The possibilities for side hustles heat up with the weather, and you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to earn some extra cash. Whether you're a teacher off for summer break, a college student trying to make it through to fall or someone looking to build their vacation fund, there are tons of creative ways to make money during the sunny months.
From selling travel printables on Etsy to renting out your pool or boat, we’ve rounded up 10 summer side hustles that can help you meet your financial goals—without missing out on the fun.
1. Host a Backyard Camp, Workshop or Class
If you mastered a skill others would like to learn—like yoga, art, baking, coding or gardening—why not teach it in your own backyard? Hosting a summer camp or class can become a steady income stream. Your classes can cater to parents who are looking to keep their kids busy and learning while school’s out or adults who love relaxed, social ways to build new skills during long summer evenings.
You can host once a week or run short sessions across a few days. Promote your offering on local Facebook groups, neighborhood apps or your town’s parks and recreation site. Start small with friends or neighbors and grow from there. All it takes is a little planning and some cozy outdoor space—think lawn chairs, string lights and a whiteboard.
2. Sell Travel Printables on Etsy
Summer is notorious for travel, and you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to benefit from it. Travelers are searching Etsy for beautifully designed packing lists, itinerary planners, budget trackers and even kids’ activity sheets for long road trips.
Using a tool like Canva, you can easily design templates and upload them as instant downloads. A single printable can generate passive income for months. The key? Create multiple versions (family travel, solo travel, international, weekend getaways, etc.) and promote them on Pinterest or TikTok with short demo videos. You can also expand into digital journals, passport stamp pages or summer bucket lists. Think of what you’d want on a trip and turn it into a product.
3. Rent Out Your Stuff
If you're hoarding seasonal gear that you only use once or twice a year, like a kayak, paddleboard, lawn projector or even your backyard pool, you could be sitting on a goldmine.
Use platforms like Swimply (for pools), Fat Llama (for gear) or local Facebook Marketplace rental listings. With high-quality photos and detailed descriptions, you can charge by the hour or day and keep your inventory working for you.
Bonus: It’s a relatively passive hustle. You’ll just need a clear cleaning/maintenance process and a way to manage your schedule.
This is a great option for people who don’t want to take on gig work or leave the house to earn extra money.
4. Become a Pet Sitter/Walker
Many people travel in the summer, and their pets can't always tag along. If you enjoy animals and want to earn money while getting some exercise, becoming a pet sitter or walker is a perfect summer side hustle.
Create your profile on sites like Rover or Care.com and start accepting short-term gigs in your area. You can set your own rates, choose your schedule and even specify your pet preferences. Some owners look for daily walking, while others need someone to watch their pet overnight. If you're responsible, friendly and flexible, you could turn this into a consistent gig that stretches beyond summer.
5. Help Write Resumes and Cover Letters
New grads flood the job market every summer,and most are in desperate need of a clean, strong resume and a compelling cover letter. If you’ve had hiring experience, or you're just a strong writer with attention to detail, you can help them stand out.
Offer your services through Fiverr, LinkedIn or even local colleges. Charge per document or offer packages that include a review session plus editing. You don’t need to be an expert to provide real value—most people simply need structure, polish and confidence. Consider also creating a “resume tips” guide you can upsell.
6. Become a Tour Guide in Your Own Town
You may not think of your hometown as tourist-worthy, but every city has hidden gems and local legends,and travelers love hearing about them from a true insider. Whether it's foodie spots, historical sites, haunted stories or scenic walks, you can turn your local knowledge into income.
Join platforms like Airbnb Experiences or start your own walking tours. Offer themed options like “best food downtown,” “historic secrets of Main Street,” or “Instagrammable mural tour.” Add personal stories, a few surprises and a warm welcome, and you'll begin to build a loyal following.
7. Sell Your Own Produce at Farmers Markets
Got a green thumb? Your backyard garden might be growing more than you can eat, and you can turn that overflow into profit. Farmers markets are ideal for selling fresh herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, berries or even flower bundles and homemade jams.
Check with your local market for vendor permits or seasonal requirements. A small table with a clean display, pricing signs and friendly energy goes a long way. You can also sell potted herbs, seedlings or gardening kits.
8. Car Picnic Setup Service
This niche side hustle is blowing up on social media. With the right setup, you can transform someone’s car trunk into a romantic or themed picnic spot, which is perfect for proposals, birthdays or just a cozy night under the stars.
Offer add-ons like snacks, games, Bluetooth speakers and LED lights. You can tailor packages for kids, couples or groups. Post your services on Instagram, TikTok or local event planning forums. This hustle combines creativity with event planning—no storefront needed.
9. Festival & Event Microtasks
Summer means endless events—street fairs, concerts, food truck festivals, markets—and all of them need help. If you're organized and outgoing, offer your time as a freelance assistant: think setup, teardown, vendor help, customer service, photography or social media content creation during events.
You’ll gain hands-on experience, make valuable connections and often get to enjoy the event itself. Check with local event planners and small businesses or post on gig sites. If you love being in the middle of the action, this hustle delivers both fun and funds.
10. Sell Natural Bug Spray or Sunscreen
Health-conscious customers are increasingly seeking out natural skincare products,and summer is the perfect time to introduce homemade bug sprays or sunblock made from essential oils, shea butter and zinc oxide.
With minimal ingredients and great branding, you can create a small-batch product line to sell at markets, online shops or via Instagram. Use eco-friendly packaging and emphasize features like skin-safe, kid-safe or reef-safe ingredients in order to stand out. Offer sample sizes for travel kits or bundle them with summer care packages.
Summer is short, but side hustles can have a lasting impact. These ideas are flexible, approachable and designed to let you earn on your terms—whether you're working full-time, parenting, traveling or just enjoying the sun.
Pick one hustle that aligns with your strengths or schedule, test the waters and grow from there. You might be surprised how much fun (and money) you can have while soaking up the summer.
by Destiny Chatman
Destiny Chatman is a Public Relations Coordinator at TopCashback. After graduating and diving headfirst into the world of PR, she found her niche as a consumer expert, fueled by a passion for writing. When not crafting the perfect pitch, you can find her lost in a book, hunting for treasures at thrift stores, or mastering the art of TikTok scrolling.
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