All our baby-friendly properties: the farmhouses for children with playground and educational farms.

Info and Description

A children's farm is a farm that, in addition to rural hospitality, offers activities designed specifically for children: an educational farm, a play area, a swimming pool, cooking workshops, horseback or bike rides, and animal interaction. Families with children are one of the main demand segments: for 62.3% of Italian families, the availability of children's activities is the primary criterion when choosing a destination .

(Sources: ISMEA – Agritourism and Multifunctionality Report 2026)

In short

Farm holidays for children in Italy are characterised by:

• Educational farm with direct contact with animals (chickens, rabbits, sheep, goats, horses)
• play area equipped with slides, swings and adventure trails
• swimming pool with areas dedicated to children and water games
• cooking, baking, cheese and jam making workshops
• bike rides, horseback riding and nature excursions
• babysitting service with qualified educators (in some facilities)

Costs and seasonality:

• Overnight stay with breakfast in a family-oriented facility: between €60 and €150 per person per night
• Educational workshop or farm visit (half day): between €15 and €35 per child
• peak seasons: Spring and Summer, with peaks during the holiday weekends and in July–August

Explanation

What families with children look for in a farmhouse

Families with children are among the most loyal and high-value segments of agritourism tourism. According to industry research by Area38 for Italy Family Hotels, 62.3% of Italian families consider a destination's child-friendly offerings the primary criteria for choosing a stay, with entertainment and dedicated activities ranking first (65.4%), followed by a pool (50.2%) and comfortable rooms (46.2%). 94% of families surveyed stated that children's entertainment is a high expectation . Agritourism facilities that invest in family-friendly offerings achieve significantly better results: 85% higher revenue per room, 80% higher average rate, and 35% higher occupancy rate compared to the industry average. Over 50% of families plan multigenerational stays, including grandparents and other relatives : a trend that makes facilities with large common areas and activities for all ages particularly popular.

(Sources: Area38 – Family Trend 2025 for Italy Family Hotels; GBviaggi / Touring Club, 2025)

Market data and trends (Agriturismo.net)

Analyzing the offerings of child-friendly agritourism on Agriturismo.net:

• 55% of the facilities have at least one activity dedicated to children
• 38% have an equipped play area
• 14% have an educational farm or farmyard animals

(Sources: Based on data from Agriturismo.net)

Practical part

How to choose a farm for children

1. Check the recommended minimum age: some facilities are more suitable for children aged 3 and up, while others welcome even the youngest. For children under 2, check the availability of cribs, high chairs, and changing tables.
2. Ask which activities are available and for which age groups: workshops, horseback rides, and farm activities have different minimum age requirements. Check before booking to avoid disappointment.
3. Check whether the play area is outdoors or indoors: for spring or autumn stays, the availability of covered play spaces is an important factor in case of bad weather.
4. Consider whether the pool has a children's area: not all pools are suitable for small children. Ask about the size of the shallow end and whether there are safety gates or supervision.
5. Ask if babysitting is available: not all facilities offer it. If available, check the operators' qualifications and availability hours.
6. Check the amenities in the room: travel cot, high chair, bathtub, changing table: communicating your needs at the time of booking allows the hotel to prepare adequately
7. Consider children's cuisine: many agritourisms adapt their menus upon request. Check the availability of special children's meals or the possibility of preparing meals yourself on the property.
8. Book early: the most popular family-friendly properties sell out quickly, especially in the summer months and over long weekends.
9. Ask the owner: have any questions? Before booking, contact the property directly with your no-obligation request using the "Ask the owner" button on the property page you're interested in.

FAQ

Why choose a farmhouse for holidays with children?

An agritourism offers children something hard to find in a traditional hotel: space, nature, animals, and authentic activities. Direct contact with farmyard animals, collecting eggs, kneading bread, and the freedom to play in the fields are educational experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and respect for nature. For parents, the countryside offers tranquility and safety: less traffic, fewer crowds, and supervised open spaces.

From what age can children attend an educational farm?

Most educational farms welcome children aged 3 and up, with activities tailored to their age group. For younger children (2–3 years old), the most suitable experiences are sensory ones: touching animals, collecting eggs, and making bread. More structured workshops are available for children aged 6 and up.

(Sources: ISTAT – Agritourism businesses in Italy, Year 2024)

Are the facilities also suitable for very young children (under 2 years old)?

