15 Best Summer Side Hustles to Make Money Fast

Last updated on 17th May, 2025 at 04:58 pm

Heads Up: For the sake of transparency, this post might contain affiliate links. If a sale is made, I will receive a small commission (at no additional charge for you), which helps keep the lights on and helps feed my cats. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Ah, summer. Long days, lazy afternoons, and that itch to do something more than just binge another show. Maybe you want to fund a weekend trip, save up for a new ride before fall, or just keep your savings intact.

Whatever your reason, a flexible side gig could be the perfect fit.

That’s where these best summer side hustles come in. I’m talking real gigs that:

• Pay fast (some even daily)
• Work around your summer schedule
• Don’t leave you sweating all day
• Might actually be… fun?

No 9-to-5 grind required. Just chill, side jobs you can do in your spare time, and who knows, some might turn into something more.

Forget the gimmicks, no unrealistic promises… just practical options that respect your time and summer plans.

These are real ways to stack some extra cash this summer.

Want to easily revisit the best summer side hustles? Save this image to your favorite Pinterest board and start planning your summer earnings today!

1. Flip Thrift Store Finds

You’d be surprised what people throw away and what others will pay good money for. From vintage band tees to that ugly lamp someone’s grandma left behind, there’s gold hiding in thrift stores and garage sales.

I’m talking about one of the best summer side hustles that lets you make money fast.

What kind of things can you sell? Pretty much anything with a little character:

• Retro video games and toys
• Leather jackets and 90s denim
• Mid-century furniture pieces
• Vintage kitchenware
• Collectible books and records

Here’s how it works. You spend a Saturday morning hitting up local sales, looking for quality items priced way below what they’re worth. Then you give them a quick clean, snap some decent photos, and list them on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Some items sell within days.

What makes this such a great summer side gig? You set your own hours. Feel like sleeping in? No problem. Want to take a weekend trip? Go for it. Many part-time resellers pull in 200 to 500 bucks a month just working when they feel like it.

As temperatures rise, so do garage sales and people clearing out their attics. More sales mean better finds and fatter profits for you.

So, if you’ve got a good eye and don’t mind getting a little dusty, this could be your perfect warm-weather money maker.

2. Freelance Your Skills

That thing you’re good at? People will pay you for it. Whether you can write catchy captions, design simple logos, or even do funny voices, platforms like Fiverr and Upwork connect your skills with clients who need them.

This is one of those summer side hustles that works because:

• You choose which projects to take
• Set your own rates and schedule
• Work from anywhere with WiFi
• Build experience for future opportunities

Start by listing services you can confidently deliver. A student might offer essay editing. An artist could sell custom illustrations. Even basic tech help sells well.

Summer’s actually the perfect time to start. Many businesses need extra help while regular staff take vacations. You could be landing small gigs within days.

And you know what? These same skills could turn into a proper business by the fall if you want.

3. Pet Sitting

Imagine getting paid to cuddle with cats or take dogs for walks in the park. That’s exactly what pet sitting offers through apps like Rover, one of the easiest and best summer side hustles for animal lovers.

It’s a great summer gig because vacation season means more pet owners need help. You get to choose which jobs to accept based on your schedule, and most visits take less than an hour, but still pay around $15 to $30. Some gigs even let you stay in nice homes while the owners are away.

All you need is patience and love for animals. The app handles payments and connects you with nearby clients. Walk dogs in the cool morning hours, drop in for afternoon feedings, or do overnight stays, it’s up to you.

Before you know it, you could be earning money just by giving pets the attention they crave while their families are away.

4. Lawn Care Services

You might not realize how many neighbors would happily pay someone to handle their lawn this summer. For 30 to 50 dollars per yard, you could turn a simple mower and some free time into steady cash.

This works especially well helping elderly residents who struggle with yard work. Many would rather pay a trustworthy local than hire expensive landscaping companies.

Start by offering basic services to a few nearby homes. As word spreads, you can take on more clients. The work is straightforward, outdoors in the fresh air, and pays immediately after each job.

Summer means grass grows faster, so regular customers will need weekly service. It’s one of those simple summer side hustles where you get paid to stay active while making your neighborhood look better.

5. Tutoring (In-Person or Online)

That math equation you mastered or the essay skill you perfected could be your way to easy summer earnings. Tutoring is one of those best summer side hustles that lets you turn your knowledge into cash while actually helping students.

You don’t need a teaching degree to get started. If you aced algebra, crushed chemistry, or speak a second language, parents will pay for your help. Summer is when students need tutoring most to prevent learning loss or get ahead for fall.

