pm to 7pm
Learn how to tie die and create unique t-shirts together as a family! Participants will make red, white, and blue tie-dye designs using professional-grade dyes and easy, family-friendly techniques. Each person will design and dye their own t-shirt while learning the basics of color placement, pattern folding, and dye application.
All materials are provided, including pre-washed shirts to ensure vibrant results. This is a fun, hands-on (and messy!) experience, so participants should wear clothes they don’t mind getting stained. Finished items will be taken home the same day, along with care instructions and textile detergent for washing and setting the dye.
Class Notes: Register for one (1) OR two (2) youth between the ages of 7 to 17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth(s) registered.
Community Instructor: Michelle Fisher
Family Pottery: Garden Gnomes (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)
Friday, June 12 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Step into a storybook moment in the pottery studio as you and your child sculpt charming garden gnomes together, each one with its own unique expression and style. Your instructor will demonstrate how to cut gnome forms from pre-rolled slabs and construct each piece step-by-step. Families will learn how to securely assemble their gnome and explore decorating and texturing techniques for hats, beards, clothing details, and expressive features. While you’ll work alongside one another, each participant will create their own unique gnome.
Once the clay work is complete, everyone will paint their gnomes using colorful underglazes, adding creative flair and distinctive finishing touches. After class, Alison will handle the firing process and apply the finishing glaze. Pieces will be kiln-fired and ready for pickup once complete, and families will receive an email notification when their creations are ready, typically 2 weeks later.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 to 17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth registered. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please sign up each youth participant individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Kids Explore Nature: Be a Rock Detective
Saturday, June 20 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Young geologist explorers aged four to seven and their adult partners will have fun learning about rock color, texture, and size. Through hands-on activities, we’ll learn the different types of rocks and what their colors can tell us about their mineral content such as iron or organic matter.
This engaging experience is designed to spark curiosity and encourage meaningful moments between you and your little one. Come ready to learn, grow, and explore together!
Class Notes: Cost is per child—please register each child attending. Adults are free and do not need to register. Caregivers should attend class with their child.
Community Instructors: Nancy & John Salerno
Preschool: Father’s Day Celebration
Tuesday, June 23 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Preschoolers aged two to six and their adult partners will enjoy celebrating hardworking fathers, learning about animal fathers, playing games, listening to a story, and making a simple gift for a special man in their life.
This engaging experience is designed to spark curiosity and creativity while fostering special moments between you and your little one. Come ready to learn, play, and grow together!
Class Notes: Please register each participating child individually; adults attend free as part of their role as caregivers.
Community Instructor: Elaine Sneider
Intro to Crochet for Families
Tuesday, June 23 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Thursday, July 30 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Learn to crochet together as a family! Whether you need a refresher or you’ve never picked up a hook before, each adult and child pair will focus on how to tie a slip knot, how to chain stitch (the foundation of crochet), and the single crochet stitch. Each participant will create a project of their choice – a dishcloth, a coaster, a scarf, or a little lap blanket.
Participants will have a variety of yarns and tools on hand to choose from. We’ll start by choosing your desired project, your yarn color, and the correct sized hook. All supplies are included to reduce beginner frustration from using the wrong tools. Everyone will receive a crochet hook and a ball of yarn along with handouts for reference when practicing and helping each other at home.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 to 17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth registered. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please sign up each youth participant individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
Community Instructor: Annie Johnson
Youth Art: Pop Art Cosmic Cat (Ages 7 to 12)
Wednesday, June 24 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Create your own whimsical cosmic cat with acrylic paints in this fun and creative class for young artists ages 7 to 12. Each child will paint a colorful cat with step-by-step instruction, while learning basic painting techniques like warm and cool color palettes and color mixing.
Paintings will be on 11″ x 14″ recycled cardboard. All materials provided.
Community Instructor: Robin Sears
Youth Art Adventures: Nature Explorers
Friday, June 26 ~ 10am to 11am
Explore nature through story and art in this class designed for preschoolers and their adult guardian. We will read “We’re Going on a Nature Hunt” by Steve Metzger, then listen and move along to nature- and garden-themed preschool tunes. We’ll wrap up the morning by creating an upcycled nature treasure box before heading out to explore the 577 gardens and grounds on our very own springtime nature hunt.
