Family Volunteering Trips in Europe

Are you and your family dreaming about a vacation that’s more than just sightseeing? Maybe you’re looking to sprinkle a bit of meaning into your adventures by helping others? If so, family volunteering abroad, especially in Europe, could be the perfect way to bond as a family and give back to communities in need.

Why Choose Family Volunteering in Europe?

Europe offers a unique blend of cultural diversity, historical richness, and safe environments that make it an ideal destination for volunteer travel with kids. Engaging in family volunteer programs in Europe allows you to explore vibrant cultures while contributing to local communities in a positive way. From animal care in Portugal to helping protect sea turtles in Greece, the opportunities for family volunteer vacations in Europe are as varied as they are rewarding.

The Benefits of Volunteering Abroad as a Family

Participating in family-friendly volunteer projects abroad can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. It teaches kids about compassion, teamwork, and the importance of community service, all while experiencing the joy of helping others. Family volunteer opportunities abroad also offer a fantastic way to meet like-minded families from around the world, fostering friendships that could last a lifetime.

What Types of Family Volunteer Opportunities Are Available?

Environmental Conservation

Get involved in family volunteer trips abroad that focus on conserving nature. Whether it’s underwater conservation or upcycling waste, these activities are not only educational but also incredibly fulfilling.

Community Development

Join volunteer programs where you can teach English, work in NGOs, or assist in daycare centers. These volunteer opportunities for families allow you to immerse in the local culture and contribute directly to the welfare of its residents.

Wildlife Projects

Volunteering with children abroad can be especially exciting when it involves wildlife. There are several family volunteer programs in Europe focused on animal care and wildlife research, which can be an exhilarating experience for any animal-loving family.

How to Choose the Best Family Volunteer Abroad Programs

When looking for the best family volunteer abroad programs, consider the interests and ages of your family members as well as the impact the program has on the local community. Look for family volunteer opportunities abroad free of excessive costs, focusing instead on those that invest most of your fees back into the community. Additionally, seek out reviews and testimonials from other families who have participated in the programs to ensure they are a good fit for your family.

Volunteer Holidays for Families: Planning Your Trip

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, plan your family volunteer vacation well in advance. Consider the timing of your trip—many volunteer programs have specific start dates—and book your accommodations and flights early to get the best deals. Also, prepare your family by discussing the goals of the trip and what everyone hopes to gain from the experience, making it a collective adventure of a lifetime!

Finding the Right Program for Your Family 

Explore the following reputable family volunteer opportunities in Europe!

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) 

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) offers family volunteer vacations in over 50 destinations worldwide, including in Europe.

IVHQ stands out for its affordability, with fully hosted experiences that include accommodation, meals, airport pickup, 24/7 support, and more. Children aged 15 and under can even enjoy a 50% discount on their registration fee, making it even more cost-effective for families.

IVHQ offers diverse volunteer opportunities that cater to various interests in two key locations in Europe: 

Lisbon, Portugal 

• Upcycling For Social Good: Participate in upcycling single-use plastic into sports items at a Lisbon skate park. This project supports marginalized groups and the environment, welcoming volunteers aged 16 and up, including families. 
• Environmental Scuba Diving: Engage in environmental conservation through scuba diving. Gain dive certifications while preserving the marine environment by cleaning the sea floor and assisting in research projects. Ideal for volunteers aged 16 and up, or 10 and up if accompanied by adults. 
• Youth Support: Assist with after-school programs, dedicating 3 to 5 hours a day to help teenagers with homework and activities. Ideal for volunteers aged 16 and up, including families. 
• Animal Care: Join the Animal Care project, dedicating 3-5 hours a day at a local animal shelter. Volunteers provide medical treatment and companionship to dogs and cats, raising awareness of abandonment. This program welcomes participants aged 16 and up. 
• Food Rescue: Help redistribute unused food from restaurants and supermarkets to locals in need. Programs welcome volunteers aged 16 and up, or 13 and up if accompanied.

