Creative and Fun Ways Your Kids Can Earn Extra Money While Learning Valuable Life Skills!
Growing up in a military family (like me!) means you’re no stranger to change and challenges, but it also makes you resourceful, adaptable, and creative. Military kids, just like their parents, often find ways to rise above obstacles and thrive. If your child is looking to earn some extra money, there’s no shortage of side hustle ideas tailored to their unique lifestyle.
The tricky part? On most military bases, kids under 18 can’t often hold formal jobs due to federal employment restrictions. But with a little creativity, there are plenty of ways they can earn money, gain valuable skills, and even have fun doing it!
Here’s a detailed guide packed with ideas, tips, and tools to help military kids start their side hustles. Whether it’s babysitting, blogging, or running a lemonade stand, there’s something here for every interest and age!
1. Lawn and Yard Care Services
Military families are busy, and yard work often gets overlooked during PCS moves or hectic seasons. This makes yard care one of the most in-demand services for kids to offer. From mowing lawns to raking leaves or pulling weeds, there’s always a neighbor in need of help!
Why It Works for Military Kids:
This is a great side hustle because it’s affordable to start and easy to scale. Plus, kids can set their own schedule, working on weekends or after school. Military communities are tight-knit, so word of mouth can quickly turn one job into a steady stream of work.
Pro Tip: Encourage your child to create simple flyers (using free tools like Canva) to advertise their services around the base or in local Facebook groups. Offering a “PCS Special” for families preparing to move is also a great idea!
What You’ll Need:
- A sturdy electric mower or push mower is a great starter option.
- Comfortable gardening gloves to protect hands.
- A leaf blower or rake for cleanup.
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2. Babysitting
Babysitting has always been a top choice for responsible teens, and military families are always on the lookout for trusted sitters—especially during deployments, date nights, or unexpected events.
Why It Works for Military Kids:
Babysitting allows teens to earn money while learning valuable skills like responsibility, communication, and leadership. Military parents often prefer sitters from their own community, making it easier for kids to land their first clients.
Pro Tip: Help your child take a CPR and babysitting certification course to increase their credibility and rates. Plus, having a small “babysitting kit” stocked with games, crafts, or snacks can help them stand out.
What You’ll Need:
- Consider starting with an affordable babysitting certification course, such as those offered by the Red Cross or sometime there will be a free one for teens on military bases – be sure to check!
- A small activity kit (think puzzles, crayons, or crafts) to keep kids entertained.
- A journal or notebook to track hours worked and payments received.
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3. Start a Blog (Like This One!)
Blogging is an incredible opportunity for military kids to hone their writing skills, explore their passions, and even build a small online business. Whether it’s about books, gaming, military life, or another unique interest, a blog can eventually generate passive income through ads, affiliate links, or digital product sales. Plus, it’s a creative outlet that teaches kids how to express themselves while learning valuable skills.
Why It Works for Military Kids:
Blogging is completely portable, making it a great fit for the military lifestyle. Kids can write and update their blogs wherever life takes them—whether stationed overseas or across the country. It also helps develop essential skills like writing, marketing, research, and time management. Best of all, it’s super affordable to start, with low setup costs and a variety of free or budget-friendly resources to help them along the way.
Unlike traditional social media platforms, which may expose kids to public comments or messages, blogging can be a safer option. By setting up a spam filter, parents or guardians can screen any messages or comments before they’re visible to kids. This provides an additional layer of protection while still encouraging creativity and connection with an audience. For our family, we prefer blogging over leveraging platforms like TikTok or Instagram for this very reason—blogging strikes a balance between opportunity and safety.
Proven Tips to Build a Thriving Blog!
- Encourage them to choose a topic they’re passionate about—enthusiasm always shines through!
- Teach them about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) basics to help their posts rank higher in Google searches.
- Set realistic goals, such as publishing one post per week, and celebrate milestones like their first blog comment or subscriber.
- Help them plan a content calendar with topics they’re excited to write about, so they never run out of ideas.
Why It’s Worth It!
Starting a blog is more than just a way to earn money. It builds lifelong skills, instills confidence, and gives military kids a sense of ownership and achievement. It can even serve as a valuable addition to college applications or resumes down the road. Best of all, blogging is a flexible, family-friendly activity that encourages creativity and self-expression.
So, why not give it a shot? With the right tools and a little guidance, your military kid can create something truly special—and who knows, it might even become a thriving business!
What You’ll Need:
- BigScoots Hosting – Reliable, budget-friendly hosting with 24/7 help available – perfect for beginners (like me!)
- Tailwind – An easy way to schedule social media posts and Pinterest pins (optional but useful for promoting their blog once they’re ready).
- Canva – A fantastic tool for creating eye-catching blog graphics and headers, especially for kids exploring their creative side.
How It Works: Once they’ve set up their blog, kids can start publishing content regularly. Over time, they can monetize their blog through:
- Ad Revenue: Programs like Google AdSense allow blogs to earn money when visitors click on ads. I’m personally with (and love!) Journey by Mediavine – check them out HERE!
