Volunteer Opportunities for Kids in Dallas-Fort Worth

This special sports league lets kids who would ordinarily be excluded from organized sports participate alongside their fully abled peers. Each player with special needs is matched with one or more volunteer buddies to help them play to the best of their ability. Both players and buddies build social skills and self esteem and learn to empathize with others.

This amazing organization helps feed kids all around the world- and the best part is, those meals are packed by kid volunteers here in the U.S.! Feed My Starving Children has a permanent facility in Richardson, but they also do "mobile packs" all over DFW. Kids as young as five years old are invited to help pack "rice, soy, dried vegetables and a nutritionally complete blend of vitamins and minerals" in to bags which are sealed and sent to hungry children all over the world.

Millions of meals are distributed through the North Texas Food Bank programs and Feeding Network each year. Volunteers participating in the Pack and Box opportunity will work together in an assembly line to package the boxes/bags of food that are distributed to neighbors through the programs and the Feeding Network.

The Dallas Arboretum offers a variety of opportunities to let you share your talents and pursue your interests. Teen volunteers at the Dallas Arboretum can join their Teen Leadership Council. The mission of the Teen Leadership Council is to develop a dedicated team of teen leaders who volunteer their time and efforts to support the Dallas Arboretum.

Rainbow Days' mission is to "help children and youth in adversity build coping skills and resilience to create positive futures." Families can volunteer to help out with regular programming, as well as during special Rainbow Days events. Child volunteers between the ages of 8-11 can volunteer in a more limited capacity, and on a case-by-case basis.

Stephanie W.:  The Dallas Children's Theater has been bringing smiles to young faces all over DFW for almost 35 years! Teenagers can help continue that tradition by helping the theater out with different duties. Children ages 13 and older can volunteer as ushers (meaning a free chance to see the production they are ushering for!), and older teens can help out in the theater's office or work on miscellaneous projects at events. They are always invited to stay and enjoy the event they help with!

Take conservation into your own hands by helping to maintain the five miles of trails through this beautiful preserve. Regular and one-time volunteer opportunities are available for both individuals and groups. Volunteers help to expand existing trails, remove invasive species, and preserve wetland and prairie habitats. This is a great volunteer opportunity for kids and teens interested in ecology and conservation. Please note that volunteers who are 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This non-profit equestrian center offers services for children and adults with a wide range of disabilities. Volunteer opportunities are available for groups and individuals, no prior horse experience is needed! The junior program to help in the barn starts at age 12, with an accompanying parent or other responsible adult who also completes a volunteer profile.

Swing down to Bonton for a morning of farm restoration and to-dos like goat milking, plant harvesting, and chicken cooping. It's family-friendly and they encourage you to invite others. Bring breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, and water as needed.

Sarah D.:  Wee Volunteer is designed to match pre-schoolers and elementary students to an age appropriate charity in the Dallas area. Wee Volunteer connects children with charitable organizations providing services to the hungry, the homeless, the elderly, and under-privileged children. Wee Volunteer also connects children to animal and environmental causes. Charitable projects are available through Meals-on-Wheels, Wipe Out Graffiti and many more! Check out their Facebook page for additional information, and sign up for their newsletter to learn about upcoming events for the next volunteer opportunity near you!

Dallas Public Library is always looking for wonderful volunteers to aid them in many ways throughout the year! Volunteers can mentor younger kids with homework and literacy help, return books and movies to their proper spots on shelves, or help create beautiful displays in the libraries to help encourage a love for libraries in the community. At the library's discretion, volunteers younger than 14 may be able to co-volunteer along with a parent or guardian.

Dallas LIFE is the largest homeless shelter in North Texas. Its goal is to provide a safe place for homeless people and a path to recovery and self-sufficient living. You and your kids can help them in many different ways, like setting up a Christmas Toy Store for the holidays, supervising younger children during Vacation Bible School, serving dinner or lunch at the shelter, and more. An adult must supervise child volunteers.

This is a great volunteer opportunity for teens interested in STEM as the year-long program gives teens a chance to explore relevant career opportunities in the field.

With the help of our birthday enthusiasts (that’s you!) The Birthday Party Project celebrates birthday kids experiencing homelessness across the country! From behind-the-scenes projects at Party Headquarters to their partnering agencies see how you can make a difference in Dallas, TX.

Community Partners of Dallas has opportunities for individuals of all ages, families, employees, and groups to volunteer, from one-time events to regularly-scheduled volunteer hours. Opportunities include organizing their warehouse, stocking the Rainbow Room, assisting during their annual goods drives, volunteering at one of their fundraising events, packaging hygiene kits or snack bags, making treats for caseworkers, and helping process their mailings.