Side hustles are a great way to boost your income, but they can also be enjoyable and educational experiences for your kids. While not every gig is suitable for involving children, there are plenty of family-friendly options that go beyond the classic lemonade stand. These opportunities can teach your children valuable lessons about work ethic, entrepreneurship, and financial responsibility, especially if you share some of the earnings with them, encouraging good saving habits from an early age.
Of course, you know best which side hustles fit your family’s needs, and remember that you’re ultimately responsible for the quality of the work. To help you get started, here are some fun and practical side hustle ideas you can do together with your kids:
Dog Walking
Many kids love animals, and dog walking is a popular side hustle for pet lovers. Busy pet owners often need help getting their dogs out for exercise. Platforms like Rover allow you to advertise your dog walking services, set your own hours, and choose the services you’re comfortable offering. According to a NetCredit study, dog walkers earn an average of $24.84 per hour. Before including your child, make sure the dog’s temperament is friendly and that it’s well-behaved on a leash, as some dogs may react nervously around strangers.
Crafting
If your kids enjoy hands-on activities, crafting together can be a rewarding way to spend time. Making homemade jewelry, candles, or bath bombs sparks creativity and imagination. While you can manage the online sales, your kids get to participate in creating the products. Etsy is a popular platform to sell handmade goods, charging a small listing fee of 20¢ per item and a 6.5% transaction fee on sales. Etsy also offers promotional tools to help your products reach a wider audience, for an additional fee.
Holiday Decor Setup
If your family loves festive celebrations, consider offering holiday yard decoration services in your community. While adults handle tasks like ladder work or using tools, kids can assist with ground-level activities or lighter tasks, depending on their age. Promote your services through social media and platforms like Handy.com to attract local customers looking for seasonal decorating help.
Product Testing and Reviewing
Product testing is a convenient side hustle you can do from home, making it easy to involve your children when appropriate. Kids get the chance to try new products, sometimes before their peers, which can be exciting. This also allows you to provide reviews from both adult and younger perspectives. Amazon Vine is an invitation-only program offering free products in exchange for reviews, though it doesn’t pay cash. Other options include UserTesting, Home Testing Club, Influenster, and PinchMe.
Mystery Shopping
Since your kids often accompany you on errands, why not turn those trips into a mystery shopping gig? Mystery shoppers visit stores or restaurants posing as regular customers and provide feedback on their experience, including cleanliness and customer service. This side hustle can earn up to $1,000 per month. Many businesses value family viewpoints, so having your kids along can be a bonus. Check out companies like BestMark, Market Force, and Secret Shopper for opportunities.
By choosing side hustles that align with your family’s interests and abilities, you can create meaningful experiences that teach valuable life skills while supplementing your income.