Miercurea Ciuc, Romania

• Animal Care: Dedicated to protecting animals, this program involves volunteering at a local dog shelter. Volunteers care for dogs, assisting with feeding, cleaning, and socializing the animals to prepare them for adoption. The program accepts participants aged 16 and over, or 12 and over when accompanied by adults. 
• Community Gardening: Volunteers in this program help conserve the environment by working in community gardens, running a community greenhouse, and producing organic fruits and vegetables to support those in need. The program is open to volunteers aged 16 and over, or 12 and over when accompanied.

GoEco

GoEco offers a variety of family-friendly volunteer programs worldwide that are perfect for creating lasting memories. Volunteering as a family with GoEco in Europe offers a unique blend of travel, learning, and giving back. It’s an opportunity to make a real difference while exploring beautiful places and cultures.

Explore these family-friendly adventures below! 

• Spain – Barcelona Food Rescue & Community Empowerment: Combat food waste, distribute food to those in need, and participate in community workshops. Explore Barcelona, engage in team-building activities, and help create a sustainable community. The program accepts volunteers 16 and up, while solo volunteers under 18 must have parental consent. Families with children aged 13 and older are invited to apply for a tailored program. 
• Italy – Liveaboard Dolphin Research Expedition: Collect data on dolphin behavior, bioacoustics, and marine conservation while living aboard a historic boat. Sail along the Italian coastline, learn about marine life, and enjoy the natural thermal springs. The minimum age of volunteers is 17, however, families with children aged 12 and above are also accepted. 
• Portugal – Food Rescue in Lisbon: Help reduce food waste by collecting, packaging, and distributing food to families and individuals in need. Live in a sustainable hostel, explore Lisbon, and meet volunteers from around the world. This program is open to individuals 18 and older, and teens aged 17 can join with parental consent. Families with children 13 and older are also welcome to participate. 
• Portugal – Marine Conservation in Lisbon: Scuba dive to clean up pollution in the Atlantic Ocean and protect marine life. Learn to scuba dive, stay in a sustainable hostel, and help preserve Lisbon’s marine ecosystem. Minimum age allowed for volunteers is 17.

Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad offers family-friendly volunteer opportunities worldwide, including in Europe. Families can enjoy safe, hassle-free, impactful, and flexible trips. Options are available for children of all ages, ensuring a meaningful experience that fosters growth and cultural awareness. Special family prices cover advice, support, accommodation, meals, and more.

Volunteer in Romania with Projects Abroad:

• Volunteer Teaching: Travel to beautiful Brasov and gain practical teaching experience by helping students improve their English. This program is ideal for those pursuing a career in education, offering hands-on classroom experience. Assist local teachers with lessons and activities, teach English, French, or drama, and live with a local host family, immersing yourself in authentic Eastern European life. Minimum age allowed for volunteers is 16. 
• Volunteer with Children: Support early childhood development by working in kindergartens, daycare centers, or special needs centers. Gain practical childcare experience, help kids hit development milestones, and live in Brasov with a local host family. This program is perfect for those interested in working with children or special needs individuals, providing valuable skills and personal growth. If your family includes a teenager aged 15 to 18 years old, enroll them in the program specifically for teens for them to gain a sense of independence. 

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

IVI offers impactful projects in various sectors, with over 35 years of experience. As a non-profit, they provide affordable, flexible placements in 100+ projects across 20 countries, welcoming families and teens. They host programs in the European countries of Portugal, Greece, and Turkey. 

Programs for Volunteers aged 16+

• Food Support for the Homeless in Lisbon, Portugal: Collect surplus food, prepare meals, and deliver them to local families. 
• Kindergarten Education in Lisbon, Portugal: Assist in teaching basic English, support local teachers, and engage children in educational activities. 

Programs for Families with Older Teens (18+)

• Community Support in Chios, Greece: Paint classrooms, perform maintenance, and engage in seasonal activities to improve local schools and public buildings. Stay in dormitory-style rooms and arrange meals independently. Explore Chios’ historical sites and natural beauty. 
• Refugee Humanitarian Work in Chios, Greece: Distribute supplies, assist in the free shop, and support unaccompanied minors. Accommodation and meals are arranged independently. Help in a crucial setting while enjoying Chios’ medieval villages and clear waters.

