How to Make Money Fast as a Kid

Are you interested in earning some money? Maybe you would like to save up and buy something. Or perhaps you have caught the entrepreneurial bug and you are interested in starting a business.

Whatever the reason, you want to make money fast.

Good news: You do have options – 50 of them, in fact.

Although there are many options on this list, it’s important to point out that not all options are going to make sense for everyone. It depends on your unique situation. This list is about generating ideas. It’s up to you to decide which ideas are the best for you.

Here are 50 possibilities to consider.

1. Sell Used Items Online

Are you resourceful? If so, you may be able to find things at thrift stores and other places that can be sold on eBay for a profit.

Many people donate perfectly good things to thrift stores all the time. These stores often price donated items much lower than what they sell for at other places. If you are good at identifying these under-priced items, it may be possible to buy them and then resell them online for a profit.

In addition to sourcing things from thrift stores, other places to find things to resell include yard sales, flea markets, and auctions.

2. Babysit

Many parents need someone to watch their young children while they are away for a while. Maybe they want to have a relaxing evening on the town – a date night. Or perhaps they have to attend an event of some kind for work.

Regardless of the reason, they need someone to watch their little ones for a while. This is an opportunity that is best suited for older kids.

3. Walk Dogs

Just as some people need someone to watch their kids for them, many also need someone to walk their dogs. Dogs need to be walked regularly to get some exercise and to take care of their business. As a dog walker, you will most likely be responsible for picking up their waste, putting it into little baggies, and disposing of it later. Dog walking is something that you may be able to combine with pet sitting.

4. Pet Sit

Many people consider their pets to be members of the family. They dote on them, take them on trips, and spend as much time as possible with them.

But there are some situations where people can’t take their pets with them. Maybe they are traveling to another country on vacation, for example, and it isn’t practical to take their pets with them on the flight. Or perhaps they have to stay in a hotel that doesn’t allow pets. They may also have to travel for business and they know they will have to spend a lot of time at work.

When taking their fur babies with them on a trip isn’t practical, many often hire someone to watch their pets for them.

That’s where you come in.

If you love animals and you have a good place to keep pets for either a few hours or a few days, you may be able to board pets for people. If you do board pets, you will be responsible for feeding, watering, and caring for them. You will also have to spend time with them to make sure they don’t get lonely.

5. Wash and Wax Vehicles

Another great option to consider is to wash and wax people’s vehicles for them. Washing and waxing vehicles is a big job, and many people would rather hire someone to do it for them so they can enjoy their days off from work.

If you decide to wash and wax vehicles, you could offer each service individually. Some people may only want their vehicle washed, for example. A way you may be able to talk some people into opting for both services is to offer a bit of a discount for the two services combined over what you charge for each individual service.

6. Detail Vehicles

If you wash and wax vehicles, you may also be able to earn some extra money by detailing vehicle interiors. Many people consider cleaning vehicle interiors to be more difficult than washing and waxing exteriors, and because of that, they may prefer to hire someone to do the job for them.

To detail vehicle interiors, you will need a vacuum cleaner and some other cleaning supplies. You will also need a way to transport your cleaning equipment to and from your clients’ homes (if you offer a mobile detailing service). Another option is to have people drop their vehicles off where you live and then pick them up after you have finished.

7. Make and Sell Crafts

Are you a “crafty” person? Do you enjoy making craft items that you give away as presents? If so, selling crafts you make is another option to consider if you are wondering how to make money fast as a kid.

Who do you sell your crafts to?

There are many people who may buy your crafts including friends and family members. You may also be able to set up an Etsy store and sell your crafts online.

8. Sell Your Art

Are you artistically inclined? Maybe you are really good at drawing or painting. If so, you may be able to earn some money by selling your art.

There are several ways you can sell your art. You can do drawings or paintings of people, for instance. Pets are also very popular, and many people would jump at the chance to have a quality drawing or painting of their dogs, cats, horses, or something else.

9. Have a Garage Sale

Why not have a garage sale? If you have some things that you are no longer using, you may be able to get some money out of them by holding a sale one day outside your home.

You may be able to have some of your friends participate in the garage sale, too. More people may stop and check out your garage sale if it’s a large sale with many different items. Everyone gets to keep the earnings from whatever they sell, of course.

10. Mow Lawns

One of the most common ways for kids to make money is to mow lawns for people. Mowing lawns is hard work – but it can be lucrative. If you can undercut some of the lawn service companies in your community, you may be able to land several clients and mow their lawns each week while the weather is warm.

