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PROGRAMMING AT PYRAMID HILL
Find a wide variety of programming inspired by art and nature hosted throughout the year. From family-friendly activities to workshops for adults, there is something for everyone at Pyramid Hill.
Summer Series of Art: Recycled Masterpieces
Join us on the last Friday of May, June, and July to create wonderful art projects made from upcycled and recycled materials while school is out for Summer. Explore creativity through sustainability with a drop-in art series where children and adults can craft art using upcycled materials. Each session is led by a different local artist to create unique experiences during each visit.
Puppet Making with the Robert McCloskey Wonder Works Museum
Friday, May 30
10AM – 2PM
Children (and adults) can create a usable puppet from upcycled materials. Get creative with your own unique character, or make one of yourself. Carrie Halim from the Robert McCloskey Wonder Works Museum will be there with her Puppet Theater and sharing stories from Robert McCloskey’s treasured Yankee Doodles Cousins.
Creative Cardboard Sculptures with Leah Hughes
Friday, June 27
10AM – 2PM
The common box you have on your front step can easily turn into a wondrous piece of sculpture. Follow along with local artist Leah Hughes to craft your own native flower sculptural piece out of cardboard. This program is great for children and parents and/or grandparents working together.
Mobiles in Motion
Friday, July 25
10AM – 2PM
Learn about movement, weight, and gravity as little artists carefully balance found and uncycled materials to construct a mobile. Artists Stephen and Emily will show various methods to attach, connect, and tinker to create the perfect piece suited to your liking.
Family Fun on the Hill
Immersive experiences for families to explore the natural world through our five senses. Join us on the second Saturday in June, July, and August. Included in general park admission!
Touch and Feel of Wildlife, plus our Annual Wilks Insurance Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 14
10AM – 2PM
Encounter new animals at the Park! Join us for our annual Wilks Insurance Fishing Derby (10AM – 12PM). This catch-and-release fishing event has become a tradition for many families, and a favorite option for Father’s Day bonding! Then, stick around for even more animal encounters, and a wool felting demonstration. Enjoy a special feature of McCloskey’s books that include animals, like Blueberries for Sal and Journey Cake Ho with Carrie Halim from the Robert McCloskey Wonder Works Museum.
Sounds of Beauty and Wonder featuring Cincinnati Opera and Stan Ginn
Saturday, July 12
10AM – 2PM
Join us for two musical features on the Hill. Stan Ginn will be here at 10AM to entertain music lovers of all ages. Kids will tinker with found objects in the morning to create their own instruments and experiment with making unique sounds. The Cincinnati Opera will join us at 1PM to present Opera Cat performed by some of Cincinnati’s best voices.
Water in Motion with Kinetic Kristen & Watercolor Play
Saturday, August 9
10AM – 2PM
Visitors will be dazzled by bubble performances throughout the day as we invite everyone to encounter and be amazed by Kinetic Kristen. She will be doing several short bubble performances throughout the day and working with children on their own exploration of water in motion. Explore bubbles in all shapes and sizes floating through the air. Stephen and Emily will also be hosting a watercolor activity to explore the fluidity of mixing colors.
Dogs & Donuts
Bring your furry-family for an adventure in art and nature, and enjoy a special treat too! The first Saturday of the month this summer is dedicated to Dogs & Donuts at Pyramid Hill. Each month we will have a special activity or presentation for dog lovers, plus enjoy a donut on us.
Generously sponsored by Susan Domonkos
Illustrating Dogs with the Robert McCloskey Wonder Works Museum
Saturday, July 5
10:30AM – 12PM
Masterpieces come in all breeds! Here is a chance to have your pup illustrated live and in person. We will have a guest artist on site to create a drawing for you while you enjoy a sweet treat. Carrie Halim from the Robert McCloskey Wonder Works Museum will feature the Robert McCloskey book, Junket. McCloskey loved illustrating animals and this event honors his legacy in showcasing our four-legged friends.
