Remember that feeling when you saw something cool in a store but didn't have enough cash? Or wanted to buy concert tickets without begging your parents? Finding legit ways to make money as a kid isn't just about cash - it's about freedom. I still recall saving up for my first skateboard doing odd jobs, and let me tell you, it felt way better than getting it as a gift.
This isn't some fluffy list telling you to "be creative." We're talking concrete ideas with real dollar amounts, what tools you need, and exactly how to start. Whether you're 8 or 14, these methods have been tested by real kids. Some take more sweat, others need tech skills, but all are actual ways to make money as a kid.
You might wonder: Is this even legal? How much can I really earn? We'll cover that too. Spoiler: My neighbor's kid made $400 last summer just watering plants.
Old-School Jobs That Still Work
Before we dive into apps and tech, don't sleep on traditional methods. People still pay cash for these services.
Lawn Care Services
Mowing lawns sounds boring until you see the numbers. Basic pricing around here:
| Service | Small Yard | Medium Yard | Large Yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mowing | $10-15 | $15-25 | $25-40 |
| Weeding | $5-10 | $10-15 | $15-25 |
| Leaf Raking | $15-20 | $20-30 | $30-50+ |
My first summer doing this aged 12, I averaged $75/week working 8 hours total. Not bad for a kid. Equipment tips:
- Start with your family's mower/rake (free!)
- Charge extra if they don't provide trash bags
- Always wear gloves - blisters ruin your week
Pro tip: Team up with a friend. You can handle bigger yards faster and split the cash. Just make sure you agree on payment terms beforehand - I learned that the hard way when my buddy took off with $30 after we cleared old Mrs. Peterson's oak leaves.
Babysitting and Pet Care
Think you need to be 16 for babysitting? Nope. Parents hire responsible 12-year-olds all the time for daytime gigs. Rates vary wildly:
- Age 10-12: $5-7/hour (mostly assisting adults)
- Age 13-15: $8-12/hour for solo jobs
- +$2/hour per extra kid
Pet sitting's even better because dogs don't talk back. For reference:
- Dog walking: $10-15 per 30-min walk
- Overnight pet sitting: $25-40/night
- Feeding/check-ins: $5-10 per visit
Watch out: Always have parents handle initial meetings. Never enter someone's home without your parents knowing exactly where you are. Safety beats extra cash every time.
Digital Money Makers
Yes, there are legal online ways to make money as a kid under 13. Most require parental help setting up accounts though.
Selling Stuff You Create
My niece clears $50/month selling friendship bracelets on Etsy (via her mom's account). Top items kids actually sell:
| Item | Startup Cost | Selling Price | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom bracelets | $10-25 | $5-15 each | Etsy, Instagram |
| Pet bandanas | $15-30 | $8-12 each | Facebook Marketplace |
| Keychains | $20-40 | $6-10 each | Craft fairs, Etsy |
The trick? Small batches. Make 10 items max first to test interest. I wasted $42 on bead supplies before learning this.
You might ask: What if I'm not crafty? Try reselling. Buy popular thrift store items (video games, collectibles) and flip them on eBay. Parental supervision required!
Content Creation (Seriously)
Before you say "I'm not a TikTok star," hear me out. You don't need millions of followers. Micro-niches work:
- Game tutorials for Roblox/Minecraft
- Unboxing toys (companies send free stuff!)
- Book reviews for middle-grade novels
Monetization happens through:
- Ad revenue (YouTube requires 1,000 subs + 4,000 watch hours)
- Affiliate links (Amazon pays commission)
- Fan donations (Ko-fi, Patreon)
Reality check: This takes months to build. But a 13-year-old in my town makes $100/month reviewing skate parks. Not get-rich-quick money, but legit ways to make money as a kid.
Seasonal Cash Opportunities
Timing matters. These won't work year-round but deliver quick cash bursts.
Holiday Hustles
December is golden. Last Christmas, my cousin's kid made $240 in 10 days doing:
- Gift wrapping ($3-5 per gift at mall kiosks)
- Light hanging ($15-25 per house)
- Selling hot cocoa ($1/cup outside tree lots)
Other seasonal gigs:
- Fall: Pumpkin carving help ($5/pumpkin), yard cleanup bundles
- Spring: Garden prep ($10-15/hour), garage sale assistance
- Summer: Car washing ($10-20/car), pool maintenance helper
Farmers' Market Help
Local vendors hire teens/kids as helpers for:
- Setting up tents (show up at 6 AM)
- Customer bagging ($10-12/hour)
- Sample distribution (often pays in cash + free food)
I did this at 14 for a honey vendor. Got paid $40 cash plus a jar of honey every Saturday morning. Worth waking up early.
Academic and Creative Skills
Good at school stuff? Turn it into income.
Tutoring Younger Kids
You don't need to be a genius. If you're getting B+ or better in:
- Math
- Basic Spanish/French
- Reading skills
Parents pay $10-15/hour for you to help elementary kids. Advertise through school bulletin boards or community Facebook groups. Better yet - team up with a teacher who can recommend you.
Arts and Performance
Got musical skills? Birthday parties need entertainment. Rates:
- Face painting: $40-75 per event
- Magic tricks: $50-100 per hour
- Playing piano at events: $25-50
Know a kid who drew caricatures at our block party for $5 each. Made $120 in three hours. Not bad for carrying a sketchpad around.
Critical Things Adults Won't Tell You
Making money feels awesome until tax season. Here's what matters.
Rules and Safety
Legally:
- Under 14: Most states limit work hours and require parental permission
- Babysitting: 11+ is common but check your state laws
- Selling online: Parents must handle finances and accounts
Red flag: Never do jobs requiring heavy equipment (chainsaws, ladders) or entering strangers' homes alone. Some things aren't worth the risk, regardless of pay.
Money Management
When I started earning, I blew it all on candy. Learn from my mistakes:
- Save 30% minimum (use separate envelopes)
- Track earnings in a notebook - taxes might apply over $400/year
- Discuss banking options with parents
Real example: Kid saves $20/week from dog walking. After one summer = $240. That's a gaming console.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
What's the fastest way to make $50 as a kid?
Combine services. Offer a "yard cleanup package" - rake leaves ($20), pull weeds ($15), wash windows ($15). Done in one weekend.
Can 10-year-olds legally make money?
Absolutely. Yard work, crafts sales, lemonade stands are all fair game. Restrictions kick in for formal employment, but informal gigs are fine.
How much should kids charge?
Base it on: 1) What adults charge (charge half), 2) Time spent, 3) Materials used. Neighbor paying $40 for lawn service? Offer same for $20-$25.
Any ways to make money as a kid without leaving home?
Yes: Selling crafts online, tutoring via Zoom, data entry for parents' businesses (organizing spreadsheets), testing apps for developers.
Do I pay taxes on kid earnings?
Under $12,950/year? Usually not. But keep records. Over $400 from self-employed gigs may require filing. Ask your parents to be safe.
Getting Started: Action Steps
Reading about ways to make money as a kid won't fill your wallet. Do this today:
- Pick ONE idea that matches your skills
- Calculate startup costs (if any)
- Create simple flyers (Canva has free templates)
- Tell 3 neighbors/family friends about your service
The kid down my street started dog walking by offering free 10-minute "test walks." Got 4 clients in a week. Smart, right?
Final thought: Don't expect instant cash. My first lawn mowing client took 3 weeks to find. But once you get rolling, word spreads. Actual ways to make money as a kid exist - you just need hustle and patience.