With lawn mowing, you either need to have a mower and a way to transport it to and from your clients’ homes, or you will have to arrange to use your clients’ mowers.

11. Do Extra Chores Around the House

Why not ask your parents if they have any extra chores for you to do? You’ll never know unless you ask.

There are many possibilities with doing chores. You could stack firewood, for example, or clean the attic, garage, or basement. Maybe you live on a farm and the chicken coop needs to be cleaned.

Before you ask about doing chores around the house, take some time to think about things that need to be done. Make a list and then present it to the governing authority in your home (your parents) to see if you might be able to do some of those things to earn some money.

12. Make and Sell Baked Goods

Nearly everyone loves to eat fresh baked goods. Popular options include:

• Cakes
• Cupcakes
• Cookies
• Pies
• Bread
• Dinner Rolls
• Sourdough
• Cinnamon Raisin Bread
• Fudge
• Muffins
• Homemade Caramel
• Cinnamon Rolls
• Brownies

You may be able to sell your baked goods to friends and family. Another option is to set up a booth at a farmers market or local sporting event.

13. Clean Homes

Another option for kids is to clean people’s homes. Cleaning homes is tough work, but it tends to pay fairly well.

Many people work long hours and prefer to hire someone to do chores around their homes for them. This allows them to enjoy their time off instead of having to do additional work at home.

If you clean homes for people, you will need your own cleaning supplies. It may be possible in some cases, however, to arrange to use a homeowner’s cleaning supplies instead.

14. Clean Up Leaves

Do you live in an area with a lot of trees? If so, you might be able to clean up leaves for some people in your community during the fall season.

To clean up leaves, you could do it the old fashion way with a rake. You may also be able to use a leaf blower if you have one.

15. Run Errands

Many people need someone to run errands for them. As previously mentioned, many people are busy and don’t have a lot of free time. Others may not be able to leave their homes very often – like the elderly and people with health issues.

You may be able to earn some money by offering to run errands for those people. To do this, you will have to have a means of transportation. Because of this, running errands may be best suited for older kids – those who are old enough to drive and have transportation.

16. Pull Weeds in Gardens

Many people love to grow gardens and enjoy fresh vegetables throughout the year. But if you don’t regularly pull the weeds that often grow, the gardens may not be very productive.

If you live in an area where a lot of people grow gardens, you may be able to earn some money by offering to pull weeds. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing if you do pull weeds to protect your skin.

17. Be a Farm Hand

Farms are busy places. The animals need to be fed, manure needs to be shoveled, eggs need gathering, and so many other things. Most farms have a seemingly never-ending list of chores that need doing.

A way to make money as a kid if you live near farms is to contact the owners and see if they need any help. Farm work can be dirty work though, so be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

18. House Sit

House sitting is another way you may be able to make money as a kid. This is another opportunity that is probably best suited for older kids.

Many people need someone to stay in their homes for a day or two or longer while they are away on vacation, a business trip, or for another reason. As a house sitter, you may be required to do a few chores like checking the mail, mowing the lawn, and a few other things.

19. Shovel Driveways/Walkways

Do you live in an area of the country where it snows during the winter? If so, you may be able to earn some money by shoveling snow from driveways and walkways.

Having snow on driveways can make it difficult to get a vehicle in and out. Because of this, many people have to shovel the snow off of their driveways so they can get to and from work and other places. Walkways also need to be shoveled so that people can get to and from the doors to their homes.

20. Tutor Younger Children

Tutoring younger children is another option for earning money. This is a great option for those who are really good at a particular subject. It could be mathematics, art, spelling, a musical instrument, or something else.

With tutoring, you don’t necessarily have to be an expert in a subject. You just need to know more than the person you are tutoring.

21. Teach Music

Do you play a musical instrument? Maybe the clarinet or piano is your thing – or maybe you prefer the guitar or drums. Perhaps you’re really good at singing. Regardless of the instrument you play, you may be able to teach others who are not as good as you are.

Similar to tutoring younger children, you don’t have to be a virtuoso to teach a musical instrument. You just need to be better than the person you are teaching.

22. Get a Paper Route

It may be hard to believe, but in the day and age we live in there are still people who have newspaper subscriptions. Kids have been making money with newspaper routes for many years. If there’s a newspaper in your community with a sizable circulation, it might be worth seeing if they need help with deliveries.

23. Clean Boats

Similar to washing and detailing vehicles, many people also need someone to clean their boats for them. Many people are passionate about their boats, and if you do good work, you may be able to clean them for money.

24. Clean RVs/Campers

Cleaning the interiors of RVs and campers is another opportunity to consider. Similar to cleaning homes, these are big projects, and it can take several hours to clean one.

