Family vacations have always been a popular vacation trend. A new, rising trend of late, however, is family volunteer vacations. So what does this mean for your next family vacation?
Volunteering abroad is on the rise, and families now want a chance to take part in this together. Volunteering while abroad on a fun family vacation is the best of both worlds – families get to bond and spend quality time together, experience a new country and culture and also give back together, as a unit. Specific volunteer tasks may vary, depending on the age and physical ability of each family member, but for many volunteering programs, help of all kinds is needed!
Top Family-Friendly Volunteer Programs
So, what kind of volunteer programs are welcoming for families? All kinds! GoEco has volunteering opportunities that are focused on wildlife conservation, marine conservation and even teaching English that are excellent choices for your next family volunteer vacation! Our most family-friendly programs offer upgraded, more private accommodations, organized meals and volunteer tasks and activities that the entire family can take part in together. Here is a list of our most family-friendly opportunities.
1. Bali – Family-Friendly Sea Turtle Rescue
Join this family-friendly volunteer program in Bali that is specifically designed to cater to families looking to make a difference! Children over the age of five are welcome to join this program with a parent, and will love the tropical feel of this volunteering vacation. Families stay in private, 3-star hotel accommodations, and there are additional staff members to ensure that you can fully take part in the project with all of your family members.
2. Costa Rica – Family-Friendly Animal Rescue and Conservation
The Family-Friendly Animal Rescue and Conservation program in Costa Rica offers a unique opportunity for families to contribute to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Working with one of the top wildlife organizations in the country, volunteers help treat sick, injured, and orphaned animals to release them back into the wild (if possible). Volunteer tasks include preparing food for over 100 animals, maintaining and cleaning animal enclosures, feeding animals, creating animal enrichment toys, and taking part in educational community projects. The program provides a structured daily schedule, allowing volunteers to be actively involved in conservation efforts while also enjoying the natural beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica.
3. Maldives – Family Friendly Sea Turtle Conservation & Eco Tour
Join the Family-Friendly Sea Turtle Volunteer Eco-Tour in the Maldives, where families can engage in activities like feeding, cleaning, and medical care of rescued sea turtles. This program welcomes children over the age of 6 and offers a range of activities, including snorkeling trip, beach cleanups and an upcycling class, tailored to young conservationists. Alongside marine conservation, volunteers also take part in community projects on Naifaru Island, enhancing local living conditions and environmental awareness.
4. Zimbabwe–Family-Friendly African Wildlife Orphanage
Take part in the Family Wildlife Orphanage program in Zimbabwe, a sanctuary for orphaned, injured, or abandoned animals, including a variety of African wildlife. Volunteers aged 12+ can engage in activities like preparing animal food, cleaning enclosures, and assisting in educational outreach, contributing to wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. The program operates six days a week, offering a hands-on experience in animal care and the opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation and community education.
5. Sri Lanka–Family-Friendly Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation
The Family-Friendly Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation program in Sri Lanka offers families a chance to contribute to the conservation of endangered sea turtles. Volunteers aged 7+ can engage in tasks like feeding and cleaning turtles, moving eggs to hatching areas, and participating in beach cleaning activities in Galle. The program, suitable for families with children aged six and up, includes accommodation in private apartments or rooms, with the option of arranging additional excursions like elephant safaris and whale watching.
6. Belize–Family-Friendly Private Island Marine Experience
The Family-Friendly Private Island Marine Experience in Belize offers a unique opportunity for families to engage in marine conservation activities on a private island. Volunteers aged 12+ can learn to dive and participate in various tasks such as survey dives, species identification, and photographing whale sharks, as well as contributing to the eradication of the invasive Lionfish species. The program also includes educational presentations on marine conservation, beach cleanups, and the flexibility for volunteers to choose their level of involvement, whether it’s active participation in conservation tasks or relaxing with leisure activities like sea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.
7. Thailand–Family-Friendly Child Care Volunteer Program
The Hua Hin Teaching and Childcare program in Thailand offers volunteers the opportunity to teach English to students aged 6 to 18 in various primary and secondary schools in Hua Hin. Volunteers work alongside local teachers, helping to create lesson plans and organize classroom activities. The program aims to improve the children’s prospects by enhancing their English skills and also provides volunteers with insights into the Thai education system. During school holidays, volunteers can participate in special classes and English camps organized by the local community, using creative methods like song, dance, and games to teach basic educational concepts. This program is an enriching experience for volunteers to make a significant impact on the education of Thai children.
8. Thailand – Elephant Forest Refuge
This elephant conservation program in Thailand is an excellent option for families! Children who love animals will be constantly entertained as they go trekking with their family, looking for the majestic elephants. This is a completely ethical program, in which interaction with elephants is limited to their feeding. There is the option to upgrade to a family room or suite for accommodations and for children who are too young to participate in all volunteer tasks, there is a babysitting available! This program is ideal for families with young children since the accommodations are perfect, babysitting is available and the terrain of the forest refuge is flat and easy to walk on. Children can learn from an early age while on this program the importance of wildlife conservation and learn to appreciate seeing these animals in a natural habitat. Children until the age of 14 can also join for a discounted price.
9. Family-Friendly Child Education Volunteer Program
For families who wish to make a difference in a community and assist with educational tasks, this program is one of the best options. Not only can the children of families enjoy playing with children from another country, but they can already begin to expand their knowledge of the world through being with these children! Indonesia is a popular vacation area as is, and families can experience its tropical beauty while giving back. Families with children as young as five years old are welcome on this program, and children until the age of twelve can join for a discounted rate. Like our Giant Panda Center program, peanut allergies can be easily accommodated for. Families will be upgraded to a private villa for the duration of their stay.
10. India – Family-Friendly Teaching and Community Work in Goa
This program in India is an excellent mix of educational volunteer work and vacation-like activities, perfect for families! Families will organize fun games and English lessons for children who cannot afford to attend school, allowing your children to learn to appreciate what they have. Children will enjoy playing games with the children of Goa. In addition to these activities, volunteers can choose to help at an animal rescue center, a fun option for families. Don’t forget to visit the Taj Mahal and India’s other wonderful sites during free time on weekends!
In Conclusion…
Taking a volunteer vacation with your family may seem like a headache at first, but that is why we at GoEco have bunched together our most family-friendly programs, to make choosing your volunteer family adventure a breeze. Enjoy upgraded accommodations, feel at ease with prepared meals and most importantly, enjoy your volunteer vacation with your whole family! Nothing is more rewarding than giving back to communities in need, and to be able to do just that while experiencing a new place and culture while on a family vacation is simply the best of both worlds.
