Jun 28, 2023
11 ways for teens to make money:
Hosting a lemonade stand: A summer favorite, the traditional lemonade stand can be tailored in levels of participation according to age. Other options like upselling friendship bracelets, homemade art and more are also popular choices.
Cleaning house(s): Children of almost any age can take on household chores for extra allowance. Older children may offer to clean for neighbors.
Detailing cars: Teens may be too young to drive but they can still clean parked cars with precision and a good shop vacuum.
Pet sitting: If your child is ready to take on pet care, starting around the house can be a good way to earn extra money at home before offering pet sitting services for neighbors. Dogwalking is also fairly well paid for teens.
Participating in a garage sale: Whether your child can organize a small sale on their own or participate by adding items to a larger event taking place in your neighborhood, choosing to sell items is an option.
Mowing lawns: Teens with experience and a safety-first approach may be able to find customers, especially as families plan summer travel. Weeding and helping with flowerbeds may be options as well.
Tutoring peers: Working with younger students or even those in the same grade who need extra help in a particular subject can provide an affordable alternative for parents.
Taking surveys and scanning receipts: Teens with a phone can use apps like iBotta and Fetch or take Google and other surveys to earn points or dollars that can be turned in for gift cards.
Babysitting: Whether taking care of a younger sibling or a neighbor’s child, responsible teens should be certified in CPR and first aid before taking charge of others. Filling supervision gaps for date nights, camp pickup and for parents to run errands can be a win/win.
Running errands: Teens who can drive or coordinate services may have a viable business option depending on friends’ and neighbors’ needs.
Housesitting: Bringing in mail and packages, watering houseplants and occupying houses while residents are away is best reserved for older teens who can work independently.
