Hot Temps, Cool Cash: 11 Brilliant Ways To Make Money This Summer

Summer’s here and you know what that means: the kids are home, the sun is shining, and the LAST thing you want is to be stuck inside hustling 24/7. But also… gas isn’t getting cheaper and neither are poolside margaritas!

So what’s a creative, motivated gal supposed to do? Enter: summer side hustles that are fun, flexible, and actually profitable! Whether you’re looking to make quick cash or build a mini business from your backyard, I’ve got you covered. These ideas are tailored for women entrepreneurs and solopreneurs who want to make money without missing out on the season of sunshine. Let’s dive in!

1. Dog Sitting or House Sitting for Vacationers

This one’s a total summer gem. My middle daughter Desy house-sits and dog-sits during the summer and makes BANK – like $600 a week or $60 a night. She actually goes and lives in their house while they’re gone, soaking up the AC, raiding their snacks (with permission), and giving the pets all the love!

People are traveling more during summer, and they need someone trustworthy to take care of their fur babies. If your schedule is flexible – or your twenty-something kid is looking for a summer gig – this is a win-win!

2. Make and Sell Summer Crafts

Channel your inner Etsy queen and start creating summer-themed goodies! Think beachy resin coasters, patriotic porch signs, or poolside wine tumblers. Seasonal crafts sell so well because people are in the mood to decorate, host, and gift.

Sell them at local farmers markets, summer festivals, or on Facebook Marketplace. Bonus points if your kids can help with glitter or packing orders!

3. Rent Out Your Summer Gear

Have extra paddle boards, coolers, tents, or even a yard with a pool? Apps like Swimply (Airbnb but for pools!) or Fat Llama let you rent out your summer stuff to folks who want to have fun without the clutter. It’s passive income at its finest.

You literally make money while someone else is enjoying your floaties!

4. Host Backyard Experiences

This one’s a little magical. If you’ve got a cute backyard, host Airbnb Experiences like garden tours, yoga sessions, or DIY flower crown workshops. Summer is the time when people want to be outside doing whimsical things.

Add some fairy lights, a pitcher of lavender lemonade, and boom—you’ve created an unforgettable (and profitable) experience!

5. Adult-Style Lemonade or Snack Stand

Not just for kids anymore! Set up a cute little cart in your driveway or local park (with permits, of course) and offer refreshing drinks or snacks. Iced coffee flights, mocktails, infused lemonades.

People LOVE a good novelty treat in the summer heat. Make it Insta-worthy and you’ll have a line!

6. Freelance From a Kiddie Pool

Just because you’re working doesn’t mean you have to be stuck inside. Offer digital services like copywriting, social media management, or design work – but batch your hours so you can work while the kids are playing in the sprinkler.

Laptop + lawn chair = productivity paradise!

7. Teach Summer Classes for Kids

Got a knack for crafts, baking, or science experiments? Host mini summer camps or one-off classes in your home or local park. Parents are begging for ways to keep their kids entertained (and off screens).

You can charge per kid, keep class sizes small, and include your own littles in the fun!

8. Sell Summer Printables and Digital Downloads

Here’s where it gets juicy! If you love creating things on Canva or have a good eye for design, summer is the PERFECT time to launch seasonal printables! Think summer bucket lists, travel planners, BBQ checklists, chore charts, or road trip scavenger hunts.

Sell them on Etsy or your own site. Once they’re up, they sell while you sleep (or swim!)

9. Flip Yard Sale Finds

My friend swears by this: she hits up garage sales, finds great deals, cleans up the items, and lists them on Facebook Marketplace. Easy-peasy money!

Summer is prime yard sale season, and with a little bit of elbow grease and decent lighting for photos, you can turn someone’s trash into your treasure!

10. Photograph Summer Minis

If you’re handy with a camera (or even just your phone!), offer mini sessions with a summer twist. Sunflower fields, popsicles, picnic setups, or splash pad fun—all make amazing photo ops.

Offer 15-minute slots at a flat rate and book several in a row. It’s a quick way to bring in a few hundred bucks in one sunny afternoon!

11. Be the Summer Errand Fairy

Some people are too busy enjoying summer to do their own shopping, party prep, or BBQ setup—and that’s where you come in! Offer to run errands, pick up groceries, set up for events, or even do post-party cleanup.

You’re saving someone’s day and getting paid for it. Win-win!

Wrap-Up: How To Make Money In The Summer (Without Missing the Fun!)

You don’t have to choose between summer fun and financial freedom. With a little creativity and flexibility, you can absolutely make money from home – or your backyard – while still enjoying everything the season has to offer. Whether it’s selling printables, dog sitting like Desy, or flipping flea market finds, there’s a summer side hustle for everyone. Here’s to sunshine, success, and side cash!

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Source: https://marketingartfully.com/hot-temps-cool-cash-11-brilliant-ways-to-make-money-this-summer/