7 Side Hustle Ideas That Are Perfect For Summer
Summer means longer days, more time to hit the beach, and finally taking that much-needed trip. But that also means you'll need some serious funding. Fortunately, summer side hustles allow you to earn extra income without giving up all your free time. This season also offers different opportunities that might not be available throughout the year.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 55% of young people were employed last summer. This only shows how summer hustles are more common than you think. If you're up for it, here are some rewarding gigs you can explore this summer.
Lifeguard
Summer wouldn't be complete without a visit to the beach, pool, or water park. That's why lifeguards are a must during the summertime. You'll oversee swimmers and respond to emergencies if needed. So, if you're an expert swimmer and willing to get certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid, then this side hustle is for you.
The American Red Cross and other organizations offer lifeguard training. Some pools and local departments even sponsor classes. The reward? You can earn an average of $25 per hour, with experienced lifeguards getting up to $69 per hour. On top of that, you'll stay fit and help save lives!
Working At Your Favorite Theme Park
With school breaks plus sunny weather, it's no wonder families flock to theme parks. That means extra income for you, too. You can work at your favorite theme park as a cashier, food service crew, entertainer, ride operator, or game attendant. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, 97% of park and recreation agencies hired summer staff in 2023.
This year, United Parks and Resorts hosted a summer hiring event for over 5,000 roles with brands like Water Country USA and Discovery Cove. These figures just show how seasonal roles are needed to handle the peak season.
You can earn an average of $23 per hour and as high as $55 per hour for more skilled roles. You'll also enjoy additional perks, like free admissions, discounted tickets for family and friends, and of course, more flexible schedules. It's like being a kid again while gaining extra funds.
Hosting Picnics
If you're artsy and love organizing small events, hosting picnics could be the perfect summer side hustle for you. As people love to spend more time outdoors, you can host picnics for families, friends, and couples at parks, beaches, and even in their own backyards.
Provide the essentials, like tables, chairs, blankets, pillows, and baskets. You can offer different packages depending on the occasion, with add-ons like flowers, games, drinks, and charcuterie boards. You may have startup expenses, but you'll earn well, especially with good marketing on your socials. A basic picnic package is priced around $150 to $250. You can charge higher for bigger groups and more personalized packages.
Ice Cream Truck Delivery
One way to beat the summer heat is with a cold treat like ice cream. So, you can never go wrong with a side hustle like ice cream truck delivery. You can drive the truck itself, assist the driver, process payments, or serve customers at parks, beaches, or even around your community.
While the average rate is $23 per hour, some earn around $50 per hour. There are no special skills or certifications needed, so it's a practical option for you. Every scoop means an opportunity to earn!
Vending Machines
If you're willing to make a small investment, you can operate vending machines and maximize the high demand during summer. In fact, by 2031, the industry is expected to grow by $3 billion. You can offer healthy snacks, refreshing drinks, and frozen yogurt. Suncare items are also a hit.
With the right location, like parks, summer camps, and other places with high foot traffic, you can earn $1,000 per month or higher for a single machine. The good thing with this side hustle is that you can continue to enjoy passive income even after summer.
Tutor For Creativity
Summer means a break from school and even work for some, making it the perfect time to teach kids and adults something new outside their usual routines. Skip subjects like Math and English and instead tutor them on things that fuel their creativity. These include painting, drawing, digital art, or even crocheting.
You can also teach them photography, music, storytelling, creative writing, and other interesting hobbies. Art teachers get at least $26 per hour. The more slots you open, the higher your income will be. You can offer summer promos to attract more art enthusiasts.
Mowing Lawns
Homeowners are usually away on vacation or are probably too tired to maintain their yards. So if you're trying to stay active and want to try physical work outdoors, lawn care is a good side hustle. You just need a decent lawn mower, safety gear, and other basic tools, although other clients might let you use theirs.
Lawn care workers get an average of $19 per hour. To boost your income, you can offer landscaping, including removing weeds, trimming bushes, and planting flowers. Start with your neighbors and friends, and you can grow your clientele from there.
Summer is an exciting time to just chill and bask in the sun, but it's also a chance to try different side hustles based on your interests and needs. Whether you choose lifeguarding, hosting picnics, setting up vending machines, or mowing lawns, you can help people, expand your skills, and increase your earnings. So, enjoy summer the smart way!
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