Earning money as a kid today is easier than ever, thanks to technology and creativity. From running a slime business to offering tutoring, kids can build skills while making extra cash. Here are 11 ideas to get started:
- Slime Business: Use a kit like My Lil Startup to create and sell slime for quick profits.
- Crafts & DIY: Make and sell items like jewelry or decorations.
- Online Tutoring: Teach subjects you're good at to peers.
- Pet Sitting & Dog Walking: Help neighbors care for their pets.
- Baked Goods: Sell cookies or cupcakes at local events.
- Yard Work: Offer lawn mowing, raking, or snow shoveling services.
- Art & Digital Prints: Sell handmade or digital artwork.
- Costumes & Accessories: Create unique designs for events.
- Pop-Up Shop: Sell lemonade, crafts, or snacks at busy spots.
- Errands for Neighbors: Help with small tasks like groceries.
- Music or Art Lessons: Teach skills like piano or painting.
Each idea teaches valuable skills like budgeting, problem-solving, and customer service. Parents should guide kids on safety, goal setting, and managing money. Whether selling slime or walking dogs, these activities help kids grow while earning their own money.
21 Fun And Easy Ways for Kids to Make (And Learn About) Money
Getting Started: Basic Setup for Kid Entrepreneurs
Before diving into any business idea, kids need a safe and solid foundation to build upon.
Basic Requirements for Starting a Business
The best kid entrepreneurs kick things off by finding a real problem they can solve. Take Riley Kinnane-Petersen, for example - she turned a lemonade stand into something special by adding jewelry. Or Nic Bianchi, who started a candle business from a simple birthday kit. Both spotted opportunities and made the most of their resources.
For kids, adult supervision is essential. Parents or guardians should keep an eye on things like contracts, social media use, and safety measures, offering guidance without taking over completely.
Creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) - a basic version of the product or service - helps kids test their ideas right away and see if they’re on the right track.
"Start an idea journal where you can write down all your ideas for your business. Whether it be a small thought that crosses your mind or the next big idea, it's important to have it written down. Even if it doesn't seem important, it may be very useful in the future." - Maya Penn, Founder of Maya's Ideas
Understanding the basics of income, expenses, and profit is another must. This knowledge helps kids make smarter decisions about pricing, spending, and reinvesting in their business.
Starting a business doesn’t have to be expensive. Many ventures can begin with free or inexpensive tools, like a smartphone for taking photos or basic craft supplies.
It’s also important to know the local rules and regulations. Even small-scale businesses might need a license in some areas, which can cost anywhere from $50 to $200. Parents should check these requirements before moving forward.
Once the groundwork is established, the next step is setting up secure payment methods.
Safe Payment Methods for Kids
Kids need secure ways to handle payments, and thankfully, there are plenty of options designed with safety in mind.
For many kid businesses, cash is still the simplest and safest choice. It’s straightforward, has no fees, and avoids the risk of fraud - perfect for local customers or neighborhood sales.
For those venturing into digital payments, parent-controlled apps like Greenlight and GoHenry are excellent tools. These apps allow parents to monitor spending, set limits, and manage transactions using features like PINs, biometric authentication, and two-factor security.
"Payment apps can be a fantastic tool for teaching kids financial responsibility, but they also expose them to potential fraud, overspending, and privacy issues."
Parents should set spending limits and regularly review transactions to prevent problems. Teaching kids to double-check recipient details before sending money is also crucial, as is encouraging them to ask for help if they’re unsure about any online payment request.
Older teens using platforms like Cash App or Venmo need close parental guidance. These apps aren’t designed specifically for kids, so their safety features may not be as robust.
Goal Setting and Tracking Progress
With business operations and payments sorted, the focus should shift to setting clear, actionable goals. Specific goals give direction and make it easier to measure success.
Instead of aiming for something vague like "make lots of money", set a clear target. For example: "Earn $100 by selling 20 custom bookmarks at $5 each within the next month."
Breaking big goals into smaller, manageable steps makes them less overwhelming. If a kid wants to save $500 for a new bike, they can aim to earn $25 per week over 20 weeks and then figure out how to achieve that weekly target.
Tracking progress is key. A simple notebook or spreadsheet works well for this, and checking progress regularly - whether daily, weekly, or monthly - keeps things on track.
