We appreciate attending a media preview of the Trolls art installation. Our team consisted of three adults and a pair of three-year-old boys. Most of us found the giant art pieces amazing and cool. At least two of us were more skeptical of them. It could be a great place to visit for mixed age groups. This post is not sponsored.
Filoli in Woodside, best known for formal gardens and a fancy, historic house, has branched off in another direction with a rustic expansion including a play area, snack bar, gift shop, and larger-than-life art. The gigantic wooden troll sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo are at Filoli through November. They make it worth the trip for nature lovers, curious kids, and art aficionados. Seeing all six involves a one-mile hike and is best suited for elementary-age people and up.
Midway through the California Trail hiking loop is a fantastic new nature-inspired play space for ages 2 to 8. Lots more about that below!
Seeing the Trolls at Filoli
Each sculpted giant was made from reclaimed wood and other recycled materials to look like fur. Kids can get right up close to these works of art. Touching and climbing is ok.
Visiting all six magical trolls requires sturdy shoes and a one-mile hike on a dirt trail. To bypass the narrow hike, a wider ADA-accessible path can get you to most of them.
Parent tips for a successful troll visit:
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Wear a hat and bring a water bottle – it gets HOT
- Pack a lunch or snack for after playtime at the picnic tables
- Bring an off-road stroller if possible
- Watch out for poison oak off-trail
All about the new children’s nature playspace at Filoli
Filoli has done an impressive job of creating a wild and free play space adjacent to a lovely formal garden. Using found and reclaimed materials, kids can enjoy running, climbing, and touching all the things. You’ll find wander paths, willow huts, a shady tea area, fairy doors, and other interactive elements for children that our play testers missed during their fun.
Filoli will be hosting daily storytime for preschoolers to young elementary-aged children.
The playground and trolls were both opened in June 2025. The play area is expected to remain open long after the trolls have moved on. Children can climb, imagine, hide, and pretend among the paths, logs, willow huts, and shady tea sets. We brought a pair of three-year-old testers and they gave the experience four thumbs up.
Happy note: You can find a bathroom with a snack and gift shop near the play area.
More about the Trolls by Thomas Dambo?
Thomas Dambo, a Danish recycling artist, has created an impressive array of gigantic sculptures from reclaimed and found materials. These large-scale artworks can be found in 20 countries across five continents. The six trolls at Filoli are part of a traveling set that is visiting different parts of the US. Their backstory is that they are teen trolls fighting for humanity to learn to protect the earth. Here’s the narrative for this installation of SAVE THE HUMANS >
With over 154 Trolls worldwide, Trolls at Filoli is Thomas Dambo’s latest exploration into crafting giant trolls with an environmental call. In this traveling exhibition, he tells an evolved story of listening and tending to nature, further building on Nordic-inspired tales and artist-made poems. This will be the first time the Trolls have found their way into the megaflora Redwood forest.
Follow the signs for Trolls and the path of the California Trail to see them.
Plan your daytrip to Filoli
About an hour from Oakland and Berkeley, this special place is a big commitment for young families.
📍 Location: Filoli 86 Cañada Road, Woodside
🚗 Parking: On-site lot at no additional charge, lot may fill up on busy days
⏰ Hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily. Open later for some special events.
💵 Cost: Under 5: Free | Adult: $34-$39 | Youth (5-17): $24-$29 | Senior (65+): $32-$37 | Student/ Teacher/ Military: $30-$35
Website >
You will probably need to make a choice. If you are interested in seeing the Trolls and the new playground, you will probably not have time and attention left for the typical delights of Filoli.