Class Notes: Cost is per child—please register each child attending. Adults are free and do not need to register. Caregivers should attend class with their child. This class is designed for 2- to 6-year-olds with an adult guardian. Homeschool kiddos are welcome.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Family Pottery: Animal Bells (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)
Wednesday, July 8 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Create lasting memories together in the 577 Pottery Studio as you shape and decorate adorable clay animal bells in this hands-on family pottery class.
Your instructor will guide families step by step as they use simple hand-building techniques and pre-extruded clay tubes to create charming animal-shaped bells. Alison will demonstrate how to shape the bell form and add features to bring each animal to life, making the process enjoyable for all experience levels.
Families will also have the opportunity to personalize their creations with textures, details, and colorful underglazes (liquid colored clay). After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed in clear, and fired again. Finished bells will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their pottery is ready.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 and 17, with one accompanying adult age 18 or older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany each registered youth. If an adult would like to attend with multiple youth participants, please register each youth individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Family Pottery: Dino/Dragon Pinch Pots (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)
Friday, July 10 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Get ready for a prehistoric or magical adventure in the 577 Pottery Studio as you sculpt your very own dinosaur or dragon in this imaginative family pottery class.
Your instructor will guide families step by step as they use the pinch pot method to form the body and sculpt details like heads, tails, spikes, and wings. Alison will share inspiration for adding texture and unique features to give each prehistoric or magical creature its own personality, making the process fun for all experience levels.
Families will also have the opportunity to add color using underglaze (liquid colored clay), bringing their creations to life with bold and vibrant designs. After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed, and fired again. Finished sculptures will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their pottery is ready.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 and 17, with one accompanying adult age 18 or older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany each registered youth. If an adult would like to attend with multiple youth participants, please register each youth individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Family Pottery: Pinch Pot Turtles (Ages 5-7/Adults 18+)
Monday, July 13 ~ 9:30am to 11am
Get creative together in the 577 Pottery Studio as you shape and decorate adorable pinch pot turtles in this fun, hands-on family pottery class.
Your instructor will guide families step by step as they learn how to form a pinch pot and shape the turtle’s head, legs, and tail. Alison will share inspiration for adding texture and decorative details, such as patterned shells and expressive features, making the process fun for all experience levels.
Families will also have the opportunity to add color using underglaze (liquid colored clay), bringing their creations to life with bright and playful designs. After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed in clear, and fired again. Finished pieces will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their pottery is ready.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 5 and 7, with one accompanying adult age 18 or older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany each registered youth. If an adult would like to attend with multiple youth participants, please register each youth individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Kids Explore Nature: Dinosaur Explorers!
Saturday, July 18 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Calling all young dinosaur enthusiasts! Together we’ll explore the world of dinosaurs through hands-on activities inspired by paleontology. Kids will learn about dinosaur footprints, food, and habitats, search for tracks along the 577 trails, and create a small dinosaur habitat with live plants.
Class Notes: Cost is per child—please register each child attending. Adults are free and do not need to register. Caregivers should attend class with their child.
Community Instructors: Nancy & John Salerno
Family Learn & Create with Clay: Pollinator Fun!
Friday, July 24 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Join us for a fun and magical collab class with 577 staff instructors, Avery Bohman (Youth Art Adventures) and Pottery Manager Julie Beutler, to learn all about the wonders of pollinators.
We’ll start in the Green Door Studio where Avery will lead us through a story about pollinators, songs, a craft, and a short scavenger hunt through the community gardens. Then, we’ll head next door to the Pottery Studio, where Julie will lead us through a short demo on what pollinator cups are and how to make them.
These adorable pollinator water cups are small ceramic pieces designed to hold shallow water and provide hydration for our hardworking honeybees, butterflies, and other friendly pollinators. They also bring a beautiful little touch to our garden spaces!
Each child/parent pair will create and paint 2 to 4 pollinator cups together. After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed, and fired again. Finished cups will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their pottery is ready.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 4 and 6, with one accompanying adult age 18 or older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany each registered youth. If an adult would like to attend with multiple youth participants, please register each youth individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructors: Avery Bohman & Julie Beutler
Summer Soap Making for Families
Saturday, July 25 ~ 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Create colorful gemstone-inspired soaps together in this beginner-friendly family class using the Melt & Pour method—a safe, simple, and quick way to craft custom soaps with no lye or long curing times required.
Participants will learn the basic equipment and techniques needed to get started, along with an introduction to different soap bases, scents, colors, and additives. Adult and child pairs will then put their new skills into practice by creating four (4) colorful gemstone-inspired soaps.
