Summer can be a tricky season for teens. Between camps, vacations, sports, and endless scrolling, it’s easy for the months to fly by without much purpose. If you’re looking for a meaningful way for your teen to spend some of their free time this summer, volunteering is a great option.
Not only does volunteering help teens give back to their community, but it also helps them build confidence, develop leadership skills, meet new people, and strengthen college and scholarship applications. Plus, many opportunities are surprisingly fun.
Here are some great summer volunteer opportunities for teens in the Nashville area, along with the ages they can typically begin volunteering. (Be sure to check with each organization directly, as requirements can change.)
Minimum Age: 13 (with a parent volunteer) or 16 independently
If your teen is an animal lover, this may be their dream volunteer opportunity. The Nashville Humane Association offers opportunities to help care for animals waiting for adoption, assist with events, and support shelter operations.
Bonus: They get to spend time with adorable dogs and cats.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
Minimum Age: 12 (with an adult); some opportunities available for older teens independently
Second Harvest provides opportunities for volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute food to families facing hunger throughout Middle Tennessee. Many shifts are family-friendly, making this a great way to volunteer together.
Minimum Age: Varies by project (many begin at ages 10–13 with a parent; some teen-only opportunities begin at 14–16)
Hands On Nashville is one of the easiest ways to find volunteer opportunities that match your teen’s interests. Projects range from park cleanups and food distribution to community events and nonprofit support.
If your teen isn’t sure where to start, this is an excellent place to explore options.
Nashville Public Library
Minimum Age: Typically 12–18 for Teen Volunteer Programs
Several Nashville Public Library branches offer summer volunteer opportunities for teens. Volunteers may assist with children’s programs, summer reading initiatives, crafts, and special events.
This is a perfect fit for teens who enjoy books, creativity, or working with younger children.
Minimum Age: Generally 12 and older (younger volunteers may participate with family programs)
For teens who love the outdoors, Friends of Warner Parks offers opportunities to maintain trails, remove invasive plants, assist with beautification projects, and support environmental stewardship efforts.
It’s a great way to stay active while giving back.
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Minimum Age: 18 for most teen volunteer programs
Many teens interested in healthcare, nursing, or medicine enjoy volunteering in a hospital setting. Opportunities may include greeting families, assisting with activities, and supporting hospital staff.
Volunteer positions can be competitive, so it’s wise to apply early.
Minimum Age: 13 for Junior Keeper and Teen Volunteer Programs
Animal-loving teens may enjoy volunteering at the Nashville Zoo through youth-specific programs. Participants learn about animal care, conservation, guest engagement, and zoo operations.
This is one of the most unique volunteer opportunities available in Nashville.
Tips Before Your Teen Signs Up
Before committing to a volunteer position, encourage your teen to:
- Choose something they’re genuinely interested in.
- Verify age requirements.
- Commit to showing up consistently.
- Track volunteer hours if needed for school, scholarships, or organizations like National Honor Society.
- Think about skills they’d like to learn or strengthen.
The best volunteer experience isn’t necessarily the one that looks best on a resume—it’s the one that helps your teen discover what they’re passionate about.
A Summer They’ll Actually Remember
At the end of the summer, most teens won’t remember how many hours they spent scrolling social media. They will remember helping a shelter animal find a home, packing food for families in need, mentoring younger kids, or making a senior resident smile.
