How To Make Money as a Kid: 25 Fun and Easy Ways

Okay, let’s get real for a second. You want to make money as a kid, but you’re tired of hearing the same old “just ask your parents for an allowance” advice, right?

Been there, rolled my eyes at that.

I remember wanting my own cash for snacks, games, or that one toy that was always just out of reach.

So, if you’re looking for fun and easy ways to make money as a kid, you’re in the right place.

I’ve rounded up 25 ideas that actually work—no boring stuff, no “wait until you’re older.” Ready to start stacking your own cash?

Let’s go!

Why Kids Want to Make Money (And Why It’s Awesome)

Having your own money feels amazing. You get to decide what to buy, save, or even give away.

Additionally, you learn some pretty cool life skills along the way.

Did you know that kids who start earning early are more likely to be smart with money as adults? 

FYI, a recent survey showed that 70% of young people who worked as kids felt more confident managing money later.

Not bad, right?

Check out my recent post about: 21 Legit High-Paying Online Jobs for Teens to Make $3000 Monthly

25 Easy Side Hustles for Kids: Fun Ways to Make Money Fast

I started with a lemonade stand (classic, I know), but soon found out there are way more creative ways to earn cash.

Whether you’re into crafts, animals, or just want to help out your neighbors, there’s something here for everyone.

1. Chores and Odd Jobs Around the House

Chores aren’t glamorous, but they’re the OG way to earn money as a kid.

You’re basically running a mini business at home, except your boss is your mom or dad.

How to Get Started:

• Make a list of chores you’re willing to do (think: car washing, organizing the garage, cleaning windows).
• Create a “chore menu” with prices for each task.
• Present your menu to your parents and negotiate your rates. Yes, you can negotiate—just don’t push your luck!

Potential Income:

• $1–$10 per chore, depending on the job and your parents’ generosity.
• Weekly earnings can add up fast if you hustle.

Tips for Success:

• Do the jobs nobody wants (hello, cleaning the garage).
• Always do your best work—parents notice!
• Keep track of what you’ve done so you get paid (no “I forgot” excuses).

2. Babysitting

Babysitting is perfect if you like kids (or at least don’t mind them for a few hours). Parents pay good money for a night out, and you get to be the hero.

How to Get Started:

• Take a babysitting course or a CPR class (many are available online and can be extremely helpful).
• Start with family, friends, or neighbors whom you trust.
• Set your rates and let people know you’re available.

Potential Income:

• $5–$15 per hour, depending on your experience and location.
• More if you handle multiple kids or help with homework.

Tips for Success:

• Arrive on time and be dependable.
• Bring games or activities to keep kids entertained.
• Obtain references from satisfied parents to secure more gigs.

3. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting

Suppose you’d rather hang out with dogs than people (same), dog walking and pet sitting is your dream job. You get paid to play fetch—seriously.

How to Get Started:

• Ask neighbors or family if they need help with their pets.
• Make flyers or a simple online ad (with your parents’ help).
• Offer extras like feeding, brushing, or overnight pet sitting.

Potential Income:

• $5–$20 per walk or visit, depending on the pet and length of time.
• Extra cash for additional pets or services.

Tips for Success:

• Always show up when you say you will—pets (and owners) depend on you.
• Learn basic pet care and safety.
• Take cute photos of your pets (with their permission) to showcase your skills.

4. Lemonade Stand or Snack Shack

The classic lemonade stand remains timeless. If you’re feeling extra, add snacks or baked goods to boost your sales.

How to Get Started:

• Set up a table in a busy spot (front yard, park, or near a local event).
• Make lemonade, cookies, or other treats.
• Make a colorful sign that grabs attention.

Potential Income:

• $10–$50 per day, depending on the location and the level of thirst.
• More if you sell snacks or other drinks.

Tips for Success:

• Pick a hot day—nobody wants lemonade in the rain.
• Keep your stand clean and friendly.
• Offer deals (like “buy 2, get 1 free”) to boost sales.

5. Yard Work: Mowing Lawns and Gardening

Yard work isn’t just for grown-ups. Mowing lawns, raking leaves, or planting flowers can earn you serious cash. Also, it’s a mini workout.

How to Get Started:

• Ask neighbors if they need help with their yards.
• Use your family’s tools (with permission) or borrow from neighbors.
• Set a price per job (not per hour—you’ll work faster!).

Potential Income:

• $10–$30 per yard, depending on the job’s size and complexity.
• Regular clients can mean steady income.

Tips for Success:

• Do a neat, thorough job—word spreads fast in the neighborhood.
• Offer seasonal services (snow shoveling in winter, leaf raking in fall).
• Bring water and sunscreen—trust me, you’ll need them.

