Introduction
Visiting family farms near Barcelona is a simple plan with big returns for kids and adults. You get fresh air, safe animal contact, and short, structured activities that last 20–90 minutes, which fits young attention spans. Picture small hands brushing a pony while eucalyptus-scented breeze drifts across a paddock. You will find practical details here: travel times, prices, best seasons, and what each farm offers.
We chose these five farms using clear criteria: distance under roughly 90 minutes from Barcelona, hands-on activities for children, safety measures and hygiene, accessible facilities, good value for money, and consistently positive reviews. We also checked how easy it is to reserve and whether public transport is feasible. Think of it as a curated shortlist you can trust. We verified routes via Rodalies de Catalunya and typical tariffs on farm websites as of 2024–2025.
Use each farm’s card to compare quick facts (location, price, best season), who it suits best, what to do, and practical tips. Start with the interactive map section to size the drive or train-bus combo, then scan the “ideal for” lines to match your family’s ages and needs. A calm morning and a picnic under a shade tree often make the day flow.
1.Can Plana — Complete Profile
Quick facts (location, price, best season)
Can Plana sits by Vallgorguina, in Montnegre i el Corredor Natural Park, about 55 km northeast of Barcelona; expect 50–60 minutes by car. By public transport: R1 train to Sant Celoni, then a local Sagalés bus or taxi toward Vallgorguina (check weekend schedules). Family visits typically cost 8–12 € per person, with optional pony rides from roughly 5–8 €; spring and autumn bring mild weather and active animals. Think pine-scented trails bordering low stone walls.
Best for
Can Plana works well for toddlers and primary-age children thanks to gentle animals and short activities. Paths are mostly compacted dirt; strollers handle key areas, and staff help you navigate steps to pens if needed. If you prefer quiet, aim for weekday school holidays or early weekend slots. The vibe is unhurried and friendly.
What to do at Can Plana
Expect hands-on time feeding goats and rabbits (20–30 minutes), a simple garden workshop that explains how compost works (30–45 minutes), and grooming ponies with soft brushes (15 minutes). Short guided paddock visits help kids learn what “biosecurity” means in plain language: keeping animals healthy by washing hands and using designated paths. Some weekends include tractor-led rounds (about 20 minutes) and seasonal activities like planting seedlings or collecting eggs; most require advance booking to manage group sizes. Hooves on gravel and the soft clink of buckets set a gentle rhythm.
Practical tips for the visit
Bring closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, and a small picnic; ask staff where eating is allowed. Arrive for the first slot to avoid crowds, and confirm the day-before by phone or the farm’s site. Wash stations are near pens; pack a spare T‑shirt for kids.
Sources: Official info from Can Plana (activities and tariffs, 2024–2025), Rodalies de Catalunya R1 schedules and Sagalés bus notes (2024).
2.Can Gel — Complete Profile
Quick facts (location, price, best season)
Can Gel is a dairy farm in Canyamars (Dosrius, Maresme), about 42 km from Barcelona; plan 45–55 minutes by car. Public option: R1 to Mataró, then a Canyamars-bound bus or taxi; check weekend frequency in advance. Family tours generally range from 10–14 € per person, with cheese or yogurt workshops from 12–18 €; spring and early summer see the broadest activity schedule. Warm hay and the sweet scent of fresh milk fill the air.
Best for
Ideal for preschoolers and school-age children who love cows, tractors, and tasting sessions. The main paths and barn entries are stroller-friendly, and staff guide groups to keep safe distances near machinery. It’s also great for small celebrations or school groups thanks to clear learning goals.
What to do at Can Gel
A typical visit includes meeting calves, learning about milking hygiene (why hands and equipment must be clean), and watching or simulating milking under supervision (60 minutes). Add a cheese or yogurt workshop (45–60 minutes) where kids stir curds and taste the result; monitors keep steps clear and safe. Short farm walks (20–30 minutes) cover feed, pasture rotation, and water use; families can cap visits with house-made ice cream. Most weekend workshops require booking; weekday group visits often follow a fixed timetable. The low hum of cows and the soft hiss of rinse water set a calm backdrop.
Practical tips for the visit
Reserve early for workshops, and bring layers—barns can feel cool even on sunny days. Use the wash stations after animal contact, and confirm if strollers are allowed inside the cheese room. Check parking and the exact meeting point the day before.
Sources: Can Gel official visit descriptions and prices (2024–2025); Rodalies R1 and Maresme regional buses (2024).
3.Mas Sampera — Complete Profile
Quick facts (location, price, best season)
Mas Sampera lies in Vallès Oriental, around 35–50 km from Barcelona depending on your route; driving takes roughly 45–60 minutes. Public transport commonly pairs an R3 or R2 train (Granollers/La Garriga area) with a short taxi; ask the farm for the best stop. Family visits usually cost 8–12 € per person; spring and late summer offer orchard and garden activities. Sun-warmed earth and rosemary brush lend a country scent.
