Best Family Volunteer Vacations in 2025/26

Are you planning your next family vacation and looking for something fresh and exciting to do together? Let us introduce you to group volunteering and explain why it’s the best option for your next adventure. 

Volunteering as a family gives you the chance to discover cultural differences, see global issues up close and personal, and understand the world on a deeper level. Working towards a common goal of leaving the country better than you found it is bound to improve your connection and allow you to spend quality time with each other away from the temptations of screens and other responsibilities. 

Sound good? Keep reading to discover the best family volunteer projects to get stuck into on your 2025 or 2026 vacation. 

What are the Best Programs For Family Volunteers? 

There are plenty of opportunities available to solo and group volunteers, but not all are optimised for younger travellers. To make sure every family member is catered to and looked after, here are some of the best programs we recommend: 

• Childcare and teaching: Younger family members can spend time engaging and playing with local children while older members take on a more active teaching role. 
• Community development: Nothing says family holiday like contributing to the creation of a community building, hospital or home. 
• Wildlife and environmental conservation: Kids and adults alike will love getting the chance to support the protection of local wild animals and their habitats. 
• Short-term programs: Volunteering Solutions offers one- or two-week volunteer programs that dabble in a bit of everything, making them ideal for family breaks between school semesters. 

It’s worth mentioning that children must be older than eight years old to fully participate in projects with their families. However, if there are multiple caregivers for toddlers, exceptions can be made. Talk to your Volunteering Solutions adviser to come up with a plan for your vacation depending on your children’s ages. 

Choosing the Best Volunteer Vacations for Families

Countries all over the world need volunteers, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to planning an overseas trip! Whether you want to stay close to home or venture further afield, Volunteering Solutions offers plenty of opportunities.

Here are some of the best vacation options we offer for families: 

Volunteer at an Orphanage in Ghana

Volunteering in a childcare setting is a great way to involve the entire family in playtime and caregiving responsibilities. You’ll assist the staff with looking after the children, enriching their days with fun and laughter, and participating in fundraising for the center’s upkeep. 

During your downtime, the Mole National Park and Kintampo Waterfalls are child-friendly excursions to explore. This vacation is a wonderful opportunity to bring the family together to work towards the common, pure goal of improving the lives of Ghana’s children. 

Coach Sports in Argentina

Nothing brings family together like sports, and coaching a team of Argentinian children and teens is a great way to strike up some friendly competition. Work in a local school or education center to help children enjoy sports and recreational activities that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. 

Depending on what sports your family and teams are passionate about, you may be playing basketball, football, artistic gymnastics, rugby, hockey, or more. Tournaments are held on Saturdays to show off your teamwork and skills! For the rest of the weekend, take the family to explore the city and other wonders Argentina has to offer. 

Teach Women’s Empowerment in India

Learning about global issues surrounding women’s causes and empowerment is an excellent way to make the most of a family vacation, especially with children and teens who are still learning the ways of the world. Volunteer at a local development centre, getting to know young women and leading focus groups to build their confidence and agency. 

During your weekends, learn a local Indian language and explore the city of Delhi. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous as a family and want to make the most of your time in India, head to the Taj Mahal or Jaipur to enlighten the family on Indian culture, history, and traditions.  

Care for Portugal’s Street Cats

Take the family to Europe and support the local NGO’s efforts to improve animal welfare in Portugal! Spend quality time with your family while making a direct impact on the lives of street cats, engaging in a fun and enriching experience. As you work, meet other families and groups from all over the world, learn from them and make meaningful connections with people from different walks of life. 

Between your volunteering sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant culture of Porto or travel further afield to see some of Portugal’s iconic landmarks. Stay in a local hostel with your family and fellow volunteers, connecting over your shared love of animals and cats! 

Learn About Environmental Conservation in Sri Lanka

These days, teaching impressionable minds about the environment and how to protect it is essential. But instead of simply talking them through it and hoping something sticks, why not head to Sri Lanka and show them the impacts of climate change and how to conserve and protect our world first-hand? With this volunteering opportunity, you’ll learn about mangrove reforestation, organic farming, recycling, coral restoration, and much more. 

When you’re not volunteering, spend some much-needed quality time with your loved ones while exploring Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, culture, and festivities. Tour inland when you want a city escape, or enjoy the relaxing beaches around the country instead. 

Support the Conservation of Turtles and Sloths in Costa Rica

Family members of all ages love sloths and turtles - that’s just a fact. So, what better way to spend a family vacation than working with experts to improve the environment for turtle nests and sloth populations? Spend plenty of time by the beaches of Costa Rica and support the efforts to save sea turtles from extinction. Meet a bunch of like-minded individuals and families in the process, all working together to save some of the world’s purest species. 

Costa Rica is an ideal family vacation destination, regardless of volunteering opportunities. Your weekends will be filled with exploring the white-sand beaches and local culture - and the cloud forests aren’t to be missed! 

Contribute to Community Development in Madagascar

Take the trip of a lifetime to Madagascar with your loved ones, and make an impactful change while you’re there. Volunteer and drive the development of buildings that will benefit the local communities, leaving them slightly better than you found them! Once home, you’ll always be able to reminisce about the time you helped build a school, hospital, or home - how many families can say that?!

On the weekends, immerse yourself in Malagasy culture and explore the gorgeous islands of Madagascar. Indulge in this unique African country and come home with incredible stories, photos, and memories.  

Ready to Start Planning Your Family Volunteer Vacation?

At Volunteering Solutions, we have plenty of amazing opportunities suitable for single travellers and families. With 24/7 support, help with accommodation, and volunteering opportunities lasting between one and 24 weeks, we have something to suit every family vacation. 

Your volunteering experience starts today. Explore our family volunteer opportunities to find your next holiday destination.