Also Check: 28 Easy Side Hustle Ideas At Home For Teens To Make $100 Daily

6. Sell Crafts and Handmade Goods

Got a creative side? Turn it into cash! Handmade crafts, such as bracelets, cards, or keychains, are always popular.

How to Get Started:

• Pick a craft you enjoy and can make well.
• Sell to friends, family, or at school events and local markets.
• Try online platforms like Etsy (with adult supervision).

Potential Income:

• $2–$20 per item, depending on the craft and its level of complexity.
• More if you take custom orders.

Tips for Success:

• Use quality materials—nobody wants a bracelet that falls apart.
• Take nice photos if selling online.
• Package your crafts nicely for extra “wow” factor.

7. Bake Sale Boss

If you love baking, why not sell your treats? Bake sales are a sweet way to earn money and show off your skills.

How to Get Started:

• Choose easy, crowd-pleasing recipes (cookies, brownies, cupcakes).
• Set up a table at a school or community event.
• Make your treats look irresistible (sprinkles help).

Potential Income:

• $20–$100 per sale, depending on your menu and the number of attendees.
• More if you offer special treats or package them as gifts.

Tips for Success:

• Bake in batches to save time.
• Label treats clearly (especially if they’re nut-free or gluten-free).
• Offer samples to tempt buyers.

8. Sell Old Toys, Books, or Clothes

Outgrown your toys or clothes? Sell them! It’s like spring cleaning, but you get paid.

How to Get Started:

• Sort through your stuff and pick items in good condition.
• Clean everything before selling.
• Sell at a garage sale, online (like Facebook Marketplace), or to friends.

Potential Income:

• $1–$20 per item, depending on the item being sold.
• Garage sales can bring in $50–$200 if you have a lot to sell.

Tips for Success:

• Price items to sell—nobody wants to pay full price for used stuff.
• Group small items together for “bundle” deals.
• Be honest about the condition of your items.

9. Tutoring or Homework Help

If you’re a math whiz or a bookworm, consider helping younger kids with their homework. Parents will pay for a little extra brainpower.

How to Get Started:

• Offer your services to family, friends, neighbors, or classmates.
• Pick subjects you’re confident in.
• Set a regular schedule for sessions.

Potential Income:

• $5–$20 per hour, depending on the subject and your experience.
• More if you help with test prep or special projects.

Tips for Success:

• Be patient and encouraging; nobody likes a grumpy tutor.
• Use fun games or tricks to make learning easier.
• Ask for feedback from parents and students.

10. Start a YouTube Channel or Blog

Got something to say or show? Start a YouTube channel or blog about your favorite hobby—gaming, crafts, pets, you name it.

How to Get Started:

• Pick a topic you love and know a lot about.
• Make fun, helpful, or entertaining videos or posts.
• Share your content with friends and family to build an audience.

Potential Income:

• $0 at first, but successful channels can earn $100s or even $1,000s from ads and sponsors (with adult help).
• Free stuff from brands if you get popular.

Tips for Success:

• Be yourself—people love authenticity.
• Post regularly and interact with your audience.
• Always get your parents’ permission before posting online.

11. Social Media Mini-Influencer

Love sharing your life, hobbies, or funny moments online?

As a mini-influencer, you can turn your social media posts into cash or cool freebies. Brands love working with creative kids who have a unique style or story.

How to Get Started:

• Select your preferred platform (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts).
• Choose a theme or niche (pets, crafts, jokes, gaming, etc.).
• Create fun, regular content and interact with your followers.
• With your parents, consider exploring brand collaborations or signing up for influencer platforms.

Potential Income:

• Free products at first, then $10–$100+ per sponsored post as your audience grows.
• Some brands offer affiliate links or commissions.

Tips for Success:

• Always get your parents’ permission before posting or working with brands.
• Be yourself—authenticity wins fans.
• Never share personal info or meet strangers IRL.

12. Sell Baked Treats Online

If you’re a whiz in the kitchen, why not sell your cookies, brownies, or cupcakes online? People love homemade treats, especially if they look as good as they taste.

How to Get Started:

• Perfect a few recipes and take drool-worthy photos.
• With an adult, post your treats in local Facebook groups or WhatsApp communities.
• Arrange safe pickup or delivery with your parents’ help.

Potential Income:

• $10–$50 per batch, depending on the treat and the packaging method.
• More for custom or themed orders.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality ingredients and adhere to food safety guidelines.
• Offer holiday or event-themed treats.
• Package your goodies nicely for that “wow” factor.

