Kids don’t have to wait until they’re 16 to start making money. Whether they’re 5 years old or 12 years old, kids of all ages can earn real cash right now! It just takes some effort and a little imagination.
Whether it’s helping around the house, pitching in for a neighbor, or selling something, check out these 21 ways to make money as a kid.
How to Make Money as a Kid
1. Clean around the house.
Let’s talk chores. Our family doesn’t do allowances. We use a commission system: You work, you get paid. From taking out the trash to wiping down baseboards to mopping the floor, kids of all ages can do some housework.
Set clear expectations with a chore chart of household tasks and a dollar amount next to each one. This allows kids to be proactive about chores and keeps parents from having to nag them about what needs to get done.
Will they get everything as clean and shiny as you? Probably not . . . at first. But they’ll learn!
Pro tip: Keep chore payments to whole dollar or cent amounts—something simple the kids can add up quickly. And make it more than a dime! Those bigger amounts keep the kiddos motivated and excited to earn.
2. Do yard work.
In the fall, kids can help rake and bag up leaves. During the summer, they can weed the flowerbeds or water plants. After a storm, they can pick up the sticks that fell in your lawn.
Work together on different projects while you’re outside and soak in some vitamin D as a family.
3. Wash and clean out the car.
The littles can collect all the trash that’s piled up in your car. Or scrub lower parts of your vehicle, like the rims. Again, this is a great family chore because the older kids (and parents) can knock out the harder parts while the younger kids still have an important job to do.
4. Host a bake sale.
Let’s be clear—no one’s handing the oven over to a toddler. But for older kids who love being in the kitchen, this is such a fun way to learn and earn. With a little help from mom and dad, they can bake some goodies, package them up, and sell them to neighbors, friends at church or even your coworkers.
It’s not just about the cupcakes, either. They’re learning real-life business skills—like how to cover costs, price for a profit, and confidently share what they made. That’s a win-win: They get a taste of entrepreneurship, and you get to cheer them on every step of the way.
5. Set up a lemonade (or hot chocolate) stand.
It doesn’t get more classic than this. Parents can help kids plan their stand, shop for supplies, and calculate the cost of ingredients (don’t forget the cups!).
I actually used to run my own little snack shop when I was a kid, and now my kids have done the same with their own stands in our neighborhood. It’s a hands-on way to teach basic budgeting and how to talk to customers.
6. Have a garage sale.
Okay, yes—this one takes some extra effort from the grown-ups. But having a garage sale as a family is a great way for everyone to make some extra cash and declutter the house.
Kids can help gather toys, clothes or books they’ve outgrown and make their own “for sale” pile. They can also create price tags, decorate signs, and even run a small table with their own items. And parents can guide them through setting prices and making change.
Yard sales also teach kids that stuff is just stuff—and letting go can make room for something more valuable.
7. Recycle cans and bottles.
I know, recycling cans for cash sounds super old-school. But hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And kids think it’s fun! Do a quick Google search to see if your city offers paid recycling.
Kids can put up posters advertising that they’re collecting cans and bottles—and then set up collection bins in the neighborhood or community center. They can also ask about cleaning up after sports games and school events.Then just clean, sort and recycle!
Bonus: The more recycling you bring in, the cleaner the planet will be. Every little bit counts.
8. Help a parent with their side hustle.
Got a side hustle? Whether you run an Etsy shop, bake custom cookies, or sell handmade jewelry, see where your kid can jump in to help the business. Can they help assemble boxes, organize inventory, or insert thank-you notes?
I have a friend who makes earrings, and her kids cut out the earring cards, stamp her logo, and help her box up orders. They get a cut of sales and learn about money while everyone gets quality time together.
How to Make Money as a Teenager
9. Mow lawns.
Kids old enough to responsibly handle a lawnmower can get paid to maintain people’s yards. They can start with your yard or a neighbor’s, then branch out.
Mowing lawns teaches good time management and work ethic. And the great thing is, you can immediately see the results!
10. Pet sit or dog walk.
For animal-loving teens, pet sitting or dog walking is a perfect way for them to earn money while doing something they enjoy.
They can offer to feed pets, scoop litter, or take dogs on walks for busy neighbors or family friends. It builds trust and responsibility, all while getting in a little tail-wagging joy.
11. Tutor.
For students who are strong in a subject like math or writing, tutoring younger students is a great way to earn money while building confidence and communication skills.
They can advertise their services at school, church and homeschool groups and set their own rates (usually $10–15 an hour). Helping others learn isn’t just rewarding—it also teaches them how to be patient and encouraging.
