Volunteer Opportunities for Kids Around Indianapolis

Dawn Denning said:  GSN provides services for the underserved and at-risk families in Central Indiana. These services involve emergency or crisis intervention for housing, utility assistance, food help, car repairs and more. There is also a Holiday Assistance Program that provides holiday meals and toys for individuals and families. Volunteers can help in the warehouse, with food distribution, in the office, with the holidays and on various projects.

Beth Wood said:  Four organic farms make up Indy Urban Acres, run by the Indianapolis Parks Foundation. Indy Urban Acres provides low-income families and local food pantries access to free, high quality produce that is grown on their farms. They also offer youth tours, farm-to-plate workshops and educational opportunities for the surrounding community. Volunteers are needed for weeding, planting, harvesting and other farm improvements.

Girls on the Run is a school-based organization that aims to empower every girl to recognize her limitless power. Their values include learning to embrace others, standing up for yourself, and more. Volunteers serve as coaches, running buddies, or event helpers, guiding participants through lessons on teamwork and self-esteem. It’s an inspiring way to encourage positive youth development and make a lasting impact in the community.

Third Phase Christian Center (also known as Third Phase, Inc.) is a nonprofit Christian organization in Noblesville, Indiana, focused on helping the less fortunate through a mission to support physical, mental, and spiritual growth.

Peggy Fulton said:  Families can work together stocking the food pantry as well as our “bread barn”. There is also a thrift store to work. We will take all ages from 5 and up. We believe there are things even the young can do and learn about helping others. Families can also be involved in doing food drives. You can learn more on our Facebook page.

Youth volunteering at Conner Prairie offers students the chance to engage with Indiana’s history through hands-on experiences in a dynamic, interactive museum setting. Volunteers can assist with historical demonstrations, guest activities, and special events while developing leadership and communication skills. Through their service, young volunteers help bring history to life and inspire curiosity in visitors of all ages.

Volunteering with Million Meal Movement gives you the chance to help fight hunger in Indiana by joining fast-paced, hands-on meal-packing events where just two hours of work can yield hundreds of meals for families in need. The roles range from packing meals to assisting with setup and logistics—many shifts are family-friendly and open to volunteers age 6 or older, making this a great option for groups or individuals looking to serve together. 

Volunteering with The Salvation Army of Indiana is a great opportunity for families to serve together — there are group-friendly roles like bell-ringing, food pantry shifts, or coat-give-away events that welcome family participation.

Volunteering with Shepherd Community Center in Indianapolis provides opportunities to serve families and individuals facing poverty through education, mentorship, and community support programs. Volunteers can assist with tutoring, food distribution, youth activities, and neighborhood outreach initiatives. By giving their time, volunteers help strengthen relationships and foster hope within the Near Eastside community.

Volunteering with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful means rolling up your sleeves for real-world impact — from planting trees and creating green spaces to cleaning up litter throughout Indianapolis. The organization welcomes individuals and groups of all ages (minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) and provides tools, training, and a calendar of ready-to-go project opportunities. 

Volunteering with Hamilton County Kids Coats involves helping distribute free, gently used winter coats to children and families across Hamilton County. You can assist in the warehouse, help set up coat-giveaway events, or guide families during the distribution process. You’ll join a strong volunteer community—over 900 volunteers have supported this cause—making a real difference in keeping children and parents warm each winter.

Volunteering with Circle City Relief in Indianapolis offers meaningful service opportunities such as preparing and distributing meals, bread, produce and clothing to people experiencing hardship in the 34th & Meridian community.

Dawn Denning said:  My sons and I have worked with and love Circle City Relief. This is a Christian-based organization that provides food, clothing, supplies and hope on Sundays to homeless in Downtown Indy. The goal is to provide relief from hunger and give hope to those involved. You can help by cooking, sorting clothing, interacting with recipients, serving food or helping to pick out clothing.

Dawn Denning said:  Meals on Wheels does more than just deliver food to those in need. They also spend time talking with the recipients. The program delivers nutritious food to kids, seniors, the homebound and disabled people in the community that can't feed themselves independently. They generally delver food before 1 pm Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. You can also work to organize the food at their centers.

Dawn Denning said:  Mid-North Food Pantry serves the mid-north neighborhoods of Indianapolis by providing food and basic necessities to people in need. They collect food at food drives through schools, churches and Scout groups. If your family is interested in volunteering, you'll help feed area kids and their families. Specific jobs include helping people shop the pantry, stocking shelves, weighing/sorting food and more. No experience is necessary, but if you have a particular job in mind, you can request a specific task.

Families can have fun volunteering on the same team throughout the award-winning Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Families may help guests explore exhibits, assist with materials or supplies, or support special events—all while bonding, giving back, and making a meaningful difference together.

The parent and me program at IndyHumane is an ongoing program for students who are at least 8 years old with an adult partner. Parent & Me Volunteers help with the care of the animals held in their adoption kennels.