50 Fundraising Event Ideas That Are Fun for the Whole Family

Nonprofits sometimes overlook just how important families are to fundraising events. When you plan a fundraising event that includes the whole family, everyone shows up. Think about it—families not only boost attendance numbers, but they also bring energy, laughter, and a community spirit that makes events special. 

The right family event ideas can connect people to your cause in ways other fundraisers just can't. 

So if you’re looking for ideas that are easy to pull off and fun for all ages, you’re in the right place.  We’ve rounded up 50 creative, crowd-pleasing fundraising ideas that will have kids laughing, grown-ups engaged, and your mission front and center. Let's jump in!

Outdoor & Community-Based Family Fundraisers

Great for spring and summer, with room for big crowds and activities.

Family Scavenger Hunt in the Park

Think of it as a treasure hunt, but for families. Teams follow clues that lead them to different spots around the park. 

You can charge per team and give small prizes at the end. Add a donation station or snack booth for extra fundraising. It’s a family fundraiser with teamwork, laughs, and support all in one.

Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival

Set up a row of sidewalk squares and let kids and parents create their own chalk art. 

Ask for a small entry fee, and let folks vote with dollar bills on their favorite drawings. It turns into both a gallery and a fundraiser, right on the pavement.

Community Kite Flying Day

All you need is an open field, a breezy day, and some kites.

Families bring their own or buy one at your booth. Ask for donations to join in or enter kite-flying contests. It’s a peaceful, colorful, and perfect family-friendly fundraiser for a spring or summer afternoon.

Picnic and Field Game Fundraiser

Nothing brings people together like sack races, tug-of-war, and a packed lunch on the grass. Families can sign up for game rounds with a small donation. Sell lemonade, rent out picnic spots, or add a donation jar. 

This one’s a classic and feels like a real community gathering.

Neighborhood Dog Walk & Costume Parade

It’s not just a walk—it’s a parade of pups in cute outfits. People love showing off their pets, and you can charge a small fee to walk them or enter them in the costume contest. 

Have a photo booth or pet treat table to bring in even more support.

Nature Trail Bingo Walk

Instead of just walking a trail, families play bingo along the way. Mark off things like pinecones, bird calls, or butterflies. 

Bingo cards can be sold for a few dollars, and prizes go to completed cards. It’s low-key, educational, and easy to organize in a local park.

Pop-Up Mini Carnival in a Parking Lot

Don’t have a big venue? A school or church parking lot works just fine. Set up booths with easy games like duck pond fishing or ring toss. 

Sell game tickets at the gate and offer low-cost prizes. It’s one of those family event ideas that feels big without being expensive.

Outdoor Water Balloon Battle

When the weather’s hot, nothing beats a good splash.

Invite families for a friendly water balloon fight. Sell entry wristbands, set up balloon refill stations, and consider creating a designated dry zone for younger kids. Add a donation box and some cold drinks, and you’re good to go.

Cornhole Tournament for All Ages

You don’t need fancy gear to run a tournament—just a few cornhole boards and teams ready to play. 

Ask for a small entry fee for the team and offer prizes to the winners. Keep it casual or make it competitive, but it’s easy to run and pulls in both players and spectators.

Family Hike + Trail Clean-Up Fundraiser

Hiking’s fun, but helping the planet while you walk makes it better. Host a trail clean-up hike where families pitch in to pick up trash along the path. 

Ask for a donation to join and provide bags and gloves. It’s a feel-good day that also checks off family fundraisers on your list.

Sometimes, the hardest part of any event is getting people through the door. But don’t worry, here are 5 Effective Strategies to Boost Attendance. 

Seasonal & Holiday-Themed Family Events

Tie fundraising to popular seasons or holidays.

Fall Pumpkin Painting Bash

Picture a park filled with paint, pumpkins, and smiling kids. Families pay a small fee to join in, grab a pumpkin, and decorate it however they like. 

You can sell cider, snacks, or even extra paint kits. It's a colorful way to bring people together and raise support for your cause.

Winter Pajama & Hot Cocoa Night

This family fundraiser is all about comfort. Host it in a school gym or community hall. 

Everyone shows up in pajamas, grabs a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoys simple games or a short movie. Ask for a donation at the door and sell cocoa or cookies inside. Families will love the relaxed vibe.

Valentine’s Craft & Cookie Station

Set up tables with cookie decorating kits and Valentine’s card supplies. Charge a fee per crafter or station. Add a photo booth with heart-themed props. 

It’s easy to run indoors and gives parents and kids a chance to get creative together while helping out with your family-friendly fundraiser.

Summer Splash Day with Sprinklers

This is one of those family event ideas where fun comes easily. You only need a park, sprinklers, and water toys. 

Sell wristbands for splash access and cold treats on the side. It’s a laid-back way to cool off and collect donations without much setup.

Halloween Costume Swap & Fundraiser

Old costumes in your closet? Let families donate them, then host a swap event where others can pick one out for a small donation. 

Offer a pumpkin decorating table or face painting booth for extra fun. It's budget-friendly for parents and keeps old costumes out of the landfill.

