Volunteer Opportunities for Kids Around Philadelphia

The Longwood Teen Volunteer Program provides high school students with an opportunity to become part of the Longwood Team. Teens will work alongside their expert horticulture staff throughout the Gardens to gain hands-on horticulture experience and develop leadership skills.

What started as a volunteer opportunity for children and families has blossomed into a unique way for anyone to send a caring word, spread goodwill, and connect with neighbors experiencing some challenges. Through the Color Some Kindness program at Chester County Food Bank, volunteers decorate boxes with colorful, heartfelt messages, bringing warmth and smiles to the seniors who receive their Grocery Boxes each month.

Ryan's Case for Smiles is an organization with the mission of helping kids with cancer and other serious illnesses feel better and heal better. They offer volunteer opportunities for families to sew unique pillowcases that are distributed to children in hospitals to bring comfort.

One of the most beloved non-profits in the Philly area is Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, and there are many ways for kids and families to volunteer. Families can hold their own lemonade stand or other event, attend special events, volunteer at their office, or attend an ALSF event.

Bartram's Garden welcomes volunteers for outdoor work with their horticulture, farm, and facilities staff on seasonal tasks like weeding, planting, cleaning, pruning, and light maintenance. No special skills or past experience is needed. Dress for working outdoors, and if you have them, bring work gloves and a water bottle.

Volunteering at the Free Library of Philadelphia is a rewarding and fun experience. There are opportunities at Parkway Central Library as well as all neighborhood library locations throughout the city. Students in grades 7–12 can lend their helping hands to the Free Library, too! They have many opportunities for students in the following areas: Shelving, Clerical Aide and Teen Book Critic.

The Youth Volunteer Corps of Philadelphia creates volunteer opportunities to address community needs in Philly and to inspire youth for a lifetime commitment to service. YVC offers youth between the ages of 11 and 18 the opportunity to improve their community through volunteering

Habitat for Humanity provides a variety of youth volunteer opportunities for those ages 5 to 40.

Cradles to Crayons is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing kids with the essentials they need to grow and thrive throughout childhood. The organization sponsors and organizes community and corporate drives to collect goods for children, including clothing, toys, and personal care items. Their Giving Factory in East Falls, Philadelphia, is one of the few places where entire families, including children as young as 5, can volunteer side by side, making lasting family memories as they help make a real difference in the lives of others.

Whether volunteering as a Docent, Crafts & Activities volunteer, Zoo Clean team member, or in one of the other volunteer positions, volunteers help the Lehigh Valley Zoo further their mission of conservation and education.

Briar Bush Nature Center offers several volunteer opportunities to accommodate all ages. Families with kids ages 8+ can volunteer to help maintain the buildings and grounds as well as work with the Bird Club. Families with children ages 10+ can also assist with animal care.