Everyone will take home their finished soaps, soap molds, and instructions to continue creating custom soaps at home.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 to 17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the registered youth participant. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please sign up each youth participant individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Lindsay Grider
Preschool: Musical Jamboree: Fun with Flowers
Wednesday, July 31 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Join us for this special musical- and flower-themed class designed for preschoolers aged two to six and their adult partner. Together we’ll read short books written by Miss Elaine, play with toy instruments, sing and dance, and enjoy painting an art piece with real flowers.
This engaging experience is designed to spark a love for music, curiosity, and creativity while fostering special moments between you and your little one. Come ready to learn, play, and grow together!
Class Notes: Please register each participating child individually; adults attend free as part of their role as caregivers.
Community Instructor: Elaine Sneider
Riverwalk String Workshop Week (Grades 6 to 12)
Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24 ~ 9am to 3pm
Young musicians in grades 6 to 12 are invited to join us for the Riverwalk String Workshop. This week-long immersive experience offers high-quality instruction in string playing from world-class musicians, paired with mindfulness and creativity sessions from the Toledo Mindfulness Institute, where students will learn techniques to enhance focus and self-expression.
Participants will build lifelong skills while working both in small groups and one-on-one with professional musicians. This workshop is open to students who play violin, viola, cello, or bass.
Students will also benefit from attending live performances on-site at 577, including Riverwalk’s Ensemble-In-Residence, the Orion Trio, and a concert by Riverwalk’s faculty. Participants will also take part in two nature-based art activities led by 577 staff.
The week concludes with a special concert showcasing our students’ talents on the final day of the workshop, Friday, July 24, from 2pm to 3pm. All performances take place on 577’s Outdoor Stage and are open to the public. A rain location will be announced if needed.
This is a unique opportunity for young student musicians to grow as performers, find inspiration, and build friendships in a holistic, supportive, and engaging environment. Join us and gain the courage to follow your dreams!
Important Notes: Young musicians must have at least 2 years of private instruction. Musicians will be asked to complete a Google Form from Riverwalk String Workshop. This includes an optional request to submit a one-minute video sample of their playing as an audio file, which can include a solo, etude, orchestra excerpt, etc. While optional, this submission is strongly recommended to assist with ensemble placement. Registration is subject to review. Participants who do not meet the requirements may not be accepted into the camp. Any musician who is not accepted will receive a full refund.
Registration is open now!
Community Instructors: Cole Habekost, Alex Munson, & Isabella Weik
Youth Pottery: Slab of Summer Workshop (Ages: 7-17)
Week A: Monday, June 15 – Friday, June 19 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Week B: Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Week C: Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Registration opens Wednesday, April 1, at 9am for all sessions
Get ready to roll up your sleeves, play with clay, and bring your imagination to life at 577 this summer! Join the 577 Pottery Staff for a fun and creative weeklong exploration of clay. This exciting 5-day workshop invites young artists to explore the endless possibilities of clay.
Throughout the week, your kiddo will learn foundational hand-building techniques such as pinch, slab, and coil to craft a variety of unique projects. Inspired by animals, nature, and the beautiful surroundings of 577, we will create a new piece each day, including a special project designed just for summer workshop. Toward the end of the week, everyone will get to experience the glazing process firsthand on one of their pieces. All other pieces will be glazed by staff due to firing limitations.
This camp is open to youth ages 7 to 17, making it a great option for siblings or families who want to create together.
Three sessions will be offered this summer. While the overall structure is the same for each session, participants who register for multiple weeks will have the opportunity to create new designs within the guidelines of each project.
Important Class Notes: This class is open to children ages 7 to 17. No prior pottery experience is required. Youth Pottery Classes are designed to be drop-off classes to support the creative process. Adult guardians will be asked to drop students off at the beginning of class and return at the scheduled end time for pickup. This allows young artists to fully engage, explore, and create independently. Please remember to arrive on time for both drop-off and pick-up.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Class Locations & Parking Map
Signed up for a class and need help finding your classroom location and parking? Each class description lists its location. Click the button below to view a full map of the grounds and buildings with two lots available for easy and convenient parking.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Because space is limited, we rely on you to register for classes thoughtfully. Please help us continue to offer these wonderful classes as affordably as possible by adhering to the following registration, cancellation, and refund policies.
Photo & Video Release
Photos and videos may be taken during 577 classes and events for use on our website and other relevant media outlets and your attendance constitutes consent. View the full policy below including how you can opt-out of this release.