7 side activity ideas for teens

Side hustles are a great way for teens to earn money without getting a traditional part-time job.

---

Key points

• Many teenagers are looking for ways to earn their own money.
• Your teen can both earn money and learn valuable skills by getting a side hustle.
• Helping with lawn care chores, dog sitting, and tutoring are examples of ways your teen can earn money by helping others.

---

Many teenagers are looking for ways to make money. Depending on their age, there may be restrictions on the type of work they can do or the hours they can work in a traditional job.

However, secondary activities are more flexible and can allow them to learn new skills while earning an income. Does your teen have a bank account they’re willing to add money to? We’ve compiled a list of side activity ideas for teens. All of these opportunities are flexible, so your teen can continue to prioritize curricular and extracurricular activities while still having the flexibility to work in their free time.

Also, none of these gigs require them to use a mobile app or use any service. Instead, they can work directly with customers and set their schedules and rates. It’s the perfect early introduction to self-employment. Check out these teen-friendly side activities.

1. Help your neighbors maintain their lawn

Teenagers who like to spend time outdoors and be active can consider doing lawn care chores for their neighbors. Many homeowners are too busy to handle these tasks themselves, so it’s a high demand job.

This is a beginner friendly side hustle for those who want to learn. Your teen can start using equipment (like a lawnmower or weeder) provided by their customers. Later, they can consider buying their own equipment with the money they earn from this gig. As they gain experience, they can offer more services.

2. Become a babysitter

Another way for your teen to earn money is to babysit. Many parents need help with occasional childcare when they have dates or other important obligations.

If your teen is new to childcare, they can take CPR and child safety classes through local organizations to feel more confident and give families the confidence to hire them for childcare. take care of their children.

3. Become a dog walker or pet sitter

Another great way for teens to earn money is to walk their dog or provide pet sitting services. This type of job is perfect for responsible and reliable teenagers who love animals.

If your family already has pets and your teen is responsible for caring for them, this is an ideal gig. Your teen can walk the dogs after school and take care of the pets on weekends when other families are out of town.

4. Tutoring other students

If your teen excels in a particular subject at school, they may want to offer tutoring services to children and teens in the community. They can help by sharing their knowledge and breaking down complex topics, making them easier to understand. They may do this at your home, other students’ homes, the library, or other public places in your community.

5. Shovel driveways and sidewalks in winter

If you live somewhere with wintry weather, your teen can earn money by offering to plow the driveways and sidewalks in your neighborhood. If your teen doesn’t mind getting up early or working on the weekends, this is a great way to earn money while staying active.

6. Help with organizational tasks

This side hustle is perfect if your teen likes to keep things tidy. They can offer their organizational skills to busy neighbors who are overwhelmed. Many people have cluttered closets, guest rooms, basements and garages, but don’t know where to start.

7. Give sports or music lessons

If your child has played a particular sport or musical instrument and enjoys it, he may consider teaching other children or teens. They can offer sports training sessions and private music lessons and earn extra money while using their talents to help others improve their skills.

Side activities are a great way for teens to learn important skills

These hustles can teach your teen the value of hard work, how to balance multiple responsibilities, and how to be a responsible, dependable worker while earning money and having fun. They will learn valuable skills that they can carry on into adulthood.

Don’t know how to attract customers? Teens can advertise their services by posting in community social media groups or posting ads at local libraries, coffee shops and small businesses.

It’s also a good idea to have them open a savings account if they don’t already have one, so they can learn the importance of saving and see how their money earns interest.

It’s never too early for your teen to learn essential personal finance skills.