Objective To explore the effect of virtual simulation in combination with volunteering applied in teaching "prevention of falls in the elderly" for undergraduate nursing students. Methods A total of 309 third year undergraduate nursing students were recruited. The chapter of "Falls in the elderly" of Geriatric Nursing was taught by using virtual simulation and volunteering, including pre-class online learning combined with virtual simulation, in-class flipped classroom pedagogy, and post-class voluntary service. Teaching effect was evaluated after the intervention. Results The median number of the use of virtual simulation by nursing students was 4（3,4）. Their test score was significantly higher compared with students enrolled in the previous year （P＜0.05）, the rates of achieving teaching objectives were 62.8%-93.9%, and 74.1%-94.8% of the participants reported that the teaching could facilitate their learning. Conclusion Virtual simulation in combination with volunteering could enhance teaching effect of "prevention of falls in the elderly" in undergraduate nursing students.