- Affiliate Marketing: By recommending products they already use and love, kids can earn a small commission when someone purchases through their unique affiliate link. An easy one for kids to start with even before their blog is live is the Temu Affiliate Program! They take people on from zero views and provide fun little ready-to-post visuals and landing pages that help convert clicks into sales! Give it a whirl with your teen!
- Digital Products: They can design and sell printables, e-books, or even simple activity kits for other military kids.
4. Baking for Profit
Does your child have a talent for whipping up delicious treats? Baking cookies, cupcakes, or other goodies to sell at events or around the neighborhood is a fun and creative way to earn money. Military communities often host events where baked goods are in demand, and kids can even take pre-orders online.
Why It Works for Military Kids:
Baking is a flexible hustle that lets kids express their creativity while learning basic business skills like budgeting, customer service, and time management.
Pro Tip: Stick to one or two “signature” items to make things more manageable. For example, holiday-themed cookies or classic brownies are always crowd-pleasers.
What You’ll Need:
- A good-quality mixer (like a KitchenAid) for reliable results.
- Decorative packaging (like bakery boxes or treat bags) to make baked goods look professional.
- Cookie cutters for themed or seasonal designs.
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5. Lemonade Stands and Pop-Up Shops
Lemonade stands are a classic hustle for kids, but why stop at lemonade? From selling crafts and artwork to homemade snacks, kids can create their own mini pop-up shop.
Why It Works for Military Kids:
This is an easy, low-cost way for kids of all ages to dip their toes into entrepreneurship. It’s also a fun way to meet neighbors and build community connections.
Pro Tip: Make it an event! Invite friends or siblings to team up, and advertise ahead of time on neighborhood Facebook groups.
What You’ll Need:
- A foldable table for the stand.
- Drink dispensers, cups and pitchers.
- Eye-catching signs to draw in customers.
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6. PCS Clean-Out Yard and Garage Sales
Military families move frequently, which means constant decluttering. Kids can help their families organize and run a yard sale to sell old toys, clothes, and other unused items.
Why It Works for Military Kids:
This is a great way to earn money while helping the family prepare for a PCS move. Plus, it teaches kids valuable skills like organization, negotiation, and sales.
Pro Tip: Kids can bundle smaller items together (like toys or books) for quick sales and add a lemonade stand for extra income.
What You’ll Need:
- Price tags and stickers for labeling items.
- A cash box or app for tracking payments.
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7. Food Delivery on Base
For teens with a driver’s license, delivering food from off-base restaurants to military families can be a lucrative side hustle. Many families appreciate the convenience of having food brought to them, especially from restaurants that don’t normally deliver to base.
Why It Works for Military Kids:
This side hustle is super flexible, allowing teens to pick up deliveries whenever they have free time. Plus, social media groups make it easy to advertise services locally.
Pro Tip: Encourage teens to focus on popular items like pizza and make sure their car is stocked with essentials like insulated delivery bags and car wipes.
What You’ll Need:
- Insulated delivery bags to keep food fresh.
- A smartphone car mount for safe navigation.
- Handy car cleaning wipes to keep their vehicle looking professional.
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8. Pet Care (Walking, Sitting, and Grooming!)
For animal-loving kids, offering pet care services is a natural fit. Whether it’s walking dogs, pet-sitting during vacations, or giving baths, there’s always a need for trustworthy help. Older kids can even take it further by offering basic grooming like nail trims or brushing.
Why It Works for Military Kids:
Pet care is a perfect side hustle because it’s adaptable and rewarding. Kids can tailor their services to their comfort level, starting small with daily walks or checking in on pets when neighbors are out. It’s also a great way to get outside, stay active, and earn money while bonding with adorable animals.
Pro Tip: Create a pet-care kit with essentials like treats, waste bags, a leash, and a collapsible water bowl. Offer a “First Walk Free” discount to attract new clients and build trust in the community.
What You’ll Need:
- Collapsible Water Bowls: Great for walks or trips to the dog park.
- Dog Waste Bag Dispenser: A must-have for responsible pet care.
- Pet Treats Sampler Packs: Keeps furry clients happy and loyal!
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9. Grow Seeds and Sell Plants
Gardening enthusiasts can turn their green thumbs into a small business by growing plants from seeds and selling them to neighbors. Popular options include succulents, herbs, flowers, or even starter veggie plants for home gardens.
Why It Works for Military Kids:
This eco-friendly, low-cost hustle is perfect for kids who love the outdoors and want to learn about responsibility. Plants are always in demand, especially in the spring and summer. It’s also an excellent way for kids to connect with their neighbors and share their passion for nature.
Pro Tip: Use upcycled containers for planting (like jars or tins) and decorate them to make the plants stand out. Create cute care tags with plant tips to add extra value. Kids can even offer “Plant Delivery” on base for an added fee!
