The summer holidays are a great time for kids to earn and save some extra money. GoHenry’s latest Youth Economy Report highlights the fact that summer is the time of year when kids and teens are likely to earn the most money. If you're wondering how to make money as a kid in the summer, you're in luck. We've put together a list of 13 great ideas to help your children earn and save money this summer! From odd jobs to creative ideas, there is something for everyone.
Our top ways to make money in the summer as a kid
- Help with gardens
- Walk dogs
- Pet sitting
- Help seniors
- Wash cars
- Tutor younger children
- Babysitting
- Sell crafts
- Window cleaning
- Selling unused items
- Run a lemonade stand
- Do extra chores
- Get a part-time summer job
Help with gardens
Difficulty score: Hard
There are several ways your children can help people with their gardens, some more skilled than others. There is always something that needs to be done, from lawn mowing to watering plants, raking leaves, and even pulling weeds. Your kids can put up flyers in your local area or ask people if they need help. This is a great way to make some money and get some exercise at the same time.
Walk dogs
Difficulty score: Medium
Do your children love spending time with dogs? Well, the good news is that they could get paid for it! Walking dogs is a great way for kids to earn some extra money. They can walk one dog or multiple dogs at a time. This is a great option if they're looking for something that is enjoyable and doesn't take up too much of their time. Just make sure to teach your kids to be safe when walking dogs, never leave the dogs alone, and have a supply of poo bags at hand.
Pet sitting
Difficulty score: Easy
If your children love animals, but walking dogs isn't their thing, they can always pet sit. This is a great way for kids to make extra money and spend time with animals. They can offer to pet sit for friends, family, or even neighbours. Ensure that they are comfortable with the animal, have everything they need to take care of them and are available for the dates they are needed.
Help seniors
Difficulty score: Medium
There are many ways for kids to help seniors and make some money at the same time. Your children can offer to help with food shopping, vacuuming, or even helping out with tasks on the computer. This is a great way for them to make some money and help out those in the community.
Wash neighbours' cars
Difficulty score: Medium
One of the easiest ways to make money as a child is washing neighbours' cars. This is a great option if your child is looking for something that doesn't require them to work at fixed times, and it's also a great way to get to know your neighbours.
Tutor younger children
Difficulty score: Hard
If your child is looking for a way to make money and help others, tutoring younger children is a great option. They can offer tuition to children in your neighbourhood or even online. This is a great way to make some extra money as a kid, and it’s rewarding to help those who need some extra support with their studies. Just be sure that your child is comfortable with the material and can teach it effectively.
Babysitting
Difficulty score: Medium
Babysitting is always a great option for older children to make money, especially if they are responsible and comfortable with caring for children. Babysitting can be challenging depending on the age of the kids your child is caring for, as well as the length of time they are babysitting for.
Sell crafts
Difficulty score: Easy
If your children are crafty, why not encourage them to sell their creations? This is a great way for them to make some extra money and show off their talent. Kids can make & sell crafts online (for instance, on Etsy) or at local craft fairs. It’s important that they price their items correctly and have a good marketing strategy in place (i.e. good photos and a catchy tagline/description for your items).
Window cleaning
Difficulty score: Easy
Window cleaning is a great way for kids to make some extra money. All they need is a bucket with water, some soap, and a squeegee. They can offer to wash windows for your neighbours or local businesses. Just be sure that they have a good system in place so that the windows are cleaned properly, and there is no mess left behind.
Selling items they no longer need
Difficulty score: Easy
One of the easiest ways for kids to make some extra money is by selling items they no longer need. This could be anything from clothes to toys to furniture. They can sell their items online (for instance, on eBay or Facebook Marketplace) or in person. Ensure that they price them correctly and take good photos so that potential buyers can see what they are buying.
Run a lemonade stand
Difficulty score: Easy
One of the classic ways to make money as a kid is by running a lemonade stand. This is a great way for children to get some practice in business and make some money. Make sure that they have all the right ingredients, as well as a sign advertising the stand. They can also offer other drinks or snacks for sale to increase profits.
Related: Small business ideas for kids
Do extra chores for money
Difficulty score: Easy
Another great way for children to make some extra money is by doing extra chores. This could be anything from deep cleaning the bathroom to ironing clothes. Just be sure a fair price is established before they start working and make sure that they are comfortable with the task at hand.
Take on a part-time summer job
Difficulty score: Medium
If you're looking for a more traditional way for your kids to make money, they can always get a part-time summer job. This could be anything from working at a local store to delivering local papers. Ensure that they can commit to the hours required and that you are comfortable with the task at hand. Also make sure that you can drop them off and/or pick them up if needed.
Get your own prepaid debit card with GoHenry
Now you have some ideas on how your kids can make money in the summer, you need a great money management tool like GoHenry. With a kids' prepaid debit card, kids can easily and safely manage their own money. This is a great way for kids to learn about money management and how to spend responsibly. Plus, there are lots of useful features like access to in-app Money Missions, settings tasks, regular pocket money transfers, setting spending limits and other parental controls that can help kids earn and stay on track.
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How can 12 year olds make money
