10 best family volunteer vacations

A family vacation isn't just for relaxation. It's also a chance to pass along values to your kids, says Nancy Schretter, a family travel expert and founder of Together for Good, a non-profit group that promotes volunteer travel experiences. "Families really want to give back and make the world a better place. They want to find meaningful trips where they can make a difference." She shares some favorite opportunities in this fast-growing field with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Kanab, Utah
Kids will be excited about volunteering at the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary, where children from age 6 can work with their parents tending to cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, pigs and more. "It increases kids' self esteem to be able to care for and help these animals," Schretter says. This summer the shelter starts a kids camp, allowing parents to have a more intensive volunteer experience. 435-644-2001; bestfriends.org

Sierra Club
White River National Forest, Colo.
The outdoors aren't just meant to be enjoyed, Schretter says; it also must be preserved. That's why she likes programs offered by the nation's largest environmental organization, which runs week-long trips throughout the country. Families may work on trails or create animal habitats. Trips run about $500 per person. 415-977-5522; content.sierraclub.org/outings

Global Volunteers
Kincaid, W.Va.
Though this organization arranges trips as far away as Peru, it also addresses needs closer to home. Volunteers help Appalachian communities with projects like painting public buildings, working at day care centers and planting community gardens. "It's a great way for people to commit themselves to something larger than themselves in a part of the United States that needs that kind of help," Schretter says. Cost from $995. 800-487-1074; globalvolunteers.org

Solmar Foundation
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Schretter says kids should see the world that lies outside the gates of a resort. This foundation, affiliated with Solmar Hotels & Resorts, assists around the Los Cabos area. Twice-weekly free morning tours, open to hotel guests and non-guests, may let visitors help at a local shelter, an orphanage or a nursing home. "You're escaping that vacation bubble and making a difference," Schretter says. solmarfoundation.com

Give Kids the World Village
Kissimmee, Fla.
Schretter suggests families take a day away from their theme-park vacation to help children who are facing a life-threatening disease. This storybook-land resort caters to sick kids and their families. Volunteers fill 1,400 weekly shifts, perhaps helping with pony rides, running a merry-go-round or scooping ice cream. "Bringing happiness to the lives of others is a really memorable experience to share as a family." Volunteers are also eligible for a discounted package from Universal Orlando. 800-995-5437; gktw.org

Global Citizens Network
White Earth Reservation, Minn.
This Indian reservation in northern Minnesota welcomes families for 10-day projects that might include building a community center, teaching or even harvesting wild rice. Prices run $1,200 for adults. "This is an opportunity to see a culture outside your own within the United States," Schretter says. It's coordinated through Global Citizens Network, which has programs worldwide. globalcitizens.org

Youth Rebuilding
New Orleans
Even eight years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans still needs help. Kids as young as 12 can work alongside their parents rebuilding homes that are sold to teachers, which stabilizes the area and promotes education. "Your family is helping to build a house for another family to live in, and that feeling is really powerful," Schretter says. Cost: $10 per person. 504-264-3344; yrno.com

The Nature Corps
California state and national parks
For 26 years, this group has worked with Golden State parks like Yosemite, Sequoia, Morro Bay and Hearst Castle. Projects, which run three days, may include restoring meadows, revegetating wildlife habitats and replacing invasive plants. "You have opportunities to learn and have fun while working alongside biologists," Schretter says. Prices start at $390 per adult. 800-774-7275; thenaturecorps.org

Globe Aware
Costa Rica and elsewhere
This international organization partners with communities in Costa Rica (and many other countries) on week-long projects that have families working alongside locals. "With these cross-cultural experiences, you're making a connection in an authentic way," Schretter says. Past projects: painting a library, fixing a pedestrian bridge and teaching English. Cost: about $1,300. 877-588-4562; globeaware.com

Reading Road Trip
Sandals Resorts, West Indies
Schretter applauds this chain of Caribbean resorts (including sister properties Beaches and Grand Pineapple resorts), which helps guests contribute to local communities through a non-profit foundation. It offers Thursday morning outings to schools, where volunteers work with children. "It's a great way for kids to see the world of school outside their hometown experience," Schretter says. Cost: $20, children 8-12, free. sandalsfoundation.org