Today, we’ll show you the best (and easiest) ways on how to make money as a kid. From reselling golf balls to starting your own small business, we’ve got you covered!
Kids are always looking for creative and innovative ways to make money to buy their favorite toys or treat.
But it’s not just about pocket money for the latest games or toys. It’s about laying the groundwork for financial savvy and entrepreneurial spirit that can last a lifetime. From understanding the value of hard work to learning the basics of financial management, the journey starts here.
There are a lot of different ways to make money as a kid, but not all of them are easy and legitimate.
Here are some easy ways for kids to make money fast that don’t require much work. Remember that the more work you put in, the more money you will make, but these methods are a good start!
This is just the post to equip them with multiple skills and ventures on how they could go about making money as a kid with minimal effort. Read on to learn more!
Safety Tips: Always remember, safety first! Always work with a parent or guardian’s approval, especially for online activities or when interacting with the community. Whether you’re walking dogs or selling crafts online, keeping safe is paramount.
Best Ways for Kids to Make Money
Making money can seem tricky when you’re just starting – especially if you’re still a kid!
But there are plenty of ways how to make money as a kid quickly and easily if you know where to look. Here are the best of them
1. Help A Neighbour Clean up Leaves
There are ways kids can make money that doesn’t involve leaving the neighbourhood. If your neighbourhood looks like a place from a horror film, there’s an opportunity to make some cash.
Kids can rake leaves and bag them. In turn, they charge per bag of leaves picked up or an hourly rate for raking them all together.
The quantity of leaves is an important factor in how much they charge.
If there are just a few leaves to pick up, they shouldn’t charge someone per bag or hourly rate but offer it for free as a neighbourhood favour.
Actionable Tips:
- Advertise services with homemade flyers in mailboxes or on local community boards.
- Offer package deals, like a fall clean-up special, to increase earnings.
Potential Earnings: $5-$10 per hour or $20-$50 per yard, depending on size and leaf quantity.
2. Mowing Lawn For The Neighbours
If the neighbourhood looks in better shape than the one mentioned in #1, kids can mow the lawn for neighbours.
Most of us pay people to do this task, so it would be nice if someone offered their services.
Depending on how big or small the yard is, they can charge per hour or by the size by measuring it.
They should ask for their parents’ permission before approaching anyone.
Actionable Tips:
- Create a regular schedule for clients to ensure steady work through the growing season.
- Offer additional services like edging and weed pulling for an extra charge.
Potential Earnings: $20-$40 per lawn, varying with yard size and job complexity.
3. Babysitting For Neighbours
Kids can start a babysitting service where they offer ways to make money by taking care of younger siblings or kids in the neighbourhood from time to time.
Depending on how many kids, you can make good money.
Kids can put up fliers letting other moms and dads in the neighbourhood know they’re available to babysit.
Even though playing with other people’s children isn’t always an easy task, it can be rewarding, and they could make some cash while having fun.
Depending on the age of the children, there are ways to make money while babysitting. You can charge parents an hourly rate during nights and weekends.
Actionable Tips:
- Get a basic first aid certification to increase trust and potentially charge more.
- Create a fun “Babysitter’s Kit” with games, activities, and crafts to stand out.
Potential Earnings: $10-$20 per hour, higher for late nights or multiple children.
4. Mother’s Helper
Mothers are multitaskers, and they manage so many things alone at the same time.
But there comes the point sometimes when parents just can’t do it all.
Sometimes extra things need to be done around the house, like vacuuming or washing dishes.
Kids can make money by becoming a mother’s helper, assisting with house chores, and earning some cash for their efforts.
Potential Earnings: Depends on your negotiation skills.
5. Start A Lemonade Stand
This is one of the most traditional ways to make money as a kid. Kids can set up shop in their front yard and sell lemonade for 25 cents to one dollar per glass.
Depending on how many kids participate, they can charge per cup or container.
A good idea would be to normalize the price so someone doesn’t feel like they’re being charged too much for something that should be worthless.
Especially in summer, it is a good hustle for kids to make extra money.
Actionable Tips:
- Set up near local events or parks for higher traffic.
- Offer a “refill” discount to encourage repeat customers.
Potential Earnings: $20-$100 in a day, depending on location and foot traffic.
6. Give A Walking Tour In The Neighbourhood
Kids can start a walking tour in their neighbourhood and charge per head.
They could ask new people in the area to compensate for transportation costs and charge them for the tour.
