Summer holds some of the year’s best opportunities to infuse new energy into your money goals. As someone who turned a small side gig into a life-changing career, I know firsthand how a creative project or an extra stream of income can build unstoppable momentum—not only for your wallet but for your sense of freedom. The heat brings out demand in seasonal jobs and freshen-ups your own ambition. Whether you’re looking to make a few hundred for fun or build real wealth for the long haul, here are 16 flexible summer side hustles that blend practical earning with space for the joys that make summer feel rich.
1. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
The pet care industry surges in summer when families travel or spend more time outdoors. If you enjoy animals, apps like Rover make it simple to find dog walking or pet sitting gigs. With pet parents prioritizing reliable care, this is a flexible way to boost your income with little up-front cost. Plus, you can scale up to pet drop-ins, overnight stays, or even offer simple pet photography on the side. Want even more entrepreneurial options? Explore long-term business ideas for animal lovers.
2. Sell Your Designs Online
If you’re a creative, summer is prime time to profit from digital designs or handmade art. Platforms like Etsy and Printify let you sell printables, shirts, stickers, or custom illustrations. You can start from home, test what sells, and expand at your own pace—and designs can bring in revenue around the clock. Want hands-on guidance? Check out this guide for getting paid to design.
3. Offer Lawn Care or Gardening
Many homeowners loosen up their schedules or go on vacation in the summer, leaving lawns and gardens ready for some TLC. From mowing grass to watering plants or even basic landscaping clean-up, word travels fast when you do a reliable job. Tools are easy to rent or borrow if you don’t own them already. Unsure how to start? Follow advice from The Penny Hoarder’s lawn care guide or check out NerdWallet’s summer gig ideas.
4. Tutor Students or Create Summer Camps
When class lets out, parents look for enriching ways to keep kids learning. If you’re strong in math, reading, science or arts, you can tutor locally or online on platforms like Chegg Tutors. Taking it further, design a local summer “camp” in your area of expertise—anything from coding to painting. For specialized ideas, see side gigs for early teens for inspiration.
5. House Sitting and Airbnb Management
Summer’s travel boom creates huge demand for house sitters and Airbnb hosts. Whether it’s just watering plants and collecting mail, or managing guest bookings for neighbors, people will pay for peace of mind. Get started on apps like TrustedHousesitters or learn to co-host on Airbnb.
6. Guide Tours or Experiences
Summer means an influx of tourists in most towns. If you know your city’s hidden gems, why not become a local guide? Apps like Viator and Withlocals connect you with travelers seeking unique experiences, from food tours to history walks. You can even develop custom adventures for friends or neighbors. This is also a great fit for those seeking neurodivergent-friendly jobs.
7. Try Freelance Writing or Blog Monetization
Writing skills translate beautifully into extra cash in the summer—especially if you’ve got expertise or a unique voice. Publish on platforms like Medium or find freelance gigs using our guide to paid writing jobs. You might even discover the basics of blogging as a true income stream.
8. Sell at Farmers Markets or Local Events
If you have a talent for baking, crafting, or growing things, farmers markets and summer festivals are prime venues for selling your goods. With clear steps on how to begin, you can profit from everything from fresh bread and jams to jewelry or home décor. You’ll build local relationships and get direct feedback for growing your hobby into a true business.
9. Monetize Your Car with Rideshare or Delivery
Summer creates new energy for people getting out and about, making rideshare driving or delivery a hot opportunity. Apps like Uber and DoorDash let you set your own hours and earn based on your schedule. There’s even demand for specialty options like medical appointment rides or grocery delivery. Take a look at one real driver’s earnings breakdown for a dose of reality.
10. Flip Items from Yard Sales or Thrift Stores
Warm weather lights up yard sales, estate sales, and flea markets—perfect places to snag undervalued treasures and resell them for profit. Whether it’s vintage sneakers, used tech, or upcycled furniture, the thrill of the hunt and resale profit is hard to beat. Learn from this thorough flipping guide or see how side hustlers turn small capital into real cash.
11. Teach Outdoor Fitness or Yoga Classes
Public parks and open spaces invite people outdoors. If you have fitness knowledge or a yoga certification, consider running group classes. Social media and Meetup groups help round up clients, while this ACE Fitness guide covers business basics. Offering sessions outdoors means minimal expenses and a sunlight boost for everyone.
12. Rent Out Spare Space or Equipment
Got a garage, driveway, or unused equipment? From storage rental apps to sites like Fat Llama for tools or cameras, summer brings steady demand for short-term rentals. Market bikes, kayaks, tents, or parking spots to travelers or locals. If you’re curious about scaling this up, read how one person earned $20k from his garage.
13. Turn a Hobby Into an Online Course
Do you have a niche skill, hobby, or craft? Summer is the ideal season to create an online course and reach students worldwide from home. Popular platforms like Udemy and Skillshare let you package your expertise into a video series and earn royalties. Want action steps for turning skills into dollars? Learn how to monetize your talents in global markets.
14. Become an Event Photographer or Videographer
Summer is packed with weddings, reunions, and events—creating real demand for photographers and videographers. Even if you’re just getting started, you can build a portfolio shooting at local gatherings, then market your work on platforms like Thumbtack or using this actionable photography gig guide. This hustle combines creativity with in-demand skills, plus flexible scheduling.
15. Try Mystery Shopping or Paid Surveys
Local businesses and brands rely on mystery shoppers and survey takers to gather feedback and improve customer service during busy summer seasons. Programs via BestMark or larger survey aggregators like SurveyMonkey offer realistic ways to earn extra cash during your downtime. Just be sure to stick with legitimate programs—the Federal Trade Commission outlines tips for avoiding scams at this official page.
16. Launch a Seasonal Cleaning or Organizing Service
Summer brings a wave of moves and deep cleans, with busy families ready to hire help for organizing, decluttering, or prepping rental homes between guests. You can start simple: offer garage clean-outs, post-yard sale help, or Airbnb turnover cleaning. Forbes shares how some side hustlers make $1000+ a week in this space. For even higher earning strategies, dive into tips on making $5,000 in a month from side income.
Summer doesn’t have to be “all or nothing” when it comes to working and enjoying life. With the right approach, you can seize the energy of the season and turn free time—and even your hobbies—into meaningful earnings. Try one or two of these ideas, and you might surprise yourself not just with the money you make, but with the skills, freedom, and joy you gain along the way.
