Youth and family class topics mirror adult programming with subjects such as arts, cooking, nature, gardening, skill-building, and more. Classes are taught by community educators and 577 staff. Class sizes are small and may take place in the Cottage, House, and outdoors around the beautiful gardens and grounds of 577.
Upcoming Classes
Youth Art Adventures: The Snowy Day
Friday, December 6 ~ 10am to 11:15am
Designed for 2- to 6-year-olds and their adult guardian, together we will walk the 577 grounds to read December’s StoryWalk® book, “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats, listen to winter preschool tunes, and create a snowy craft with paints and recycled papers.
*Please note: We will meet in the Dining Room of Virginia’s House before moving outside to walk the StoryWalk® trail together. In the event of rain or extreme, we will stay inside Virginia’s House to read the StoryWalk® book. Please dress for the weather.
Please note: *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.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Intro to Crochet for Families
Saturday, December 7 ~ 10am to 12pm
Tuesday, January 28 ~ 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.
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.
Community Instructor: Annie Johnson
Sustainable Art: Cozy Holiday Collages
Wednesday, December 11 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Welcome the holiday season by creating a one-of-a-kind, sustainable holiday collage! Using recycled materials like Christmas cards, wrapping paper, gift bags, scrapbook paper, fabrics, ribbon, and more, you’ll craft your collage on an 8″ x 10″ canvas board or an upcycled vinyl record. Your finished project can serve as a festive mood board to decorate your space or a meaningful, handmade gift for a friend or loved one.
We’ll enjoy tea and light holiday music as we work. All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring any special holiday keepsakes to incorporate into your art.
Participants ages 12-15 may join with a registered adult, and ages 16-17 are welcome to attend on their own.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Youth Art Adventures: Winter Wonders
Friday, January 10 ~ 10am to 11:15am
Designed for 2- to 6-year-olds and their adult guardian, this class explores the many wonders of winter, including animals, seasonal changes, colors, and fun activities. We will listen to a few winter-themed preschool tunes, create a pair of fun winter crafts, and read “When Winter Comes” by Nancy Van Laan.
If time and weather permits, we will also head outside to see what winter brings us as we explore the gardens and grounds at 577.
Please note: *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.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Youth Craft & Play: Create Your Own Game Box
Saturday, January 11 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Craft your own travel-friendly game box from upcycled cigar boxes and recycled items. Box includes several items that can be used for multiple games.
Each child will get to decorate their boxes with paints and collage papers, as well as pick out their own supplies and put together their game boxes.
Each game kit will include a small pad of paper and pencil for score recording, at least 13 marbles, five dice, two decks of cards, 26-30 upcycled checker pieces made from stones, buttons, or metal bottle caps, and a foldable game board made from recycled fabric swatches and markers. Each box will be complete with a small card of over 20 games to play.
Game boxes are great for family game nights, on-the-go fun, friend sleepovers, and more! *Recommend ages 8 to 15
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Preschool Art Fun: Fox in Winter
Wednesday, January 15 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Designed for 4- to 6-year-olds and their adult guardian, this class will enjoy creating a fun art project featuring a fox in a snowy winter landscape. Spend quality time together using simple paper shapes to put together this whimsical image. This hands-on experience is the perfect way to enjoy creative, sweet moments with your little one!
Please note: *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 Instructor: Karen O’Donahue
Preschool Move, Play, & Grow: Snow!
Friday, January 17 ~ 10am to 11am
Join our seasonally themed sensorimotor fun fest for kids ages 3 to 6 and their adult caregivers. Dive into creative snow-themed activity stations designed by an occupational therapist to boost coordination for little hands, eyes, and the whole body as well as supporting sensory processing, social skills, self-regulation, and more. It’s a playful mix of learning, fun, and getting ready to conquer the world of play, sports, and beyond!
Please note: *Cost is per pair, child and caregiver. Please register under caregiver’s name.
Community Instructor: Mary Davies, MS OTR/L
Kids Explore Nature: Bird Banquet
Saturday, January 18 ~ 10am to 11:30am
It’s a bird buffet–let the feast begin! Designed for 4 to 7-year-olds and an adult partner, this class will meet in Virginia’s House ~ Garage Studio to make fun treats for the birds to eat and a 10″ x 10″ bird feeder.
Children will learn which specific birds eat which specific foods to keep them happy and fed during the winter months. Our bird banquet recipes will include “Woodpecker Waffles” and “Apple-icious Crumble Pie.”
Please note: *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. Part of this class will take place outdoors– please dress for the weather. In the event of bad weather, the entire class will be held in Virginia’s House ~ Garage Studio.
