Discovering the Magic of Nature Through Play
By Programs & Partnerships Manager Sonia Capitant
Many know Filoli for our elegant historic house and lush English Renaissance garden. But tucked just beyond those showstoppers, a natural wonderland of winding trails, towering redwoods, oak forests, and fascinating wildlife is waiting. And we are excited to welcome kids and families to explore our new Nature Playspace!
This project began with a question: How can we inspire families to explore the lesser-known parts of Filoli? With that in mind, I spent time visiting playgrounds and children’s museums throughout the Bay Area to understand how others were engaging young audiences.
Inspired by the abundance of natural material on site and our sustainability goals, we made it a priority to use repurposed materials from Filoli. Each element of the playspace is giving something new life.
The Oak Tree Tumble is a circular arrangement of stumps and logs, perfect for balancing and climbing, and created from a 200-year-old oak tree that once stood in the Formal Garden.
The Wander leads children through a cottonwood grove, bordered by “dead hedges” inspired by traditional British gardening techniques. These natural borders are made from tree trimmings from around the property and are already home to curious lizards. Along this path, children can also engage with various play elements including a log drilled with holes to mimic the way acorn woodpeckers store their food and a music wall built from thrifted toys and music instruments.
Inside a Redwood Fairy Ring, you’ll find stump tables and chairs, inviting you to host a fairy tea party under the canopy. There is even a stage complete with a dress-up cart where children can dance and pretend-play to their heart’s content.
Bright bunting flags made from recycled saris flutter throughout the space. Every inch of the playspace invites wonder, exploration, and connection.
We hope that members and new guests alike will make this space a part of their Filoli tradition. Whether you’re coming for a quick nature escape or planning a full day adventure, the Nature Playspace offers a place to gather, play, and simply be.
With the Trailhead Store just across the way it’s easy to spend a whole day immersed in nature with everything you need close by – whether it be a GardenPop, Filoli souvenir, or emergency yogurt for hungry kiddos.
This summer, we’re filling the space with even more opportunities to connect and create:
- Daily – Story Time for kids
- July 9, August 12, and September 10 – Transforming Trash Art Activities, where children can turn recycled items into beautiful art
- July 20 and August 17 – Redwood Theater Performances, including Warrior Princess: Quest to Save the Sacred Grove by Rabbit Hole Theater and Banjos and Bluegrass by Summer Nights headliners, Gangstagrass
- July 12 and 13 – Family Nature Weekend, featuring hands-on activities and visits from wildlife partners
- July 16 – Wellness Wednesday in July, with Family Yoga sessions in the redwoods
Come wander, build, pretend, balance, discover, and play! The Nature Playspace is waiting for you.