Natural Nibbles & Holistic Health with Dr. JoAnne Goodman, DVM
Saturday, August 2
10:30AM – 12PM
We're talking all things natural dog care, such as organic foods and treats. We will be joined by holistic care veterinarian, Dr. JoAnne Goodman, as she speaks to the benefits and accessibility of natural care for pets. She will take questions and be available to address any curiosities and concerns you may have. Learn about the benefits of natural care for your animals to see if it is something your furry friend could benefit from. Enjoy tasty donuts for humans and organic treats for dogs.
Pressed Paw Prints
Saturday, September 6
10:30AM – 12PM
Immortalize your pup’s precious pads in air dried clay! Our art staff will assist with air dry clay to create a special keepsake you'll treasure fur-ever.
Ink & Drink
Enjoy a relaxing summer night at Pyramid Hill with specialty drinks, art demonstrations, music, and mingling. These evenings are no pressure experiences to dabble with art materials with guest artists. Each night will feature a specialty cocktail, mocktail, and/or other refreshments. Bring your friends to relax on our Gallery Museum patio and explore your creative side in our beautiful landscapes.
Taste of the Tropics with Flora and Steel Drums
Friday, July 18
6PM – 8PM
Transport your senses to an island paradise. The sounds of steel drums will float through the air while we offer up a juicy cocktail or mocktail. Savannah Ballweg from Miami University Hamilton’s Conservatory will join us with selections from their tropical room to provide fun facts about their botanical significance. We will have optional art activities as you enjoy a balmy night at the Park.
Bright Wall Collective Mural Dedication
Friday, August 22
6PM – 8PM
Join us at The Lodge in Pyramid Hill for an extra special Ink & Drink to dedicate our new mural created by Bright Wall Collective. Jenn Acus-Smith and Nicole Trimble, the founders of Bright Wall, will celebrate their newest work and give a short talk about murals and their recent and upcoming projects. Enjoy a unique color changing cocktail for the evening, or a beverage of your choice. Dabble with a collaborative art project, or sit back, relax, and observe as we create a mini mural.
Bees & Bourbon visitor favorite!
Friday, September 5
6PM – 8PM
Have you heard the buzz about our bees at Pyramid Hill? Our local honey collectors will be featured on this evening as you learn about hives, combs, and production. Sample honey collected from Pyramid Hill and treat yourself to a sweet bourbon cocktail. Other drinks are offered, and we will have an art activity for the evening in honor of our busy bees.
Workshops, Classes, and Special Events
Pick up a new hobby or deepen an existing skill in our range of art and nature inspired experiences.
Exhibition Opening, A Main Street Story: Robert McCloskey in Hamilton, OH
Thursday, May 29
5:30PM – 7:30PM
Pyramid Hill is thrilled to welcome the Robert McCloskey Wonder Works Museum to our park for a 18-month residency. Robert McCloskey (1914–2003) was a Hamilton native who authored and illustrated some of the most enduring children’s books of the 20th century, including Make Way for Ducklings, Blueberries for Sal, and Time of Wonder.
Join us for the official exhibition opening of A Main Street Story: Robert McCloskey in Hamilton, OH. This exhibition will feature original sketches, illustrations, and personal materials, highlighting artwork from Lentil, McCloskey’s first published book, set in Hamilton, Ohio.
Guest speakers: Brad Spurlock with the Lane Libraries, and Carrie Halim with the Robert McCloskey Wonder Works Museum / Butler County Historical Society
Drawing in Nature: Colored Pencils with Stephen Smith
Wednesday, June 4
1PM – 3:30PM
Adult and Teen Workshop
Venture into nature as we explore the grounds of Pyramid Hill and learn about composition and mark making in drawing. You will learn about atmospheric perspective and using color to create the illusion of depth. You will have time to hike and draw while getting feedback from our very own artist on staff, Stephen Smith.
The Longest Day: Celebrate the Summer Solstice and Launch of Soundscapes
Friday, June 20
5PM – 9:30PM
Join us for The Longest Day—an evening of art, music, nature, and community as we celebrate the summer solstice and launch Soundscapes at Pyramid Hill.