Kids can make a map of their neighbourhood and highlight interesting spots like parks, playgrounds, libraries, community pools and more.
They could also create an itinerary that helps earn money while having fun.
Actionable Tips:
- Research interesting historical facts about your neighbourhood to share.
- Offer themed tours, like Halloween ghost tours or holiday lights tours.
Potential Earnings: $5-$10 per person, with group rates available.
7. Set Up A Crayon Stand By The Street
Kids can sell crayons and stationery from a stand on the sidewalk. When they set up shop, parents of younger kids will be relieved.
Their children can do some colouring without following them around the entire day.
All they need is a table, chair and display where they can put their products.
Actionable Tips:
- Bundle crayons with coloring books for a higher price point.
- Offer “custom” packs where customers can pick their colors.
Potential Earnings: $1-$5 per pack, with potential for more with bundled options.
8. Work As A Groundskeeper In The Neighbourhood
Many people would love to have someone who takes care of their garden without asking for it.
Kids can set up ways to earn money by offering ways to keep gardens clean and weed-free.
Depending on how big the yards are, they could charge per hour or offer a one-time deal where they just need to come once a week or so, depending on the season.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer seasonal services, like snow removal in winter or leaf disposal in fall.
- Partner with local gardening stores for referrals.
Potential Earnings: $10-$30 per hour, depending on services offered.
9. Water Plants In Their Neighbourhood
As a kid, there are ways to make money by helping people keep their gardens watered.
Kids can start a business where they water plants in the neighbourhood.
All they need is some kind of backpack through which they’ll be able to carry water with them on their way to clients’ houses.
They could stop by 6-10 houses per day before returning home.
Actionable Tips:
- Create watering schedules for clients going on vacation.
- Offer plant care advice as an additional service.
Potential Earnings: $5-$15 per visit, with package deals for extended trips.
10. Cleaning Business
Kids can start a business where they clean homes in their neighbourhood, or even just one house that belongs to someone who’d appreciate the help.
All they need is permission from parents, a backpack with cleaning products and ways to earn money by offering a discounted price for first-timers.
You can offer different services like furniture cleaning etc.
Actionable Tips:
- Specialize in eco-friendly cleaning methods to appeal to environmentally conscious clients.
- Offer a “deep clean” service for an additional fee.
Potential Earnings: $15-$50 per house, depending on size and services required.
11. Walk Pets
Kids love dogs and cats, and they always play with them.
Along with this playing, kids can make money by being pet walkers.
They could charge per hour or per day, depending on different things. If they don’t feel like they can handle a particular dog or cat, they shouldn’t take them out for walks.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer a loyalty program (e.g., every 10 walks, get one free).
- Provide pet sitting services for clients on vacation for an additional charge.
Potential Earnings: $10-$20 per walk, higher for multiple pets or additional services.
12. Resell Golf Balls
This is a way to make money as a kid idea that could require some finding in the bushes.
Kids can either buy used golf balls or find lost balls in golf courses and resell them to people who play the game and would like to save up on their purchases.
Especially kids who live near golf courses can do this business for extra money.
Golf balls are expensive, and if someone can find new like balls at half the price they will love to take that deal.
Actionable Tips:
- Sort balls by brand and condition for tiered pricing.
- Offer deals for buying in bulk.
Potential Earnings: 25 cents to $1 per ball, higher for premium brands.
13. Flipping Products on eBay
If your kids are a little older, they may be able to use their tech skills for this type of work.
eBay is a popular place where people list items they no longer need, and others bid for them.
Sellers can make significant profits from selling these products on eBay by simply buying them at a low price and reselling them for more.
Creating an account on eBay is fast and easy, so kids can start buying products that they will be able to sell.
They need to like the thrill of bidding for their product or find ways to get bulk deals at low prices.
Many people sell items in bundles to make it easier, but there are ways around this. Kids can list their items for sale by inserting the best price or including free shipping.
Actionable Tips:
- Focus on a niche market to build expertise and a customer base.
- Learn to take high-quality photos to make listings more appealing.
Potential Earnings: Varies widely; 50%-100% markup on cost is common.
14. Selling Arts and Crafts
If your kids are crafty, they can earn extra cash by selling their arts and crafts.
This is popular at local markets or online when parents look for ways to keep their children busy during weekends.
Selling these crafts doesn’t require a lot of investment, but the time may be more expensive because it will take hours to create one product.