13. Take Online Surveys

Want to earn money without leaving your couch? Online surveys pay you for your opinions on products, ads, and more. It’s not glamorous, but it’s easy pocket money.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up for legit survey sites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie (usually 13+ and always with parental consent).
• Fill out your profile honestly to get matched with surveys.

Potential Income:

• $1–$5 per survey, sometimes more for longer ones.
• Payouts are typically in the form of gift cards or PayPal cash.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t expect to get rich—think of it as snack money, not a new iPhone.
• Never pay to join a survey site.
• Set a time limit to avoid getting bored.

14. Test Apps and Websites

If you’re techy, companies will pay for your feedback on new apps or websites. You get to play with new tech before your friends do—pretty cool, right?

How to Get Started:

• Sign up for platforms like UserTesting (with a parent).
• Follow instructions to test features and record your feedback.

Potential Income:

• $5–$20 per test, depending on the length and complexity.
• Some tests offer bonuses for detailed feedback.

Tips for Success:

• Be honest and clear in your feedback.
• Follow instructions closely.
• Always have a parent involved for safety.

15. Design and Sell T-Shirts

If you love drawing or have funny ideas, create T-shirt designs and sell them online using print-on-demand services. Your art could be someone’s new favorite shirt!

How to Get Started:

• Use free design tools like Canva, or even hand-drawn art scanned into a digital format.
• Upload designs to platforms like Teespring or Redbubble (with adult help).
• Share your shirts on social media.

Potential Income:

• $2–$10 profit per shirt, depending on the platform and your pricing.
• The more creative your designs, the more you can sell.

Tips for Success:

• Stay up-to-date with trends—funny or relatable shirts tend to sell best.
• Use high-quality images and catchy descriptions.
• Ask friends and family to help spread the word.

16. Make and Sell Jewelry

If you’re into beads, charms, and a bit of sparkle, jewelry-making is a fun way to earn cash and show off your style.

How to Get Started:

• Learn basic jewelry-making skills from YouTube or books.
• Create bracelets, necklaces, or earrings.
• Sell to friends, at school, or online (with adult help).

Potential Income:

• $3–$20 per piece, depending on materials and complexity.
• Custom orders can bring in more.

Tips for Success:

• Use sturdy materials—nobody wants a bracelet that falls apart.
• Offer to personalize items for extra appeal.
• Display your jewelry nicely for sales.

17. Wash Cars

Washing cars is a classic way to make money and flex those arm muscles. Neighbors love a clean car, and you get paid for the elbow grease.

How to Get Started:

• Offer your services to neighbors and family.
• Gather the following supplies: a bucket, soap, sponges, and towels.
• Set a price per car or for additional services, such as interior cleaning.

Potential Income:

• $5–$20 per car, with additional fees for larger vehicles or detailed cleaning.
• Tips are common if you do a great job.

Tips for Success:

• Work on sunny days for the best results.
• Be cautious with expensive cars—always ask before using any products.
• Offer package deals (wash + vacuum).

18. Collect and Recycle Cans or Bottles

Help the planet and your wallet by collecting cans and bottles for recycling. It’s not glamorous, but every bit adds up.

How to Get Started:

• Ask neighbors if you can collect their recyclables.
• Sort and clean items before submitting them.
• Find your local recycling center’s rules and payout rates.

Potential Income:

• $0.05–$0.10 per can or bottle (varies by location).
• Regular rounds can add up to $20–$50 a month.

Tips for Success:

• Be consistent—people will save cans for you.
• Stay safe and wear gloves.
• Don’t trespass—always ask before collecting.

19. Sell Firewood or Kindling

If you have access to wood, bundle and sell firewood or kindling to neighbors for their fireplaces or campfires.

How to Get Started:

• Collect fallen branches or cut logs (with adult supervision).
• Bundle wood in easy-to-carry stacks.
• Advertise to neighbors or at local markets.

Potential Income:

• $5–$20 per bundle, depending on size and demand.
• More during cold months or camping season.

Tips for Success:

• Keep bundles neat and dry.
• Offer delivery for a small fee.
• Work with your parents for safety.

20. Party Entertainer

If you’re the class clown or love performing, become a party entertainer! Magic tricks, balloon animals, or face painting are party favorites.

How to Get Started:

• Learn a few tricks or practice your face painting skills.
• Offer your services for birthday parties or events.
• Make flyers or ask friends to spread the word.

Potential Income:

• $20–$50 per party, depending on your act and time spent.
• Tips and repeat bookings are common.

