Summer 2025 is the ideal time to launch something new. Demand for seasonal services is climbing, people are spending more on outdoor fun and convenience, and flexible schedules make it easier than ever to explore a business idea.
This list is packed with beginner-friendly summer business ideas that are affordable to start, easy to test, and built to take advantage of warm-weather trends. If you’re looking to earn extra income, be your own boss, or turn a passion into a business, this guide will help you find the right fit.
Outdoor and home service summer business ideas
Summer’s the season when homes and yards need the most TLC. The heat, sun, and longer days create the perfect storm for outdoor chores people don’t want to do themselves. That’s where you come in.
These business ideas for the summer let you earn great money helping homeowners keep things clean, green, and guest-ready.
1. Lawn care and landscaping services
Yards grow wild in the summer, and most people don’t want to deal with it. That’s why lawn care is one of the easiest ways to make money fast. You can start with just a mower and a few hand tools, offering services like mowing, edging, and weeding. As you grow, you can expand into seasonal landscaping like mulching, planting, or basic garden design.
It’s a great business if you enjoy working outside and want something you can scale quickly with repeat customers. Read our guide on how to start a lawn care business.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (if you already have basic tools)
- Ease of start: ★★★★★ — Very beginner-friendly
- Skills needed: Time management, communication, physical stamina
- Profit potential: $25-$60 per hour
- Best for: Teens, students, or anyone who loves working outdoors
🌿 Pro tip: Start with your own neighborhood and spread the word through local Facebook groups or flyers. Referrals travel fast when you make a yard look good.
2. Pool maintenance and cleaning services
Summer is peak season for pool use, which means it’s also peak season for pool problems. Many homeowners are willing to pay for help keeping their pools clean, clear, and safe to use during the busy summer months.
You don’t need to be a chemist to get started. Basic pool care involves skimming debris, vacuuming, and testing chlorine and pH levels using simple kits. With a few regular clients, this can quickly turn into a steady income stream all summer long.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (with basic supplies like a skimmer and test kit)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Some learning curve, but beginner-friendly
- Skills needed: Attention to detail, reliability, willingness to learn the basics of pool chemistry
- Profit potential: $30-$75 per visit
- Best for: Teens, college students, and anyone in warm-weather areas with lots of backyard pools
🏊 Pro tip: Many pool owners prefer weekly cleanings, so offering recurring services can boost your earnings and make scheduling easier.
3. Mobile car wash and detailing services
Summer road trips and dusty drives mean one thing: dirty cars. And plenty of people would rather pay someone to clean their vehicle than do it themselves in the heat.
A mobile car wash is easy to start and doesn’t require a storefront. You can offer basic washes, interior vacuuming, waxing, and even full detailing — all from a customer’s driveway. It’s a flexible, low-cost service that’s especially popular in neighborhoods, office parks, and event venues.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (bucket, sponge, towels, and cleaning products)
- Ease of start: ★★★★★ — Very beginner-friendly
- Skills needed: Organization, customer service, attention to detail
- Profit potential: $20-$100 per car
- Best for: Teens, students, and car enthusiasts looking for a flexible summer hustle
🚗 Pro tip: Offer bundle pricing (e.g., wash + wax) or loyalty deals to increase repeat business.
Mobile car wash in action — an easy, low-cost summer business you can start with just a bucket, soap, and hustle.
4. Gutter cleaning services
Summer storms and falling debris can clog gutters fast, and most homeowners aren’t thrilled to climb a ladder and clean them out. This creates an easy opportunity to offer a much-needed service, especially after big rainfalls.
Gutter cleaning is a simple, in-demand job that requires minimal tools and can be done quickly. You’ll need a ladder, gloves, a scoop or small trowel, and a bucket. Focus on safety, and make sure you’re comfortable working at height before offering this service.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (ladder, gloves, and basic cleaning tools)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Straightforward, but requires safety awareness
- Skills needed: Caution, physical coordination, reliability
- Profit potential: $75-$200 per job
- Best for: Handy individuals who aren’t afraid of heights
🍂 Pro tip: Pair gutter cleaning with other seasonal services like power washing or lawn care to boost your income.
