In the DC area, there are many great volunteering opportunities with kids to help them engage meaningfully in giving back. Volunteering as a family is a wonderful way to instill values of empathy, responsibility, and community service in children. My family has participated in 4 of the ones below and I've included the ages and links to organisations' websites.
Volunteering Opportunities DC Area Table of Contents:
- DC (6)
- Northern Virginia (4)
- Maryland (2)
Volunteering Opportunities in Washington DC with Kids
1) Help Plant Trees with Casey Trees
Casey Trees is dedicated to restoring, enhancing, and protecting the tree canopy of D.C. Families can join in on tree-planting days, where kids can help dig, plant, and water trees.
- Ages: 5 and up with a parent.
- Location: Various parks and neighborhoods in D.C.
Website: https://caseytrees.org/get-involved/volunteer-events/
2) Volunteer at D.C. Central Kitchen
D.C. Central Kitchen prepares meals for shelters and community programs across the city. Family volunteer days allow children to help prepare food or package meals.
- Ages: 12 and up for kitchen prep; younger children can participate in special family-oriented events. They have daily morning shifts starting at 9 AM and weekday evening shifts from 6 – 8 PM. Sign up via their online Volunteer Portal.
- Location: 425 2nd St NW, Washington, D.C.
Website: dccentralkitchen.org
3) Prepare Meals for the Homeless with SOME (So Others Might Eat) DC Volunteer Opportunity
SOME is a long-standing organization that serves meals to the homeless in D.C. Families can sign up for meal prep shifts, where even younger children can help assemble and package food items.
- Ages: 13 and up for kitchen work; younger children can help on donation days or through off-site activities.
- Location: 71 O St NW, Washington, D.C.
Website: some.org
4) Volunteer Opportunities with the DC Humane Rescue Alliance
For families with animal-loving kids, the Humane Rescue Alliance offers opportunities to help care for pets awaiting adoption. Younger children can help by preparing pet supplies, assisting at adoption events, or donating pet food and blankets.
- Ages: 6 and up for donation drives and adoption events; 16 and up for direct animal care.
- Location: 71 Oglethorpe St NW, Washington, D.C.
Website: humanerescuealliance.org
5) Participate in Community Clean-Up Days with Anacostia Watershed Society
The Anacostia Watershed Society hosts regular community clean-up events along the Anacostia River, including family-friendly days.
- Ages: See each individual volunteer opportunities for difficulty levels.
- Location: Various spots along the Anacostia River.
Website: anacostiaws.org
6) Sort and Distribute Food at the Capital Area Food Bank
The Capital Area Food Bank offers opportunities for families to volunteer in their warehouse, helping to sort and pack food donations for families in need. Special family volunteer days allow younger children to participate in age-appropriate tasks while learning about food insecurity.
- Ages: 12 and up for most warehouse activities; some family days allow younger children.
- Location: 4900 Puerto Rico Ave NE, Washington, D.C.
Website: capitalareafoodbank.org
Northern Virginia Volunteer Opportunities with Kids
7) Bring Cheer to the Elderly at James Lee Senior Center
The James Lee Senior Center in Falls Church, Virginia, offers a welcoming space for seniors to socialize, stay active, and engage in various programs. Families can volunteer by helping with seasonal events, arts and crafts, and game nights to bring joy and companionship to seniors in the community. Kids can share stories, play games, or simply spend time chatting with seniors, brightening their day.
- Ages: Website says under 12 with a parent.
- Location: 2855 Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA
Website: Volunteer Fairfax Website has a listing live now! https://volunteernow.volunteerfairfax.org/custom/1427/opp_details/187072
8) Volunteer with Just Neighbors
Just Neighbors is a nonprofit that provides immigration legal services to low-income immigrants, asylees, and refugees. Families can assist at in-person legal clinics, translation services, and community outreach.
- Ages: All ages are welcome; specific roles vary. Contact Just Neighbors for family-friendly options.
- Location: 5827 Columbia Pike, Suite 320, Falls Church, VA
Website: justneighbors.org
9) Volunteer in a Cub Run Area Watershed Clean-up
The Cub Run Area in Northern Virginia is part of a vital watershed that supports local wildlife and helps maintain water quality in the region. Families can volunteer to help clean up litter, plant native species, and restore natural areas along the watershed. This hands-on experience teaches kids about environmental conservation and the impact of pollution on local ecosystems.
- Ages: 6 and up with a parent; older children can participate more independently.
- Location: Various sites along the Cub Run Stream Valley in Centreville, VA
Website: Volunteer Fairfax has a lot of openings on Saturdays at 7 different locations. Check the website here https://volunteernow.volunteerfairfax.org/custom/1427/opp_details/182877 and the locations are:
- Cub Run RECenter - main entrance
- London Towne - London Towne Elementary School parking lot
- Sully Station I - Playground/basketball courts at Sully Station & Glen Meadow Drive
- Sully Station II -Linden Creek Court cul-de-sac(on the left)
- Virginia Run - Stratton Major Court trail entrance
- Chalet Wood & County Club Manor - Chalet Woods Park tennis courts
- Izaak Walton and Gatepost I/II - Compton Road entrance
10) See all the 80+ Volunteer Opportunities on the Volunteer Fairfax website!
The website lets you search by "under 18" and as of right now there were 85 opportunities! https://volunteernow.volunteerfairfax.org/custom/1427/opp_search?urgency=Kid-Friendly%20(%3C12%20with%20parent),Youth%20(12-17)
Volunteering Opportunities in Maryland with Kids
11) Help Out at the Greater DC Diaper Bank
The Greater DC Diaper Bank provides diapers and other essential items to families in need. Families can volunteer at their warehouse, helping sort and organize donations.
- Ages: All ages are welcome and I believe they have a kid's play area for a two-hour shift. They list if their sessions each weekend are full or available.
- Location: 8860 Monard Dr, Silver Spring, MD
Website: greaterdcdiaperbank.org and to see the weekly sessions available, scroll to the middle of the pagehttps://greaterdcdiaperbank.org/volunteer/
12) Participate in Clothing Drives with A Wider Circle
A Wider Circle runs regular clothing and household goods drives where families can volunteer to help organize, sort, and distribute donations.
- Ages: Ages 7 -13 with a parent; younger children may participate on designated family days.
- Location: 9159 Brookville Rd, Silver Spring, MD
Website: awidercircle.org
Tips for Volunteering with Kids
- Set Expectations: Let kids know what they’ll be doing and why it’s important.
- Start Small: For younger kids, short, simple activities work best.
- Reflect Together: After volunteering, talk about the experience as a family to reinforce its impact.
Volunteering together as a family offers a unique opportunity to create lasting memories, foster a sense of responsibility, and connect with the D.C. community in meaningful ways. Whether it’s cleaning up parks, preparing meals, or helping animals, these opportunities ensure that everyone, no matter their age, can make a positive difference.