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol)

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) offers a wide range of family volunteer abroad programs, designed to provide meaningful family vacations while making a positive impact on society. These programs allow families to utilize their strengths to aid underprivileged communities, fostering cultural immersion and exploration opportunities for all family members. 

Also, children aged 15 and under receive a 50% discount on their application fees. Children must be at least 8 years old to allow full parental participation, though exceptions can be made for younger children if multiple families are traveling together.

VolSol provides various volunteering opportunities across Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, suitable for family participation. 

Featured Programs in Europe:

• Underwater Conservation in Spain: In Barcelona, volunteers engage in scuba diving activities to protect underwater environments. Suitable for teens aged 16 and up, this program combines adventure with environmental conservation, offering a unique and impactful volunteer experience. 
• Community Development Project in Ireland: Volunteers can immerse themselves in community development tasks in Cork. This program lasts from 3 to 12 weeks and is perfect for those who are flexible and interested in a variety of project experiences. Participants get hands-on involvement in enhancing the local community, making a tangible difference. Minimum age allowed for volunteers is 18. 
• Art Projects in Ireland: This program in Clonmel allows volunteers to support community arts projects, festivals, and museums. This experience is not only enriching but also contributes significantly to the local cultural scene, fostering creativity and cultural exchange. Minimum age allowed for volunteers is 18. 
• Food Waste Management in Portugal: Volunteers can engage in the Food Waste Management program in Porto. This initiative is excellent for gap year travelers and college students, focusing on reducing food waste and ensuring surplus food reaches those in need. Volunteers play a crucial role in managing and distributing food resources efficiently. Minimum age allowed for volunteers is 18.

Global Vision International (GVI)

Volunteering abroad as a family with GVI offers an extraordinary opportunity to bond with loved ones while making a positive impact in various communities. Families can immerse themselves in community development projects that promise sustainable, long-term benefits. In Europe, GVI runs programs in Spain, including the Canary Islands, and in Greece.

Featured Family Volunteer Programs in Europe:

• Dolphin and Whale Conservation in the Canary Islands: Families can participate in the Dolphin and Whale Conservation program in Tenerife, Canary Islands. This program, suitable for teens aged 16 and up, involves recording the activities of marine mammals, collecting behavioral data, and conducting surveys of the waters and beaches. Volunteers will learn about marine conservation and gain hands-on experience in the field while exploring the island’s unique landscapes and biodiversity. The program includes adventure hikes and reflection sessions to enhance learning and personal growth. 
• Sea Turtle and Marine Conservation in Greece: Another exciting opportunity is the Sea Turtle and Marine Conservation program in Kefalonia, Greece. Here, families can help protect the loggerhead and green turtles by monitoring nesting activities, surveying seagrass meadows, and ensuring the safe passage of hatchlings to the ocean. The program offers a mix of hands-on conservation tasks and cultural experiences, such as sampling Greek cuisine, participating in traditional Greek nights, and exploring the island’s historical sites and breathtaking landscapes. This program is designed for teens aged 15 to 17 and provides comprehensive training and supervision by experienced leaders.

GVI is a parent-run organization, placing family at the core of its operations. With a strong focus on health and safety, GVI ensures that all programs are designed with the highest standards to provide a secure and enriching environment for young volunteers.

Making Memories While Making a Difference

Family volunteer trips abroad offer more than just a break from the daily grind. They are a chance to learn, grow, and contribute to global communities in meaningful ways. By choosing family volunteer vacations, you’re opting for an enriching experience that will expand your family’s horizons and create lasting memories. So, why not pack your bags and set off on a family adventure volunteering journey that will be talked about for years to come?

Exploring family volunteering in Europe is not just about seeing new places, but about making a difference in them. Whether it’s through volunteer travel for families or engaging in international family volunteering, the experiences you share will bring your family closer together and connect you with the wider world in a deeply fulfilling way. Happy volunteering!