Puglia, the sun-drenched region forming the heel of Italy’s boot, offers families a rich mix of food, culture, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re learning to shape orecchiette by hand or sampling fresh cheese on a farm, these activities bring the region’s traditions to life for kids and grown-ups alike. Here are some deliciously engaging things to do with children across Puglia:
Masseria Farm Stays
Spending time at a masseria — a traditional Apulian farmhouse — gives families a close-up view of rural life and local food traditions. These working farms, many of which also function as agriturismi, often welcome families to explore the land, taste the produce, and get hands-on with animals.
In the heart of Salento, Masseria Sant’Angelo in Corigliano d’Otranto welcomes visitors to meet goats, donkeys, chickens, and more. Kids can take part in light farm activities, enjoy guided tours, and taste food made right on site. Their fattoria didattica (educational farm) program helps children understand the connection between what they eat and how it’s produced.
Further north near Ostuni, Masseria Salinola offers olive harvesting during the right season, plus opportunities to join in making homemade jams, baking, and even picking fresh produce from the garden. Families can stay overnight and enjoy a slower rhythm of life while savoring meals made with ingredients grown just outside their room.
These types of visits let children see firsthand where food comes from and introduce them to new flavors in a natural and relaxed way. For families traveling in different parts of Puglia, you’ll find similar masserie offering farm visits near Fasano, Martina Franca, and Ceglie Messapica.
Cheese-Making Experiences
Puglia is home to some of Italy’s most beloved cheeses, including creamy burrata, stringy mozzarella, and sharp caciocavallo. Watching cheese being made is surprisingly entertaining for kids — it feels a bit like magic.
In Martano, Terra Che Vive offers guided dairy visits where families can observe the cheese-making process, from milk to mozzarella, and then sample fresh bites straight from the source. The tours are hands-on and include explanations tailored for younger visitors.
Over in the Itria Valley, Itria Bontà provides tastings and demonstrations of local specialties like scamorza and caciocavallo. In Martina Franca, families can join a cheese-making workshop where you roll up your sleeves and twist your own mozzarella alongside local cheesemakers.
These experiences not only teach kids about food but also introduce them to the rhythm and pride of small-scale Italian production. It’s a beautiful way to explore the countryside while learning a little something (and snacking along the way).
Family Cooking Class in Lecce
If your family is spending time in Lecce, consider setting aside a day for a cooking class that everyone can enjoy. Cooking Puglia offers hands-on classes that start with a visit to the local market, where families select fresh ingredients together. Back in the kitchen, children learn to shape orecchiette or sagne ncannulate, knead dough for focaccia, and layer up traditional dishes like eggplant parmigiana.
The environment is relaxed and encouraging, and even very young children can participate. The experience ends with a shared meal where everyone enjoys the fruits of their labor — a satisfying reward after all that work!
To round out the day, stop by the Museo dei Bambini di Lecce, a creative and colorful space designed for children to learn through play. With interactive exhibits, a play kitchen, building blocks, sensory stations, and rotating activities, it’s a great space for kids to wind down or burn off energy depending on their mood. There’s even a family-friendly food corner where you can grab a light snack or coffee while kids keep playing.
Local Markets and Food Festivals
For an easy, low-commitment way to explore local food culture, visit one of Puglia’s many weekly outdoor markets. These markets are full of sights, sounds, and smells that can be incredibly fun for kids: fresh seasonal fruit piled high, wheels of cheese, and stands with breads and olives.
In Lecce, head to the market in Piazza Ariosto Sunday morning. Children will love picking out their own fruit — like peaches, cherries, or prickly pears — or sampling a vendor’s taralli in various flavors. Vendors are often happy to offer small tastes.
All over Puglia, towns host sagre (food festivals) celebrating a seasonal ingredient or a beloved regional dish. In summer, look for events like the Sagra della Puccia in Supersano or the Sagra della Frisella in Torre Santa Susanna. These evening events feature food stalls, music, games, and a laid-back party atmosphere where families are very much the norm. It’s an authentic slice of local life that kids will remember.
Gelato and Pastry Tasting
Of course, no Italian holiday is complete without daily gelato. Puglia is home to some excellent artisanal gelaterie. In Lecce, Pasticceria Natale is a must-stop, offering classic flavors like pistachio alongside regional choices like fig and almond milk. Let the kids pick a new flavor every day and keep a running list of favorites.
Another treat to try is the pasticciotto, a shortcrust pastry filled with warm custard. This specialty of Salento is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. In Lecce, visit Caffè Alvino, or head to Galatina for the original at Pasticceria Andrea Ascalone.
Many cafes also serve caffè leccese, a chilled coffee drink with sweet almond milk syrup. While it’s not for kids, some parents find this becomes their summer go-to. A sip of yours might make the little ones feel very grown up.
Conclusion
From petting donkeys on a masseria to twisting pasta in Lecce, Puglia invites families to slow down, connect, and taste their way through the region’s traditions. These experiences go far beyond eating: they’re about learning, doing, and sharing moments together. Whether your kids are picky eaters or little foodies in training, they’ll find plenty to try — and lots to remember — in this flavorful corner of southern Italy.
