Family Volunteer Ideas That Are Great for the Whole Family

Volunteering as a family can be an incredibly rewarding and meaningful experience, as long as you choose the right opportunity to play to everyone’s strengths and interests. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a wonderful way to instil values of responsibility, compassion and community service, so it’s incredibly important to choose the right idea. 

From little muddy footprints trailing away after a long day of community development gardening to healthy family rivalries during sports coaching, there are plenty of amazing family volunteering opportunities. Today, we’ll explore everything you need to know when planning your trip. 

The Best Volunteer Destinations for Families

When considering a family volunteer experience, the first step is to decide on a country to visit. This decision depends on the size of your family, the ages of your children, and your personal motivations and interests. 

We recommend the following program destinations for family volunteers: 

• Peru: From supporting local schools to helping with community projects, Peru offers families a deeply enriching way to connect with vibrant traditions while giving back together.
• Costa Rica: With rainforest trails, sea turtle conservation and a strong focus on sustainability, Costa Rica makes it easy for families to volunteer while learning to care for the planet.
• India: Whether helping in classrooms or community centers, India gives families the chance to make a real difference while being immersed in colorful, everyday life.
• Nepal: Volunteering in Nepal invites families into close-knit communities, where small acts of support can have a lasting and deeply personal impact.
• Malaysia: Combining comfort and culture, Malaysia offers family-friendly volunteer programmes that balance meaningful work with easy travel and modern amenities.
• Sri Lanka: From coastal conservation to childcare support, Sri Lanka’s compact size and warm welcome make family volunteering both manageable and memorable. 
• Thailand: Thailand combines well-organized volunteer projects with rich cultural experiences, allowing families to give back while discovering new ways of life together.
• Kenya: From community initiatives to conservation work, Kenya gives you the opportunity to contribute while gaining a profound appreciation for the people and wildlife.
• Tanzania: Volunteering in Tanzania allows you and your loved ones to slow down, work side by side with local communities, and witness the tangible impact of their efforts.
• South Africa: With a wide range of structured programmes, South Africa allows families to support social and conservation projects while learning through shared experiences.

Exciting Ideas for Family Volunteering Vacations

There are countless opportunities available for your family to make a significant impact. Here we’ve outlined five of the most exciting opportunities for the entire family: 

Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand

Caring for elephants together as a family in Chiang Mai adds a great deal of purpose to your travel journey. From helping prepare natural elephant feed and vitamins to walking and bathing these gentle giants, every day is a chance for your family to bond through kindness and curiosity. 

You’ll live in the countryside, experience local culture, and learn about conservation efforts that protect Thailand’s beloved elephants. This hands-on project lets kids and adults alike connect with nature in a meaningful way, creating treasured memories and a deeper sense of compassion for wildlife and community.

Highlights of volunteering in Thailand as a family include: 

• Volunteer in the quaint elephant village in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, and experience the magnificent species up close and personal.
• Collect elephant feed from the forest, take the animals for walks, bathe them, and help care for the baby elephants.
• Take a break from everyday life, where you can enjoy each other’s company while making a magical difference in the lives of the local communities and wildlife. 
• Excellent for budding wildlife enthusiasts who want to share a once-in-a-lifetime experience and capture incredible memories. 

Camp Amidst Wilderness and Volunteer with Children in Kenya

This family volunteering adventure in Kenya blends meaningful community support with unforgettable cultural and wildlife experiences. You’ll work side by side in Nairobi’s childcare center projects, creating fun learning moments and joyful memories with local children. 

Between heart-warming volunteer days, the whole family will enjoy the thrill of a safari at Lake Nakuru and Naivasha, spotting giraffes, zebras and maybe even lions across the Rift Valley. Every family member has a sense of connection and appreciation, and a truly enriching experience that brings you closer while making a positive impact. 

Highlights of volunteering in Kenya as a family include: 

• Work in Kenya for two weeks, providing a meaningful contribution to children and their families through education and caretaking.
• Stay in the Nairobi suburbs and spend quality time with locals, learning about their culture and traditions. 
• Experience thrilling game dives, explore Mamba Village and get the chance to spot the African Big 5. 
• Explore the most famous sights of Nairobi during a two-day weekend safari trip, making the most of your time with loved ones. 

Explore Peru and Volunteer Teaching

Volunteering together as a family on the 2-Week Special Volunteer Program in Peru is an unforgettable way to bond while giving back to the community. You’ll spend meaningful days helping with community projects that support underprivileged children in Cusco, bringing smiles and compassion where they're needed most. 

