Children and Families
More Information
Classes
Something for everyone in our Adult Programs.
Flower arranging is fun for all ages!
What is better than to see a child engaged and having fun as they create their own unique masterpiece or discover why so many newts make Filoli their home? Children and their families can enjoy Filoli and its bountiful resources through interactive programming and hands–on learning designed just for them.
School Programs
Filoli serves thousands of school children and teachers each year through three curriculum-based programs. Scholarships and transportation funds are available to schools serving a high percentage of low-income families. For more information visit the Teachers and School Programs page.
Our students say it best . . .
“I had a lot of fun. We got to draw animals and learn about them too.” From Wildlife Drawing, Art Discover Series.
“They let us paint. It was really fun. I can do really good impressionist style painting.” From Watercolor Wonders, Art Discover Series.
“By looking at my picture, I drew the flower exactly how I wanted to.” From Botanical Art.
Classes, Walks and Talks
Art Discovery Series
For children ages 7 through 11
10:00 am–12:30 pm
Instructor: Laura Garcia
Explore the many ways you can interpret what you see in your surroundings and have fun creating impressive works of art. Discover how to draw wildlife, make unique collages and watercolor masterpieces and draw flowers in the garden! These fun classes will open doors of discovery through insightful instruction and personal guidance.
Fee for each class: $25 members; $30 non–members. Fee is good for one child age 7 through 11. Their adult companion can enjoy a tranquil visit to the house and garden, café and/or gift shop. Non–members: Fee includes same–day admission to Filoli for one adult.
Watercolor Wonders
Saturday, June 22, 10:00 am–12:30 pm
Discover the many ways you can use watercolor to create a one–of–a–kind work of art.
Nature’s Marvels
Saturday, July 20, 10:00 am–12:30 pm
What can you see in Filoli’s Nature Preserve? Learn to draw the plants and wildlife that live there.
Fantastic Flowers
Saturday, August 17, 10:00 am–12:30 pm
Study flowers and the landscape by drawing in the garden. Then finish your piece by adding color.
iPad Art
For children ages 12 and older
Saturday, July 27 or Wednesday, July 31
10:00 am–3:00 pm
Instructor: Caroline Mustard
Use your iPad as a new art medium! Capture the beauty of the Garden at Filoli using an iPad as your sketch book or canvas. Whether you are an experienced artist or not, you will learn basic techniques that will get you using your iPad to create masterpieces. All you need is an iPad (regular or mini) and a stylus. We use a free award–winning app called “Paper” by FiftyThree which you can download in advance, or get help from us when you arrive (It’s free to download, with a small charge of $10.00 for extra tools and brushes).
Fee: $60 members; $75 non–members.
Guided Hikes and Walks
Sunset Hikes
Wednesdays, June 19 and August 14; Thursdays, June 20 and August 15
6:00 pm–8:00 pm
Instructor: Filoli Nature Education Docent
Experience the tranquility of Filoli’s nature preserve in the light of the setting sun. Bring your family for a hike in the woodlands at dusk, the ideal time of day to spot our resident wildlife. Don’t forget your cameras and binoculars! This is a two-hour hike on varied terrain. At times it can be strenuous. Please discuss any physical limitations with your docent before you head out.
Adult Fee: $10 members; $15 non–members. Child Fee: $5 members; $10 non–members. Child fee is good for ages 5 through 17. Children ages 5 and older are welcome; strollers cannot be accommodated on the trails.
Evening Orchard Walks
Wednesday, June 19 and Thursday, June 20
6:00 pm–7:30 pm
Led by Filoli Orchard Docents
A Gentlemen’s Orchard, which was an integral part of any great estate of the period, was an eclectic connoisseur’s collection of European and American varieties of fruits grown for the enjoyment of the family of the estate. Take an evening walk in our orchard and learn more about this defining landscape feature and how Filoli is conserving not only the rare fruits but the traditions of this unique heirloom orchard.
Adult Fee: $10 members; $15 non–members. Child Fee: $5 members; $10 non–members. Child fee is good for ages 5 through 17. Children ages 5 and older are welcome; strollers cannot be accommodated on the trails.
Nature Hikes
Saturdays* February 9 through October 26, 2013
(except August due to dry conditions),
10:00 am—12:30 pm
Instructor: Filoli Nature Education Docent
Did you know that Filoli’s Nature Preserve has more than seven miles of well-maintained
trails crisscrossing six different types of native California habitat? Join experienced Nature Education Docents on a 2½ hour hike to explore and learn about our natural landscape and wildlife. This is a hike on varied terrain; at times it can be strenuous. Please discuss any physical limitations with your docent before you head out. Strollers cannot be accommodated on the trails. Not appropriate for children under 5 years of age.
Fee: Free for members or with paid admission to Filoli - $15 adults, $12 seniors (65 and older), $5 students.
- Fee includes access to the House and Garden.
- To make reservations, please contact Visitor Services.
- Scout Troops and other groups can also plan a special hike. Please contact Visitor Services.
- Filoli offers a variety of tours and hikes.
*Except on Special Event days.
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