If you clean RVs and campers, you may have to provide your own cleaning supplies and vacuum cleaner. It may also be possible to make an arrangement to use the owner’s cleaning supplies.

25. Clean and Organize Garages

Many people don’t use garages for their intended purpose – to store vehicles. Instead, many garages become storage spaces for a little bit of everything. Garages are often used to store tools, ladders, old appliances, boxes full of unused items from a recent move, and many other things.

Because many garages are so cluttered, they are often very dirty. It’s not unusual for a thick layer of dust to cover everything in a garage. Because of this, many homeowners would be very interested in hiring a kid to clean and organize their garages for them.

26. Pet Bathing

As much as we love them, pets do get dirty and stinky – and they occasionally need to be bathed. If you are an animal lover and you are looking for a way to make some money as a kid, bathing dogs and other animals for their owners is another option to consider.

This is something that you may be able to combine with other pet care services like boarding pets and dog walking. If someone asks you to board their dog, for example, you could ask them if they would also like you to wash it for an extra fee.

27. Clean Carpets

Most people who have carpet in their homes have it cleaned once or twice a year. People who have pets may have their carpets cleaned more often to take care of the animal hair, pet dander, and other things.

Cleaning carpets isn’t difficult, but it can be time-consuming. Because of this, many prefer to hire someone to do the job for them.

Some people may have their own carpet cleaners that you can use. If not, you will need to either have a carpet cleaner or you can rent one from a home improvement store. You will also need a way to transport it.

This is something you may be able to do on the side if you clean homes. If you already clean several people’s homes, for example, you can also offer to periodically clean their carpets for an extra fee.

28. Power Wash Walkways

Sidewalks take a lot of abuse. People and pets walk on them all the time, and it doesn’t take long for them to get a layer of dirt and grime that only a good power washer can remove.

If you have a power washer and a way to transport it, you may be able to earn money power washing people’s walkways for them. You may also be able to power wash brick or rock siding, retaining walls, and other things.

29. Stain/Waterproof Wooden Decks

Many homes have wooden decks. They are usually located just outside of people’s back doors. Some homes also have wooden decks at the entrance. All of these wooden decks need to be periodically stained and waterproofed to make sure they stay in tip-top shape and the wood doesn’t rot.

30. Trim Bushes

Many homes have bushes and other plants around them to improve the curbside appeal. But bushes grow and need to be periodically trimmed. Trimming the bushes of homes in your community is something else you may be able to do to earn money fast as a kid.

Trimming bushes is something you may be able to offer as an additional service if you mow lawns and do other odd jobs.

31. Landscaping

Landscaping involves planting bushes, grass, flowers, trees, and other things around people’s homes. It could also involve spreading mulch around existing trees, bushes, and other plants.

Most people will already have an idea of the landscaping design they want. If people purchase their own plants and show you where they want them, you may be able to earn some money by doing all of the planting.

32. Do Odd Jobs

Occasionally, someone may have a job for you to do that isn’t mentioned on this list – an odd job. If you build relationships with people in your community, you can ask them to contact you whenever they have an odd job that needs doing.

33. Water Plants

Many people need someone to water their plants for them while they are at work or on a trip somewhere. They may have houseplants that need watering, a garden, or it could be their landscaping plants.

34. Be a Clown at a Birthday Party

Are you naturally funny? Perhaps you are the class clown. If so, why not dress up as a clown and “clown around” at birthday parties to earn some money? You will have to spend some money to buy a clown outfit, wig, and makeup to get started.

35. Paint Things

People need things painted all the time. They need someone to paint their garages, window frames, fences, mailboxes, and other things. If you are good with a paintbrush, you may be able to earn some money fast by seeing if any of your neighbors need something painted.

This is something you could combine with another service like mowing lawns, odd jobs, landscaping, and other things.

36. Lay Sod

Many people prefer to lay sod when planting grass in their yards instead of planting grass seed. After laying sod, you have an instant yard. There’s no need to wait until the grass starts growing.

If someone in your neighborhood needs to plant some grass, why not ask and see if that person could use some help. If a new home is being built in your community, for example, it will most likely need to have grass planted after all of the construction work is finished.

37. Help Out with the Harvest

Do you live near a farm that grows fruits, vegetables, or something else? If so, another way you may be able to earn money fast as a kid is to see if a farm needs help when it’s harvest time.

Harvesting on a farm can be tough work, and the harvesting season is relatively short. Nevertheless, it’s a way to make some quick cash as a kid that’s worth considering.