Different online marketplaces can be used to sell these products, and many of them allow young entrepreneur to set up their free account.
One example is Etsy, where people from all over the world sign up to advertise their handmade items.
Actionable Tips:
- Utilize social media to showcase creations and attract buyers.
- Offer custom commissions for a higher price.
Potential Earnings: $5-$50 per item, depending on complexity and materials.
15. Sell Handmade Treats At School
If your kids excel in the kitchen, they may love cooking treats at home and selling them at school. Kids can bring these baked goods after cooking with their parents or even find ways to get supplies for this at low prices.
There are ways that kids can find ways to get discounts for the ingredients they need and ways they can advertise these treats by word of mouth.
This idea can work well as a family project if you have more than one child.
People will pay kids who bake delicious treats for parties or get-togethers. Kids will need a designated area where buyers can pick up their cupcakes, cookies and other yummy desserts.
When selling homemade goods, kids should ensure that it is always safe for people to eat by following proper food safety guidelines.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer pre-order options for holidays and special events.
- Include ingredient lists for allergen-aware parents.
Potential Earnings: $0.50-$2 per treat, with volume discounts for large orders.
16. Trash Can Service
This is an excellent way for kids to make money, and this method doesn’t involve selling anything.
Kids can do this by having them take out the trash in exchange for some money, and it can be combined with a recycling service.
By doing this, kids will learn ways they can reduce the trash from home and ways they can make money from this simple task.
Kids can advertise their service in the locality or go door to door to ask if they need help with their trash.
This is a great way for them to earn money without having to do anything outside their neighbourhood.
They should also keep themselves safe by carrying bags that do not leak and wearing gloves when they touch the waste.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer to clean and disinfect bins for an additional fee.
- Promote a weekly or bi-weekly pickup schedule for consistency.
Potential Earnings: $3-$5 per trash can; cleaning could add another $5-$10 per bin.
17. Start A Folding Business
Folding clothes is a classic way for kids to make money, and there are ways they can do this at home, even with handheld tools.
If you have a child who loves doing work around the house, it may be an excellent task for them to start making money as a kid.
Kids can start their own folding business in the neighbourhood, or they may even have ways to create a plan with their friends.
Actionable Tips:
- Provide a “same-day” folding service for a premium.
- Bundle with laundry services if you have access to a washer and dryer.
Potential Earnings: $0.10-$0.25 per item folded, with potential package deals for families.
18. Create A Personal Website
Creating a personal website is an excellent way for kids to make money, and it involves ways they can put their skills to use.
Kids can set up a basic website using tools like WordPress, which allows them to create ways of earning money by selling digital products or affiliate links.
If your child has experience with graphic design, this could be a good way for them to get started with ways of making money quickly.
Actionable Tips:
- Use free tutorials to learn basic SEO and improve site visibility.
- Include a blog section to share knowledge and attract visitors.
Potential Earnings: Varies greatly; affiliate marketing and advertisements can generate $100-$1000+ per month depending on traffic.
19. Doing Chores in Home for Money
This is an excellent way to make money as a kid because it’s a simple task that doesn’t require a lot of effort.
Parents can use this as a positive method for teaching their children how they can earn money.
Kids can help their parents with little tasks like dishwashing, cleaning etc. and make money doing it.
Parents also get help, and kids get incentives to work in the form of some cash.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer a monthly subscription model for unlimited chores.
- Create a menu of chores with set prices for easy selection.
Potential Earnings: $5-$15 per chore, with subscription models bringing in $50-$100 per month.
20. Sell Your Own Creations
Kids love making money, and ways of getting cash in school can be creative. They may even sell their creations to classmates, allowing them to earn money by making something themselves.
Creative kids who love drawing can sell their art for money.
This is just one way to put your child’s skills to good use and how they can make money by selling things they create themselves.
This may be something as simple as drawings or digital products.
Actionable Tips:
- Use social media to showcase your work and accept custom orders.
- Attend local craft fairs or markets to sell your creations.
Potential Earnings: $5-$100+ per piece, depending on the item and complexity.
21. Set Up a Car Wash
This is a great way for kids to make money, especially in the summertime during the school holidays.
By setting up a car wash in their neighbourhood, they can earn money quickly with ways that are easy to get money fast.
Kids need basic supplies like cleaning clothes and detergents to start. If you have a portable vacuum at home, that can help you in this new job.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer detailing services for an extra charge.
- Partner with local businesses for a pop-up car wash event.
