Farmhouse with animals for children

Info and Description

Farm holidays with animals for children are licensed agricultural establishments that combine rural hospitality with guided interaction with farm animals for children, in a setting designed for a family vacation. Unlike a strictly educational farm, here the animal experience is part of a vacation stay and not a structured educational program , and is therefore designed to be suitable for even very young children.

(Sources: Law 20 February 2006 n. 96 )

In short

Farm holidays with animals for children in Italy are characterised by:

• Direct and guided contact with farm animals (donkeys, goats, rabbits, chickens, ponies)
• activities tailored to the age of the children, often also for the 0-6 age group
• Spaces and services dedicated to families (play areas, swimming pool, family rooms or apartments)
• accompaniment of an adult from the facility during interaction with the animals

Costs and seasonality:

• Guided animal experience (30 minutes-1 hour): between €15 and €35 per person
• Longer packages with breakfast or snack included: up to €60 per person
• Family room or apartment with half board: between €70 and €140 per night per family
• Peak season: Easter and summer period (June-September), with a peak in July and August due to school closures

Explanation

Contact with animals as an experience for children

For children, meeting animals up close can transform their stay into a more tangible and participatory experience: observing, petting, feeding, or caring for an animal allows them to connect directly with nature and the rural world. A systematic review published in 2025 analyzed 30 studies on animal-based services for school-age children: 25 found significant positive effects in at least one of the areas studied, including socio-emotional skills, behavior, and learning .

(Sources: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2025 )

What families look for on farm holidays

Agritourism remains a popular holiday choice in Italy: during the 2026 Ferragosto holiday period, nearly 700,000 people chose agritourism, with an average stay of 5-6 nights and a 5% increase in attendance compared to the previous year. Nearly one in two Italians (49%) participates in experiential activities during their stay , a figure confirming that, for families, agritourism is not just a place to sleep but an opportunity to enjoy activities with their children.

(Sources: Coldiretti/Ixè )

Market data and trends (Agriturismo.net)

Analyzing the offerings of farm holidays with animals for children in Italy:

• 14.5% of the total facilities house farm animals
• 54.2% of farmhouses have an area dedicated to children's recreation
• approximately 1 in 3 facilities boasts the educational farm certification
• 77.6% of the facilities have a swimming pool available to their guests

(Sources: elaboration on data from Agriturismo.net )

Practical part

How to choose a farm with animals for children

1. Check the minimum recommended age: not all animal activities are suitable for very young children, always ask for specific information.
2. Ask who is accompanying the experience: interaction with animals should always be guided by an adult from the facility, not left to the children's initiative.
3. Check what animals are present: donkeys, goats, rabbits and chickens are generally more suitable for small children than horses or larger animals.
4. Consider the spaces dedicated to the family: play area, swimming pool with shallow end, family rooms or apartments make the difference in the quality of the stay
5. Find out about the times and duration of activities: young children need short, well-paced activities, not long journeys.
6. Ask if there are any allergy restrictions: it's helpful to know in advance if your family has allergies to animals or pollen.
7. Consider the distance from common areas: proximity between the room, restaurant and pet area reduces fatigue for parents and small children
8. Ask the owner: Have any questions? Before booking, contact the property directly with your request, no obligation, using the "Ask the owner" button on the page.

FAQ

What is a farm with animals for children?

It's a farm that organizes contact with farm animals as part of the family holiday experience, with activities appropriate to the age of the children present, and not as an educational program aimed at schools.

What's the difference between "farm with animals for children" and "educational farm"?

An educational farm is a farm authorized to provide hands-on training, often for school groups, with structured environmental and food education programs. A farm with animals for children, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed and holiday-like experience, designed for families.

How much does a farm experience with animals cost for children?

A 30-minute to 1-hour guided experience averages between €15 and €35 per person. Longer packages, including breakfast or a snack, can cost up to €60 per person.

At what age can children participate in animal activities?

It depends on the facility and the type of animal. Many options are designed for children aged 2-3 years and up, while activities like pony rides often require a minimum age specified by the facility for safety reasons.

What animals are usually found on this type of farm?

Donkeys, goats, rabbits, chickens, and ponies are the most common animals used in children's activities, as they are more docility-oriented than larger animals.

Are animal activities always included in the stay?

No, in many cases they are paid for and can be booked separately, even by non-guests. It's always a good idea to check what's included in the price of your stay and what needs to be booked separately.

When is the best time for a farm holiday with children?

The peak season is from June to September, coinciding with the summer school holidays, with a further peak in demand during the Easter period.

How many farms in Italy offer services related to animals and outdoor activities?

50.3% of Italian agritourism businesses (13,265 establishments) offer at least one complementary service, including horseback riding, excursions, nature observation, and educational farms.

(Sources: ISTAT )

Do farms with pets for children also have a swimming pool or play area?

Many, yes, but not all: it's one of the most important checks to do before booking if you're traveling with small children, because it's not a standard service in all pet-friendly accommodations.

Sources

Law 20 February 2006 n. 96

August 15, 2026: Nearly 700,000 Farm Stayers - Coldiretti/Ixè Survey

Effectiveness of animal-assisted services for school-aged children - ECAP

If you want to make your little ones happy, treat them to a stay at a farm with animals for children . It's sure to be a fun and educational experience, and not just for them. They'll be able to see horses, ponies, cows, lambs, goats, chickens, geese, ducks, and rabbits up close, petting, cuddling, and feeding them. While you relax in the pristine nature surrounding the farms.

Farm Holidays with Animals for Children

In our selection of Farmhouses with animals for children , you'll find farms with animals , where your little ones can have fun with little effort, simply by running around the meadow, playing in the farm's play area , or petting the farm's animals. At the Educational Farms , in addition to interacting with animals , children can participate in activities and workshops where they can discover many things about the world of nature and the countryside, leaving video games, tablets, and smartphones behind for a while. You, meanwhile, can relax with your partner or your little ones by taking long walks, cycling excursions, or horseback riding along the trails. Or you can visit parks where you can admire other animals such as deer, roe deer, hares, and foxes, breathing in the scents of nature and enjoying unforgettable landscapes.

Browse our website for pet-friendly farm stays in Tuscany and other Italian regions, where you can enjoy a pleasant nature holiday with your children.