Community Instructors: Nancy & John Salerno
Valentine’s Pottery ~ Youth Pottery: Ages 7 to 17
Saturday, January 18 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Your kiddo will love getting into the Valentine’s spirit with this fun pottery class that lets them express their creativity! Alison, 577’s Pottery Coordinator, will guide everyone step-by-step as they craft their own custom heart-shaped trinket dish, perfect for holding jewelry, earbuds, change, and other small treasures. Next, everyone will create a coiled heart-lidded pot to stash their secret little finds. These adorable pieces will be cherished all year round!
Once completed your child’s design will be bisque-fired, dipped in their favorite glaze chosen during class, and fired again. Pickup will be scheduled for two to three weeks later. Each child will receive a notification via email. No experience is necessary. Come play in the clay!
Please note: This class is open to children ages 7 to 17. No prerequisite or experience is required. Adults are not required to attend youth pottery classes. Students may be dropped off at the beginning of class and picked up at the scheduled end time. Please remember to be on time.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Clay Igloo Diorama ~ Youth Pottery: Ages 7 to 17
Saturday, January 18 ~ 2pm to 3:30pm
This class is perfect for the kiddo in your life who loves winter! 577’s Pottery Coordinator, Alison, will guide students through the fun process of making a pinch pot, which will then be transformed into a charming igloo with just a few easy steps. Next, we’ll create an “ice slab” to set the igloo on, followed by fun decorations of each student’s choice.
Demos will include how to make penguins, snowmen, ladders, polar bears, campfires, and other winter-inspired creations! Using both underglazes and glazes, the pieces will be finished (glazing will be done by staff after bisque firing). Pottery will be available for pick-up in two to three weeks, with an email notification sent to each child.
Please note: This class is open to children ages 7 to 17. No prerequisite or experience is required. Adults are not required to attend youth pottery classes. Students may be dropped off at the beginning of class and picked up at the scheduled end time. Please remember to be on time.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Frog Snack Set ~ Youth Pottery: Ages 7 to 17
Monday, January 20 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Monday, January 20 ~ 2pm to 3:30pm
Make the most of your day off school by getting creative in the pottery studio! Join Alison, 577’s Pottery Coordinator, for a fun and hands-on session where you’ll craft a frog-tastic snack plate and dip bowl set.
Alison will guide the class through the process, starting with the basics of creating a pinch pot that will become a playful frog dip bowl. Then, each student will explore slab-building techniques to create a beautiful lily pad plate. This adorable set is sure to be a snack-time favorite for years to come!
Each student will have the opportunity to finish their pieces with underglazes, and staff will apply the final glazes after bisque firing. These adorable pottery sets will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and each student will receive an email when it’s ready.
Choose from two available sessions, morning and afternoon, on January 20. We can’t wait for you to join us for creativity and fun!
Please note: This class is open to children ages 7 to 17. No prerequisite or experience is required. Adults are not required to attend youth pottery classes. Students may be dropped off at the beginning of class and picked up at the scheduled end time. Please remember to be on time.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Preschool: Fun with Food
Tuesday, January 21 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Preschoolers aged two to five and their adult partners will enjoy mixing ingredients together to make their own snack. Enjoy time together exploring food games, a story, musical games, and music movement.
Please note: *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. Recipes may contain wheat, milk, and eggs. Food coloring is available but optional. Kindly notify us of any food allergies at registration.
Community Instructor: Elaine Sneider
Simple Fabric Scrap Wreaths
Wednesday, January 22 ~ 6pm to 8pm
Create a one-of-a-kind upcycled wreath using a garden wreath frame and fabric scraps in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. The wire wreath frame measures approximately 18″ x 18″ but will expand a few inches with the fabric ties. These fun and easy projects allow you to craft unique, handcrafted decor perfect for all seasons, or customize your wreath for different holidays and occasions.
All supplies are provided, though you’re welcome to bring any fabric scraps from past projects that you’d like to incorporate. *Class Note: If you have fabric scissors, please bring them to class.
Participants ages 12-15 may join with a registered adult, and ages 16-17 are welcome to attend on their own.
577 Staff Instructor: Avery Bohman
Preschool: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Tuesday, January 28 ~ 10am to 10:45am
Preschoolers aged two to five and their adult partners will enjoy hearing the classic children’s story “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” written and illustrated by Eric Carle. We’ll enjoy activities inspired by the story and will spend time painting a caterpillar craft and playing many musical games as we learn about caterpillars and butterflies.
This hands-on experience is the perfect way to enjoy creative, sweet moments with your little one!
Please note: *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 Instructor: Elaine Sneider
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.