Youth volunteer opportunities in Nashville, TN

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Five youth volunteer opportunities in Nashville, TN | Photo via Pexels

Giving back to the community through volunteering is always rewarding — and getting the whole family involved is even better.

Below you’ll find a list of family-friendly volunteer opportunities in the Nashville area.

Nashville Zoo | 3777 Nolensville Pk. | Ages 10 and up

  • The zoo’s Family Team program is open to children ages 10 and up accompanied by at least one guardian. Volunteers assist with special events and other projects for a minimum of six months. Applications will reopen in March.
  • Is the teen in your life passionate about animals? ZooTeens is open to age 13 to high school seniors + the program offers opportunities during the school year (minimum of four hours each semester) and summer break (one shift per week and one week of Zoo Camp). Applications will open in February, followed by an interview process.

Radnor Lake | 1160 Otter Creek Rd. | Ages 10 and up

  • Friends of Radnor Lake has 15+ volunteer opportunities scheduled in 2022 open to ages 10 and up if accompanied by a guardian. Depending on the nature of each session, volunteers will mulch trails, remove invasive plants, and occasionally assist with stream cleanup.
  • Participants can register via Hands on Nashville + all volunteers under the age of 18 are required to bring a signed volunteer release form to each project.

Nashville Humane Association | 213 Oceola Ave. | Ages 13 and up

  • Volunteering activities are wide-ranged based on areas of interest, but some tasks include walking dogs, cuddling with kittens, and attending events.
  • Volunteers between the ages of 13 and 15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee | 331 Great Circle Rd. | Ages 6 and up

  • Children ages 12 and older can assist with sorting and packing food donations at the warehouse if accompanied by an adult. Volunteers ages 16 and older may sign up independently.
  • Family Night volunteers (ages 6+) assist with a variety of kid-friendly projects on Thursday evenings from 5:30-8 p.m.

Community Resource Center | 218 Omohundro Pl. | Ages 8 and up

  • 300+ nonprofits rely on the CRC to provide thousands of hygiene and cleaning kits throughout the year. With several opportunities offered each month, volunteers will sort materials, set up production stations, and compile kits for distribution.
  • Volunteers must be at least 15 or be accompanied by a guardian if between ages eight-14.