Volunteer Opportunities for Kids in Dallas-Fort Worth

Lisa R:  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.

Stephanie W.:  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.

Lisa R:  This immersive living-history museum and working farm is always in need of helpers! Kids are able to volunteer along with a parent or guardian who can supervise them and work the same job at the same time, and young people 16 and older can volunteer solo.

Stephanie W.:  Nothing feels better than giving back to families just like yours in your area! The North Texas Food Bank has been doing incredible work for families in north Dallas, providing over 190,000 meals to hungry kids and seniors in over 13 counties. Family volunteer opportunities include sorting and packing meals at the distribution center and helping distribute groceries, beverages and other items at grocery pop up events.

Stephanie W.:  In addition to regular volunteer opportunities like serving as a gallery host or helping to maintain the beautiful grounds, teen volunteers at the Dallas Arboretum can join their Teen Leadership Council. Members are responsible for promoting events and volunteer opportunities, being leaders to other volunteers, aiding in volunteer shifts in the Children's Garden, and putting together volunteer groups - a great way to get friends and family involved. This is a great opportunity for students who are looking to expand their leadership and interpersonal skills as well!

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!

Stephanie W.:  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. Adults will need to undergo a background check before volunteering, and children and youth will need to be under the supervision of an approved chaperone. Child volunteers between the ages of 7 and 11 can volunteer in a more limited capacity, and on a case-by-case basis.

Lisa R:  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.

Lisa R:  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 needed! Volunteers can drop in almost any time to help out in the barn, or get experience helping out in the office or at special events. In general, volunteers should be at least 14 years old to work directly with clients and horses.

Stephanie W.:  The perfect volunteer opportunity for kids who enjoy being in touch with nature! Although the area is considered a food desert, where healthy, fresh food is hard to come by, Bonton Farms is on a mission to change that. As a volunteer, you'll do anything from milking cows and walking goats, to planting seedlings. Be prepared to get dirty and make an impact in this community!

Sarah D.:  Community Partners of Dallas (CPD) offers family volunteer opportunities to get involved in helping abused and neglected children. Take a few hours with your family to help put together helpful goods for CPD children! Snack bags, hygiene kits and baby kits are always welcome necessities for the children of CPD. Putting together care packages for CPD children's seasonal wishlist is another way to help support these children in need.

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!

Lisa R:  Become one of more than 40,000 volunteers who help make this athletic program for people with intellectual disabilities a possibility. Volunteer opportunities include short term assignments to help with special events, as well as longer term positions as coaches, chaperones and more. Special Olympics can typically find a short term or fundraising assignment for families and groups, particularly during events, including for volunteers younger than 15 when they are accompanied by an adult. Contact the chapter headquarters nearest you to find out about upcoming opportunities that fit your needs.

Stephanie W.:  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.

Stephanie W.:  Dallas Parks & Rec is always looking for awesome volunteers of all ages to help around parks and with regular events they put on! Opportunities can range from helping clean up parks, to tech-savvy teens helping out in local tech centers. Long story short, all expertise and talents are needed and appreciated- there's a way for everyone to help! Even children under 14 may be able to volunteer, if accompanied by an adult and at the discretion of Parks & Rec staff.