Youth Programs
Filoli's Youth Programs offers two unique ways for students to explore and learn:
Adventures in Nature (preschoolers and teen students). Read more about the program below.
Self-Guilded Field Trips (elementary students), where teachers can choose topics to explore using materials on nature, history, or TROLLS: Save the Humans. Visit our Field Trips webpage to learn more.
Youth programs fulfill Filoli’s core mission: to connect the past with the future through shared stories. With a focus on underserved communities. Filoli’s youth programs are made possible through your support, partnership, and contributions.
Adventures in Nature
Filoli partners with state funded and nonprofit schools and programs that serve audiences with the greatest socioeconomic and access needs in San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Alameda Counties. If you feel that your school or program may qualify for our Preschool or Teen Program please email learning@filoli.org.
Preschool
Partnership Program
Each preschool visits Filoli three times through the school year as greater access and deeper experiences increase a child’s comfort in nature and gardens.
Field trips are filled with joyful activities of interaction in the garden punctuated by reading books and singing songs related to the day's activities.
- Visit the beehives, look for bees in the garden, taste honey, have pollinator storytime
- Pick and taste fruit from orchard and vegetables from garden to make a snack or take home to their families
- Identify patterns and shapes in the garden plants and structures
- Engage the senses by touching, tasting, and smelling herbs in the garden or listening to bird songs and play bird movement games
- Follow the flow of water and learn how to conserve at home
Teen
Partnership Programs
Relationships with new partner organizations allows Filoli to serve the next generation in new ways:
- Three visits during the school year that includes guided hikes and harvesting and tasting produce from the Garden and Orchard, followed by time for the organization to facilitate their own wellness or community building programming.
- Paid six-week internships in Horticulture and Visitor Services to provide students with an introduction to a career in horticulture and public gardens.
Self-Guided Field Trips
Elementary, Middle School, & High School
Self-Guided Field Trips
Bring your students to Filoli for an unforgettable day of discovery. School groups are invited to enjoy self-guided field trips, with the option to explore themed materials on nature and history.
From the historic House and ever-blooming Garden to the Nature Playspace, the one-of-a-kind Trolls experience, and miles of hiking trails, Filoli offers a diverse learning environment that sparks curiosity and wonder.
Community Benefits
- Addresses the desire to expand STEM and nature programming beyond schools
- Free access for underserved families through free Filoli memberships
- Opportunities for shared social experiences outside the home to build resiliency within families
- Creates greater comfort for children to seek out nature and gardens for moments of respite, creative expression, and social connections
- Builds relationships with partner organizations allowing Filoli to serve community in new ways
“Our children and teachers had a joyful time on the Filoli hands-on field trip. The garden, veggies, and plants refreshed and revitalized everyone’s mind, soul and body. We haven’t gone out to enjoy nature as deeply as last Friday.” - Program Director, Chinatown Community Children’s Center
Read the wonderful article by Mountain View High School's student newspaper, the Oracle, which highlights their ELD students' trip to Filoli!
More Learning Resources From Filoli
Riekes Youth Programs
Filoli partners with the Riekes Center to provide outdoor experiences for youth ages 5-18. Programs bring students outside to form deep connections to the natural world through immersive experiences. Register for programs on the Riekes Center website.
Scavenger Hunt
Enjoy our seasonally updated Scavenger Hunt! A great way to engage with Filoli's vast Garden and learn some fun facts while you explore.
Family Activity Guide
Explore the grounds of Filoli with this downloadable PDF guide! Includes a 5-senses scavenger hunt and a self-guided kid-friendly tour.