In Italy, Halloween grows a little bigger every year. Shops fill with pumpkins, schools organize costume days, and children start talking about “trick or treat” with sparkling eyes. Yet many parents still wonder what it actually means. Is it just about scary costumes and spooky decorations? Not at all. In the places where the tradition was born, trick-or-treating is a joyful, family-friendly evening where children wander through the neighborhood collecting sweets, showing off their costumes, and learning small lessons about independence, courage, and kindness. Costumes: Anything Goes Let’s start with the costumes, because that’s where the fun begins. In Italy, we often imagine Halloween as a parade of witches, zombies, and skeletons. But in the United States and other countries where Halloween is deeply rooted, it’s really just an excuse to dress up and have fun. Anything goes. Kids dress up as superheroes, princesses, cartoon characters, animals, astronauts, or anything their imagination dreams up. It’s much closer to Carnevale than to a horror movie. A child who loves Elsa can be Elsa; a child who loves Spiderman can swing through the night in red and blue. There’s no rule that says Halloween has to be scary—the real magic is in

Families visiting the Museo dei Bambini in Lecce often ask us where to eat nearby that’s both kid-friendly and enjoyable for adults. Salento is known not only for its beauty and history, but also for its rich culinary tradition. A good meal—especially one where children can play—can perfectly complement a museum outing, turning a day of discovery into a relaxed, full-family experience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Museo Dei Bambini – Lecce Children's Museum (@museodeibambini) Lecce Restaurants with Play Area for Kids Lecce, often dubbed the “Florence of the South,” is renowned for its ornate architecture and vibrant street life. Amidst its historic charm, several establishments stand out for their family-friendly amenities. Korten Nestled within the verdant expanse of Parco Galateo, Korten offers a unique blend of nature and gastronomy. This open-air venue is a haven for families, providing ample space for children to roam freely while parents savor the flavors of Salento. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with quality food and beverages, makes it an ideal spot for casual family gatherings. Terre – Parco Extraurbano Located on Via Vecchia San Donato, Terre is a multifaceted space combining a restaurant, pizzeria, and bistro. The venue boasts a

At Viaggio, the parent community of Museo dei Bambini in Lecce, we are always looking for meaningful, hands-on activities that help our children connect with nature, food, and culture. Spending time as a family is about nurture curiosity and build memories. And in southern Italy, there’s no better way to do that than through Salento’s masserie didattiche. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Museo Dei Bambini – Lecce Children's Museum (@museodeibambini) Whether you’re feeding baby goats, baking traditional bread, or discovering how olive oil is made, these immersive, kid-friendly farms are redefining what it means to travel with children in southern Italy. Here are some of the top educational farms in the Lecce area, based on local reputation, visitor reviews, and family-friendly programming. La Fattoria di Nonno Pippi – Ugento On the outskirts of Ugento in southern Salento, La Fattoria di Nonno Pippi invites children into a world of furry and feathered friends. Created by animal lover Giuseppe, this farm is best known for its petting-zoo charm and warm hospitality. Visitors can meet and feed a variety of animals including rabbits, ducks, chickens, turkeys, and pheasants. The farm’s standout experience is the three-hour agri-aperitivo, where families enjoy

At the Museo dei Bambini, our team regularly meets parents eager to extend their child’s learning beyond our hands-on exhibits. They ask how to bring the same spirit of discovery home—how to nurture curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity through everyday play. That’s where STEM toys come in. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Museo Dei Bambini – Lecce Children's Museum (@museodeibambini) Whether you prefer to shop local or browse from home, Lecce offers a surprisingly rich landscape of shops where educational toys take center stage. Here’s a guide to the most reliable options in the area, along with three standout online retailers. Città del Sole – Piazza Sant’Oronzo, Lecce This boutique toy shop is well-known throughout Italy for its thoughtful selection of educational and creative toys. In Lecce, it’s located in the heart of the city. Parents will find wooden construction kits, magnet-based logic puzzles, and early engineering toys—all presented in an inviting space that feels more like a Montessori classroom than a store. Staff are knowledgeable and available to help choose age-appropriate STEM options. They also offer home delivery and telephone ordering. Abbruzzese Giocattoli – Via Imperatore Adriano, Lecce Operating since 1920, Abbruzzese is one of Lecce’s

In the heart of Salento, children and families are discovering new ways to connect with nature, imagination, and each other. While Lecce’s Museo dei Bambini offers a world of indoor discovery, those looking for outdoor adventures will find a magical setting at Melograni Martino in Monteroni di Lecce. This organic pomegranate farm is much more than a place to grow fruit—it is a living, breathing classroom under the open sky, where every event is crafted to awaken curiosity, joy, and a deep respect for the natural world. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mamma Giulia 🩵👦🏼👶🏼 (@mammaepiccolofrancy) A Farm That Inspires Curiosity Founded on a love of the land passed down through generations, Melograni Martino is not just about agriculture; it is about creating a connection between people and nature. The farm grows over 25 varieties of pomegranates, from local treasures like the Viola di Monteroni to international favorites such as Wonderful and Ako. Walking through the orchard, children are immediately immersed in the vibrant landscape of lush greenery, buzzing bees, and the occasional burst of scarlet from ripening fruit. Every corner of Melograni Martino invites questions and discoveries, making it the perfect setting for educational and

“Every mistake is a portal of discovery.” — James Joyce In a world that increasingly pressures children to get the right answer, follow the rules, and perform on cue, children’s museums offer something radical: permission to get things wrong. Here, failure isn’t just tolerated—it’s celebrated as a key ingredient in learning. At Museo dei Bambini, children are invited to explore, experiment, and yes, fail. Not because we want them to stumble, but because we know that through falling down, misjudging, and trying again, they build resilience, creativity, and confidence. In the words of Piaget, “Children have real understanding only of that which they invent themselves.” Why Failure Matters in Learning Failure, when experienced in a safe, supportive environment, is one of the most powerful drivers of cognitive development. According to the theory of constructivism developed by Jean Piaget, children build knowledge through active engagement with their environment. Mistakes are not setbacks—they are stepping stones. Stanford professor Manu Kapur has demonstrated the value of productive failure, a concept that encourages learners to attempt solving problems before receiving instruction. His research shows that students who struggle initially often outperform those who are taught solutions right away. In one study, Kapur found that