Coats Quests

A perfect, educational day begins at a farm that offers inexpensive tours (5 Euro when we attended as a group) demonstrating the art and science of making the world renown Neopolitan Mozzarella di Bufula. Not only will you get to see the animals getting their massages and listening to Mozart in the barn (warning for city folk: the stench in the barn is very strong!), but you will also taste the fresh, warm, hand-made delicacy right on the farm. On site, of course, is a caffe that sells yogurt, gelato, and a whole host of creamy treats with the farm’s own dairy.

What my kids liked: All the food! Seeing the cows get their daily massage!

Where to park: There is a gravel lot on site! Easy day!

Once you’ve had your fill, drive over to Paestum (loads of parking) and wander through some of the best-preserved Greek ruins in the world. Don’t forget that this is included in your Campania 365 ArteCard as a free entrance, which means that kids enter for free! The setting is beautiful, and the audio guide is fantastic.

What my kids liked: We played an impromptu game of “Greek or Roman god?”, which I made up on the spot. I made the kids stand single file and yelled out the name of a god, and the kids had to jump one step towards Paestum if it were a Greek god, and one step towards Rome if it were a Roman god. (Most of the kids had read the Percy Jackson series, so they were really good at the game!)

Where to park: There are plenty of parking lots nearby, including this one.

Finally, unwind at a local beach. This is a beautiful, clean stretch of sandy beaches with access through tall pine forests. When we went, my friend arranged for us to park at a resort, and the staff drove us to the beach on golf carts. It was a treat. The lido has a caffe bar, chairs, changing rooms, and umbrellas. Payment for use of the lido included parking and was paid at the caffe bar.

What my kids liked: The unbusy beach and snack bar. They kicked the ball around in the water and had a blast with friends.

Where to park: Call Oleandri and confirm that you may use their lot, and if you can, this is where to park.

This day was planned by one of my friends, and we had such a wonderful, educational day with our kiddos!