A taste of the land: seven family-friendly agricultural adventures in Maresme
Pick, taste, and celebrate local flavors with kids year-round
Harvesting fresh produce and tasting delicious local treats are great ways to connect with nature. For kids, these activities become an introduction to farming and an opportunity to bond with the land — and the people who nurture it.
Besides leaving with a basket full of goodies or a happily stuffed belly, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for fresh, local products and cherished traditions.
With spring around the corner, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. So, get your rubber boots on — let’s dig into seven incredible agricultural experiences in Maresme and the surrounding areas!
The Unmistakable "Calçots" — Winter
Calçots: the iconic green onions of Catalonia that leave our hands charred and our bellies full. Grilled over open flames and dipped in romesco sauce during lively “calçotades,” they are not just delicious — they’re a cornerstone of local culinary culture.
Want to harvest them with the kids? There’s still time! Both Esquis Fruits Cap Pins in Argentona and Granja Can Plana in Vallgorguina (just outside Maresme) offer special harvest days this month.
At Can Plana, you can even grill your haul on-site. Or, take a basket home and turn the harvest into a full-day family feast!
The Pèsol Festival — Spring
Peas: sweet, tender, and, if you’re lucky, one of your kids' favorite greens. Maresme is famous for its prized variety, the Pèsol Garrofal, celebrated every spring.
Save the date in 2025: March 29th–30th, when Sant Andreu de Llavaneres honors this little “green pearl” (la perla verda del Maresme) with a lively festival. Expect kid-friendly activities, an outdoor market, and a gastronomic showcase where local restaurants turn peas into culinary masterpieces. Find the program highlights here!
Strawberry Picking — Spring
April and May bring another Maresme star: strawberries! While market stalls overflow with baskets, why not make it an experience?
Head to Can Marpons in Arenys de Munt, where families can book weekend slots to pick their own strawberries. It’s a hands-on way to teach kids about fruit growth cycles and the importance of eating local.
And just like with the peas, many local restaurants craft seasonal dishes featuring this ruby-red delight as part of the Temps de Maduixes festival.
La Verema: The Grape Harvest — Summer
Perhaps no product speaks louder about local agricultural heritage than wine. Cultivated here since Roman times, grapes remain a star crop in the DO Alella region, home to the beloved Pansa Blanca variety.
The highlight? The Festa de la Verema in Alella every early September, though towns like Cabrera de Mar host celebrations too.
Year-round, families can visit local wineries like Celler Alta Alella, which offer kid-friendly activities.
You can see the calendar of activities happening in DO Alella here. Just remember: wine for the adults, grape must for the little ones!
Mushrooms 1,000 Ways — Autumn
Autumn in Maresme is mushroom season, and the Fira de Bolets in Vilassar de Dalt is a must. This festival celebrates mushrooms in all forms — from cooking workshops to guided forest tours.
It’s a great chance to learn about different varieties, forage for your favorites, and, most importantly, taste them!
Chestnuts Close to the Heart — Autumn
Late October and early November bring the castanyades, a cherished Catalan celebration loved by kids and families alike.
During this season, you’ll find chestnut-themed events everywhere: library storytimes, forest chestnut-picking outings, themed workshops, and, of course, the chance to meet the castanyera.
Or, keep it simple: buy a paper cone of roasted chestnuts from a street vendor, sit down, and savor the warmth with the kids.
Organic Farming in Badalona — All Year Round
Conreu Sereny, located in Badalona next to the Monastery of Sant Jeroni de la Murtra, is a great example of organic farming as well as a cooperative project well worth discovering.
In addition to producing organic fruits and vegetables, it promotes sustainable agriculture, supports the inclusion of people in vulnerable situations, and works to revitalize farming in peri-urban areas.
Conreu Sereny is open to the public on different occasions throughout the year, and kids are more than welcome. Group visits can also be arranged.
And that’s not all…
Maresme also honors its local cherries in Arenys de Munt in spring, the pink tomato in summer, and the mongetes del ganxet bean in the Alt Maresme in autumn.
So, what are you waiting for? The land is calling — and it’s ready to share its best with you.
…
Have you tried any of these experiences, or do you have a favorite we missed? Share your stories and tips in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!