Celebrating small wins is just as important as hitting big milestones. For instance, when Samaira Mehta started creating CoderBunnyz, a board game that teaches kids how to code, every step of her journey - from finishing the first prototype to making her first sale - was worth celebrating.
Sharing goals with family, friends, or mentors can also make a big difference. When others know about the goal, they can provide encouragement, offer advice, and even help promote or support the business.
"There will be some obstacles trying to stop you, people doubting you. As long as you continue to do what you started and love, it will all be worth it in the end." - Esma Ilyas, Cofounder of Ivory Ella
Setbacks are bound to happen, but they’re opportunities to learn and adjust goals as needed.
11 Ways for Kids to Make Money in 2025
These days, kids have plenty of opportunities to earn money, whether through tech-savvy ventures, creative projects, or offering services in their communities. Here are 11 fun and practical ideas for young entrepreneurs to explore.
Start a Slime Business with My Lil Startup
Launching a slime business is a fun and simple way for kids to dip their toes into entrepreneurship. With the My Lil Startup Slime Business Kit, everything needed to start is included. The kit contains materials to make 20 slimes, which can be sold for $5 each, potentially earning kids $100.
"The Slime Kid's Business Kit is an all-in-one kit for launching your gooey empire! Guaranteed to get kids off screens and learning entrepreneurship. It's a fun experience kids will never forget!" – My Lil Startup
Priced at $39.95, the kit comes with pre-made slimes, glitter, charms, beads, glow powder, an instruction book, sales tips, marketing flyers, and thank-you cards. The global slime market continues to grow, making this a promising venture for kids of all ages.
Take Lyric, for example. In March 2024, she started "Slimed by Lyric" after discovering the Children's Entrepreneur Market. With a small loan from her parents, she invested in supplies like glue, activators, and charms. Now, she sells her creative slime designs at markets in southern Arizona. This type of business helps kids develop creativity, budgeting, marketing, and social skills.
"MyLilStartup was the perfect way to turn my son's dream into reality... this kit gave him everything he needed - fun, confidence, and real-life business skills. Now he proudly calls himself a kidpreneur! Highly recommend to any parent looking to inspire their child." – Natalia Duloglu
Sell Custom Crafts and DIY Creations
Handmade crafts are a great way for kids to showcase their creativity while earning money. From jewelry and custom t-shirts to seasonal decorations, there’s no shortage of items they can create with affordable materials. Success often comes down to polished presentation and smart marketing.
Take Riley Kinnane-Petersen, who started her jewelry business, Gunner & Lux, at just five years old. By 2025, her creations were sold in over 500 stores, including collaborations with J. Crew and West Elm Kids. It all started when her dad shared her designs on Instagram, catching the attention of Barney’s.
For kids looking to sell their crafts, professional photos with clean backgrounds and good lighting are key. Local events like craft fairs, farmers markets, and school market days are perfect places to connect with customers. Social media can also help showcase their work and attract commissions, while teaming up with local businesses might expand their reach.
"As a young entrepreneur, I learned the importance of hustle and creativity through school market day. It was my first taste of business and taught me valuable lessons about supply and demand, marketing, and customer service that continue to impact how I approach entrepreneurship today." – Mark Cuban
Offer Online Tutoring or Peer Learning
For kids who excel in subjects like math, reading, science, or coding, tutoring can be a rewarding way to earn money. Supervised online platforms provide a safe space for this, and peer learning often works well since kids may relate better to someone closer to their age. Successful young tutors create structured lesson plans, track progress, and keep parents informed. Rates typically range from $10 to $20 per hour.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Pet care is always in demand, especially in suburban areas. Kids can start by offering dog walking, pet sitting, or basic care like feeding and playing. Building trust with pet owners is essential, so starting with family friends or neighbors is a good idea. Rates usually range from $10–$15 per walk or $20–$30 per day. Beyond earning money, this teaches responsibility and reliability.
Sell Homemade Baked Goods
For kids who love baking, selling homemade treats like cookies, cupcakes, brownies, or seasonal goodies can be a sweet way to earn money. Food safety is crucial, so they should follow hygiene practices and comply with local regulations. Starting with simple recipes and adjusting based on customer feedback often works best. Items are generally priced between $2 and $5.