Best for
Families seeking a didactic day focused on goats, sheep, and the vegetable garden—great for ages 4–10. Paths are compact but can be uneven; strollers with larger wheels work best, and there’s usually step-free access to the main yard. Educators tailor explanations and let kids lead simple tasks.
What to do at Mas Sampera
Expect guided animal feeding (20–30 minutes), a hands-in-soil garden session about soil, seed spacing, and irrigation (30–45 minutes), and a short seasonal walk (20 minutes) pointing out pollinators and hedgerows. Some days include a basic cheese-curd demo (30 minutes) or wool craft (30 minutes) that introduces the idea of “value chain”—the path from farm work to products you use. Activities are mostly guided, and weekends often fill quickly, so booking is advisable. Goat bells and the snap of pea pods add quiet music to the yard.
Practical tips for the visit
Wear closed shoes and a hat, carry water, and check if cash is needed for small farm-shop purchases. Ask about group or sibling discounts, and confirm the day’s activity lineup 24 hours before you go. A lightweight picnic blanket is handy.
Sources: Mas Sampera family-visit notes and tariffs (2024–2025); Rodalies R2/R3 travel times (2024).
4.Mas Casablanca — Complete Profile
Quick facts (location, price, best season)
Mas Casablanca sits near Taradell (Osona), about 70–80 km north of Barcelona; the drive takes 70–90 minutes. Public transport: R3 train to Vic plus a short local bus or taxi toward Taradell; confirm weekend connections. Entry for family visits typically ranges 5–8 € per person, with special workshops priced separately; spring and autumn are prime. The crisp smell of cut grass lingers by the paddocks.
Best for
Perfect for families who want a classic Catalan masia experience with animals, a story trail, and open space—good for ages 3–10. Stroller access is possible along main paths, and there are shaded picnic areas. If you enjoy agroecological themes, seasonal garden tasks and composting demos often appear on the program.
What to do at Mas Casablanca
Feed and greet farm animals (20–30 minutes), then follow a self-guided story route linked to characters from the farm’s children’s book (30–45 minutes). Creative workshops—like seed bombs, farm crafts, or simple bread dough—take 30–45 minutes and usually require prior booking. Families can stroll short signed paths (20–30 minutes) and visit a small farm shop with cheeses, jam, and eggs. Staff explain barn safety and why animals need quiet; parents keep kids near when moving between pens. The creak of a wooden gate and the cluck of hens mark each stop.
Practical tips for the visit
Check weekend schedules and any fixed start times; some visits are at set hours. Bring sun protection, layers for breeze, and hand wipes for after the pens. Ask about combined tickets for workshops to save a bit.
Sources: Mas Casablanca visitor information and calendars (2024–2025); Rodalies R3 and local bus connections to Taradell/Vic (2024).
5.Aula Entorn Rural Can Jordi — Complete Profile
Quick facts (location, price, best season)
Aula d’Entorn Rural Can Jordi is in the Alt Penedès area (Subirats/Sant Pau d’Ordal), around 45–55 minutes by car from Barcelona. Public transport: R4 to Vilafranca del Penedès, then a short bus or taxi toward Sant Pau d’Ordal; confirm weekend runs. School-group pricing typically ranges 6–9 € per student; family sessions open on select weekends with similar per-person fees. Vineyard breeze carries wildflower notes across the yard.
Best for
Best for curious children who enjoy structured learning—great for ages 5–12, school groups, and families seeking guided workshops. Activities adapt to mixed ages, with simple tasks for younger kids and deeper explanations for older ones. It’s also suited to groups looking for clear educational outcomes that align with classroom themes.
What to do at Can Jordi
The center focuses on workshops: bread-making or orchard care (45–60 minutes), pollinator habitats (30–45 minutes), and farm-animal care with emphasis on respectful handling (30 minutes). Seasonal demos might include olive or grape cycle explanations without alcohol content, focusing on soil and biodiversity. Staff use clear language for concepts like “ecosystem services,” meaning how insects and plants help farms thrive. Most sessions require advance booking; guided formats keep groups small and engaged. The soft thud of dough on a board and bees humming near thyme beds set a steady tempo.
Practical tips for the visit
Confirm the calendar early—family weekends sell out—and ask for age adaptations. Bring sun hats, closed shoes, and a refillable bottle; check photo permissions for school groups. Request accessibility details (ramps, toilets) when you reserve.
Sources: Aula d’Entorn Rural Can Jordi program outlines and tariffs (2024–2025); Rodalies R4 and Penedès regional buses (2024).