Soundscapes is a brand-new, self-guided audio journey that transforms four areas of the Park into immersive sound environments. Explore site-specific compositions that respond to your location, blending sound, art, and the natural world in a whole new way.
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Four newly launched soundscapes
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Two digitally-available guided meditations created by The Well (Cincinnati, OH)
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Live music by Ryan Hall of Whited Sepulchre Records, Soundscape artist Ziaire Trinidad Sherman, and more
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A hands-on crafting experience
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Hard and soft drinks available for purchase
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Picnic charcuterie boxes and wine selection by The Farmer's Collective (pre-order)
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A sunset salutation to close the evening with intention and joy
The Magic of Natural Inks with Jenn Acus-Smith
Sunday, June 22
1PM – 3:30PM
Adult Workshop
Experience the merging of nature and art as you create ink from plants, berries and other natural resources. Jenn Acus-Smith demonstrates how to transform nature’s resources into usable art material. Participants will learn the steps to create ink, tips on foraging, and explore materials that can alter colors in various ways. Participants will practice with the materials they create and leave the workshop with a small variety of inks to work with at home.
Fused Glass Floral Suncatchers with InsideOut Studio
Saturday, June 28
10AM – 12PM
Family Workshop
Create your own floral-themed suncatcher with the artists and staff of InsideOut Studio. You will learn about the basic tools needed for cutting and designing your own fused glass project. This is a beginner friendly class. Templates will be provided and there will be a variety of glass colors to choose from. Your creations will be taken to InsideOut Studio to be fused and will be ready for pickup in 2-3 weeks.
Stained Glass Mushroom Planters with Laura Waligorski
Saturday, July 5
1PM – 3PM
Adult Workshop
Use a copper foil stained glass technique to create your own mushroom planter with help from artist Laura Waligorski of the Glass Garden Club. Using pre-cut glass, you’ll learn to copper foil and solder to bring your fungi to life.
Watercolor Journaling with Cynthia Kukla
Saturday, July 26
1PM – 3:30PM
Adult Workshop
Whether you're exploring your own backyard or another country, learn to document your travels with beautiful watercolor paintings by practicing with Pyramid Hill's picturesque landscape. Artist, Cynthia Kukla provides a hands-on tutorial and painting demonstration to teach you how to craft a travel watercolor kit, and shares tips for working comfortably on location and in nature.
Nature/Nurture: Wellness Experiences
Recenter and recharge in nature through gentle movement and mindful practices lead by the experts.
Full Moon Yoga with Anya Spinazzola
Wednesday, June 11, Thursday, July 10, Saturday, August 9
Sunday, September 7
6:45PM – 7:45PM
Align with art and the elements as we engage in a gentle yoga practice as the full moon rises over Pyramid Hill. Cultivating balance and harmony through breath and movement, we will rejuvenate and reflect the beauty within and around us. This is a non-strenuous practice that focuses on breath, stretching, and movement.
Forest Bathing
Saturday, August 16
9AM – 10:30AM
Calm your mind and body with a forest bathing session at Pyramid Hill! Forest Bathing, or ShinrinYoku (“Bathing in the Healing Elements of the Forest”) is an evidence-based practice from Japan that quiets the mind by gently re-awakening our five senses through a slow guided walk, a sequence of soothing, nature-based readings, moments of stillness, and poetry led by Pam Lowe Cho, ANFT-Certified Forest Therapy Guide. You don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to reap the rewards of reconnecting with the serenity of nature.
Fly me to the Moon with Dean Regas
Friday, August 29
7:30PM – 9:30PM
Look back at the Apollo 11 mission which sent Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins to the Moon in 1969. Your tour guide is astronomer Dean Regas who will share some amazing pictures, footage, and anecdotes about the first people to walk on the Moon. Then we will look ahead to the Artemis missions that will return people to the Moon this decade. Telescope viewing of the Moon and stars will follow (weather permitting) Great for all ages.
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