5. Power washing services
From driveways and decks to patios and siding, summer is the best time for homeowners to tackle deep outdoor cleaning. Power washing helps remove grime, mold, and buildup fast, making it a high-demand service during the warm months.
You can rent or borrow a pressure washer to get started, then upsell add-ons like deck prep, driveway cleaning, or even fence brightening. Jobs are usually short and high-paying, especially in areas with older homes or lots of tree cover.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (if renting a pressure washer for the day)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Some learning curve, but easy to learn
- Skills needed: Attention to detail, safety awareness, equipment handling
- Profit potential: $100-$300 per job
- Best for: DIYers or anyone who wants a low-overhead, high-ticket summer service
💦 Pro tip: Take before-and-after photos to showcase your work and attract more clients online.
6. Fence and deck restoration
Sun, rain, and daily wear can make fences and decks look rough by summer, and that’s when homeowners are most likely to invest in cleaning and repairs. This business is all about sanding, staining, sealing, or light repairs to make outdoor spaces look like new again.
You can start small by offering pressure washing and staining services, then expand into more advanced repairs with experience. It’s a great upsell if you’re already doing lawn care or power washing in the neighborhood.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (sandpaper, brushes, and sealant for small jobs)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Some prep and practice needed
- Skills needed: Attention to detail, basic repair knowledge, patience
- Profit potential: $150–$500 per project
- Best for: Handy workers or outdoor service pros looking to boost summer income
☀️ Pro tip: Staining jobs are best done in dry, sunny weather, perfect for summer marketing.
7. Junk removal and hauling services
Summer is peak season for garage cleanouts, home improvement projects, and backyard overhauls, which means people have stuff they want gone. If you have access to a truck (or can borrow one), junk removal is a straightforward and surprisingly profitable business to start.
You can charge per load or by the type of items hauled away. Services can include yard debris, broken furniture, old grills, or moving leftovers. Many homeowners just want it gone, and they’ll happily pay for the convenience.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (assuming you have truck access)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Requires transport but simple to launch
- Skills needed: Physical strength, organization, customer service
- Profit potential: $75-$300 per load
- Best for: Truck owners, college students, or anyone comfortable with heavy lifting
♻️ Pro tip: Offer same-day pickup during weekends, when most DIY cleanups happen, to stand out locally.
Food and refreshment business ideas
Hot days mean hungry crowds, and they’re looking for cool drinks, sweet treats, and easy eats. Summer is the perfect time to cash in on food trends, pop-up stands, and mobile food services that thrive in parks, events, and farmers’ markets. These ideas are low-cost, high-demand, and fun to run.
8. Food truck business
If you’re ready to serve hot meals on the go, a food truck is your summer MVP. Food trucks are mini kitchens on wheels, perfect for selling tacos, burgers, rice bowls, or whatever quick-serve dish you do best.
Summer gives you built-in foot traffic at festivals, parks, and beach spots. Start with a simple menu, keep prep fast, and partner with local events to get early traction. You don’t need a full truck to begin — a tent and griddle setup can help you test the waters before scaling up.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (with tent setup or borrowed gear for soft launch)
- Ease of start: ★★★☆☆ — Permits and setup take planning
- Skills needed: Cooking, speed, food safety, basic logistics
- Profit potential: $300-$1,000+ per day (depends on traffic and menu)
- Best for: Foodies, hobby chefs, and anyone with a solid go-to recipe
🍔 Pro tip: Focus on one signature dish that’s fast to prep and easy to eat on the move.
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9. Lemonade or cold brew stand
This is a true summer classic and one of the simplest food businesses to start. Unlike food trucks, which require cooking and permits, a lemonade or cold brew stand focuses on just a few refreshing drinks with minimal prep.
