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30 Best Summer Side Hustles to Boost Your Income

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Summer’s the perfect time to boost your income with a flexible side hustle. Whether you’ve got extra downtime or need to cover rising costs, seasonal gigs can help you meet your goals without long-term commitments.

From outdoor jobs to creative gigs, you can find plenty of ways to make extra income while enjoying the summer sunshine.

This list of summer side hustles will make it easier to find one that fits your lifestyle while helping you boost your bank account.

Here are some of the top ideas for starting a summer side hustle.

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Best Summer Side Hustles

1) Lawn Maintenance

You’re already halfway there if you’ve got a lawnmower and some basic gardening tools. Offering lawn mowing, weeding, planting flowers, or general landscaping services to your neighbors or local homeowners can be a steady summer gig.

Homeowners enjoy maintaining their yards during warmer months, but not everyone has the time to do it themselves. Competitive pricing and reliability will be essential for building a loyal client base.

2) Dog Walker

Summer means longer days, which are perfect for walking dogs. Many pet owners work hectic schedules, leaving them in need of reliable walkers.

You can set up a flexible schedule, take on multiple dogs at once, and stay active while you earn money outdoors.

3) Clean Houses

With sunshine streaming through every window, summer tends to highlight dirt and clutter. That’s where you come in. Cleaning homes, whether offering one-time deep cleans or regular maintenance, can be lucrative.

Advertise in local Facebook groups or hang flyers around your town to connect with busy homeowners who need an extra hand.

4) Offer BBQ Catering Services

Summertime means grilling season. If you’re a barbecue fanatic, turn your skills into a small catering business. Offer to cater backyard parties, reunions, or even corporate events by providing smoked meats, sides, and drinks.

Word-of-mouth referrals can help you land regular gigs throughout the summer.

5) Pool Cleaning Services

Pools are a summer staple, but keeping them clean and chemically balanced is no small task. Homeowners often hire professionals to handle this, and you can step in to fill that need.

If you’re familiar with pool maintenance or willing to learn, this side hustle can bring in consistent work during the sunny months.

6) Detail Cars

Summer road trips can leave cars messy, from bug splatter on windshields to sand in floor mats. Offering car detailing services, complete with thorough cleaning inside and out, is a practical summer side hustle.

With a few basic supplies, you could set up in your driveway or go mobile, offering customers the convenience of house calls.

7) Deliver Groceries

The demand for grocery delivery services like Instacart surges during the busy summer months, especially for families who’d rather spend their weekends outdoors.

If you enjoy driving around and lending a hand, this could be a flexible gig with consistent earnings.

8) Offer Picnic Basket Services

Make summer outings easy for families, friends, or couples by offering pre-packed picnic baskets.

You can create different package options, including sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks, and beverages, and then promote your custom baskets on social media or in local groups. It’s like catering but more personal and creative.

9) Rent Out Your Pool

Have a backyard pool you’re not always using? Platforms like Swimply allow you to rent it out by the hour.

Families and small groups often look for places to cool off without committing to full-day waterpark trips, making this an easy way to turn your pool into passive income.

10) Tutor

Even during summer months, parents look to keep their kids on track academically, especially in subjects where they struggle. You can help by offering tutoring sessions for math and reading or even prepping for upcoming high school or college exams.

Whether in person or online, this is a rewarding way to make money while helping others.

11) Offer Grilling Lessons

If you’ve mastered the art of grilling, share your expertise by offering lessons on techniques like smoking meats, grilling fish, or making the perfect steak.

You can hold small group classes or one-on-one sessions, turning your backyard into a casual learning space.

12) Pet Sitter

With summer vacations in full swing, pet owners often need someone to feed and care for their animals while they’re away. Advertising your services as a dependable pet sitter can bring in steady gigs.

Services like dog walking, feeding, and playtime make this an easy and enjoyable way to earn money.

13) Help People Move

Summer is a popular time for moving. You can offer a helping hand with packing, loading, or even complete moving services.

Whether you operate on your own or grab a few friends to assist, this physically active side hustle is always in demand during warmer months.