Between heartfelt service and shared meals with a local host family, you’ll build lasting memories of connection and cultural exchange. During your weekends, you’ll be able to embark on magical family adventures to places like Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the Sacred Valley, making this both a heartfelt and awe-inspiring experience for every age.

Highlights of volunteering in Peru as a family include: 

• Make a lasting impact by teaching and caring for children in Peru, while contributing to fundraising efforts to sustain the project. 
• Explore iconic Peruvian sites, including the stunning Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, the picturesque Humantay Lagoon, and the ancient Sacred Valley.
• Cap off your journey with an unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu for unforgettable memories. 
• Stay with a friendly host family and immerse yourself in the local culture to experience Peru authentically. 

Environmental Conservation Project in Sri Lanka

Volunteering together as a family on Sri Lanka’s Environment Conservation Project is a beautiful way to reconnect with nature while making a positive impact. Days are spent supporting beach clean-ups, marine conservation efforts, and community awareness projects, providing children with a hands-on understanding of how to protect the planet. 

Outside of volunteering, you can enjoy Sri Lanka’s golden beaches with your loved ones, along with wildlife encounters and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The welcoming local communities and meaningful outdoor work ensure you’ll create lasting family memories. 

Highlights of volunteering in Sri Lanka as a family include: 

• Gain the opportunity to learn about climate change and share the value of conservation with younger family members. 
• Gain first-hand experience and bond as you protect and sustain the natural environment across Sri Lanka.
• Discover the culture, traditions, and festivities of Sri Lanka as you live in a friendly shared house in Unawatuna.
• Explore beautiful beaches during your free time, enjoying the sun and marveling at the good work volunteers have achieved. 

Teaching, Childcare, and Adventure Across Nepal

Sharing a family volunteering experience in Nepal brings everyone closer while supporting local children through childcare and teaching projects in Kathmandu. You’ll spend joyful mornings helping in classrooms and afternoons discovering Nepal’s rich culture, delicious food, and vibrant traditions together. 

During your downtime, explore the ancient city of Bhaktapur, enjoy breathtaking Himalayan views, and soak up the natural beauty of Pokhara. This experience is a rewarding blend of service and travel that fosters compassion, curiosity, and connection, making it unforgettable and a wonderful option for your family’s next adventure. 

Highlights of volunteering in Nepal as a family include: 

• Travel around Nepal for two weeks and see some incredible sights while giving back.
• Choose between volunteering in kindergarten or teaching projects and shape the minds of tomorrow with your loved ones.
• Explore the temples of Kathmandu and Patan, and travel to Bhaktapur and Nagarkot to marvel at the snow-capped Annapurna mountains.
• Experience delicious Nepalese cuisine and immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. 

Benefits of Volunteering Abroad as a Family 

There are plenty of amazing reasons to choose volunteering as your next family vacation, including:

• Strengthen your bonds: Working together builds teamwork, helps you share achievements, and deepens relationships. 
• Develop empathy and perspective: Volunteering helps to broaden your understanding of different cultures and needs, fostering empathy and social awareness. 
• Enjoy meaningful experiences: Create lasting memories and a sense of collective pride that you can remember and bond over for years to come. 
• Enhance your global awareness: Raise the profile of local causes, including climate change, deforestation, women’s empowerment, and more. 
• Teach important skills: Educate younger generations on essential skills, including problem-solving, communication, and other valuable life lessons. 

Can Young Children Volunteer? 

At Volunteering Solutions, we’re passionate about helping families volunteer, regardless of their unique dynamics. As long as there are enough caregivers for toddlers, they should be able to join you in your experience. 

However, to allow parents to participate fully in the project, children must be at least 8 years old. Our projects require all hands on deck, so if you and your family can’t provide that, it might be worth waiting a few years until this can be achieved. 

This doesn’t mean that volunteering with a young family can’t be achieved. If you’re considering it, check out our helpful guide on 7 great tips when volunteering 

abroad with a young family.

Ready to Plan Your Family Volunteering Adventure? 

Ready to book your next adventure as a family? Volunteering with a reputable organization can make all the difference. Volunteering Solutions is here to help every step of the way, from planning your accommodation and meals to helping with visa applications and insurance. 

Check out our family volunteer abroad programs and click ‘Apply Now’ to get the ball rolling on your newest, most exciting adventure yet!