Summer is the ideal season to transform your free time into additional money. Whether you’re a student on break, someone with flexible hours, or just trying to supplement your income, there are several enjoyable and productive side hustles you can begin right away. We’ve identified 7 best summer side hustles, outlined in simple words, with realistic methods to make extra money fast, so you can get started right now.
1. Earn as guider outdoor tours or renting out adventure gear.
Earning Potential: $50-$200 per hour plus gear rental expenses.
What You Can Do: Provide guided walks, paddleboard sessions, and cycling tours—or hire out equipment such as kayaks or bikes.
How to Start:
- Find prominent trails, lakes, or parks near you
- Buy or borrow some basic gear
- Create a simple booking site or utilize services like Airbnb Experiences
- Promote on local Facebook groups and tourism sites.
Extra Tip: Renting out gear (like paddleboards) when you’re not using them can double your income.
2. Provide mobile car cleaning services to earn extra money.
Estimated earnings: $75-$200 per vehicle.
What You Can Do: Give automobiles a thorough wash, polish, and inside cleaning—right at their homes or businesses.
How to Start:
- Find car cleaning supplies, such as microfiber cloths/ Microfiber Towel and eco-friendly soap.
- Market your service through local apps or community boards.
- Create a basic booking system (Calendly or Google Calendar are recommended).
Pro Tip: Regular customers like realtors or Uber drivers can bring in steady work.
3. Set up a Backyard Glamping Spot or Tiny Rental
Estimated monthly earnings range from $2,000 to $6,000.
What You Can Do: Set up a nice tent or small camper in your yard to rent out for short stays.
Steps to begin:
- Decorate with fairy lights, rugs, and a comfortable bed.
- Take images and sell on Airbnb or Vrbo.
- Include fun extras such as a fire pit, breakfast basket, or bike rentals.
Why It Works: People love unique, budget-friendly travel options—especially during summer weekends.
4. Organize online camps or tutor kids to earn extra money.
Estimated earnings: $25 to $80 per hour.
What You Can Do: During the summer, you may tutor students or teach entertaining online classes (such as sketching, coding, or baking).
How to start:
- Plan a weekly class series or provide one-on-one courses.
- Use Zoom or post your classes on websites like Outschool.
- Share your classes with parents and school communities.
Easy Upsell: Record your lessons and offer a “catch-up” package to parents who missed live sessions.
5. Set up a lemonade or snack stand (for grown-ups!)
Estimated earnings: $500-$3,000 per week
What You Can Do: Sell cool beverages, coffee, or sweets at popular locations such as beaches, parks, and festivals.
To get started, follow these steps:
- Obtain licenses from your municipal office.
- Keep your menu basic and lucrative (e.g., iced coffee for $5 costs $1).
- Use portable payment systems like Square.
Best Locations: Farmers markets, community events, and even outside popular stores on hot days.
6. Launch an online shop for summer gear.
Estimated earnings: $1,000 to $10,000 or more every month.
What You Can Do: Sell customized t-shirts, sunglasses, towels, and other summer necessities.
How to begin
- Find trendy things on Etsy, Pinterest, or TikTok.
- Use platforms like Shopify or Etsy to start your business.
- Consider dropshipping to reduce inventory holding.
Marketing Tip: Run small Facebook or Instagram ads targeting beach lovers or vacationers.
7. Pet Sitting or Mobile Grooming as Side Hustles.
Estimated earnings: $20-$60 per hour
What You Can Do: Watch dogs while their owner’s vacation, or provide mobile grooming services such as baths and nail trims.
Getting started:
- List your services on Rover, Care.com, or at local vet offices.
- Offer additional services such as dog walks, play sessions, or brushing.
- Share images of happy pets on your profile to build trust.
Earn More: Team up with other pet sitters if demand grows.
5 Steps to Launch Your Summer Side Hustle Fast
1. Pick the Right Idea
Choose something that matches your time, interest, and budget.
2. Start Small
Use what you already have. Don’t overthink or overspend in the beginning.
3. Tell Everyone
Post about it on social media, join local groups, and ask friends to refer you.
4. Make Booking Easy
Use a simple online form or calendar link to let people reserve your service.
5. Build Momentum
Offer package deals, ask for reviews, and start thinking about how to grow!
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a lot of money or experience to start making money this summer. Just pick one idea, take a few small steps, and get going. Whether you want to earn an extra $500 or build a business that lasts beyond summer, these side hustles give you the tools to do it.
The best part? You’ll enjoy the sunshine while watching your bank account grow.
So, ready to turn your summer hustle into real income? Let’s go!