11 fun business ideas for kids

Starting a business as a kid is a fun and rewarding way to learn new skills and make extra money. A good business idea for a kid should be safe, age-appropriate and match their resources. It’s even better if it sparks creativity, teaches responsibility and gets them excited about being their own boss.

If a kid loves painting, crafting or designing, there are tons of fun and simple business ideas for young artists. They could also try running a lemonade stand, offering dog walking services or making and selling homemade treats. From tutoring younger kids to creating handmade custom gifts, there are so many ways to turn interests into a small business while gaining valuable life skills along the way.

Still not sure which business idea is best for you? Weigh your options with the Wix Business Launcher, which uses AI to match you with the right business idea based on your skills and goals. The Wix Business Launcher equips you with market research, earnings strategies and a launch kit for every idea, so you can get started with confidence. 

Inspire your kids with these 11 fun business ideas. From baking to blogging, these ventures teach important life skills while making some extra cash. Encourage your young entrepreneurs to dive into the world of business.

A baking business involves preparing and selling baked goods such as cookies, cupcakes or brownies. This is an excellent business idea for kids because it combines creativity and practical skills. Baking encourages kids to experiment with recipes and develop their culinary talents. It’s a fun and enjoyable way for kids to earn money while providing delicious treats to the community. Plus, the learning opportunities in terms of time management, money handling and customer service are valuable skills for young entrepreneurs.

A car wash business for kids involves cleaning and washing cars, either at a customer’s home or office or in a public space. This is a great idea because it requires minimal investment, primarily consisting of cleaning supplies and a bucket with sponges. Kids can offer car washing services to their neighbors or family members and grow their customers through word of mouth and referrals. It also teaches responsibility as they need to manage their time effectively to meet customer appointments.

A dog walking business involves taking pets, usually dogs, for regular walks and exercise. This is an ideal business idea for kids who love animals and have a responsible nature. It not only allows kids to spend time with furry friends but also teaches them valuable lessons in responsibility and time management. As an added benefit kids can develop strong bonds with the dogs they care for. This business can be low-cost to start, requiring only basic pet care equipment and it can be marketed within your local community. It’s a great way for kids to earn money while staying active and nurturing a love for animals.

A lawn care business involves providing services such as mowing lawns, weeding and landscaping. This is an excellent business idea for kids who enjoy working outdoors and physical activity. Lawn care not only keeps kids active but also teaches them about basic landscaping and gardening while fostering a sense of responsibility for the environment. Kids can start small by offering services to neighbors or family members and as they gain experience, they can expand their clientele.

A craft business involves creating and selling handmade items such as jewelry, artwork, candles or other craft products. It’s an excellent business idea for kids with a creative flair. Craft businesses allow kids to turn their hobbies into a source of income. Creating and selling crafts fosters skills in design and problem-solving. Crafting businesses can be started with minimal investment in supplies, making it accessible for kids and it’s a great way to share their artistic creations with a broader audience.

Kids can sell a wide range of items, from handmade crafts to collectibles or second-hand items. An eCommerce business can be managed and run from home, offering convenience and flexibility.

If kids have a particular grasp for the graphic design for an eCommerce business website, then it’s also good to see if making money as a graphic designer is a relevant option.

Blogging involves creating and maintaining a website, known as a blog, where individuals regularly write and share articles on various topics. Starting a blog is an excellent business idea for kids who are passionate about writing, have expertise in a particular subject and want to express their creativity.

Learn more: Website creation for kids

Blogging can help kids develop their writing skills, research abilities and digital literacy. It’s an opportunity to share their unique perspectives and insights with a broader audience, helping them learn about effective communication and audience engagement. It can also be monetized through advertising, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content, teaching kids about monetization strategies and financial responsibility.

Photography is a perfect business idea for kids who have a keen interest in visual storytelling and artistic expression. A photography business allows kids to explore their creativity and develop their skills in capturing moments and telling stories through images. Whether they’re interested in portrait photography, landscape photography or niche areas like macro photography, it offers numerous avenues for self-expression.