You can set up at parks, sports fields, farmers markets, or even your own front yard. Add-ons like fruit infusions, flavored syrups, or cold foam can help you stand out and charge a little more. It’s a fun, low-risk way to start selling without the overhead of a full food setup.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (cooler, cups, ingredients, and signage)
- Ease of start: ★★★★★ — Super beginner-friendly
- Skills needed: Basic prep, customer service, creativity with flavors
- Profit potential: $50–$200 per day
- Best for: Teens, first-time sellers, or anyone testing the waters with food and drink sales
🥃 Pro tip: Use reusable cups with your logo or a loyalty card to encourage repeat buyers.
10. Ice cream or shaved ice cart
When the heat hits, cold treats practically sell themselves. An ice cream or shaved ice cart is a smart seasonal business, simple to set up, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for parks, beaches, or community events.
You can start small with a cooler and pre-packaged treats, or go bigger with a cart that serves fresh scoops or custom snow cones. Kids and families are your top customers, so bright visuals and fun flavors go a long way.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (if starting with pre-packaged treats and cooler)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Easy setup, but may require food permits depending on location
- Skills needed: Basic prep, customer service, simple inventory tracking
- Profit potential: $100-$300 per day
- Best for: First-time sellers, students, or families looking for a summer side gig
🍨 Pro tip: Rotate flavors or offer toppings to keep customers coming back for more.
An ice cream or shaved ice cart is a cool and simple way to start a summer business with big earning potential.
11. Farmers’ market stand
Summer is prime season for farmers’ markets, and a great time to turn your homemade goods or backyard harvest into a real business. You can sell baked goods, jams, pickles, handmade snacks, or fresh produce, depending on what you love to make or grow.
Farmers’ markets attract a loyal, local crowd that values small-batch, seasonal products. If you already make something people rave about, this is your chance to test it in a real-world setting without a huge investment.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (basic display setup and starter inventory)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Easy with cottage food-friendly items
- Skills needed: Product prep, friendly selling, basic branding
- Profit potential: $100-$500 per market
- Best for: Cooks, bakers, gardeners, and local makers
🧉 Pro tip: Use simple, professional packaging and offer free samples to boost sales.
12. Cottage food business
If you love baking or making treats at home, a cottage food business lets you turn that hobby into cash, right from your kitchen. Thanks to cottage food laws in many states, you can legally sell homemade items like cookies, granola, jams, or bread without needing a commercial kitchen.
Summer is the perfect time to start, especially with local events, pop-up markets, and plenty of hungry foot traffic. Package your goods nicely, create a simple label, and start selling at markets or on social media.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (ingredients, packaging, basic labels)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Rules vary by state, but usually low-barrier
- Skills needed: Baking/cooking, consistency, basic labeling, and compliance
- Profit potential: $100-$400 per event or weekly batch
- Best for: Bakers, snack-makers, and anyone with a homemade favorite
🥐 Pro tip: Check your state’s cottage food laws to see what’s allowed — and start with your best crowd-pleaser.
Tourism, rentals, and recreation business ideas
Summer brings out the travelers, weekend warriors, and adventure seekers, and they’re ready to spend. These ideas tap into that seasonal rush, helping locals and tourists make the most of sunny days. If you live near a beach, park, or popular destination, this is your chance to turn the summer buzz into steady cash.
13. Beach gear rental and water sports
Tourists love the beach, but they don’t love lugging umbrellas, chairs, or paddleboards with them. Renting out gear makes it easy for them to enjoy the sun, and easy for you to make money with minimal overhead.
Start small with essentials like chairs, coolers, boogie boards, or snorkel sets. If you’re near a busy beach or lake, you can grow into renting kayaks, paddleboards, or even guided water sport sessions. Convenience is your biggest selling point — offer delivery, setup, or hourly rates to stand out.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (starting with used gear or smaller items)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Location-dependent, but beginner-friendly
- Skills needed: Organization, scheduling, basic customer service
- Profit potential: $20-$150 per rental, depending on equipment
- Best for: Beach-town locals, students, or anyone near the water
⛱️ Pro tip: Offer bundled beach day packages (e.g., 2 chairs + umbrella + cooler) to increase your average sale.