Lawn Care and Seasonal Yard Work
Yard work remains a classic way for kids to earn money. Depending on the season, they can offer services like lawn mowing, leaf raking, snow shoveling, or basic gardening. Parents should supervise equipment use to ensure safety. Rates vary by task and yard size, with leaf raking earning $15–$25 per yard and lawn mowing bringing in $20–$40.
Create and Sell Handmade Art or Digital Prints
Artistic kids can turn their talents into income by selling original artwork or digital prints. While original pieces are one-of-a-kind, digital prints can be sold repeatedly without additional costs. Platforms like local art fairs, community events, or online marketplaces are excellent for showcasing their work.
Design Costumes or Accessories
Seasonal events like Halloween, school plays, or themed parties create demand for custom costumes and accessories. Kids with sewing skills or a creative flair can design unique pieces that stand out. Social media is a powerful tool for marketing, and starting early ensures they have enough time to meet demand. Accessories like jewelry or props can also be lucrative.
Run a Pop-Up Shop
Pop-up shops are a fun way to sell products like lemonade, crafts, baked goods, or plants. Setting up during high-traffic events like neighborhood gatherings or sports games can lead to great sales. Eye-catching displays and thoughtful marketing can draw in customers, and the temporary nature of pop-ups often creates excitement.
Help Neighbors with Errands
Busy families often need help with tasks like grocery shopping, package delivery, or organizing. Kids offering these services not only earn money but also learn valuable organizational and customer service skills. Rates typically range from $10 to $20 per hour, depending on the complexity of the task.
Teach Music or Art Lessons
Kids with skills in music or art can share their talents by offering lessons. Whether it’s teaching piano, guitar, or painting techniques, structured lesson plans and progress tracking can help them build a solid reputation. Teaching also reinforces their own skills while boosting confidence and earning extra income.
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Choosing the Right Money-Making Activity: Comparison Guide
When picking a money-making activity for your child, it's essential to consider their interests, the time they have available, and the resources you can provide.
Comparison Table of All 11 Activities
| Activity | Startup Cost | Skills Needed | Earning Potential | Parent Involvement | Setting | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slime Business (My Lil Startup) | $39.95 | Basic following instructions | $100+ | Low supervision | Indoor | 5-10 hours/week |
| Custom Crafts & DIY | $20-$50 | Creativity, basic crafting | $50-$200/month | Medium guidance | Indoor | 8-15 hours/week |
| Online Tutoring | $0-$30 | Strong academic skills | $10-$20/hour | High supervision | Indoor | 5-12 hours/week |
| Pet Sitting & Dog Walking | $0-$20 | Responsibility, animal care | $10-$15/walk | Medium supervision | Outdoor | 3-10 hours/week |
| Homemade Baked Goods | $30-$60 | Baking skills, food safety | $2-$5/item | High supervision | Indoor | 6-12 hours/week |
| Lawn Care & Yard Work | $50-$150 | Physical stamina, equipment use | $15-$40/job | High supervision | Outdoor | 4-8 hours/week |
| Handmade Art & Digital Prints | $25-$75 | Artistic ability, basic tech | $10-$100/piece | Low-medium guidance | Indoor | 6-15 hours/week |
| Costume & Accessory Design | $40-$80 | Sewing, creativity | $20-$150/item | Medium guidance | Indoor | 10-20 hours/week |
| Pop-Up Shop | $30-$100 | Sales skills, organization | $50-$300/event | Medium supervision | Indoor/Outdoor | 8-16 hours/week |
| Neighbor Errands | $0-$10 | Organization, communication | $10-$20/hour | Low supervision | Both | 3-8 hours/week |
| Music/Art Lessons | $0-$50 | Teaching ability, expertise | $15-$30/lesson | Low-medium guidance | Indoor | 4-10 hours/week |
Most of these activities are easy to start at home, requiring minimal investment and offering opportunities to develop valuable skills.
For kids who enjoy hands-on projects, creative ventures like crafting, art, or costume design are excellent options. These activities are flexible and can grow along with your child's abilities. On the other hand, service-based activities such as tutoring, pet sitting, or music lessons teach valuable interpersonal skills while providing a steady income. These options are particularly rewarding because they allow kids to solve problems for others.