Easter Egg Decorating Fair

Get craft tables covered in dyes, stickers, and paints—perfect for little hands. Families pay a small fee to decorate eggs, and you can include a snack table or raffle. 

Add a few yard games to keep siblings busy. It's a great way to mix tradition with fundraising.

Family Holiday Sing-Along Night

Turn a quiet evening into a family fundraiser with a holiday sing-along. Hand out lyrics sheets, serve hot cider, and invite a local choir or just a few brave singers. 

Ask for a donation to join or host a small bake sale. This one brings out the holiday spirit.

4th of July BBQ & Lawn Game Event

Light up your fundraiser with a cookout and backyard-style games. Families can pay for BBQ plates or join cornhole and sack races for a small fee. It’s a relaxed way to celebrate and support your cause. 

These family event ideas never go out of style, especially in the summer.

Spring Garden & Seed Swap

Let neighbors swap seeds, seedlings, and garden tips. Set up tables for trades and sell small garden kits or starter pots. 

Ask for a suggested donation to join or offer a pay-what-you-can setup. It’s great for spring and brings in families who love to grow things and share.

Summer Fun Run

No need for fancy gear—just invite families to join a short, fun run or walk. Ask for an entry fee, and hand out simple finisher ribbons or stickers. 

You can even invite local vendors or add a smoothie stand. It’s one of those family fundraisers that gets everyone moving with a purpose.

Food & Cooking-Themed Family Fundraisers

Food brings people together — add fundraising into the mix.

Family Chili Cook-Off

Call on your neighborhood’s chili champs. Families can enter their homemade chili for a small fee, and guests pay to taste and vote for their favorites. 

Add a few fun categories like “Mild but Mighty” or “Best Kid-Approved.” It’s warm, filling, and brings out a little friendly competition while raising funds.

Make-Your-Own Pizza Night

Everybody loves pizza, but making it? Even better. Set up a build-your-own pizza table with toppings and dough. 

Charge by the piece or per family. Bake them onsite or offer take-home kits. It’s a fun way to get hands-on and one of those family event ideas that brings everyone to the table.

Pancake Pajama Breakfast

Flip the pancakes and keep it cozy. Invite families to roll in wearing pajamas and enjoy a simple breakfast. You can charge a flat fee for all-you-can-eat or offer a pay-what-you-can plate. 

Add a toppings bar and a kids’ coloring table. The relaxed vibe makes it a favorite for early risers.

Parents vs. Kids Bake-Off

Here’s your chance to find out who bakes it better—parents or kids. Set up a bake-off where each side shows off its best treats. 

Charge an entry fee and let guests pay to sample and cast their votes. Events like these are fun, silly, and turn baking into family-friendly fundraisers everyone can join.

Ice Cream Sundae Social

Host a DIY sundae station with different ice creams, sauces, and toppings. 

Charge per bowl or offer a family deal. Add a few yard games and some music to keep it lively. These laid-back events work well in warm weather and make great family fundraisers that draw a crowd.

Build-a-Bento Box Workshop

This one’s hands-on and tasty. Invite a local cook or parent volunteer to guide families in making bento-style lunches. 

You can charge per kit and hold the workshop in a school kitchen or cafeteria. Everyone leaves with a packed lunch and maybe a few new lunch ideas for home.

Tacos & Trivia Night

Serve tacos. Ask questions. That’s the formula. Charge per plate or trivia team. Keep the rounds light and include some kid-friendly questions so everyone stays involved. 

This is one of those family fundraisers that feels more like a night out than a fundraiser—easy to plan and a lot of fun to run.

Soup & Storytelling Evening

Dim the lights, serve up some warm soup, and invite storytellers to share short, family-friendly tales. Offer a variety of soups with a tasting ticket. 

You can host it in a library, hall, or classroom. It’s a cozy, quiet way to bring people together and gently raise funds.

Cookie Decorating Workshop

Let kids and grown-ups get messy with frosting and sprinkles. Set out plain cookies and decorating supplies, and charge per decorating set. You can also sell extras to take home. 

It’s colorful, creative, and works well for holidays or school events. Plus, everyone leaves with something sweet.

Backyard S’mores & Campfire Stories

Set up a safe fire pit and invite families for an evening of marshmallow roasting and storytelling. Sell s’mores kits and cocoa, and let local volunteers or teachers tell short, fun stories. 

These relaxed, outdoor nights work great in spring or fall and make simple family fundraisers feel like something special.

Creative, DIY & Artistic Events for Families

Let families create together while supporting a good cause.

Family Canvas Paint Night

Host an easygoing night where families paint together step by step. Everyone gets a canvas, and anyone can join, no matter how artistic they are. 

You can raise funds by charging per canvas or offering group pricing. Add light snacks or music to make it feel more like a night out than a fundraiser.

DIY Terrarium Workshop

Let families build their own little plant worlds in jars. You supply the soil, rocks, and greenery—participants pay for a kit. 

It’s calming, creative, and works well in libraries or classrooms. You can even offer a “decorate your jar” corner to keep the younger kids busy while raising extra funds.