Potential Earnings: $10-$30 per car; detailing can add $50-$150 per vehicle.
22. Deliver Newspaper
One of the easiest ways to make money as a kid is by doing simple tasks. Your child can make money as a kid by delivering newspapers in their neighbourhood.
This has been one of the first jobs as a kid for many people.
You can contact your local newspaper distributors if they need your services.
You need to get up early and deliver newspapers door to door before people get up. This also put in kids a good habit of early rising.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer to place newspapers directly on doorsteps or inside screen doors for added convenience.
- Bundle this service with other morning tasks, like dog walking, for additional income.
Potential Earnings: $50-$150 per month, depending on route size and additional services.
23. Start A Business
If your kid is good at something, they could start a small business.
For example, if their friend has a younger sibling who would be interested in having them babysit, you could encourage your kid to start charging for this service.
You can then help them create an ad or website that outlines the services they offer and what other people have to say about them.
Actionable Tips:
- Conduct a market analysis to find a niche with high demand.
- Start small to manage risks and learn as you grow.
Potential Earnings: Highly variable; could start from a few dollars to several hundred per month as the business grows.
24. Mail Service
If your kid is old enough to sort the mail, they can help deliver it.
Some kids might find it boring or difficult to do all on their own, but they can do it if they want to make some extra money.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer a package receiving and holding service for neighbors who shop online frequently.
- Provide mail forwarding for people on vacation.
Potential Earnings: $1-$5 per package or mail piece, with monthly subscriptions for ongoing services.
25. Garage Sale
A garage sale is a standard way for kids to make money, but it’s still relevant today.
It’s easy to find things you no longer need and turn them into money.
You probably don’t have enough things to sell in an independent garage sale, so try pooling with other kids in the neighbourhood who might be interested in doing the same thing.
This is a great way to make some money and have fun with friends together.
Actionable Tips:
- Use social media to advertise your garage sale ahead of time.
- Offer bundle deals to move more items.
Potential Earnings: $100-$500+ for a weekend, depending on the quantity and quality of items sold.
26. Tutoring
If your kid is good at a subject, they could provide tutoring services to other kids in school.
This may be more relevant for older kids, but even if your kid isn’t advanced in math or science, it might still be possible for them to tutor younger students.
They can earn money by helping other kids understand their homework or prepare for tests.
Actionable Tips:
- Use video conferencing tools to offer remote tutoring sessions.
- Create study guides or practice tests as additional resources for sale.
Potential Earnings: $15-$50 per hour, depending on subject matter and level of expertise.
27. Farmer’s Market Stand
A farmer’s market stand is a great way to sell things in a place where you don’t have to pay rent or transportation costs.
Vendors often set up in the morning and be done by early afternoon.
You can also use this time as a learning experience for your kid by teaching them about money and how to be a successful businessperson.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer samples to attract customers.
- Bundle products for deals (e.g., 3 for the price of 2).
Potential Earnings: $50-$200 per market day, depending on product and foot traffic.
28. Shovel Snow from Driveways/Sidewalks
If the weather permits, this is a great way for kids to make money.
Shovelling snow can be difficult for some older people with back problems, so they may come knocking at your door asking if you could do it for them.
Parents of younger kids are willing to pay someone else to clear the snow off their driveway and sidewalks to protect their kids and the cars.
If you are strong enough to do the job, you can start making some serious cash on snowy days.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer pre-season contracts for guaranteed work throughout the winter.
- Include salt application as an additional service.
Potential Earnings: $25-$75 per driveway, depending on size and snowfall.
29. Window Washer
This one works best for teenagers. Start by making a deal with your neighbour that they will pay you in advance to wash their windows on the inside and outside of the house.
It may take some time before someone needs you, but it can be a great way to make money if they need your services.
If you are strong enough to do this work, you can have regular clients where you go every month or a couple of months to wash windows and get paid.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer interior and exterior window cleaning packages.
- Create a referral program to encourage word-of-mouth marketing.
Potential Earnings: $50-$150 per house, depending on the number of windows and difficulty.
30. Recycling
If you and your kids live in an area where recycling is available, this can be a great way to make money.
Kids may be unable to sort the trash by themselves, so they will need some help from adults with this one.
You can then take whatever they collect and sell it as scrap metal or plastic that might otherwise end up as garbage.
Actionable Tips:
- Organize community recycling drives for larger volumes of materials.
- Educate neighbors on what can be recycled for a small consulting fee.