14. Bike, scooter, or golf cart rentals
Visitors want to explore, but walking in the summer heat? Not so fun. Renting out bikes, scooters, or even golf carts is a smart way to serve tourists looking for a fun, breezy way to get around.
You don’t need a big fleet to start — just a few well-maintained bikes or scooters and a solid system for pickups, drop-offs, or hourly pricing. Focus on tourist-heavy areas like beach towns, downtown districts, or scenic trails.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (if starting with borrowed or used bikes)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Some logistics, but low barrier if local
- Skills needed: Basic maintenance, scheduling, local knowledge
- Profit potential: $10-$50 per hour or $40-$100 per day
- Best for: Locals in tourist towns, students, or outdoor enthusiasts
🚴 Pro tip: Partner with local hotels, Airbnbs, or tour companies to promote your rentals and get steady bookings.
Bike rentals are a classic summer side hustle — low maintenance, easy to start, and perfect for busy tourist spots.
15. Tour guide services
If you know your city, beach town, or local nature trails like the back of your hand, turn that knowledge into a paid summer gig. Tourists love a personal touch, and guided tours are way more fun than just Googling things on their own.
You can offer walking tours, food crawls, bike rides, or nature hikes. Make it niche to stand out: think haunted history walks, Instagram-worthy photo tours, or eco-adventures. All you need is a solid route, a good story, and a friendly vibe.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (maps, signage, or promotional materials)
- Ease of start: ★★★★★ — Very beginner-friendly
- Skills needed: Communication, local knowledge, storytelling
- Profit potential: $15-$50 per person
- Best for: Outgoing locals, history buffs, or nature lovers who love sharing cool facts
🗺️ Pro tip: Use Airbnb Experiences or local tourism boards to get your first bookings fast.
16. Airbnb property management
Summer travel means more short-term rentals, and plenty of property owners who don’t want to handle the day-to-day. That’s your opportunity to step in and manage listings, cleanings, guest communication, and turnovers for a fee.
You don’t need to own a property to start. Offer your services to busy hosts or vacation homeowners in your area. Many are happy to pay someone to handle the stress while they enjoy passive income.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (for basic supplies, printing business cards, or cleaning kits)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Some coordination required, but no formal training needed
- Skills needed: Organization, communication, customer service
- Profit potential: $100-$300 per booking (depending on services offered)
- Best for: Organized multitaskers, remote workers, or anyone living in a touristy area
📝 Pro tip: Start with one or two clients and build a reputation for reliability — referrals travel fast in this space.
17. Pop-up retail shop
Summer tourists love grabbing last-minute essentials and fun keepsakes—but they don’t want to overpay at big stores. A pop-up shop selling beachwear, sun hats, towels, or locally made souvenirs is a great way to meet that demand.
You can set up at boardwalks, festivals, outdoor markets, or even near hotel strips. Keep it seasonal, simple, and eye-catching. Think flip-flops, sunscreen, handmade jewelry, or cheeky “I ❤️ This Beach” merch.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (small inventory and simple display setup)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Requires sourcing and setup, but low barrier
- Skills needed: Merchandising, sales, basic inventory tracking
- Profit potential: $200-$600+ per day (depends on traffic and products)
- Best for: Creative sellers, crafters, or anyone near a high-traffic tourist spot
🏷️ Pro tip: Display small impulse items by your checkout table — they’re quick wins for extra cash.
18. Sunscreen and hydration pop-up booth
Beaches, parks, and outdoor events are packed in the summer — and people always forget the basics. A small booth offering sunscreen, bottled water, cooling towels, and other heat-beating essentials is an easy way to turn forgetfulness into profit.
