Volunteer Opportunities for Kids & Teens in Houston
Volunteering is a fabulous way to teach our children what sorts of things we value – helping others, empathy, and more. We all want to help and get our kids involved but not everyone wants our kids’ help. (Weird, it’s like they’ve seen my kids try to dust!) Finding places to volunteer with young children can be tricky. Fortunately, we have found some wonderful organizations across the city that welcome all sizes of helping hands!
Check out the list and find a good fit for your family. If you know of other organizations that allow kids and teens to serve send us an email or just comment below and we’ll get them added to the list!
Houston Area Volunteer Opportunities
for Kids & Teens
Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP)
Teen Service Days are for students age 14-18. They get the opportunity to make a difference, gain hands-on experience by walking and socializing homeless dogs, and earn service hours for their school or organization.
And, for younger volunteer and their caregivers, consider Storytime Thursdays where children 6 & up can come read a book aloud to a furry friend. Kids can sign up for 15-minute intervals on most Thrusdays..
Edith Moore Nature Sanctuary Family Workdays
Join us at the Edith Moore Nature Sanctuary for a morning of gardening and sanctuary maintenance. We work 9 AM ? 12 PM, once a month on the 4th Saturday from September through May (3rd Saturday in November and December).?Children of any change are welcome with their parent/chaperone. (Minimum age without a parent/chaperone is 12 years.)
Galveston Bay Foundation
The mission of the Galveston Bay Foundation Volunteer Program is to support the preservation, protection, and enhancement of Galveston Bay through hands-on incorporation of the local community and general public into vital restoration, research, education, administrative, and fundraising projects.? There are ongoing opportunities and specific family days.
Generation Serve
Families with children as young as 3 years old volunteer together at our family service activities. Children learn that even at a young age they can give back! Generation Serve hosts weekly virtual volunteering options as well as a robust calendar for Families or Teens with in-person and virtual needs listed.
Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry
Open to all ages and times but there are consistent days & needs available like pantry order fillers, stockers, Spanish-speaking client interviewers – contact Alice Bongers at?ajbongers@att.net for more information.
Habitat for Humanity
Building homes and communities. On-site?volunteers must be at least 14 years old. But, they like to provide lunch on Saturdays so if you have a group this would be a good opportunity to get your younger children involved in making and serving a lunch to the volunteers.? You can volunteer with an organization like Lakewood UMC, who send out work crews monthly, or contact?Kristin Mitchener at?kristin@habitatnwhc.org
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
The Arboretum offers a Teen Trail team option. Must apply through the website.
Houston Food Bank
HFB is one of the easiest and best run volunteer opportunities for kids ages 6 and up.? Registering for shifts is really simple and they have meaningful jobs for even the littlest workers.? Those aged 16 & younger must be accompanied by an adult parent/guardian.
Houston SPCA
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and able to commit to 8 hours per month for at least 6 months.
Katy Prairie Conservancy
Options available for families, scout groups, individuals, and groups. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by a parent.
Interfaith of The Woodlands
For ages 16 and up*. Many opportunities: sorting donations, working in the hand me up shop, food pantry, translator and/or office support, senior services, and working in the community garden, Veggie Village.
*Veggie Village is a family-friendly opportunity
Moody Gardens Teen Volunteer Program: SAVY
Moody Garden’s Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth is a summer program for youth aged 14-17. Applications are accepted from January to March.
Montgomery County Food Bank
Open to ages 7 and up with an accompanying adult.? M-Th 9 a.m. – noon & 1-4 p.m. and F?9 a.m. – noon & 1-3 p.m.
Political Campaigns/ Offices
Many politicians offer internships for High School students.? We do not endorse but share information that is shared with us.
Open opportunities:
- Greg Abbot – Unpaid internship for Junio or Senior High school students, Austin and remote. Some positions have high school credit options.
Tomball Farmers Market
Every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.? Any age, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Trails as Parks
Multiple times a year the Trails as Parks system in Precinct 4 need volunteers. Requirements vary by event but often they are open to families with children as young as 5 years old.
Turtle Patrol at Galveston Island State Park
Seasonal. During the warm nesting season, park rangers conserve habitat, eliminate trash, and patrol the beaches for critters. We want you to help our endangered sea turtles and join us.?Families, groups, and pets on a leash are welcome.
Where are your favorite places to serve as a family?