14) Offer Decluttering Services

People love to declutter during the summer, but not everyone enjoys the process. You can offer to help clients organize closets, garages, or storage units.

Add value by taking unwanted items to donation centers or selling them online for an extra fee.

15) Private Chef for Vacation Rentals

If you love cooking, consider offering personalized chef services for guests at Airbnb or vacation homes. Many vacationers appreciate having someone prepare high-quality meals without the hassle of going out.

From gourmet breakfasts to full-course dinners, this gig plays off your culinary creativity.

16) Pressure Washing

Pressure washing driveways, patios, and siding can help homes sparkle for the summer. It’s a simple service to offer if you have the equipment or can rent it.

It’s a visual transformation that’s highly appealing to homeowners, especially during the summer when outdoor spaces get more use.

17) Photography

The sunny weather makes summer the best time for outdoor photography. From family portraits to senior pictures or even photos for social media influencers, you can turn your camera skills into cash.

Offer mini-sessions to capture those picture-perfect summer moments.

18) Babysit

Parents often need extra help during the summer, especially when kids are out of school. Babysitting allows you to make money while planning fun activities like park visits, pool time, or arts and crafts with little ones.

19) Frozen Treat Delivery

Nothing says summer quite like an icy treat. Create and deliver homemade popsicles, gelato, or sorbets to your community.

You can sell them at local events, parks, or even through a delivery option for neighborhoods.

20) Local Tour Guide

If you know your city inside and out, offering guided tours is a fantastic opportunity. Take tourists to hidden gems, historical sites, or the best local eateries.

You can offer themed tours to make your service stand out.

21) Offer Errand Services

You can step in as a reliable solution for those who need tasks like grocery shopping, dry cleaning pickups, or pharmacy runs completed.

This hustle allows you to help busy locals while staying active around town.

22) Sell Custom Charcuterie Boards

Charcuterie boards are a trendy hit, especially for gatherings like summer picnics or wine nights. Create beautiful, customized boards with meats, cheeses, fruits, and extras.

Share photos on social platforms to attract clients quickly.

23) Deliver Food

Partner with apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats to deliver meals to customers.

With busy summer schedules and parties, the demand for food delivery often spikes, making this a flexible way to earn.

24) Make and Sell Crafts

Put your creativity to use by making and selling crafts at summer fairs or pop-up events around town.

Items like jewelry, hand-painted signs, or eco-friendly products tend to be popular with local shoppers.

25) Offer Face Painting at Events

Events like fairs, kids’ birthday parties, and festivals often hire face painters.

A small investment in supplies can get you started, and it’s a unique, fun way to engage with your community while earning money.

26) Clean Boats

Boat owners need their vessels clean and stain-free during the boating season.

Offering detailing services, from scrubbing hulls to cleaning interiors, can be lucrative in areas near lakes or marinas.

27) Offer Seafood Boil or Fish Fry Services

You can provide seafood boils or fish fry catering for big summer cookouts and gatherings. This side hustle works incredibly well in regions where fresh seafood is accessible.

Becoming known for this unique summer specialty could keep your calendar booked.

28) Rent Out a Spare Room

If you’ve got a spare bedroom, rent it to summer tourists through platforms like Airbnb.

Even short-term rentals can bring in significant extra income during peak travel months. Add thoughtful touches like local guidebooks or snacks to elevate the experience for guests.

29) Flea Market Flipper

Visit flea markets, thrift shops, or garage sales to find hidden gems, then flip them online for a profit. You’d be surprised how much people are willing to pay for vintage finds or refurbished furniture.

30) House Sit

When homeowners leave town for summer vacations, they need someone to monitor things.

Offer house-sitting services that include watering plants, collecting mail, and ensuring the house stays secure while they’re away.

Final Thoughts

The variety of summer side hustles available means there’s truly something for everyone.

From outdoor services to creative ventures, these opportunities offer flexible ways to earn extra cash while making the most of the season. You can tailor your hustle to fit your skills, interests, and schedule, turning spare time into meaningful income.

Whether you’re saving for a dream vacation, tackling rising expenses, or testing the waters of entrepreneurship, there’s no better time to start.

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