Choose between meeting students at local libraries or teaching online through Zoom. Set your own rates and schedule. Charge between $20−$50 per hour, depending on the subject and your experience.

Platforms like Wyzant and Tutor.com connect tutors with students, or you can advertise locally. It’s rewarding work that fits perfectly around summer plans while putting money in your pocket.

6. Rent Out Your Stuff

That surfboard leaning in your garage or camera sitting on your shelf could be paying for your summer ice cream fund right now. Instead of letting your stuff collect dust, you could be earning passive income from things you already own.

Platforms like FatLlama make it stupid simple. Just list your item with clear photos and set your own rental price. When someone books it, you get paid. Your gear stays insured during rentals, too.

Popular items to rent out:

• Photography equipment
• Camping gear
• Power tools
• Party supplies
• Sports equipment

You do the work once by listing it, then earn money whenever it gets rented. Some people make enough to cover their own rental needs. Summer brings peak demand too more travelers and DIYers needing temporary gear.

7. Food Delivery

When the temperature rises, so does everyone’s appetite for cold drinks and takeout. That’s why food delivery becomes one of the best summer side hustles when you need quick cash.

This is one of the easiest ways to make money with your phone. Apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash put you in complete control. Work lunch rushes, late-night snack runs, or just weekends when you feel like earning.

Summer brings the best conditions:

• Tourists tip better
• Offices order more team lunches
• Heatwaves mean more people are avoiding cooking
• Frequent surge pricing during peak hours

The flexibility can’t be beat. Beach day? Take it. Need $100 for concert tickets? Just work a few dinner shifts. Keep your phone handy, and you can earn between other summer plans.

8. Sell Handmade or Digital Products

That craft project you do for fun could actually pay your ice cream bill this summer. Selling handmade goods or digital products lets you turn hobbies into income without leaving your air-conditioned room.

Etsy makes it simple to start. You could create DIY crafts from Dollar Tree supplies that cost pennies to make, printable wall art or summer party invitations, or maybe digital planners for students or busy moms, and custom summer-themed designs for T-shirts or mugs.

The magic happens when you upload once and keep earning. Someone buys your digital wedding invitation template at 2 AM while you’re sleeping? Money lands in your account. That’s the beauty of passive income.

Summer brings extra demand for vacation-themed items, too. Pool party decorations, beach wedding printables, and grad party invites sell like crazy from June through August.

You don’t need fancy skills either. Basic Canva designs or simple crafts often sell just as well as professional work. The key is finding what people actually want to buy right now.

9. House Sitting

Imagine getting paid to relax in someone else’s beautiful home while they’re on vacation. That’s exactly what house sitting offers. You water plants, bring in mail, and keep the place secure. It’s a simple tasks that earn you cash while you enjoy a change of scenery.

Homeowners need reliable people to watch their spaces during summer travels. Apps like TrustedHousesitters connect you with opportunities, often including perks like pool access or use of amenities. Rates typically range from $25−$75 per day, depending on responsibilities.

This gig works perfectly with other summer side hustles, too. You can freelance, flip items, or work remotely from your temporary home base. Unlike other jobs, you’re often getting paid to do what you’d normally do at home, just in a nicer environment.

Summer’s peak travel season means more homeowners need help. If you’re responsible and enjoy quiet time, this could be your most relaxing money-making opportunity yet.

10. Event Photography

Summer brings endless opportunities for event photography, from backyard weddings to lively outdoor parties. If you’ve got a decent camera and an eye for moments, people will pay you to document their special occasions.

This side hustle works because most couples and hosts want beautiful photos without paying premium prices. You don’t need fancy equipment to start. Just a reliable DSLR and basic editing skills can get you booked.

The seasonal demand makes this one of the best summer side hustles. While building your portfolio, you might discover a passion for food photography too. Many event photographers expand by starting a food photography blog to showcase their work with summer BBQs and outdoor dining shots.

You control your schedule, choosing only the events you want to shoot. Charge per hour or per event, with typical summer gigs paying $100−$300 each. As your skills grow, so can your rates.

11. Make Money While Having Fun as a Theme Park Guide

If you love the energy of amusement parks, becoming a theme park guide could be your perfect summer gig. You’ll get paid to share your enthusiasm while showing visitors around or operating rides. Many parks throw in free admission so you can enjoy the attractions on your days off too.

This job works great for outgoing people who don’t mind being on their feet. You’ll meet travelers from all over while earning steady paychecks through the busy summer season. Some parks even offer bonuses for top performers.