Interactive Map With the Farms’ Locations
What the map includes
The interactive map plots markers for Can Plana, Can Gel, Mas Sampera, Mas Casablanca, and Can Jordi. Each marker opens a card with quick facts, distance from Plaça de Catalunya, and typical travel time by car and public transport. You can open each farm’s detailed profile and note price ranges, best season, and accessibility notes. Colored icons help you spot animal focus, workshops, and picnic areas.
How to use the map to plan your visit
Start by entering your origin to get drive or transit time, then toggle filters for age suitability, stroller access, and seasonal activities. Group nearby farms into a single outing if you plan a weekend away, and compare time windows to avoid rushed transfers. Save your route and screenshot it for offline backup.
Alternatives if you can’t see the map
Use the quick facts in each card plus these hints: Maresme (Can Gel) is northeast via C‑32, Osona (Mas Casablanca) via C‑17, and Alt Penedès (Can Jordi) via AP‑7/R4. For current schedules, check Rodalies and each farm’s official site or the Picuco marketplace.
Tips To Choose the Right Farm by Age, Accessibility, and Budget
Choose by age (0–3, 4–7, 8+)
Ages 0–3: pick compact layouts with calm animals and short slots—Can Plana’s gentle pens or Can Gel’s barn walk work well for 60–90 minutes. Look for easy stroller paths and nearby shade; leave workshops for another time. Ages 4–7: choose hands-on farms like Mas Sampera (garden tasks) or Mas Casablanca (story route), and plan two activities with a picnic break in between. Ages 8+: add workshops that explain processes—Can Gel’s dairy session or Can Jordi’s ecosystem modules—plus a short walk to expand context. A good fit feels fun and steady, not rushed or noisy.
Accessibility and transport
If you need step-free access, call ahead about ramps, accessible toilets, and stroller terrain; compacted dirt can vary after rain. Driving is usually fastest; check parking and whether the lot is shaded. With public transport, confirm weekend trains (R1, R3, R4) and the last-mile bus or taxi; screenshot timetables and save a backup phone number. Smooth arrivals keep kids fresh for the first activity.
Budget and savings
Compare per-person rates with what’s included (guided time, workshops, tastings). Look for family packs, sibling discounts, or combined ticket options for visits plus workshops. Ask if there are extra costs for pony rides, special crafts, or farm-shop tastings. Bringing a picnic can reduce on-site spending without cutting the fun.
Quick checklist before you book
- Confirm minimum age and activity durations.
- Reserve slots and verify start times.
- Declare allergies and ask about hand-washing points.
- Review weather policy and cancellations.
- Check stroller or wheelchair access where needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (booking, Safety, Food, Pets, Duration)
Bookings and cancellations
Most farms accept bookings via their website, phone, or through Picuco; weekend slots often sell out a week in advance. Typical cancellation windows range from 24–72 hours, with rebooking options if weather turns. For last-minute changes, call early the same morning; many farms will try to shift you to a later slot.
Safety and supervision
Adults must supervise children near animals and tools; farms brief you on safety zones and quiet behavior around livestock. Wash hands after every animal contact and before eating; many sites provide sinks or sanitizer. Ask about helmet rules for pony rides and restrictions around machinery or electric fences.
Food, allergies and services
Some farms offer simple snacks, but most welcome picnics in marked areas; bring reusable bottles. Notify staff about food allergies when you book, especially for dairy or baking workshops. Nearby towns usually have family-friendly restaurants if you prefer a sit-down meal afterward.
Pets and typical duration
Companion pets are often not allowed inside pens or workshops to protect animals and kids; ask if leashed dogs can stay in picnic zones. Expect 2–4 hours overall: one guided visit (60–90 minutes), one workshop (30–60 minutes), plus a relaxed picnic and free play. Plan nap-friendly travel times on either side.
Conclusion and Call To Action: Book Your Experience on Picuco
Quick recap and final recommendation
These five farms near Barcelona balance hands-on learning, safe animal contact, and simple logistics. For toddlers, choose compact layouts like Can Plana; for curious primary kids, try Mas Sampera or Mas Casablanca; for process-focused learners, pick Can Gel or Can Jordi. Match your family’s pace to the day’s plan, and keep the schedule light.
How to book on Picuco (practical steps)
Open Picuco, search “family farms near Barcelona,” and filter by age, season, and accessibility. Compare the five listings, check real-time availability, and select your slot; add workshops if you want a fuller program. Complete secure payment and receive a confirmation with directions, on-site rules, and what to bring. Booking through Picuco centralizes updates and easier rescheduling.
Next steps and resources
Save the interactive map, skim each farm’s card, and review the FAQs with your kids. Share your experience afterward, and follow Picuco for seasonal offers and new family activities.
Sources for travel and practical data: Rodalies de Catalunya timetables (R1, R3, R4; 2024); official farm websites and calendars for Can Plana, Can Gel, Mas Sampera, Mas Casablanca, and Aula d’Entorn Rural Can Jordi (2024–2025).