Potential Earnings: $0.05-$0.10 per can or bottle; larger volumes can significantly increase total earnings.
31. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is an easy way for kids to make money online above the age of 13 years.
It’s a large community of users where people get rewards for completing tasks like taking surveys, watching videos, shopping through the site, trying out products and more.
The ways to earn money online are not limited to what’s on this list, but these ways are kid-friendly and easy ways to make money.
The ways to earn quickly change frequently, but you can also refer your friends and family to join, which will boost your account balance even faster!
They offer cash-out options like PayPal and gift cards, and it’s free to join.
Actionable Tips:
- Maximize earnings by setting daily goals for activity on the site.
- Refer friends and family to earn a percentage of their earnings.
Potential Earnings: $10-$100+ per month, depending on time invested and referral activity.
32. Create Photobooks for Others
This is a great way for kids to show off their photography skills.
One of the ways that they can use their creativity while making money is by putting together photo albums.
They could focus on family, vacations, special events, or swim meets. Kids can take photos and put them in an album with prints so others can purchase the album.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer themed photobooks, such as vacations, weddings, or baby’s first year.
- Partner with local photographers for referrals.
Potential Earnings: $50-$200+ per photobook, depending on complexity and design.
33. Holiday Decorator
When Christmas is right around the corner, it’s time to deck out the house for the holiday season.
Kids can be hired as decorating assistants and gift wrappers by people who need help setting up their homes and getting ready to host family and friends.
Kids could also find ways to earn money by wrapping gifts for customers at a kiosk or for their families and neighbours.
They can help set up the lighting, and when the holidays are over, kids can offer service to take off decorations for money.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer off-season storage of decorations as an additional service.
- Create customizable decoration packages for different budgets.
Potential Earnings: $100-$500+ per project, depending on scale and services provided.
34. Pet Grooming
Owners of dogs and cats pay professional groomers for their expertise.
Kids can be trained to bathe, brush and clean the hair around a pet’s eyes and ears to keep them looking and feeling their best.
They can also learn how to clip nails and offer these services in neighbourhoods for money.
If you do a good job, many people can become your regular clients, giving you regular money earning opportunities.
You can find such opportunities at websites like Care.com.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer a mobile grooming service to groom pets at the client’s home.
- Provide loyalty discounts to regular customers.
Potential Earnings: $30-$100 per pet, depending on services performed.
35. Carpet Cleaning
With a few supplies, kids can help people clean carpets around the house. They will need a vacuum cleaner and a shampooer to apply carpet cleaning solutions in an area.
After applying the cleaning fluid, they will have to remove it using a hand tool.
To make this job more profitable, kids can cut out coupons to offer customers a discount or an incentive for them to come back.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer eco-friendly cleaning solutions as a unique selling point.
- Create maintenance packages for regular cleanings at a discounted rate.
Potential Earnings: $50-$200 per cleaning, depending on the area and type of cleaning.
36. Power Washing Homes
Power washing is the best way to clean siding, driveways and anything that can withstand high pressure.
Bigger kids can power wash windows of homes, decks, patios and more in their neighbourhood.
They will need a full face mask, so the water doesn’t get into their eyes or mouth. They will also need protective clothing, so they do not get soaked.
Actionable Tips:
- Target specific neighborhoods with door-to-door flyers offering your services.
- Bundle power washing with window cleaning for an all-around home exterior package.
Potential Earnings: $50-$300 per job, depending on the size of the area and additional services.
37. Computer Troubleshooting
Computer technicians can earn thousands of dollars each month updating software, replacing parts and fixing any problems that people have with their computers.
Since many seniors don’t know how to use computers effectively, kids can help troubleshoot common issues for customers around their area or teach users how to navigate the web more efficiently using online tutorials.
They should be cautious about handling customers’ private information and show them how to protect their accounts.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer remote troubleshooting services via video call.
- Provide basic computer training sessions for seniors or beginners.
Potential Earnings: $20-$50 per job, depending on complexity and length of service.
38. Refereeing
People will pay referees to oversee sporting events between kids in the neighbourhood, such as soccer or pick-up basketball games.
Kids can learn the rules of each sport so they can officiate matches.
They should always be fair when it comes to their decisions and have a whistle or a stopwatch so they can keep track of time.
Actionable Tips:
- Get certified in multiple sports to increase your marketability.
- Offer to referee for local leagues and tournaments, not just pick-up games.