Tie-Dye for a Cause

You don’t need much for this family fundraiser—just white shirts, buckets of dye, and some sunny weather. 

Families twist, tie, and dye their own creations. Charge a flat fee per shirt or kit. Hang up the finished pieces for a pop-up gallery wall while they dry. This one’s messy in the best way.

Upcycled Crafts Market

Invite families to make crafts from old jeans, jars, magazines—whatever they’ve got lying around. Then, host a craft market and sell or display their creations. 

Charge for table spots or ask for donations at the door. This one teaches resourcefulness while checking the box for family-friendly fundraisers.

Build-a-Birdhouse Afternoon

Bring out the wood kits and paintbrushes. Families team up to build and decorate their own birdhouses. Sell each kit for a set price and offer extras like stickers or glitter for an added donation.

You can donate finished birdhouses to parks, or let folks take theirs home for their backyard.

Pottery Painting Fundraiser

Partner with a local pottery studio or bring in blank ceramics for families to paint. Set a price per item, then fire or seal the pieces after the event.

It’s hands-on, calming, and makes a great indoor activity. Plus, families get something to take home that lasts.

Community Mural Painting Day

One mural, many hands. Sketch out a mural design and invite families to paint one small section each. 

You can ask for a small donation per spot or square. By the end, the whole wall tells a story about the community. No art skills are required—just a brush and some paint.

Kids’ Photography Contest

Hand the cameras (or phones) over to the kids. Give them a theme like “my neighborhood” or “what makes me smile.” Charge a small fee to enter. 

Display the photos online or in a hallway, and let people vote with small donations. This one's a fresh take on family event ideas.

Recycled Fashion Show

Families design outfits using only reused materials—think cardboard, plastic bags, or old clothes. Host a fashion show and charge an entry fee for designers or viewers. 

Add music and a lighthearted emcee. Everyone will leave with photos, laughs, and a better look at how reuse can be fun.

Family LEGO Build-A-Thon

Spread out the LEGOs and set a timer. Families build creative structures based on a theme—like animals, vehicles, or space. 

Ask for a team entry fee. Offer small prizes and show off the final builds. This laid-back event is great for indoor spaces and makes a fun, easy win for family fundraisers.

Fun & Interactive Entertainment Fundraisers

Let families enjoy shows and interactive fun together.

Outdoor Family Movie Night

Set up a big screen at a park or school yard and show a family favorite. Families bring blankets and snacks or buy from your concession stand. 

Sell tickets in advance or ask for a small donation at the gate. It’s one of those family event ideas that works well with simple planning and a good weather forecast.

Magic Show + Pizza Fundraiser

Bring in a magician, lay out some pizza, and invite families for an easy evening of laughs and tricks. You can charge per family or by the slice. 

The combo of food and fun makes it an easy sell. Add a tip jar or donation station near the exit to collect extra support.

Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Party

Turn a school gym or hall into a glowing dance floor with black lights, neon decorations, and upbeat music. Hand out glow sticks at the door and sell them for extra donations. 

Charge a flat fee to get in. This event gets kids moving and fits right into family-friendly fundraisers.

Kids’ Talent Showcase with Judges

Let kids sing, dance, or tell jokes on stage while a few friendly judges give fun feedback. 

Sell tickets to watch the show and have donation jars for each act where the crowd can “vote” with dollars. It gives every kid a chance to be in the spotlight while helping your cause.

Comedy Night with Family-Friendly Acts

Host an evening of clean comedy with local performers or funny parents and teachers. Keep it light, short, and silly. You can sell tickets at the door and offer snacks or drinks for sale. 

It’s easy to organize in a school cafeteria or hall, and it works well for casual family fundraisers.

Puppet Theater Performance Fundraiser

Set up a puppet show with a simple story and colorful characters. 

This can be done with volunteers or by inviting a local puppet group. Sell tickets per family and offer craft tables before or after the event. It’s great for younger kids and gives families a reason to gather in a low-key setting.

DIY Escape Room Challenge

Design a themed room with puzzles and clues, then let families sign up in time slots to “escape.” Charge per team and track completion times for bragging rights. 

You can set this up in classrooms or offices using basic props. It’s one of the more unique family fundraisers with teamwork built in.

Mini Science Fair Day

Invite kids to show off small science projects or experiments. Charge a small booth fee or ask for donations at the door. You can add simple demo stations like slime-making or baking soda volcanoes. 

This event blends creativity and education, giving everyone a reason to stop and explore.

Family Bingo & Raffle Evening

Set up tables, hand out cards, and run a few rounds of bingo. Offer small prizes for winners and raffle off donated items. 

You can charge per bingo card and sell extra cards at the door. It’s one of those easygoing family event ideas that keeps things low-stress and interactive.

Book Reading with Local Authors

Partner with local authors or storytellers to read kid-friendly books aloud. Host it at a library, bookstore, or school. Sell entry tickets or offer signed copies for a small donation. 

It’s calm, cozy, and a great way to bring books and community together—all while raising money for your cause.

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