Theme parks ramp up hiring each summer, so it’s one of the easier seasonal jobs to land. If you enjoy making people smile and want free access to rollercoasters, this side hustle delivers fun along with the paycheck.

12. Earn This Summer as a Lifeguard

If you’re looking for one of the best summer side hustles that pays well and lets you soak up the sun, lifeguarding checks all the boxes. Sure, you’ll need to get certified first (e.g, lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and first aid), but most courses only take about two weeks to complete.

After that, you could be earning between $15-$21 an hour keeping swimmers safe at local pools or beaches.

What makes this gig stand out? You’re getting paid to be outside during the best season, often with flexible scheduling that works around your summer plans. Many positions even offer bonuses for working peak hours or holidays.

While you do need to stay alert, there’s plenty of downtime to work on your tan between shifts.

As far as summer jobs go, it’s hard to beat the combination of good pay, outdoor work, and the satisfaction of keeping people safe. Plus, that certification looks great on future resumes.

13. Hotel/Restaurant Server

Tourist spots and busy restaurants are desperate for help when summer hits. That means more than just hourly pay. We’re talking about serious tip potential in popular vacation areas.

Working as a server gives you flexibility with shifts and the chance to earn while meeting people from all over. Waterfront restaurants, resort pools, and rooftop bars often pay well above minimum wage when you factor in tips. Many servers take home $25−$50 per hour during peak seasons.

The schedule works perfectly for students or anyone wanting a temporary gig. You can often choose evening shifts that leave your days free, or work lunch rushes for quick cash. Some places even offer employee meals and discounts.

Summer crowds mean higher sales, which translates to better tips. If you enjoy fast-paced environments and don’t mind being on your feet, this could be one of the most profitable seasonal jobs available right now.

14. Window Cleaning

Those sparkling office buildings and storefronts in your town? Someone gets paid to keep them that way. Window cleaning might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of those straightforward summer side hustles that can put real money in your pocket fast.

You only need basic supplies to start – a squeegee, bucket, and cleaning solution. Many businesses need regular service, especially during summer when pollen and dust build up quickly. What’s good about this side hustle is that you get to set your own schedule, hitting different clients throughout the week.

Commercial jobs often pay better than residential work. A single small business might pay $50−$100 per cleaning, and many need service weekly. With just a few steady clients, you could easily make $300−$500 a month working mornings before the summer heat kicks in.

As the season progresses, word-of-mouth can bring you more business. It’s simple work that lets you be outside, listen to music while you work, and see immediate results from your effort.

15. Sell Cold Treats

When temperatures rise, people will happily pay for refreshing treats. This is one of those simple side hustles that turns hot days into profit.

Setting up takes a little more than a folding table and some creativity. Homemade lemonade with fresh fruit, artisanal popsicles in fun flavors, or even shaved ice with syrup can become your money makers.

Local parks, beaches, and community events draw crowds looking to cool off. Check your city’s rules for permits, then pick a busy spot with foot traffic. Kids love colorful stands, while adults appreciate premium options like organic ingredients or unique flavor combinations.

Costs stay low since you control ingredients. A basic lemonade stand might earn $50 on a good day, while specialty frozen treats at festivals can bring in hundreds. The hotter it gets, the more people buy.

And you get to enjoy summer sunshine while making money. Just remember to keep some treats for yourself, lol…

How to Pick Your Perfect Summer Side Hustles

Choosing the right summer gig comes down to knowing what works for you. Start by asking a few simple questions.

Would you rather soak up the sun or work from air-conditioned comfort? Do you thrive around people or prefer working solo? Are you looking for quick cash now or something that could grow beyond summer?

The magic happens when you match opportunities to your natural strengths. That sporty friend who lives at the pool? They’d kill it as a lifeguard. Your creative cousin who sketches constantly? They could turn their art into digital products.

Your perfect summer side hustle should fit your existing schedule and energy levels. There’s no universal best choice, just what’s best for you right now.

Final Say: Start Small, Earn Fast

You don’t have to go all-in right away. Try spending just a few hours each week on one of these side gigs, and you’ll be surprised how fast small efforts add up.

That coffee fund? Covered. Gas money for weekend trips? Sorted.

Summer’s peak season won’t last forever though. The sooner you begin, the easier it is to cash in while opportunities are hot.

So tell me, which of these money makers matches your summer rhythm?

---

Need a reminder of the best summer side hustles to boost your income later? Pin this to your Pinterest board for quick inspiration! Follow me on Pinterest for more creative money-making ideas and tips.