Photography also encourages kids to learn about technical aspects of equipment and image editing as well. Moreover, it’s a business that can be initiated with relatively low start-up costs and can eventually lead to income through selling prints, offering photography services or participating in art exhibitions.

A lemonade stand is a classic and straightforward business idea for kids. It involves setting up a small stand or booth to sell lemonade to passersby, typically in front of a home or at a local event.

It’s a great and fun way to learn about budgeting, as they need to purchase supplies like lemons, sugar and cups and to gain hands-on experience with pricing, marketing and customer service. A lemonade stand also provides an opportunity to interact with the community, enhancing social and communication skills. It’s a low-cost and fun way for kids to experience the basics of business and it can instill a sense of responsibility and independence.

Party planning is a business idea that involves organizing and coordinating events such as birthdays, weddings or other special occasions. While this may be a more complex endeavor for kids, it can be a good idea for older kids who are organized and creative.

Party planning teaches kids important skills in organization, time management and communication as they work with clients and vendors. It allows them to express their creativity through theme selection, the choice of decor and entertainment. Kids can also develop budgeting and negotiation skills as they source and manage various aspects of the event. Although this business idea may require more parental guidance and initial investment, it can provide valuable entrepreneurial experience and encourage considerable creative thinking.

A cleaning business involves providing cleaning services for homes or businesses. Kids can offer cleaning services that may include tasks including vacuuming, dusting or home organizing. Kids can learn about pricing and budgeting as they set rates and manage their earnings. While safety and supervision are essential, this business can be an excellent way for kids to earn money, particularly from neighbors or family friends who may appreciate the help. Cleaning can also be a great recession-proof business idea.

Any business idea should align with your child’s interests and passions. This ensures they stay motivated when it comes to their business. The business idea should also provide an opportunity for the child to learn new skills, such as money management, customer service and basic marketing.

Safety should be a top priority. Make sure the business idea is safe for both the child in charge and their potential customers. Avoid ideas that involve sharp objects, hazardous materials or any potential risks to health and well-being. If they want to start a food business, parents or guardians will need to make sure they adhere to health and safety regulations and any relevant food licensing laws.

Parental involvement and support are crucial, especially for younger kids. Parents can help with guidance, transportation and supervision. The child should feel like they have a reliable support system. Be mindful of keeping the start-up costs low. It’s essential that the child can finance the business using their allowance or savings.

Consider the local market and target audience when choosing a business idea. What products or services are in demand in the neighborhood or among friends and family? For instance, if there’s a need for after-school tutoring, a child who excels in a particular subject can offer tutoring services.

Encourage your child to take responsibility for their business. This should include time management, scheduling and the importance of delivering on promises to customers. It can also be a great opportunity to teach kids about ethical business practices and social responsibility. For example, they can consider donating a portion of their profits to a charitable cause or using eco-friendly materials in their products.

Remember that the primary goal of a business for kids is not just to make money but also to instill valuable life skills, such as responsibility, creativity, financial literacy and a strong work ethic.

• Fun hustle ideas for young kids (ages 6–9): At this age, simple and fun businesses are a great way to start. Kids can set up a lemonade stand, sell homemade crafts like friendship bracelets or painted rocks, help neighbors with basic chores like watering plants, or even try pet sitting for small, easy-to-manage tasks. The focus here is on activities they enjoy while learning responsibility and basic money skills.

• Creative startup ideas for tweens (ages 10–12): Tweens are ready for slightly more responsibility and creative ventures. They can bake and sell cookies, offer pet sitting for family friends, or start a small business creating and selling digital artwork or stickers. This is a great age to explore their interests while learning how to manage money and time.

• Exciting ventures for teens (ages 13–15): Teens can handle more complex business ideas that align with their hobbies or skills. They might babysit, tutor younger kids in subjects like math or music, mow lawns, or create content for social media platforms like YouTube or Instagram. They can also make and sell customized products like t-shirts, jewelry or handmade goods.

• Entrepreneurial opportunities for older teens (ages 16–18): With more independence, older teens can tackle larger business opportunities. They can offer freelance services like babysitting, photography, graphic design or coding, or start selling their own products locally or online. At this stage, teens can focus on building real-world skills like branding, marketing and scaling their ideas into something bigger.