Group of children and adults planting seeds in the ground surrounded by green leaves in a garden setting.

Volunteer Opportunities for Kids Around Philadelphia

It can be tough to find local volunteer opportunities for kids, so we've compiled a list of places around Philadelphia that allow families with younger children to participate.

Volunteering at home is a wonderful solution for families who want to make a difference, though there is nothing quite like helping out in your own community.

Has your family tried any kids volunteer opportunities around Philadelphia? Share your experience below by adding a review or suggesting another favorite organization for the list!


 
    longwoodgardens.org

    Longwood Gardens

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Longwood Teen Volunteer Program provides high school students 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.

    Kennett Square, PA
    delmns.org/

    Delaware Museum of Natural History

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Delaware Museum of Natural History seeks teen volunteers for their Summer Science Corps to lead hands-on science and nature activities and also assist with gallery interpretation, education programs, special events, summer camp, and more. Teens can also volunteer with the Delaware Teen Science Café Leadership Team. Activities include creating themes, preparing presenters, marketing, and building leadership skills.

    Wilmington, DE
    lvzoo.org

    Lehigh Valley Zoo

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  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.

    Schnecksville, PA
    brandywinezoo.org

    Brandywine Zoo

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Volunteen Program at Brandywine Zoo offers teen participants the opportunity to alternate between various positions throughout the zoo including educating guests, helping in the barnyard, and being an assistant camp counselor.

    Wilmington, DE
    davincisciencecenter.org

    Da Vinci Science Center

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Da Vinci Science Center features a Summer Teen Volunteer Program for teens interested in science as well as helping the community. This enriching experience will give students interested in STEM education careers a basic understanding of what it takes to bring science to life!

    Allentown, PA

    Habitat for Humanity

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Habitat for Humanity provides a variety of youth volunteer opportunities for those ages 5 to 40.

    Norristown, PA
    elmwoodparkzoo.org

    Elmwood Park Zoo

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Elmwood Park Zoo volunteers engage with guests and share knowledge helping to create a connection with the animals. Volunteers also provide critical support to the zoo by assisting with events and helping deliver a meaningful and memorable experience for guests.

    Norristown, PA
    riverbendeec.org

    Riverbend Environmental Education Center

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Riverbend Environmental Education Center holds regular outdoor volunteer workdays for teens. They’ll work on clearing invasive vines, planting, weeding, mulching, trail maintenance, caring for young trees in the reforestation area, and more! Older teens can join the EIT (Educators in Training) to assist with their camp program.

    Gladwyne, PA
    alexslemonade.org

    Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  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.

    Wynnewood, PA
    bartramsgarden.org

    Bartram's Garden

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Bartram's Garden welcomes volunteers of all ages for outdoor work with their horticulture, farm, and facilities staff on seasonal tasks like weeding, planting, cleaning, pruning, and light maintenance. Dress for working outdoors, and if you have them, bring work gloves and a water bottle.

    Philadelphia, PA
    caseforsmiles.org

    Ryan's Case for Smiles

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  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.

    Philadelphia, PA
    ansp.org/

    The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Volunteers at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University assist visitors throughout the museum's exhibit spaces and provide critical support behind the scenes in research departments and offices.

    Philadelphia, PA
    Cradles to Crayons

    Cradles to Crayons

    Juan L. said:  Cradles to Crayons is a non-profit dedicated to getting kids what they need to grow and thrive through childhood by sponsoring and organizing community and corporate drives to collect goods for kids 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 age 5, can volunteer side-by-side making lasting family memories as they help make a real difference in the lives of others.

    Philadelphia, PA

    Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance (MANNA)

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  MANNA uses nutrition to improve health for people with serious illnesses who need nourishment to heal. They have volunteer opportunities for ages 14+ to assist with preparing meals, chopping vegetables, cooking and baking, packaging meals, delivering meals and providing assistance at events and at community outreach functions.

    Philadelphia, PA

    Parkway Central Library/Free Library of Philadelphia

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Free Library of Philadelphia has opportunities available at both Parkway Central Library as well as all neighborhood library locations throughout the city. Volunteers help with special events; assist Philadelphia's New Americans gain familiarity with a new language by acting as an English Language Facilitator; help departments maintain their collections; provide senior citizens with one-on-one computer assistance; and help to shelve both new and returned material. Students in grades 7–12 can also volunteer at the Free Library! They have opportunities for students in the following areas: Shelving, Clerical Aide and Teen Book Critic.

    Philadelphia, PA

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