What You’ll Need:
- Seed Starter Kits: Complete kits to grow herbs, veggies, or flowers.
- Eco-Friendly Pots: Biodegradable or reusable options for planting.
- Gardening Tools for Kids: Fun and safe starter tools for little gardeners.
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10. Tutoring Services
For kids who excel in school and enjoy helping others, tutoring is a rewarding and flexible side hustle. Subjects like math, reading, or even SAT/ACT prep are in high demand. Kids can tutor in-person or online using platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.
Why It Works for Military Kids:
Tutoring helps develop leadership and communication skills while earning money. It’s a fantastic way for academically inclined kids to give back to their community while building a side income.
Pro Tip: Offer “Homework Help” hours during exam season or group study sessions at a discounted rate. Create fun worksheets or flashcards to make sessions interactive and engaging.
What You’ll Need:
- Whiteboard and Markers: Perfect for solving problems in real-time.
- Educational Flashcards: A great tool to reinforce learning.
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11. Cricut and Crafting
For creative kids, investing in a Cricut machine is a fantastic way to create and sell personalized products like custom t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, or vinyl decals. They can even collaborate with local families for PCS gifts or squadron-themed items.
Why It Works for Military Kids:
Crafting is flexible, creative, and has a low startup cost for basic supplies. Military families love customized items, making this a perfect side hustle for military kids to serve their unique community.
Pro Tip: Team up with other kids to host craft fairs or booths at base events. Social media groups can also be a great place to sell custom orders!
What You’ll Need:
- Cricut Machine: Beginner-friendly models for crafting pros in the making.
- Heat Transfer Vinyl Starter Pack: Essential for personalized apparel.
- Tote Bag Blanks: Affordable and easy to customize.
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12. Create Digital Products for the Community
For tech-savvy kids, creating digital products like printable planners, PCS checklists, lemonade stand kits, or coloring books is a fantastic way to serve the military community. Once made, these products can be sold on platforms like Etsy, Teachers Pay Teachers, or even their own blog.
Why It Works for Military Kids:
Digital products are passive income gold. Once created, they can be sold over and over with little extra effort. It’s a fun way for kids to combine creativity with entrepreneurial skills.
Pro Tip: Use Canva to design the products, and start small with items like PCS-themed coloring pages or chore charts for military families.
What You’ll Need:
- Canva Pro: Perfect for creating professional-looking designs.
- KDP Tools – Great for formatting journals or coloring books for Amazon. I cannot speak highly enough about BookBolt which I personally bought and use, but please before committing to everything try out their free trial because you’re trying to make money not spend it!
13. Traditional Jobs Off-Base for Teens
For military teens living near a base, exploring traditional part-time jobs off-base can be a great way to earn money, gain work experience, and meet people in the local community. Many businesses near military installations are eager to hire dependable teens and often offer flexible hours that fit around school and extracurricular activities.
Where to Look for Jobs:
Here are some tried-and-true places where teens can land a job:
- Fast Food Restaurants: Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Subway, or Wendy’s often hire teens as cashiers, food prep workers, or servers. These positions are great for gaining customer service skills.
- Supermarkets: Stores like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, or local grocery chains frequently hire teens for cashier, bagger, or stocking roles.
- Retail Stores: Clothing stores like Old Navy, Target, or Walmart often offer flexible part-time positions for teens.
- Movie Theaters: Cinemas provide jobs like ticket sales, concessions, or ushering, and employees often get free movie perks!
- Ice Cream Shops or Cafes: Local businesses like Cold Stone Creamery, Baskin-Robbins, or coffee shops frequently hire teens and offer a fun, laid-back work environment.
Why It Works for Military Teens
Traditional jobs are a great option for teens who want to gain real-world work experience, meet people outside the military community, and earn a steady paycheck. These jobs also teach skills like time management, teamwork, and customer service that will serve them well in future careers.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, focus on businesses close to home or near the base. Some employers are more understanding of the unique challenges military teens face, such as frequent relocations, and may even prioritize hiring from the military community. Some national franchises will even consider transferring you to a new location if you move!
How to Get Started:
- Check Age Requirements: Many states allow teens to start working at age 16, while younger teens may need special work permits.
- Leverage Local Networks: Ask friends, neighbors, or community groups for job leads. Word-of-mouth recommendations can be a big help!
- Practice Interview Skills: Teens can practice common interview questions with a parent or mentor to build confidence before applying.
- Be Persistent: It might take a few applications to land the first job, but persistence pays off!
What You’ll Need:
- A Resume (C.V. for the UK) – we love THIS ONE that is just perfect for teens, available at Etsy.
Takeaway
Military kids face unique challenges, but these side hustles prove there are countless ways to earn money, develop new skills, and make the most of their resourcefulness. Whether it’s mowing lawns, baking cookies, or starting a blog, the possibilities are endless!
What’s your favorite hustle on this list? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this article with other military families. Let’s inspire the next generation of military entrepreneurs!
What to Read Next?
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Last update on 2025-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