How to Match Interests with Opportunities
To make the best choice, align your child's natural strengths with the right activity. By understanding their learning style and preferences, you can guide them toward something they'll enjoy and stick with.
- Visual Learners: If your child loves drawing, reading, or watching demonstrations, activities like art, costume design, or crafting might be a great fit. These kids thrive when they can see how things are done step by step.
- Active Kids: For children who need to move and stay physically engaged, consider options like lawn care, dog walking, or running a pop-up shop. These activities provide the energy and interaction they crave.
- Number-Oriented Children: Kids with a knack for numbers and logic might enjoy tutoring math or managing the financial side of a business. They excel at tasks that require organization and attention to detail.
- Social Butterflies: If your child loves interacting with others, teaching lessons, running errands, or hosting pop-up shops can provide plenty of opportunities to connect with people and use their communication skills.
Choosing an activity that matches your child's strengths increases the chances of success. Kids are more likely to stick with something they enjoy, and this passion often leads to better outcomes. In fact, 76% of people with side hustles say they love what they do.
Starting small is key. Encourage your child to begin with friends and family, then expand through referrals and word of mouth. This approach helps them build confidence while they develop their skills and gain experience.
Tips for Success and Safety
Good habits and a focus on safety lay the groundwork for success. Whether your child is running an online slime shop or walking dogs in the neighborhood, these tips will help them thrive while staying protected. A solid safety plan ensures their efforts are productive and their earnings secure.
Safety Guidelines for Kids
Online Safety Comes First
The internet offers plenty of opportunities, but it also comes with risks. Last year alone, kids under 20 lost $101.4 million to hackers, and child identity fraud costs reached nearly $1 billion annually, impacting 1 in 50 children. Teaching kids to stay safe online is non-negotiable.
"The first, most important, lesson to teach your children is to keep their personal details private." - gohenry.com
Start by teaching them to keep private information - like their full name, home address, school name, or Social Security number - out of business communications. Use a separate email address specifically for their venture to keep personal and business details apart.
Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords that mix letters, numbers, and symbols. Add an extra layer of security with two-factor authentication, and always type web addresses manually to avoid phishing scams.
For kids using social media to promote their business, regular privacy checks are a must. Limit who can follow their accounts, and set a clear rule to ignore messages from strangers. When posting updates, avoid sharing photos that reveal personal details like house numbers or street signs.
Payment safety is just as critical. Link payment apps to credit cards instead of bank accounts to lower fraud risks, set spending limits on debit cards, and remind kids to double-check recipient details before sending money. Only use payment apps with people they know personally. These online precautions, paired with practical offline measures, create a strong safety net.
In-Person Safety Strategies
For face-to-face jobs like pet sitting, lawn care, or babysitting, having a safety plan is essential. Kids should avoid working alone or in unfamiliar places and should verify the identity of new clients through references.
Set clear boundaries on where they can work. For door-to-door activities, stick to well-lit, busy areas. If a job requires entering someone’s home, make sure they have explicit permission and that an adult is nearby. Teach them to keep their belongings safe and to know who to contact in case of an emergency.
Encourage kids to trust their instincts. If something feels off, they should leave immediately and call a parent or guardian. A detailed safety plan can help them recognize and respond to potential risks confidently.
Financial Safety and Supervision
Managing money securely is just as important as personal safety. Parents should stay involved in their child’s business without being overbearing. Set clear spending rules, such as requiring approval for transactions over a certain amount. Many apps allow you to enforce spending caps and review transactions together regularly.
For larger transactions, consider prepaid debit cards instead of cash. They offer better security and make tracking spending easier.
Tracking Progress and Celebrating Wins
Success isn’t just about making money - it’s about learning and growing along the way. Tracking progress and celebrating milestones keeps kids motivated and engaged.
Visual Progress Tracking
Use charts, graphs, or spreadsheets to track income, expenses, and profit. Seeing their growth laid out visually can make the process more rewarding.
Gamification
Turn progress into a game by using point systems, rewards, or digital badges like “First $50 Earned” or “10 Happy Customers”. This approach makes goal-setting fun and encourages kids to stay on track.