Potential Earnings: $15-$50 per game, depending on the sport and level of play.
39. Rent Your Things
Kids can earn money by renting their belongings to families or friends for a special occasions.
They can collect footballs, baseball bats and helmets, so they are ready when they are asked to use them.
They will need an agreement with the people who borrow the equipment that it is returned in good condition.
This way, kids can make money for new equipment and know that their things will earn them money.
Actionable Tips:
- Create an online catalog of items available for rent.
- Offer delivery and pickup services for an additional fee.
Potential Earnings: $10-$100 per rental, depending on the item and rental duration.
40. Door Hanger
Door hangers are a great way to advertise a product or a service for someone who wants to make more sales.
Kids can make a door hanger using colourful paper and images representing what is advertised. They then attach it to the front doors of homes in their neighbourhood with tape or string.
Kids can experiment with ways to make their door hanger stand out by adding stickers, glitter or crayon drawings.
They can also charge people extra for delivery if they offer a service that needs to be given in person. Or kids can just hang already made hangers by the company and charge for that.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer custom design services for the door hangers.
- Target local businesses for bulk orders.
Potential Earnings: $0.10-$1 per hanger, depending on design and quantity.
41. Teaching Others How to Dance
People will pay instructors who know different types of dance techniques.
Kids who are good at dancing or have taken classes can teach others in their neighbourhood how to make different moves comfortably.
Kids should always be encouraging when it comes to dance and ensure everyone is having fun.
Actionable Tips:
- Use social media to showcase dance moves and attract students.
- Offer group discounts to encourage friends to sign up together.
Potential Earnings: $10-$50 per hour, depending on experience and group size.
42. Taking Apart Christmas Trees
People who buy pre-lit Christmas trees often need someone to take the branches apart and store them for storage after the holidays.
If kids want to charge for this task, they should be sure they help the customer has all of the pieces packed up and ready to go so that it goes quickly.
Kids who take their time will not get paid as much as those who work fast and get the job done right.
These ways for kids to make money fast can help them build a strong business sense that will serve them well as they age.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer to dispose of the tree in an eco-friendly way for an additional charge.
- Bundle services with post-holiday cleanup packages.
Potential Earnings: $10-$30 per tree, with extra for disposal and cleanup services.
43. Shoe Shining
People will pay to have their shoes shined. Kids can use shoe polish and a cleaning cloth to make dirty shoes shine like new again.
Before starting this business venture, they may need to find ways to earn money to buy the necessary tools.
Kids can offer their services at busy places where people attend offices or meetings. They will find more clients and make more money as a kid at such places.
Actionable Tips:
- Set up a small shoe shine stand at busy locations like train stations or malls.
- Offer subscription services for regular customers.
Potential Earnings: $5-$10 per shine, depending on the location and clientele.
44. Selling Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Kids can make money by selling delicious spaghetti sauce using their mother’s recipes.
Kids can experiment with ways to earn money, like asking friends and neighbours if they would like free samples or paying for ingredients by babysitting younger siblings.
They should always be ready to tell people how long they should keep the food in the refrigerator before it is eaten.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer taste tests at local farmers’ markets to build a customer base.
- Create a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes.
Potential Earnings: $5-$10 per jar, depending on size and ingredients.
45. Selling Homemade Popsicles
People will pay kids who make homemade popsicles using a freezer and a mould.
The most popular flavours are fruit, but kids can also experiment with other combinations.
Parents should inspect the moulds and ensure that they are dishwasher safe before kids use them, then supervise kids when it is time to place the popsicles in the freezer.
Actionable Tips:
- Use organic or unique ingredients to stand out.
- Sell at local events or parks on hot days for increased sales.
Potential Earnings: $1-$3 per popsicle, with potential bulk sales for events.
46. Painting Jobs
Children may do this type of work as young as five years old.
You can find ways to get the homeowners in your area to ask for help, then convince them that you are capable of doing a good job.
This will also give your child some valuable lessons on better communication skills with others.
Kids can do paint jobs on railings, some woodwork or as per client requirements, and the place should be reachable for a kid.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer to paint small items or furniture as a start.
- Display before-and-after photos to showcase your work.
Potential Earnings: $50-$200 per project, depending on the complexity and materials.
47. Cleaning Boats
An easy way to make money as a kid that lives near waters.
Find ways to contact boat owners and ask how you can be of assistance.
You can clean their boats and make money for it. If your child is old enough, they may also be able to help the boat owner with their fishing trips.
