Agricultural Learning Centers and Child-Friendly Farms Close by Lecce
Hangin' Out with the Little ONES: Traveling Together, a community dedicated to children in Lecce, explores exciting and enlightening family adventures. Immerse your kids in nature, food, and local culture as you bond with them in southern Italy. There's no better way to create lifelong memories than by visiting these incredible educational farms in Salento.
Want to feed baby goats, churn milk into cheese, or learn about olive oil production? Look no further! We've curated some of the best didactic farms in the Lecce region based on reputation, reviews, and award-winning programming for families.
Grandpa Pippi's Farm - Ugento
Just outside Ugento lies La Fattoria di Nonno Pippi, a magical farm brimming with furry and feathered friends. Founded by animal lover Giuseppe, this farm is known for its warm hospitality and engaging educational activities. Say hello to friends like rabbits, ducks, chickens, turkeys, and pheasants. The farm's signature event, the agri-aperitivo, offers families an enchanting three-hour experience that includes a guided tour, animal interaction, and a farm-to-table tasting of locally sourced products. Little ones can collect eggs, feed the critters, and indulge in outdoor games while parents enjoy stroller-friendly layouts and shaded picnic areas. Seasonal workshops like herb planting or simple cooking lessons with farm-grown ingredients are often offered.
Saint Angel's Farmhouse - Corigliano d'Otranto
Experience the traditional life of a Salento farmer at Masseria Sant'Angelo. As a functioning agriturismo and certified educational farm, it warmly welcomes visitors with guided presentations of its plethora of farm animals, including donkeys, goats, cows, chickens, and farm dogs. Children learn to feed and care for the critters, take nature walks through ancient olive groves, and participate in gardening activities. They'll delight in practical food education, watching how goat's milk is transformed into cheese and vegetables are grown and harvested. Seasonal programs include olive harvesting in the fall or spring planting projects. Families can also enjoy cheese tastings, homestyle meals with organic farm products, and even horseback riding for the little ones. With on-site B&B accommodations, guests can extend their stay and participate in multi-day farm immersion programs.
Capasa's Teaching Masseria - Martano
Martano's Masseria Capasa focuses on teaching children and families the process from farm to table on its 20 hectares of pastures and olive groves. Youngsters are welcomed into a world of experiential learning, starting with farm tours that introduce them to cows, sheep, and chickens. The farm offers interactive workshops where children churn milk to make ricotta or caciotta, knead pasta to form shapes like orecchiette, and collect vegetables to prepare homemade sauces. Olive oil production lessons, grain milling, and seasonal harvesting events like tomato picking are also available. Nature-themed treasure hunts and outdoor games round out the fun for families. Their summer and winter camps combine sports, farm chores, and creative arts and crafts under the supervision of qualified staff. There's also an on-site shop where families can purchase cheese and products made during the workshops.
Piccapane, the Green Oasis - Cutrofiano
Go green and experience sustainability in harmony with children's education at Biological Farm Piccapane. This certified organic farm offers a plethora of eco-friendly activities such as growing vegetables from seeds, learning about composting, and discovering the art of natural dyeing using local plants. They regularly host cooking workshops where children help prepare vegan and vegetarian dishes with fresh produce. A highlight every week is the bread or pizza preparation, led in a traditional wood-fired oven. Yoga under olive trees, herb salt mixing, and creative recycling workshops add to the mix. Piccapane also provides a popular summer camp that focuses on green living, slow food, and cooperative play. For visiting families, there's a guesthouse, a biological restaurant serving meals, and shaded outdoor classrooms under trees.
The Dairy Learning Center - Gagliano del Capo
Discover the modern world of dairy production at La Lattoria, an educational extension of Caseificio Fratelli Melcarne. Located near Santa Maria di Leuca, the farm boasts a robotic milking system that kids can watch as it works. Children tour the barn, meet calves and dairy cows, and learn about milk pasteurization and the transformation of milk into yogurt and cheese. The tour finishes with a tasting of homemade yogurt and desserts. Special events may include a tractor ride or interactive Q&A sessions with farmers. Although not a playground, it's perfect for school-aged children and curious teenagers interested in learning about food science and technology.
Agro-Valiani - Presicce-Acquarica
Uncover the rich history of olive oil production at Agro Valiani. Situated in Presicce, the farm offers tours that guide families through the life cycle of olive trees, traditional harvesting techniques, and the process of transforming olives into high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Children learn to smell freshly crushed olives and taste the oil with local bread and jams. The tasting experience is multisensory and educational, making it a hit for kids. An on-site museum displays ancient tools, and staff often modify explanations based on the age and curiosity of young visitors.
Azienda Agricola Boccarello - Salve/Pescoluse
Discover the timeless legacy of Salento's olive oil heritage at Azienda Agricola Boccarello. Located just a few minutes from Pescoluse beach, the farm takes guests on a journey through olive groves, explaining modern and ancient pressing methods and demonstrating how they press olives into high-quality extra virgin olive oil. At the end of the tour, children embark on a taste test with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and rustic bread. Although simple, the experience offers children a hands-on exploration of local culture in a peaceful setting.
Family-Friendly Farm Bonus!
To round out your family-friendly farm adventures, check out Azienda Agricola S.A.M. Striano, a cultural park in the heart of Salento that houses an Aquarium, natural history museum, butterfly house, herb garden, botanical garden, and more.
Gather the Wolf Pack and embark on an enriching, unforgettable adventure with these top-notch educational farms, where knowledge meets fun, and children discover the wonders of southern Italy.
Incorporate the joys of Tuscan living into your lifestyle as you indulge in food-and-drink experiences at La Fattoria di Nonno Pippi. Learn about leeks and other fresh, locally sourced ingredients while interacting with friendly farm animals during their signature agri-aperitivo event.
While exploring the rich history of olive oil production in Salento, introduce your kids to the steps of olive transformation at Azienda Agricola Boccarello. Let their taste buds enjoy a taste test of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and rustic bread, immersing them in southern Italy's charming culture.