Setting SMART Goals
Help kids set SMART goals - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound. For example, a goal like “earn $100 from my slime business within a month” is clear and achievable. Breaking big goals into smaller milestones makes progress feel manageable and keeps motivation high.
Celebration Strategies
Acknowledging achievements, no matter how small, is key to building confidence. Research shows that celebrating wins boosts mood and strengthens good habits. Tailor rewards to the size of the accomplishment - small wins might get a favorite treat, while bigger milestones could call for something more special.
Regular Review and Reflection
Weekly check-ins are a great way to review progress and reflect on what’s working (and what isn’t). Ask questions like, “What went well this week?” and “What could we do differently next time?” to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Money Management Skills
Teach kids to divide their earnings into categories like saving, spending, and sharing. For example, they might save a portion for a future goal, spend some on something they enjoy, and donate a bit to a cause they care about. This approach helps them understand that money isn’t just for spending - it has multiple purposes.
Conclusion
The world of business is becoming increasingly accessible to young, ambitious minds. With 41% of teens now seeing entrepreneurship as a viable career option and 36% of students aspiring to start their own ventures instead of pursuing traditional jobs, the year 2025 offers a prime opportunity for kids to dip their toes into the entrepreneurial waters.
Here's the big picture: these small ventures teach kids more than just how to earn money - they help them develop critical skills that last a lifetime. Whether they’re running a slime business with My Lil Startup, crafting personalized gifts, or walking dogs in their neighborhood, kids are honing essential abilities like critical thinking, problem-solving, and financial literacy. Considering that 91% of employers prioritize problem-solving skills when hiring, these early entrepreneurial experiences give kids a significant edge.
Starting young also means gaining a head start on confidence and life skills. From earning their first $50 tutoring to celebrating $100 in slime sales, each milestone teaches lessons in money management, customer service, and persistence. These aren't just business lessons - they're life lessons.
Parents play a key role in this journey. By working together, families can help kids build leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities. The secret? Start small, set realistic goals, and remember that success isn’t just about the dollars earned - it’s about the growth, resilience, and confidence kids gain along the way.
With over 70% of new entrepreneurs in 2025 valuing flexibility over profit, these ventures align perfectly with modern priorities. Choose an activity that matches your child’s interests, ensure the proper safety measures are in place, and watch them transform from allowance-reliant kids into confident, capable young entrepreneurs ready to take on the world.
Encourage your child to take that first step today. The skills they develop now will prepare them to face tomorrow's challenges with confidence and creativity.
FAQs
How can I make sure my child stays safe while managing their small business?
Keeping your child safe while they explore their entrepreneurial side is essential. Start by closely supervising their activities and making sure they understand basic safety guidelines. Take a moment to assess their workspace for any potential risks. If they’re working outdoors, teach them about traffic safety and staying alert to their surroundings.
Provide them with tools or equipment that are suitable for their age and ensure everything they use aligns with local safety regulations. It’s also smart to have emergency contacts handy and a simple plan ready for unexpected situations. By prioritizing safety, you’ll help your child focus on their business with greater confidence and ease.
How can parents support their kids in managing the money they earn from these side hustles?
Parents play a crucial role in guiding kids to manage their money effectively. Start by teaching basic financial skills - like understanding the value of money, setting achievable goals, and knowing the difference between needs and wants. A simple way to begin is by helping your child create a basic budget to track their income, spending, and savings.
Introduce the idea of saving and investing early on. For instance, encourage them to set aside part of their earnings for future goals, whether it’s a special purchase or saving for college. You can also involve them in small financial decisions, such as comparing prices or figuring out how to reinvest their earnings to grow their side hustle. These practices not only teach responsibility but also give kids the confidence to make smart money decisions as they get older.
How can I help my child set realistic goals for their business ideas?
To guide your child in setting goals they can realistically achieve, start by breaking down larger ambitions into smaller, more manageable steps. Encourage them to create goals that are specific, measurable, and within reach. This approach helps maintain focus and boosts motivation. Regular check-ins can also be helpful for tracking progress and making any necessary tweaks along the way.
Consider using tools like goal charts or visual planners to keep things organized and give them a clear view of their progress. Talk through any challenges they might encounter and work together to come up with solutions. This not only builds their confidence but also sharpens their problem-solving abilities.
