Educational Farmsteads and Kids' Learning Farms Close to Lecce
Heyy there! If you're with Viaggio, the hip parent community for Museo dei Bambini in Lecce, you're in luck! We know all about the fun things to do with the family that let kids connect with the world around them. And, when we're talking about southern Italy, it doesn't get much better than Salento's educational farms, AKA masserie didattiche.
Instead of staring out the car window and listening to Mom or Dad drone on about recherché facts, you get to feed baby goats, bake traditional bread, or learn the secrets of olive oil production, all whilst making memories like a boss!
So, sit back, relax, and check out these top-notch educational farms in the Lecce area:
La Fattoria di Nonno Pippi – Ugento
Out in southern Salento, this animal-lover's paradise is a child-friendly haven for furry and feathered friends. With rabbits, ducks, chickens, turkeys, pheasants, and more, kids can interact and feed them to their heart's content! Just remember, though, these little critters are new to the fame game, so treat 'em with love and respect! Want a little something extra? Consider the three-hour agri-aperitivo complete with a guided tour of the grounds, meeting and greeting the animals, and a farm-to-table tasting featuring local goodies like olive oil, eggs, and veggies grown right there on the farm. Kiddos can participate in egg collecting, animal feeding, and outdoor games, while folks can enjoy a peaceful, stroller-friendly surround, perfect for a serene family outing. In season, look out for simple planting workshops or baking lessons straight from the farm's kitchen!
Masseria Sant'Angelo – Corigliano d'Otranto
Nestled in the heart of Grecìa Salentina, this farm invites families to experience traditional Salento farm life. Meet donkeys, goats, cows, chickens, and farm dogs, and learn how to care for them! A classic three-hour guided tour of the grounds will introduce you to all the native beauties, while adding a little thrill to your adventure. Whether you're in the mood for hands-on learning or taking in the scenery, this farm ensures there's something for the whole family. Kids can learn all about goat milk production, vegetable growing, and simple food preparation, turning experiences into unforgettable memories. In season, activities like olive picking in the fall or springtime planting projects will give you a taste of the ever-changing pace of farm life. Don't forget to enjoy farm-produced cheese tastings, delicious organic meals, and even horseback rides for the little gungho ones! You can even stay overnight at the on-site B&B and extend your farm immersion into multi-day experiences!
Masseria Didattica Capasa – Martano
At Masseria Capasa, every acre is brimming with opportunities to learn and play! This 20-hectare farm near Martano gives children a one-of-a-kind experience in agricultural literacy. Interactive farm tours let kids meet all the gentle creatures, from cows and sheep to chickens. The farm's hands-on labs bring the full farm-to-table process to life, with children churning milk into cheese, kneading dough to shape pasta, and picking vegetables for delectable soups. Olive oil production lessons, wheat grinding, and in-season harvesting events like tomato picking keep the adventure going! When your future foodie needs a break, try a nature-themed scavenger hunt, outdoor games, or simply soak up a little sunshine. Summer and winter camps for young ones feature sports, farm chores, and creative crafts, all under the watchful eye of trained staff. Stock up on homemade cheese, as well as the other products made during workshops, at the on-site shop.
Agriturismo Biologico Piccapane – Cutrofiano
Looking for an eco-friendly farm experience? Look no further! Piccapane is a certified organic farm and eco-tourism center where child education and sustainability go hand-in-hand. Children can explore a synergistic garden, learn how to grow cotton and vegetables from seed, and take part in activities that range from composting to natural dye art. Kid-friendly cooking classes let little chefs whip up vegan or vegetarian dishes using fresh produce harvested right on the farm. Special events include weekly bread or pizza-making sessions in a traditional wood-fired oven, yoga under olive trees, and creative recycling workshops. Piccapane also runs popular summer camps centered on green living, slow food, and cooperative play. Accommodations, organic meals, and outdoor classrooms tucked beneath leafy trees assure a cozy and educational stay.
La Lattoria – Gagliano del Capo
Say hello to the cream of the crop with la Lattoria, a dairy farm that brings unforgettable encounters with modern dairy production. Take a tour to catch a glimpse of the robotic milking system, greet calves and dairy cows, and learn how milk gets turned into yogurt and cheese. The fun continues as you check out the sparkling clean production facility and enjoy a tasting of their house-made yogurt and desserts. During special events, your family may hit the jackpot with tractor rides or an interactive Question & Answer session with the farmers.
Don't just holiday in southern Italy – get down and dirty (or more specifically, olive-oil-rich) with the educational farms of Lecce! Make memories, learn about food, and immerse yourself in the culture of Salento. Trust us – a glorious future of vacations starts with these humble, but powerful, masserie didattiche!
- In Lecce, Italy, discover the Museum of Children, a perfect destination for families within the Viaggio community, as it provides interactive activities that connect kids with the world around them, fostering a unique lifestyle experience.
- For a memorable animal-filled adventure, visit La Fattoria di Nonno Pippi in Ugento, where children can nurture their love for nature by feeding rabbits, ducks, chickens, and more, followed by a delightful agri-aperitivo featuring locally-sourced food-and-drink delicacies.
- Scenically located in Grecìa Salentina, Masseria Sant'Angelo provides a tranquil, family-friendly environment, offering farm animals encounters and educational workshops covering topics like goat milk production, vegetable growing, and simple food preparation – all while enjoying a relaxing home-and-garden ambiance.
- At Masseria Didattica Capasa, an expansive 20-hectare farm near Martano, kids can take part in hands-on farming experiences, learning about various aspects of agriculture, from livestock encounters to pasta-making, cultivating a love for the food-and-drink traditions of southern Italy.
- Eco-conscious families will appreciate Agriturismo Biologico Piccapane, where children can learn about organic farming, engage in sustainable practices like natural dye art and composting, and partake in creative, nature-themed activities that promote a slow, green lifestyle – making it an ideal travel destination for families seeking a more mindful, eco-friendly vacation.
