Farm holidays with children – special experiences for little explorers

Farm holidays work for all ages – but expectations vary: With babies (0-1 years), quiet farms with plenty of nature are ideal, but make sure you have baby equipment (bed, high chair). Toddlers (1-3 years) love petting zoos and flat terrain for safe exploration. Kindergarten children (4-6 years) are in a farm paradise: feeding animals, romping in the hay, and driving a tractor. Schoolchildren (7-12 years) want action: pony rides, helping with stable work, and adventure. Teenagers (13+ years) appreciate freedom: mountain biking, independent exploration, maybe even helping with haymaking. Most farms are suitable for all ages – simply choose based on your children's interests!

Boredom? No chance! A typical day on the farm starts with feeding the animals – cows, goats, chickens, and rabbits. Then it's off to the playground, haymaking, or the pool . At lunchtime, it's a tractor ride or pony ride . In the afternoon, maybe they can help with haymaking or collecting eggs . In between , they build a hut in the forest, run barefoot across meadows, or make friends with other farm kids . Many farms also offer guided activities: baking bread, churning butter, and crafting with natural materials. In the evening, there's a campfire with stick bread – and the kids fall into bed tired but overjoyed.

Yes, if the farm is family-friendly and you follow a few rules! When booking, pay attention to: safe play areas (fenced, away from driveways), child-safe accommodations (stair gates, electrical outlet covers), fenced-in pools, and clear demarcations of hazardous areas (machinery, tractor entrance). Our certified family farms meet tested safety standards. It's also important to discuss farm rules with your children: Animals are not to be cuddly toys, no running behind tractors, and certain areas are off-limits. Most farming families offer a tour of the farm upon arrival with safety instructions – take this seriously, and nothing will stand in the way of a safe vacation!

Prices vary depending on the season, region, amenities, and board options: Low season (May, September, October): from €20-30 per person/night in simple self-catering holiday apartments. High season (July/August, Christmas): €35-50 per person/night in well-equipped farms with breakfast or half board. Premium farms with childcare, pool, and wellness: €50-80 per person/night. Children often receive discounts (e.g., "children up to 6 years free," "20% discount for two or more children"). For example, a family with two children (4+8 years old), one week of summer vacation with breakfast = approximately €980-1,200 total. Saving tips: Book outside of school holidays, choose self-catering, and take advantage of special offers !

Recommended, but not essential. Many farms are located in rural areas—a car gives you flexibility for excursions (swimming lake, mountain railway, shopping). However, many farms offer a pick-up service from the train station , and you often don't need a car once you get there because the farm itself is so busy. Some regions (e.g., South Tyrol , Salzkammergut ) are easily accessible by public transport and offer guest cards for free buses. Tip: When booking, ask: "Is the farm accessible by public transport?" and "What can you reach on foot/by bus?" However, for families with lots of luggage and small children, a car definitely makes life easier!

Even when it rains, it won't be boring! Most family-friendly farms have playrooms with table tennis, table football, board games, or a painting corner . Some offer indoor activities for bad weather, such as crafts, bread baking, or tours of the barn. You can even feed the animals in the barn – with rubber boots, it's fun even in the rain! Many farms also have a hayloft for romping – a paradise for children, no matter the weather. And if it really rains for days, the surrounding area often has indoor attractions like water parks, museums, or climbing walls. No need to worry – farm kids are happy regardless of the weather!

Yes, on many farms it's even expressly encouraged! Most farming families are happy when children show interest. Typical hands-on activities include feeding the animals (chickens, goats, rabbits), collecting eggs from the henhouse, watching mucking out or taking on light tasks, helping with haymaking (turning hay, throwing it onto the tractor trailer), harvesting vegetables, or watching milking. Important: Farmers have real work to do – getting involved isn't an "entertainment program," but real farm life. Ask upon arrival: "What are feeding times?" and "Can my child help?" Most farmers are happy to make time when they see that children are genuinely interested – and for children, this is often the highlight of the vacation!

Use our filter function on bauernhofurlaub.info ! You can filter by amenities (playground, pool, childcare), by animals (horses, cows, rabbits), by region , and by farm certification (e.g., family farm ). Our recommendation: Read the farm descriptions carefully – they tell you what children can enjoy. Look at the photos: Is there a playground? Do the animals look approachable? If in doubt, call! Most farmers are happy to answer questions like: "Is the farm suitable for a 3-year-old?" or "Are there other children on the farm?" A quick chat before booking will avoid disappointment and ensure you find the perfect match!