Do512 Family - What to do in Austin with Kids

Do512 Family - What to do in Austin with Kids

Volunteering with Kids in Austin

Want to start a family service project but not sure where to begin? No worries—we’ve rounded up some awesome, kid-friendly volunteer opportunities around Austin that make giving back easy and fun. Whether you’re packing care kits, serving up meals, hanging out with seniors, or helping furry friends at the animal shelter, there’s something meaningful for every little helper.

Getting kids involved in community service is a great way to teach kindness, build responsibility, and show them how they can make a difference. And the best part? It’s a fun, feel-good way to spend time together as a family.

So grab the kids and roll up your sleeves—here are some fun ways to volunteer in Austin with your crew:

Photo from the Austin Allies’ Facebook page

Austin Allies

Austin Allies organizes both in-person and at-home volunteer activities suitable for families. Upcoming events include food drive bag pickups, assembling birthday boxes, and community clean-ups. They also host a monthly book club for kids in grades 3–8 at BookPeople. You can find their calendar online, which shows several volunteer opportunities for the whole family. 


Volunteers ages 8 and up are welcome!  Photo via Central Texas Food Bank

—  Central Texas Food Bank 


The Food Bank welcomes youth volunteers aged 8 and up, accompanied by an adult. They offer various opportunities, including their Youth Ambassador Program, which engages children and teens in sustained efforts to combat hunger in Central Texas. To participate, you can sign up using their online registration system.


Generation Serve helps you choose from a wide variety of family service projects. Photo from the Generation Serve Facebook page

Generation Serve

Generation Serve provides volunteer opportunities for youth aged 3–18, partnering with numerous local nonprofits. Activities range from meal preparation to crafting decorations for hospitals. They also offer teen programs like the Teen Advisory Board and Teen Service Days.

Visit the Generation Serve website, you’ll find an online activity calendar that offers different ways families can give back to the community. You can also sign up for their email list to be notified first about open volunteer spots. 


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Family volunteers; Photo from the Mobile Loaves & Fishes Facebook page

—  Mobile Loaves & Fishes

Families can volunteer at Community First! Village, assisting with tasks like garden maintenance and meal distribution. Alternatively, help prepare and deliver meals through their Food Truck Ministry. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.


Sharing warm meals and smiles. Photo from the Meals on Wheels Central Texas Facebook page

Meals on Wheels Central Texas

Deliver meals to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. Children can accompany adults during deliveries, providing an opportunity to engage with and support the community. Check out this list of ways to get involved and look at this list of current needs to see if there’s a good fit for you.


Helping Animals

Austin Pets Alive! 

Volunteers aged 12 and up can assist with tasks like dog walking and kennel cleaning. Opportunities are available for both individuals and families.

Austin Humane Society 

Volunteers aged 14 and up can engage in direct animal care, community outreach, and more. They also offer a Community Service Restitution program for those needing to complete court-ordered service hours.

Austin Animal Center 

Teens aged 13 and up can volunteer in roles such as Dog Adoption Ambassadors or Cat Enrichment Volunteers, helping animals find loving homes.


Austin Beautification Projects

Photo from Austin Parks Foundation

Austin Parks Foundation

Participate in park clean-ups and maintenance projects suitable for families. Their biannual “It’s My Park Day” mobilizes thousands of volunteers to improve parks and green spaces across Austin.

Photo of a clean-up project with helpers of all ages from the Keep Austin Beautiful Facebook page

Keep Austin Beautiful

Engage in activities like Adopt-A-Creek, street clean-ups, and the annual Keep Austin Beautiful Day each April. Their interactive volunteer map helps families find opportunities nearby.


More opportunities to volunteer in Austin:

  •  Learning Bridge| Learning Bridge pairs volunteer tutors with foster, adopted, and unhoused youth to help them succeed in school. Just one hour a week can make a big difference. Get more info here
  • Safe in Austin |Safe in Austin rescues and rehabilitates abused or neglected animals, giving them a loving home on their ranch. Families with kids ages 8+ can volunteer to help feed animals and care for their habitats. Get more info here.

There are so many local organizations seeking help from volunteers. If you have one in mind that isn’t on this list, drop it in the comments below!  

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