Yes, many agritourism facilities are equipped to accommodate even the smallest children, but it's essential to check in advance whether cots, high chairs, and changing tables are available, as these aren't always standard in non-hotel facilities.

How many educational farms are there in Italy?

In 2024, 2,340 Italian agritourism facilities will be certified as educational farms, equal to 8.9% of all agritourism establishments, representing a 12.2% increase compared to 2023 and a 220% increase compared to 2010.

(Sources: ISTAT – Agritourism businesses in Italy, Year 2024)

When is the best time to take children to a farm?

Spring (March-April–May) and early summer or autumn (June-September) are ideal: mild weather, enjoyable outdoor activities, lambing in spring, and fruit and vegetable harvesting in summer. Autumn offers grape and olive harvests, highly engaging experiences for older children.

What can you do on a farm with children?

The most popular activities are contact with the animals (milking, egg collection, puppy care), cooking workshops (bread, pasta, cheese, jam making), nature walks and bike rides, horseback or pony rides, playing in the equipped play area, and swimming in the pool.

Are babysitting facilities common?

No, babysitting is not standard in Italian agritourisms: it's available in a limited number of more family-friendly establishments. It's essential to check availability directly with the establishment before booking.

Do farm stays have special menus for children?

Many establishments are willing to adapt their menus upon request, offering smaller portions or simple dishes for younger guests. Some more established establishments offer special children's menus. It's always advisable to let us know when booking.

How much is the Italian agritourism sector worth?

In 2024, Italian agritourism reached a production value of €1.934 billion, an increase of 3.3% compared to 2023 and over 140% compared to 2020. There are 26,360 active facilities, with 4.7 million guests per year.

(Sources: ISMEA – Agritourism and Multifunctionality Report 2026; ISTAT, Year 2024)

Are child-friendly agritourism facilities also suitable for multigenerational stays?

Yes. Farmhouses with large open spaces, play areas, swimming pools, and traditional cuisine are particularly suited to increasingly popular multigenerational stays: over 50% of Italian families plan holidays that include grandparents and other relatives. The slow pace of the countryside and the variety of activities available cater to the needs of different generations.

(Sources: Telepass Moveo, 2024)

Sources

Agritourism and Multifunctionality Report 2026 – ISMEA

Agritourism Businesses in Italy, Year 2024 – ISTAT

Family Trend 2025 – Area38 for Italy Family Hotels

Family Vacations 2025: Destinations and New Trends – GBviaggi / Touring Club

The Italian agritourism boom according to ISTAT 2025 data – circolob2b.it

Imagine a holiday in Italy where children can play outdoors, explore nature, have fun in the pool, and discover farm animals. Agritourism in Italy is the ideal destination for families with children seeking an authentic and relaxing experience. From the hills of Tuscany to the beaches of Puglia, every region offers welcoming agritourisms that combine nature, comfort, and activities designed especially for children.

For parents who want a moment of pure relaxation during their holiday, we recommend a Farmhouse with babysitting service . This solution allows adults to enjoy a few hours of peace and quiet, knowing their children are being cared for by expert staff. The babysitting service is managed by qualified educators, ready to entertain the little ones with fun and safe activities.

Many agritourisms in Italy, particularly attentive to the needs of families, offer large, well-equipped play areas where children can romp freely. Designed to entertain children of all ages, the play areas include facilities such as slides, swings, and adventure courses, creating a safe and stimulating space. These agritourisms offer an immersive play experience, where little ones can explore, socialize with other children, and release their energy in the open air.

Many agriturismos in Italy offer fun activities such as cooking workshops, bike rides, and guided farm tours, where children can interact with animals and learn how authentic food is produced.

One of the major strengths of family-friendly farmhouses in Italy There are educational farms where children can get up close to animals and participate in educational workshops. Children can care for farm animals, such as sheep, goats, rabbits, and chickens. These experiences are ideal for fostering curiosity and a love of nature.

In addition to farm adventures, agriturismos offer the opportunity to relax by the pool. Agriturismos with children's pools They are equipped to offer safety and fun, with spaces suitable for children and ideal facilities for adults to relax. Some facilities also offer water games, slides, and adjacent playgrounds for maximum fun.

If you're looking for a kid-friendly agriturismo in Italy with a pool, a farm, or both, Agriturismo.net offers a curated selection of the best properties. Choose the ideal destination for your family and book your next agriturismo adventure with us!