12. Give lessons.
From music to sports to dance, talented teens can offer to teach these skills to younger kids. They can get the word out through their music teacher, coach or dance studio and take on clients in their free time.Teaching lets your teen grow their own abilities while helping others do the same.
13. Babysit.
Babysitting is a great first job for teens who love kids and want to earn some extra cash. They can start by offering to help families they already know—like neighbors, friends from church or coworkers with young kids.Even just a few hours on a weekend night adds up fast for extra cash! And if they’re consistent, it can become a pretty steady gig.
14. Make things to sell.
Kids who love to create can turn their hobbies into extra cash. Whether it’s friendship bracelets, handmade cards, stickers or custom art, they can sell their creations at school events, craft fairs or even online (with a parent’s help).
Plus, it’s a great way for teens to learn about money and use their creativity to bless others.
15. Teach an older adult how to use tech.
Many teens know their way around a smartphone, tablet or computer better than most grown-ups. And they can be a huge blessing to older adults who need a little help with their tech.
They can reach out to neighbors, churches or senior homes to see if anyone needs help setting up email, using FaceTime, or sharing photos. Teens can charge by the hour or offer a flat rate. Simple tech support goes a long way. And it’s not just about fixing a phone—it’s about connecting with a different generation.
16. Referee games.
Refereeing is a great way for sporty teens to stay active, earn money and build leadership skills. Local rec leagues or church sports teams often need help with younger kids’ games, and they usually offer training and a paycheck.
17. Be a camp counselor.
Whether it’s a church camp, sports camp or local day camp, serving as a camp counselor is a summer job packed with purpose.
Teens who enjoy working with kids and being outside can earn money while leading activities, solving problems and learning how to care for others. And it’s just plain fun!
18. Lifeguard.
Being a lifeguard is more than just sitting by the pool. It’s a serious job that builds leadership and quick decision-making skills. Teens who complete a lifeguard certification can earn steady summer income while keeping others safe.
19. Take photos.
Teens with an eye for photography can turn that skill into extra income by snapping pictures at birthday parties, senior photos for friends, or product shots for local small businesses.
You might need to take some photos for free first to build your portfolio. But there’s always someone who needs a good photo.
20. Help with parties or events.
Helping out at birthday parties, weddings or church events is a great way for teens and kids to earn money while learning how to serve others. They can offer to set up tables, decorate, refill snacks and drinks, or help clean up after the party.
Event hosts love having an extra set of hands. Plus, it helps kids build trust and work experience at the same time (and they might even get free cake!).
21. Get a part-time job (with an actual W-2).
In some states, teenagers can get a part-time job at age 14 (with limitations on hours and the kinds of work involved).1 Plenty of these options will work around their school schedule. Look for weekend and evening shifts or seasonal jobs during longer school breaks.
Check out grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, libraries or retail stores for a steadier paycheck. Also, places like Target, Home Depot, Chipotle and Chick-fil-A (and plenty more!) offer college scholarships if you stick with them for a couple years. Even better.
Making Money as a Kid: Parent Tips
Watch Out for Scams
Whether they’re selling something online, getting paid through an app, or looking for ways to earn money, it’s super important for kids to be careful. Scammers love to lure kids and teens with promises of easy money or fake job offers.
Here’s the general rule to tell your kids: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Never give out personal information like your address, phone number or bank info without checking with a parent first. Making money is awesome, but protecting yourself is more important.
Don’t Overcommit
It’s easy for kids to get excited about a new job, but it’s also important to be realistic. Taking on too many jobs at once can leave them stressed, overwhelmed or burned out (and that’s no fun for anyone).
Before they say yes to every opportunity, encourage them to take a moment to think: Do I actually have the time to do this well? It’s better to do a few things with excellence than to stretch yourself too thin. Learning to manage a schedule is just as valuable as learning to manage money!
Be Honest and Communicate Clearly
When working for someone, it’s super important that kids and teens are honest about what they can do and when they can do it. If they make a promise, they should follow through. And if they can’t finish something on time, they need to speak up early.
Good communication builds trust, and trust keeps people coming back as customers. Being clear, kind and up-front is just as valuable as doing the job itself. And it’s a habit that will pay off for the rest of their life.
Track Earnings
When kids start making money, it’s important they learn to not just spend it without a plan. Whether they’re babysitting, mowing lawns or selling bracelets, they need to keep track of what they earn and where their money goes—and the best way to do that is with a budget.
A budget is simply a plan for your money. And when kids learn to budget, they start building good money habits that will stick with them for life.
Kids and teens can track their money in a notebook or on their phones. Or, as a parent, you can use the EveryDollar app to make it easier.
It’s never too early for kids to learn how to make and manage their money well. Help them pick an idea so they can start earning. And don’t forget to have fun!