Tips for Success:

• Practice your act until you’re confident.
• Be friendly and energetic—kids love enthusiasm.
• Bring your own supplies and keep things tidy.

21. Brush and Groom Pets

If you’re an animal lover and don’t mind a little fur on your clothes, brushing and grooming pets is a super chill way to earn money.

Pet owners want their furry friends to look their best, but not everyone has time for all that brushing and detangling. That’s where you come in!

How to Get Started:

• Ask neighbors, friends, or family if their pets need brushing or basic grooming.
• Learn the basics of pet grooming from YouTube videos or pet care books.
• Gather some basic supplies: brushes, combs, maybe a lint roller (trust me, you’ll need it).

Potential Income:

• $5–$15 per grooming session, depending on the size of the pet and what’s involved.
• More if you offer extras like nail trimming (with proper training).

Tips for Success:

• Always be gentle and patient; pets can be nervous.
• Let the owner know what you’re doing and ask about any special needs.
• Bring treats (with the owner’s permission) to win over shy pets.
• Clean up after yourself—no one wants a trail of fur in their living room!

22. Enter Contests and Drawings

Feeling lucky? There are numerous contests and sweepstakes available for kids, including art, writing, photography, and even random drawings.

Sometimes you win cash, other times cool prizes. It’s a bit of a gamble, but hey, someone’s gotta win!

How to Get Started:

• Search online for kids’ contests in your favorite area (art, writing, science, etc.).
• Check with your school or library for local competitions.
• Always read the rules and get your parents’ permission before entering.

Potential Income:

• Prizes range from $10 gift cards to $1,000+ scholarships or gadgets.
• Some contests offer publishing opportunities or trophies, which are pretty awesome bragging rights.

Tips for Success:

• Enter as many contests as you can to boost your chances.
• Double-check your entry for mistakes.
• Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win right away—keep trying!
• Beware of scams: never pay to enter a contest.

23. Sell Digital Art or Designs

If you’re handy with a tablet or computer, you can turn your digital art into real cash.

People love custom wallpapers, stickers, and prints for their devices or rooms. Your creativity could be someone’s next favorite phone background!

How to Get Started:

• Create digital art using free tools like Canva, Krita, or Procreate (if you have an iPad).
• Set up a shop on sites like Redbubble, Society6, or Etsy (with adult help).
• Share your designs on social media to attract buyers.

Potential Income:

• $2–$20 per digital download, depending on the platform and your pricing.
• More if you take custom commissions.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on popular trends—think cute animals, memes, or motivational quotes.
• Use high-quality images and clear descriptions.
• Offer bundles or themed packs for extra value.
• Always watermark your samples to protect your art from copycats.

24. Run Errands for Neighbors

Some people are extremely busy or have difficulty getting around. That’s where you come in!

Running errands like picking up groceries, delivering mail, or watering plants is a great way to help out and earn money at the same time.

How to Get Started:

• Ask neighbors if they need help with simple errands.
• Make a flyer or post in local community groups (with your parents’ help).
• Set clear prices for each task.

Potential Income:

• $3–$10 per errand, depending on the job and distance.
• Regular clients can mean steady pocket money.

Tips for Success:

• Be reliable and punctual; people are counting on you.
• Keep a checklist so you never forget a task.
• Always get clear instructions (and a contact number just in case).
• Don’t take on errands that feel unsafe. Safety first, always!

25. Start a Fundraiser

Do you have a cause you care about or a big project you want to fund? Organizing a fundraiser is a way to make money while making a difference.

You can raise money for charity, your school club, or even your next big idea (like that epic class trip).

How to Get Started:

• Decide what you’re raising money for and set a goal.
• Choose a fundraiser type: bake sale, car wash, fun run, or online campaign.
• Spread the word through posters, social media, or by sharing with friends and family.

Potential Income:

• $50–$500+, depending on the event and the number of attendees.
• Some fundraisers go viral and raise thousands (not even kidding).

Tips for Success:

• Be clear about where the money is going—people like to know they’re helping.
• Team up with friends for bigger events.
• Say thank you to everyone who donates or helps out.
• Keep things fun and positive—nobody wants a boring fundraiser!

Final Thoughts

So, which idea are you going to try first? I wish someone had handed me a list like this when I was your age.

That would’ve saved me from selling rocks to my neighbors (true story, BTW).

Making money as a kid isn’t just about the cash. It’s about learning, growing, and having fun along the way.

Remember, always check with your parents before starting anything new, especially online.

And don’t be afraid to get creative or put your own spin on these ideas. Who knows? Your side hustle could turn into something big.

Now go out there and make it rain (responsibly, of course). Good luck! 🙂