7 Great Tips When Volunteering Abroad with a Young Family

Embarking on a volunteer journey as a family is an amazing way to bond, and often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You’ll learn about yourselves, each other and make a positive impact on the world, leaving your chosen country slightly better than you found it. 

Volunteering with a young family doesn’t have to be stressful. Today, we’ll explore seven tips for travelling abroad to ensure you make the most of your experience without hassle. 

1. Choose an Age-Appropriate Project

Selecting the right volunteer project is crucial to ensuring that every family member can participate and maximise the experience. When travelling with a young family, it can be difficult to know what you can really participate in. Many volunteer opportunities involve long days, lots of walking and language barriers. 

However, there are plenty of opportunities still suitable for your family. Consider the interests, ages and abilities of your children when choosing the perfect project to embark on. For example: 

• Toddlers (1-3 years): If you choose to volunteer with toddlers, a short one- or two-week special can be an excellent and engaging vacation to ignite their senses. 
• Young children (4-8 years): Engaging in activities like teaching English, playing games or participating in arts and crafts can be both enjoyable and impactful for young minds.  
• Pre-teens and teenagers (9-16 years): Older children might enjoy more hands-on projects, such as wildlife conservation or environmental work. 

2. Prioritize Your Family’s Safety

Safety is paramount when it comes to volunteering abroad, especially when you’re travelling with young children. Here are some considerations to bear in mind when choosing the right volunteer program for you: 

• Research each destination thoroughly

Choose a country based on its political stability, low crime rates and hospitality towards tourists. Seek recommendations from reputable volunteer organizations, like Volunteering Solutions. 

• Consider health precautions

Make sure you know the health requirements for all members of your family. For example, ensure everyone is up to date with their relevant vaccinations. Children might have different requirements from adults, so we recommend consulting your doctor before travelling. 

• Look for 24/7 in-country support

The best volunteer organizations will offer support for you and your family, day and night. In-country support is preferred, as you’ll have help from team members who are well-acquainted with your chosen country’s language and way of working. 

3. Understanding Group Volunteering Dynamics

Volunteering as a family is very different from volunteering solo, so even if you have previous experience with lending a helping hand abroad, you may need to consider the following essentials:

• Teamwork: Even young children can get involved and help, so assign roles that utilise each family member’s strengths and ensure no one’s left out. 
• Flexibility: You’ll need to be prepared to adapt to new challenges and environments, which is often easier said than done with young children. 
• Communication: Make sure you explain everything to your children to ensure that they feel heard and understand what’s happening throughout the experience. 

Choose a project that gives you the opportunity to teach valuable lessons to your young family without overwhelming them. You’ll be able to experience the greatest benefits, such as teaching values and skills development, when everyone has an important role to play. 

4. Prepare Your Family for the Trip

Volunteering is an incredible experience, but it can also come with a big adjustment requirement. Talking to your kids about what they can expect from your journey can help you have a smoother experience once you get to your chosen destination. 

Once you apply for your chosen project, your specialist advisor will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. They’ll also walk you through what to expect, the tasks you’ll be helping with, where you’ll be staying, and more. 

When working with Volunteering Solutions, we want you to feel prepared and confident heading into your experience. Our advisors are available whenever you need us, providing expert advice on everything from visa requirements to local sightseeing. 

We’ll also set up an orientation period for you and your family, where you can learn about the culture and important work you’ll be helping with while in-country.

5. Plan to Explore During Your Downtime

While your primary focus will be volunteering and making a meaningful contribution to the world with your family, you’ll also be given a couple of days off a week for exploring, rest and recuperation. This can be a wonderful time to bond with your family and create some incredible memories. 

Take time to explore the local culture, cuisine and landmarks to enrich your experience and immerse yourselves fully in the culture of your chosen country. Ask your volunteer advisor about the best things to do in the country that are suitable for kids.

Make sure everyone is catered for during your downtime. Young children may not be as interested in sightseeing as the adults, so consider whether you can book a safari, boat trip or zoo session to get them excited and learning from unique experiences, too. 

6. Make Sure Accommodation is In-Line with Your Family’s Needs

When planning a volunteering trip, your accommodation may not be at the top of your priority list. However, where you and your family will stay is a huge consideration, so it’s essential to know beforehand that it meets your expectations and your family’s needs.

At Volunteering Solutions, we’ll work with you to make sure that you’re happy with your accommodation. You may have the opportunity to stay with a local host family, in a shared volunteer house, or have the option to upgrade to private accommodation. 

All of our accommodations are safe, with relevant background checks and security measures in place to ensure your safety and comfort. Our in-country support is also available around the clock, should you need us. 

7. Choose a Reputable Organization to Volunteer With 

It goes without saying that whoever you decide to volunteer with should be reputable, with a strong history of putting their volunteers first. You’d do anything to keep your family safe, and your volunteer organization should stand by the same priorities. 

Volunteering Solutions has helped over 25,000 travellers achieve their dreams of helping others through volunteering. Many of our volunteers have been families, including young and older children, across Africa, Asia, South America, Europe and Australasia. 

Volunteering abroad as a family comes with its challenges, but with a reputable brand like Volunteering Solutions, we can help you make the most of your experience and ensure it’s nothing but positive, purposeful and unforgettable. 

Ready to Plan Your Volunteering Experience Today? 

If you’ve been considering volunteering with your young family for a while now, let this be your sign to take the leap and book it today! Volunteering with young children is an invaluable experience that many don’t get to have, helping them learn empathy, helpfulness, and gratitude. 

If you’re considering volunteering, check out our best family volunteer vacations in 2025/26. Once you’ve found a program to embark on, let us handle the rest and support you on this journey of a lifetime!