If you’re a kid or teenager looking to earn some extra cash in 2025, there are more opportunities than ever in side hustles for kids. Whether you’re saving for a big purchase, learning financial responsibility, or just want some spending money, side hustles can be a great way to develop real-world skills while making money.
As someone who grew up without an allowance and in a town with limited opportunities, I learned the importance of making my own way. I started stacking firewood as a kid, then moved on to mowing lawns, which turned out to be a solid-paying gig. But looking back, I wish I’d explored jobs that aligned with my future career interests. If you want to be a vet, why not start working with animals now? If finance is your thing, getting an early job at a bank could set you up for success.
So with that in mind, here are the top 11 side hustles for kids in 2025, combining money-making potential with valuable life experience.
1. Babysitting / Mom Assistant
Babysitting is one of the best side hustles for responsible teens. In 2025, parents are looking for more than just a babysitter—they need mom (or dad) assistants to help with household tasks like prepping meals, tidying up, and even organizing schedules.
How to Get Started:
- Take a babysitting safety course (like Red Cross Babysitting Training).
- Offer to help neighbors or family friends with childcare.
- Advertise on local community boards or social media.
Skills Gained: Responsibility, patience, and basic first aid knowledge.
2. Tutoring
If you excel in a particular subject, tutoring younger students or even peers can be a great way to make money. Parents are always looking for reliable tutors, especially in subjects like math, science, and English.
How to Get Started:
- Offer your services through school bulletin boards or online tutoring platforms.
- Start with subjects you’re confident in and expand over time.
- Charge competitive rates based on experience and subject difficulty.
Skills Gained: Teaching, leadership, and communication.
3. Car Washing & Detailing
Car washing isn’t just a classic summer gig—it can be a profitable year-round business. People love having a clean car, but they don’t always want to do it themselves. If you offer full detailing services, you can charge more than a simple wash.
How to Get Started:
- Buy some quality car cleaning supplies.
- Offer door-to-door services in your neighborhood.
- Market yourself with before-and-after photos on social media.
Skills Gained: Customer service, attention to detail, and basic business management.
4. Lawn Mowing & Yard Work
Lawn mowing has been a go-to side hustle for kids for decades, and in 2025, it’s still in high demand. People need help mowing, raking leaves, and even shoveling snow in the winter.
How to Get Started:
- Start by mowing for friends, family, or neighbors.
- Invest in good equipment (or borrow from customers).
- Offer seasonal services to keep income steady year-round.
Skills Gained: Time management, physical fitness, and entrepreneurship.
5. Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
With pet ownership on the rise, busy pet owners need help walking their dogs and taking care of their pets while they’re away. If you love animals, this is an easy way to make money while doing something fun.
How to Get Started:
- Create a profile on pet-sitting platforms like Rover (with parental permission).
- Start with neighbors and family friends.
- Offer add-on services like pet grooming for extra income.
Skills Gained: Responsibility, patience, and basic pet care knowledge.
6. Selling Crafts or Handmade Products
If you’re creative, selling handmade crafts like jewelry, candles, or artwork can be a great way to earn money. Platforms like Etsy allow young entrepreneurs to reach a global audience.
How to Get Started:
- Choose a craft that you enjoy and can produce consistently.
- Sell at local craft fairs, online, or through social media.
- Price products to cover costs while making a profit.
Skills Gained: Creativity, marketing, and business finance.
7. Reselling Items Online
Flipping items for a profit has become a popular way to make money. Kids can start by reselling clothes, toys, or electronics they no longer use or find deals at thrift stores and sell items online. Check your local Facebook listings for Amazon (or other store) returns pallets.
How to Get Started:
- Sell on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark.
- Look for trending items with good resale value.
- Learn how to take great product photos to attract buyers.
Skills Gained: Sales, negotiation, and digital marketing.
8. Social Media Management for Small Businesses
Small businesses need help managing their social media accounts, and tech-savvy teens can step in to assist. If you’re good at creating content and engaging online, this could be a great hustle.
How to Get Started:
- Offer services to local businesses in need of social media help.
- Manage posting schedules, create content, and engage with followers.
- Track analytics to show growth and success.
Skills Gained: Marketing, communication, and business strategy.
9. House Sitting & Plant Care
When people go on vacation, they need someone to watch their house, water plants, and collect mail. This easy side hustle requires little effort but provides a reliable income stream.
How to Get Started:
- Offer services to friends and neighbors first.
- Be responsible and reliable to build trust.
- Consider expanding into home organization services.
Skills Gained: Responsibility, organization, and problem-solving.
10. Tech Support for Seniors
Older generations often struggle with technology, and kids who are comfortable with devices can help with phone setups, email troubleshooting, and smart home installation.
How to Get Started:
- Offer your services to grandparents, neighbors, or community centers.
- Create a simple guide for common tech issues.
- Be patient and clear when explaining technology.
Skills Gained: Patience, teaching, and problem-solving.
11. Assisting at Local Events
Many local businesses, farmers’ markets, and event organizers need extra hands for setting up and managing events. Kids can work as assistants, ticket sellers, or concession workers.
How to Get Started:
- Contact local event planners or business owners.
- Be willing to take on various tasks.
- Show up on time and work hard for repeat opportunities.
Skills Gained: Teamwork, customer service, and event planning.
Side Hustles For Kids
Not every child wants to earn more money, and certainly not at the same age as a sibling or friend. And some parents don’t allow the experience due to plenty of allowance or other values and goals.
Outside of breaking any laws for child labor or vending without a license, a side hustle can be a great way to learn entrepreneurship, make money and maybe even have fun along the way.
Not every kid is going to start the next Ryan’s World and become a millionaire before they graduate high school. Parents can give a great benefit by encoraging their young entrepreneurs and helping create opportunites when it makes sense.
There are many other opportunities for enterprising youth. Making and selling jam, ski racks, crafts, 3-D printing and other services can work too.
Final Thoughts: Turning a Side Hustle into Experience
Side hustles for kids in 2025 aren’t just about earning extra cash—they’re about building real skills and exploring interests. If you’re thinking about a future career, pick a hustle that aligns with what you want to do. Want to be a doctor? Try babysitting or tutoring in science. Interested in business? Reselling or social media management is a great start.
The key is to start early, work hard, and treat your hustle like a business. The skills and experiences you gain now will set you up for success in the future!
