A Perfect Family-Friendly Day Trip: Exploring Filoli Estate and Pulgas Water Temple
Looking for a family-friendly weekend adventure in the Bay Area? If you want a mix of history, gardens, trails, and a dash of fairytale magic, I’ve got the perfect one-day activity for you: Filoli Historic House & Garden followed by a quick stop at the serene Pulgas Water Temple.
This itinerary is especially great for families with kids because it combines exploration, play, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Whether you’re chasing trolls in the redwoods, wandering through blooming gardens, or enjoying a peaceful moment at a hidden temple, this outing is equal parts fun and relaxing.
Stop 1: Filoli Estate & Gardens
Nestled in Woodside, CA, Filoli Estate is a historic mansion surrounded by 16 acres of formal gardens and over 600 acres of natural beauty. It’s best known for its colorful seasonal blooms, beautifully preserved interiors, and immersive exhibits — but right now, it has a magical surprise waiting for visitors: The Trolls: Save the Humans exhibit.
Meet the Trolls
Straight out of a storybook, six massive wooden troll sculptures have taken up residence in the redwoods. Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these whimsical giants are not only fun to discover but also carry an inspiring message about protecting the planet.
Kids especially love the adventure of spotting all six trolls along the peaceful one-mile trail. Each troll has its own personality and design, making the walk feel like a scavenger hunt.
Check out my reel — it gives you the perfect sneak peek.
The Historic Mansion
The centerpiece of Filoli is its Georgian Revival-style mansion, completed in 1917 for the wealthy Bourn family, who made their fortune in California’s gold mining industry. Later, it was home to the Roth family before eventually being donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Inside, you’ll find nearly 56 perfectly preserved rooms filled with period furniture, artwork, and elegant architectural details. From the grand ballroom to the wood-paneled library, each space gives a glimpse into early 20th-century luxury living. Walking through feels like stepping back in time.
Fun fact: Filoli has been featured in movies and TV shows, most famously as the Carrington family mansion in the hit 1980s series Dynasty. History buffs and architecture lovers will find plenty to admire here, while kids often enjoy the sense of exploring a “real-life castle.”
Family-Friendly Highlights at Filoli
Beyond the mansion and trolls, there’s so much to do and see here:
🌸 Blooming Gardens: Perfect for slow strolls, photos, and teaching little ones about flowers and nature.
✏️ Kids’ Scribble Book: Pick one up near the entrance — it’s designed to keep children engaged during the visit.
🪄 Whimsical Playspace: Hidden fairy doors, willow huts, and interactive music stations make this a must-stop spot if you’re bringing kids.
☕ On-Site Café & Gift Shop: Great for a snack break or to grab Troll-themed souvenirs before heading out.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — between the gardens, mansion, and trail, you’ll easily get your steps in.
Know Before You Go – Filoli Estate
📍 Location: 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, CA
⏰ Hours: Daily 10am–5pm | Extended summer hours Wed & Thurs until 8pm
🎟 Tickets: Entry requires a ticket — and you can conveniently book through GetYourGuide here.
📅 Trolls Exhibit Dates: June 7 – November 10, 2025
🚗 Parking: Free on-site
❌ Not allowed: Pets (except service dogs), smoking, drones, bikes, weapons, alcohol/drugs, vaping
This stop alone can take anywhere from 2–4 hours, depending on how much you want to explore.
A Glimpse of Filoli Estate 🌸🏰
Didn’t want to spoil all the magic for you — but I couldn’t resist sharing a few sneak peeks (promise, I’m leaving plenty of surprises for your own visit!). 😄✨
Stop 2: Pulgas Water Temple
After soaking up all the magic at Filoli, hop in the car for a short 5-minute drive (0.5 miles) to the Pulgas Water Temple.
While it doesn’t take long to visit — most families spend 15–30 minutes here — it’s absolutely worth the stop. Kids will love running around the open space, and adults will enjoy the quiet, serene atmosphere after the busier energy of Filoli.
A picture’s nice, but a reel says it all — watch to feel the calm of Pulgas Water Temple.
History of Pulgas Water Temple
Built in 1934, this hidden gem was designed to celebrate the completion of the Hetch Hetchy water system, an engineering marvel that carried fresh mountain water over 160 miles from Yosemite’s Sierra Nevada to the Bay Area. Architect William Merchant designed the Beaux Arts–style monument with Corinthian columns, while stone carver Albert Bernasconi brought his vision to life.
When water first flowed into the Bay Area on October 28, 1934, the city rejoiced — still haunted by memories of the 1906 earthquake and fire. The frieze above the columns still captures that sense of relief:
“I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.”
For more details and visiting hours, check the official website: Pulgas Water Temple – SFPUC.
Parking at Pulgas Water Temple
One thing to know before you go: the official parking lot at Pulgas Water Temple is closed on weekends, which can be a little inconvenient. If you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll need to look for street parking where permitted and may have to walk about 0.5 miles (or more) to reach the entrance. On weekdays, parking is generally available right near the site.
Why Families Love Pulgas Water Temple
🌿 It’s free to visit — no tickets required.
📸 Stunning for family photos, especially with the columns and pool as a backdrop.
🚗 Close proximity to Filoli makes it an easy add-on to your day.
⏱ Quick stop — so even if little ones are getting tired, you won’t need to plan for a long stay.
Putting It All Together: Your Day Trip Itinerary
Here’s how you might plan your one-day activity:
Morning/Afternoon at Filoli Estate
• Arrive when it opens to make the most of your day.
• Explore the gardens and mansion first.
• Take the one-mile Troll Trail through the redwoods.
• Stop at the café or picnic in designated areas for lunch/snack.
• Let kids burn off energy in the playspace.
Short Drive to Pulgas Water Temple
• End your day with a calm, reflective visit.
• Snap some family photos before heading home.
Why This Day Trip is Perfect for Families
Parents are often on the lookout for activities that blend fun and learning while being manageable with kids. This Woodside outing checks all the boxes:
✅ Educational: History at the mansion + environmental themes from the Trolls.
✅ Active: Walking the trail, exploring gardens, running at the temple.
✅ Engaging for All Ages: Adults enjoy the beauty and history, while kids love the interactive, whimsical elements.
✅ Flexible Timing: Can be done in half a day or stretched into a full-day adventure.
Final Tips
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles for the outdoor portions.
- Buy your Filoli Estate tickets in advance to guarantee entry (especially on weekends and during the Trolls exhibit). You can easily book them through GetYourGuide here.
- If you’re visiting in spring or summer, try to catch the extended evening hours — the gardens at golden hour are unforgettable.
Ready to Plan Your Adventure?
A trip to Filoli Estate paired with the Pulgas Water Temple is the perfect family-friendly Bay Area activity. It’s a chance to connect with nature, dive into history, and spark imagination — all in one easy, manageable day trip.
Whether you’re local or just visiting the Bay Area, add this itinerary to your weekend plans. Don’t forget to grab your tickets for Filoli in advance through this link and get ready for a day of wonder, learning, and fun for the whole family.