Actionable Tips:
- Advertise at local marinas or boat clubs.
- Offer eco-friendly cleaning products as an upsell.
Potential Earnings: $50-$150 per boat, varying by size and condition.
48. Helping Out Senior citizen
Because kids have time during the day, they can help older adults in their neighbourhood who need someone to run errands or clean up.
If you know an elderly person in your community who needs some help, you can ask if they would like a helping hand.
If you are interested in earning money too, you may also want to take advantage of this opportunity!
Actionable Tips:
- Offer tech help, such as setting up devices or teaching how to use them.
- Bundle services like grocery shopping, cleaning, and companionship.
Potential Earnings: $10-$20 per hour, depending on services offered.
49. Copper Wire Recycling
Copper wire recycling is a great way to teach kids about ways that they can save the world and make money doing it.
It is straightforward, and all you need to do is gather copper wires together and sell them to scrap yards near you so they can be recycled for money.
You don’t have to worry about what types of wires because it does not matter if they’re still in good condition or completely ruined; all that matters is that they are made of copper because this will help the environment and make you money.
Actionable Tips:
- Collect wires from local repair shops or community dumps with permission.
- Learn to strip insulation for higher payouts.
Potential Earnings: Prices vary with copper market rates; could be $1-$3 per pound.
50. House Sitting
Not only does house sitting make you money, but there are also many benefits to it.
House sitters get free accommodation and sometimes use the amenities in the owner’s house, such as pools and spas. Also, you get to live in a home for free!
If you’re unsure how to start house sitting, just go online and look through the different websites that offer this type of service.
You can also ask your friends if they know someone looking for house sitters since sometimes it’s easier to find ways by word of mouth.
Most house-sitting opportunities will not be available for kids, but in a few cases where owners need someone to water plants, hiring a kid as a homesitter can be cheaper.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer additional services like plant watering, pet care, or daily mail collection.
- Create a trustworthy profile on house-sitting websites.
Potential Earnings: $25-$50 per day, higher with added responsibilities.
51. Start a YouTube Channel
It’s easier than ever to gain exposure and start a following on YouTube. If your kid wants to make money quickly, this is the perfect way for them to do it.
For one, you don’t need any equipment because all they need is a camera and some creativity.
If your kids want to start with YouTube, you can accompany them, so they have someone to guide them along the way.
The first step is for your kid to come up with a name for their channel. When they have that figured out, all they need to do is start uploading content and building an audience by engaging and interacting with other YouTubers.
Actionable Tips:
- Focus on a niche you’re passionate about to attract a dedicated audience.
- Collaborate with other YouTubers for cross-promotion.
Potential Earnings: Varies widely; could start with $1-$20 per 1000 views after monetization.
52. Sell Old Clothes
Who knew that the clothes we no longer use could still be valuable? Because kids have many old items, they can sell them to stores and other outlets that may buy them cheaply.
If you want to encourage your kid to recycle their extra things, this is a great way to start earning money at an early age.
The first thing to do is check out online places or a local thrift store and see if they are interested in what your kids have to sell. You can take it from there and try to negotiate a price with them.
If you want your kids to earn money fast, this is the best way to do it because they can sell their clothes for a price that will allow them to buy something they’ve been wanting.
Actionable Tips:
- Organize clothes by season for timely sales.
- Use apps like Poshmark or Depop to reach a wider audience.
Potential Earnings: $5-$100+ per item, depending on brand and condition.
53. Sell Pokemon Cards
Kids love to collect cards. If you have some rare Pokemon cards or a bunch of cards, you can make pretty good cash selling them.
There is a huge market for selling Pokemon cards.
Many websites help you sell Pokemon cards, or you can even try in local stores to sell them.
You might hit the jackpot if you have some ultrarare Pokemon cards in your collection.
Actionable Tips:
- Grade valuable cards to increase their selling price.
- Use online forums or social media groups to find buyers.
Potential Earnings: $1-$1000+ per card, highly variable based on rarity and condition.
Related: Best places to sell Sports cards and Yugioh cards for cash!
54. Recycle Aluminum Cans
For every aluminium can you recycle, you get a few cents. Not only is this a great way to teach kids how to help the environment, but it’s also a great way for them to earn money quickly.
There are usually ways that companies will buy these cans from you depending on how much the weight of the items is.
All you have to do is start looking for ways to find cans and sort them, and you can earn money from recycling these cans.
