Participate in Charity Fundraising Events with Kids

Updated June 08, 2015.

If you want to get your kids excited about helping a good cause and about participating in a fun physical activity, look no further than a charity fundraising event. Many run/walks, bowl-a-thons, park clean-ups, softball games, and other fundraisers welcome family participation. Some even make a special effort to include children via just-for-kids events, prizes, and recognition.

Choose a Charity Fundraising Event

Start with a cause that's close to your child's heart.

This could mean his school, sports team, or religious organization. Many kids have a special affinity for animals, so consider a fundraising event for a local animal shelter, zoo, or rescue organization, or a national group such as the Humane Society. If your family has been touched by a disease or medical condition, raising money for research and advocacy might be inspiring for your child. (Check out chosen charities before committing to make sure they will use your money safely and wisely.)

Next you'll need to look for an event that is suitable for your family. Check to see what types of charity fundraising events your favorite causes sponsor. Are kids welcome to participate? Are strollers allowed, if you have a baby or toddler? (If not, can you use a backpack or carrier?) Is the activity something that your child can do and enjoy? Does the time and place of the event work with your family's schedule? How much money will you be expected to raise in order to join in?

Prepare for a Charity Fundraising Event

Round up a group of friends and family to participate together.

You can support each other through the preparations and will enjoy the event more when you're part of a team.

Aside from raising the funds you've committed to (see links below), your family will also need to complete some practical preparations before the event. Depending on your child's temperament, she may need to be exposed to the activity (say, bowling or jumping rope) in advance.

By about age 8, most kids should be able to walk a 5K (3.1 miles) without training, as long as they are reasonably active overall. It will take about an hour. If you plan to run a 5K or run or walk a 10K or longer distance, download a training plan (such as Couch to 5K) and complete it together before the event.

Find out if the event's organizers will supply t-shirts, visors, or other special gear for participants. If not, you might want to create your own in advance, since this is a great way to boost spirits and help kids feel like part of a team. At minimum, wear coordinating or matching colors so you can help identify each other in a crowd.

What to Bring to a Charity Fundraising Event

• Registration forms and donations, if you haven't done this in advance
• Water bottles for everyone, especially for outdoor events. Stay hydrated!
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats
• Hair elastics (can be used to tie up oversize t-shirts to better fit kids)
• Identification for your child, such as a bracelet, ID tag (), or slip of paper pinned inside a pocket; also talk with your child about what to do if you get separated
• Clothes for layering, depending on the weather
• Suitable shoes
• Small prize to give kids at the end of the event, if not provided by organizers
• Healthy snacks your kids like (organizers will usually provide finish-line treats, but they may or may not be suitable for your children)
• Lots of energy and enthusiasm! And if that fails during a long walk, try these walking games