You don’t need fancy branding or a big setup — just a table, some shade, and the right products at the right place. Target high-foot-traffic areas or local summer festivals where convenience sells.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (initial stock of essentials, folding table, basic signage)
- Ease of start: ★★★★★ — Simple setup, perfect for beginners
- Skills needed: Friendly sales approach, basic setup, restocking
- Profit potential: $100-$300 per day
- Best for: First-time sellers, students, or anyone near busy outdoor spots
🏖️Pro tip: Bundle a few items (like SPF + water + towel) into a “sun survival kit” and upsell for easy wins.
Family and event services
School’s out, schedules are packed, and summer events are everywhere. That means families need extra help, and they’re willing to pay for it. From childcare to party rentals, these service-based business ideas are all about stepping in, showing up, and making summer run smoother for everyone else.
19. Childcare and summer camps
When school’s out, parents scramble for options, and reliable childcare becomes a top priority. Offering summer babysitting, nanny services, or even themed day camps can be a big win if you enjoy working with kids.
You don’t need a full-blown camp setup to start. You can run simple activity days at a local park, offer half-day babysitting while parents work, or organize backyard STEM or art sessions. Keep it fun, safe, and structured, and word will spread fast.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (activity supplies, snacks, flyers)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Some planning and safety prep needed
- Skills needed: Patience, creativity, organization, first aid knowledge
- Profit potential: $15-$50 per hour
- Best for: Teens, teachers, or anyone great with kids
🧸 Pro tip: Offer sibling discounts and weekly packages to encourage repeat bookings.
20. Event planning and coordination
Summer is packed with weddings, reunions, birthdays, and backyard parties, but not everyone wants to handle the logistics. If you’re organized, detail-oriented, and love pulling things together, event planning is a seasonal business with serious income potential.
You don’t need to plan full weddings to start. Offer day-of coordination, decor setup, timeline management, or vendor sourcing for small events. Focus on outdoor parties, graduation celebrations, or even corporate summer events.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (marketing materials, planning templates, basic decor)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Planning skills needed, but no formal training required
- Skills needed: Organization, multitasking, communication, creativity
- Profit potential: $300-$1,500+ per event
- Best for: Planners, creatives, and people who thrive under pressure
🎉 Pro tip: Build relationships with local vendors (caterers, DJs, decorators) to create package deals and earn referrals.
21. Pet sitting and dog walking
With families heading out on vacations, summer is a goldmine for pet care services. Pet owners want someone trustworthy to look after their furry friends, and that could be you.
Offer dog walking, drop-in visits, or overnight pet sitting. You don’t need fancy gear, just a love for animals and a reliable schedule. Bonus points if you can care for pets with special needs or offer services like feeding, meds, or playtime updates.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (leash, treats, poop bags, simple flyer or site)
- Ease of start: ★★★★★ — Extremely beginner-friendly
- Skills needed: Responsibility, reliability, basic pet handling
- Profit potential: $15-$50 per visit or walk
- Best for: Animal lovers, students, or neighbors looking for a flexible side gig
🦮 Pro tip: Create a simple pet info sheet for clients to fill out so you’re prepped for every visit.
Don’t forget to get insurance for your pet business. Many insurance companies such as The Hartford offer business-specific insurance, such as that for dog walking, pet sitting, dog boarding, and pet grooming.
22. Mobile pet grooming
When the weather heats up, so do grooming needs, especially for long-haired pets. Many pet owners would rather avoid the hassle of trips to the groomer, which makes mobile grooming a high-demand summer service.
If you have basic grooming experience (or are willing to learn), you can offer baths, brushing, nail trims, and de-shedding sessions right from the client’s driveway or backyard. Start with simple tools and a portable setup, no grooming van required at first.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (basic grooming tools and pet-safe products)
- Ease of start: ★★★☆☆ — Some grooming experience or training helpful
- Skills needed: Pet handling, patience, grooming basics, customer service
- Profit potential: $40-$100 per session
- Best for: Animal lovers, vet techs, or anyone with grooming experience looking to go solo
🐩 Pro tip: Focus on convenience; offering at-home grooming is your biggest advantage.
Fur-tastic side hustle — mobile pet grooming is a summertime favorite for pet owners looking for convenience and care.