38. Help People Move

People move all the time. On average, about 14 percent of the entire population of the United States moves each year. That’s about 40 million people packing, boxing, unboxing, moving furniture, and doing other things.

Moving is a big job, and it often requires extra help to get the job done. If a family in your community is either moving away or they just arrived, you may be able to earn some money fast by seeing if they need any help.

39. Sell Snacks at Local Sporting Events

People play sports all the time. Local little leagues and high school sports are very popular. And if you live near a college or university, there may be even more sporting events.

Another way you may be able to make money fast as a kid is to sell snacks at local sporting events. You could buy snack-sized bags of chips and other things from your local big box store and sell them.

Before you attempt selling snacks and other refreshments at sporting events, you must get permission first from someone in charge of events at the school you want to sell at. You can’t just show up with a lot of snacks and start selling.

40. Sell Bottled Water During Marathons

Similar to selling snacks at local sporting events, you may also be able to sell bottled water at a local running event. You can purchase packs of bottled water at a local big box store and sell the individual bottles with a price markup to make a profit. Like selling snacks, it’s important to get permission from the person in charge of the event before you start selling.

41. Clean Stables, Pet Cages, and Fish Tanks

If you want a stable business, get a horse.

Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

Seriously though, if you are a horse lover, cleaning stables is a great way to earn some extra money. Horses regularly produce a lot of, um, stuff that needs to be cleaned up. If you live near someone who owns horses, you can offer to come once or twice a week and clean the stables.

Pet cages and fish tanks are other things that occasionally need to be cleaned. Many people keep birds, lizards, guinea pigs, hamsters, and other animals in cages. If those cages are not regularly cleaned, they can start to smell. It’s also not good for pets to live in unclean cages.

Fish tanks also need to be cleaned regularly. Fish tank water needs to be changed to make sure the fish stay healthy. Offering to clean people’s pet cages and fish tanks is another way you may be able to earn money as a kid.

42. Gather and Resell Golf Balls

Many people who play golf don’t always hit their golf balls where they are supposed to go. Sometimes they go off into the weeds. If you live near a golf course, you may be able to earn some money by collecting golf balls and reselling them.

43. Groom Horses

Another option to consider if you live near people who own horses is to offer to groom horses. Horses need to be brushed regularly to remove mud, dust, and other debris. This is something you may be able to combine with cleaning horse stalls.

44. Face Painting at Birthday Parties

Kids love to have their faces painted at birthday parties and other events. If you are artistically inclined and you are good at painting, offering to paint kids’ faces at parties is something to consider. This is something that you may be able to combine with being a clown at parties.

45. Take Online Surveys

Thanks to the internet, it’s now possible to earn money right from the comfort of your home by taking online surveys. Although you won’t earn much from each survey you take, the more surveys you complete, the more you can earn.

46. Raise Chickens and Sell Eggs

Have you ever eaten eggs that were raised on a farm or from someone’s backyard chickens? I have, and I can assure you the taste is different. It’s better, richer. Because fresh eggs taste so much better than the eggs you buy in the store, many people will pay a premium for them (if they can get them).

Not only is raising chickens and selling eggs a fun way to earn money, but raising chickens is also a great hobby. Chickens are great pets! They eat insects and will gladly gobble up all of the ticks, slugs, centipedes, grasshoppers, worms, beetles, termites, and other insects they can find.

47. Clean Furniture

Many people need someone to clean their furniture for them periodically, especially if they have pets. This is something that you may be able to offer as an add-on service if you also clean people’s homes and carpets.

48. Dog Poop Cleanup

It’s not a glamorous job, but someone has to do it. Many people let their dogs run around in their yards. Cleaning up the messes dogs leave is a job that many would gladly outsource.

49. Fix Bicycles

Are you mechanically inclined? Do you enjoy riding bikes? If so, you may be able to earn money as a kid by fixing people’s bikes for them.

Bicycle riding is a very popular pastime, especially for those who live near trails. But bikes occasionally need maintenance to stay in good operating condition.

50. Put Up and Take Down Holiday Decorations

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but putting up holiday decorations and taking them down again can be a big job. Why not ask people in your neighborhood if they need any help with their holiday decorations?

Plenty of Opportunities

Did you realize there are so many ways for kids to earn money? If you aren’t afraid of rolling up your sleeves and doing some work, earning some money is definitely possible.

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, not all of the ideas are going to work for everyone. Some of these ideas are best suited for older kids, for example. Before pursuing any idea, be sure you assess your abilities and resources and then choose the ideas that make the most sense for you.