Actionable Tips:
- Set up collection bins at local businesses with their permission.
- Organize can drives in your community.
Potential Earnings: About $0.50 per pound, depending on local recycling rates.
55. Tile Grout Cleaner
If your kids have time on their hands, they can easily make money by being tile grout cleaners.
There are ways that they can do this, either through word of mouth or through the power of social media.
It is one of the jobs that people don’t like to do. If you are ok with doing this work, you can make good money as a kid.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer free demonstrations to show the effectiveness of your service.
- Create service bundles for entire home tile cleaning.
Potential Earnings: $100-$300 per job, depending on the area size.
56. Make Dog Treats
If your children are skilled in ways that they can cook or bake, then this is a good way for them to earn money.
All you have to do is find ways on how kids can make their dog treats and sell them.
That’s all you need to accomplish because once you have mastered making these treats, you can start giving out free samples. If your treats are good, more people will come to you to buy them.
Actionable Tips:
- Offer customized treats for dogs with dietary restrictions.
- Package treats in gift baskets for holidays or special occasions.
Potential Earnings: $5-$20 per package, with potential for more with customization.
57. Give Swim Lessons
This is a great opportunity to help teach younger kids than you how to swim. If you love swimming and master the art of swimming, then you can teach others how to do it.
Many parents pay good money so that their kids can learn to swim.
You can have fun swimming and teach for cash at the same time.
Actionable Tips:
- Get certified as a swim instructor to increase credibility.
- Offer package deals for multiple lessons.
Potential Earnings: $20-$50 per lesson, depending on certification and experience.
58. Birthday Party Helper
Do you have a knack for organizing parties? This is the perfect opportunity to earn extra money in your free time!
All you need to do is help parents plan their kid’s birthday party.
You can even ask them what theme they want and start planning early on; that way, you can build up a good reputation.
Actionable Tips:
- Create themed party packages for easy selection by parents.
- Offer to handle invitations and thank-you notes as part of your service.
Potential Earnings: $50-$200 per party, depending on services provided.
59. Run A Pony Rides Business
Pony rides are always a favourite at parties.
Many parents will love this idea, especially if they don’t have the time to do it themselves.
The best part is that you don’t even need any animals yourself! You can find people with ponies and charge them for bringing your business to them.
Actionable Tips:
- Ensure all ponies are well-cared for, friendly, and safe for children.
- Offer photo packages as an add-on.
Potential Earnings: $100-$500+ per event, depending on duration and additional services.
60. Sell Old Toys and Games At a Yard Sale or Online
Selling things at a yard sale is easy for kids to make quick, hard cash.
You can list the item on Craigslist, put it on Facebook Marketplace, or even just get a sign and have them buy directly from you at your yard sale.
If you have more toys than you know what to do with, then consider selling them online. eBay is great for this since it’s easy to log in any time of the day or night and sell something.
Actionable Tips:
- Clean and repair items to improve their selling price.
- Offer bundles of toys for a discounted rate.
Potential Earnings: $1-$50+ per item, highly dependent on rarity and condition.
61. Work for Your Parent’s Business
Child labour laws are stringent, so you can not take regular jobs. But there are exceptions, like you can work for your parent’s business if it is not dangerous.
If your parents own some business, you can help them and learn a few things at a young age while making money as a kid.
Actionable Tips:
- Learn various aspects of the business to be versatile.
- Offer to take on social media management or other online tasks.
Potential Earnings: Varies by business; could be an allowance or a set hourly wage.
Start Making Money as a Kid to Get a Head Start
One of the best things about being a kid is having so much free time, which opens up many opportunities to make money.
Whether it’s babysitting, doing chores or selling lemonade, there are plenty of ways for young people to start making some cash from their skills and talents in a fun way.
All these jobs give a sense of freedom and responsibility. They also teach about finances at a young age.
Always follow ground rules set by your family and do not take hazardous or risky jobs that are not allowed.
So there you have it – a complete list of ways to make money as a kid. Hopefully, one (or more) of these options works well for you and helps supplement your allowance or summer job income.
Let me know in the comments which one is your favourite! Which one sounds like something you might want to try?
Sumeet is founder of MoneyFromSideHustle and an experienced side hustler who replaced his full-time income with side hustles. His work has been quoted on major finance websites like CNBC, Yahoo! Finance, GOBankingRates, MSN, Nasdaq, AOL, and more. He has helped thousands of people find side hustles and is here to help you find your extra source of income. More about him.