Best Ways To Make Money As A Kid

In this post, we’re sharing the best ways to make money as a kid. From walking dogs to mowing lawns, these are realistic methods that work!

I visited a friend last week, and she told me that her son was looking for ways to make money but couldn’t find what he was looking for online. As someone who has had an entrepreneurial heart since I was young, I know a thing or two about making money as a kid. I did almost everything on this list and can confidently say that you can make some extra money if you’re willing to put in the work!

Most of the advice I see online is entirely unrealistic. I just read an article on a popular money website recommending kids download investment apps to start learning about earning money that way. That’s nonsense. If someone is looking for ways to make money, they need realistic advice and don’t have time to learn about investing.

Whether helping out around the house or working for others, children learn valuable lessons when they work for their own money. It helps them develop good money habits, teaches them the value of hard work, and instills a sense of responsibility and work ethic.

Best Ways To Make Money As A Kid

Depending on the child’s age, parents may need to assist. Some things on the list, like mowing lawns, are obviously for kids a little older. My father had us mowing lawns as soon as we were old enough to push the lawnmower, but he was also there to supervise. So, choose things from the list that work best for you. Safety comes first, so in addition to getting to know your neighbors, I’ve included links to products that can help keep you safe.

Ask The Neighbors

I’ll preface this by saying that times have changed, and it’s less safe to go door-to-door than in the 1970s. However, if you know your neighbors well, they might need some help, even if they don’t realize it. I’ve learned from watching my son grow his small handyman business that people often forget and need reminders about things that need to be done.

Mow Lawns

I can’t think of anyone who enjoys mowing their lawn. My husband would rather be fishing, and I’m certainly not. When I was young, I pushed the lawn mower around the neighborhood, and almost everyone I asked said yes, especially older adults who have difficulty doing physically demanding tasks. You can start by mowing your lawn to get some practice, and I’m sure your parents won’t mind ha! I recommend a face shield or goggles and good work gloves for protection.

Rake Leaves

As soon as the leaves start to fall, grab your rake and go door-to-door. Like mowing lawns, most people don’t have the time to do this and would gladly hire someone. It’s also the perfect job for someone a little younger, assuming you know your neighbors well and your parents are OK with it. You’ll need a good pair of work gloves, a high-quality adjustable rake, and large leaf bags to get started. They even have complete sets that include the rake, leaf scoops, and a large garden bag.

Wash Cars

People are fanatics about their vehicles and can never keep them clean enough, my son included. That kid spends more time cleaning his car than I think is normal, and I’m confident that if someone came to our door asking if he wanted to wash it, he’d immediately say yes. If you have a bucket, some good car soap, a sponge or washing mitt, and a few dry towels, this is a great way to make extra money as a kid!

Helpful Tools
Collapsible Bucket	Children's Safety Glasses	Adjustable Rake

Dog Baths

I wouldn’t have thought about this if my dad hadn’t had me do it every single weekend of my young life. Dogs need to be bathed regularly. You’ll need dog shampoo, a brush and comb set, and a good leash. It’s easier and less messy to do it outside using a hose. Offer to walk the dog after the bath for an extra fee (or include it in your price). No one wants a wet dog running around the house, and this allows the dog to dry while getting a walk.

Pet Sitting

When discussing pets, pet sitting is another popular way for kids to earn extra money. Many families are away for most of the day and take vacations in the summer. They may need help taking care of their pets. We’ve used the same pet sitter for years. I found her on Rover, and we know our pets are in good hands when we can’t be there. Having someone look after your pet while you’re away is a need and not a want. Anyone who owns a pet needs someone to perform basic tasks, such as letting them out to use the bathroom, feeding them, cleaning their litter box, and checking in on them once or twice a day.

Lemonade Stand

Lemonade stands are still a great way for kids to make money. A glass of cold lemonade hits the spot on a warm day. I recommend selling freshly squeezed lemonade, not the powdery stuff. You can find a recipe online or create your own. An affordable electric lemon juicer will make this much easier. You could offer fun additions like puréed strawberries, fresh mint leaves, or flavored seltzer water for a bubbly twist. There are tons of cute lemonade stand decorations on Amazon.

Pull Weeds

I would gladly pay someone to do this for me! It’s tedious work that’s hard on anyone with back problems, which is the case for most people these days. Look for homes with well-maintained flowerbeds, because that indicates someone is already doing the work, and they might appreciate the break! All you need are some good gardening gloves to protect your hands.

Take Out Trash

Offer to take down the trash the evening before the trash truck comes. This task can be difficult for some people, and you might be surprised how many take you up on your offer. You can do it every week and earn consistent money.

Shovel Snow

This is one of the best ways to make money as a kid in the winter because it’s necessary! You may need to be older for this one, as it’s hard work, and lifting a shovel may be hard for younger kids. It’s labor-intensive but easy work, and they have lightweight snow shovels that would make it a little easier.

Clean Porches

When guests visit, they walk up to the front porch, but most people (including myself) get busy and forget to clean it. I don’t know how or why they get so gross, but I feel I can’t sweep mine enough. It’s something that needs to be done often, so this is another thing you can offer to do regularly. All you’ll need for this is an outdoor broom and small trash bags.

Helpful Tools
Lightweight Snow Shovel	Electric Citrus Juicer	Kids Gardening Gloves

In addition to everything I mentioned above, help your parents and ask for larger jobs that you can do for extra money. When my son needed extra money, some of the jobs I would give him were cleaning the garage, straightening the attic, raking the yard (including the dog’s area), and washing the cars.

My kids didn’t get paid for everyday things like picking up, helping set the table, or cleaning it after dinner. They were expected to do these things because they were part of the family, not for money. This was an important lesson for them to learn. It’s not just Mom and Dad’s job to do everything around the house. They lived there, and they were required to help out, period.

But as they got older, I realized that giving them extra chores with an allowance as an incentive was just one way I could help them learn how to earn and manage their own money.

How To Get The Word Out

Most of the ideas on this list require you to go door-to-door, which is a lesson in and of itself. It takes courage, and you’ll hear the word “no” a lot, which is an important life lesson. Once you’ve done work for one person, you’ll likely attract repeat customers and new ones through word of mouth. You could also ask your parents, friends, and family to help spread the word.

How To Keep Track Of Income

Since this post is geared toward children and teenagers, I recommend an income and expense notebook like this one. It’s uncomplicated and straightforward, which is all you need. A simple spreadsheet would also work, and is easily customizable to suit your needs.

I hope this is helpful! If you have any tips you'd like to share, please let us know in the comments below. Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook, and sign up for my email list so you don’t miss anything new. Thanks for being here, friends ♥

Best Ways To Make Money As A Kid

In this post, we’re sharing the best ways to make money as a kid. From walking dogs to mowing lawns, these are realistic methods that work!

Best Ways To Make Money As A Kid