23. Elder companion services
Many families travel or stay busy during summer, and older loved ones can end up feeling isolated. That’s where companion care comes in. You’re not offering medical help, just company: conversation, board games, light errands, or walks in the park.
This kind of service is low-stress, high-impact, and perfect for someone who’s patient, friendly, and dependable. You can work through local networks or offer your services independently to families in your community.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (marketing materials and transportation costs)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Soft skills matter more than experience
- Skills needed: Compassion, communication, reliability, active listening
- Profit potential: $15-$40 per hour
- Best for: Empathetic, patient individuals who enjoy one-on-one time
👵🏼 Pro tip: Offer flexible hourly packages or check-in visits tailored to the family’s needs.
24. Party equipment rental
Summer is party season — think birthdays, graduations, family reunions, and backyard celebrations. And all those events need stuff: tents, tables, chairs, coolers, games, or even bounce houses.
You can start small with gear you already own or borrow, then reinvest profits into expanding your inventory. Deliver, set up, and pick up for extra income. It’s a great way to earn without needing to be at the party yourself.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (start by renting out what you already have)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Easy to launch, scheduling and transport needed
- Skills needed: Organization, basic logistics, friendly communication
- Profit potential: $50-$500+ per event
- Best for: Handy or organized folks with storage space and a vehicle
🥂 Pro tip: Offer weekend bundles (e.g., tent + chairs + cooler) and promote ahead of holidays for early bookings.
25. Outdoor movie night services
Warm summer nights are perfect for backyard movies, and families love the idea of turning their lawn into a mini theater. You supply the screen, projector, and sound system; they bring the snacks and the crowd.
You can start by renting out basic gear or offering full setup and takedown services. It’s great for birthdays, block parties, or even small community events. Just one booking can more than cover your startup cost.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (if borrowing or renting basic gear to start)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Simple setup, minimal experience needed
- Skills needed: Tech setup, attention to detail, customer service
- Profit potential: $100-$400 per event
- Best for: Tech-savvy side hustlers, teens, or anyone with a love for movies and events
🍿 Pro tip: Add extras like blankets, popcorn machines, or themed movie packs to boost your per-event revenue.
26. Outdoor fitness classes
When the sun’s out, people are way more motivated to get moving, especially outside. Hosting fitness classes in local parks or on the beach is a low-cost, high-energy way to start a summer fitness side hustle.
You can offer yoga, boot camps, dance workouts, or even family-friendly movement sessions. No need for a fancy studio, just bring a speaker, mats, and a good playlist. Consistency and vibe matter more than credentials when you’re getting started.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (yoga mats, speaker, water, and signage)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Requires confidence and group leadership
- Skills needed: Motivation, public speaking, basic fitness instruction
- Profit potential: $50-$200 per class (depending on class size and pricing)
- Best for: Fitness lovers, trainers, or energetic folks with a passion for movement
💪 Pro tip: Offer pay-what-you-can classes or group discounts to build momentum fast.
Creative and custom services
Summer is full of moments people want to remember or celebrate in style. That’s why custom gifts, hands-on workshops, and creative services shine this season. If you’re artsy, crafty, or just great at creating things people love, these ideas let you turn your talent into extra income with a fun, personal touch.
27. Photography and videography services
Summer is packed with moments worth capturing — weddings, graduations, family reunions, vacations, and backyard parties. If you’ve got a decent camera (or even a newer smartphone) and a good eye, you can start offering photo or video services right away.
You don’t need a studio because outdoor shoots are in demand this season. Focus on natural lighting, fun locations, and quick turnaround times. Offer mini sessions or event coverage to build your portfolio and client base fast.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (if you already have a camera or phone with a good lens)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Skills matter, but easy to test and build from
- Skills needed: Composition, editing, communication, creativity
- Profit potential: $100-$500+ per session or event
- Best for: Creative types, hobby photographers, or anyone with a passion for storytelling
📷 Pro tip: Create seasonal packages (like “Summer Family Minis”) and promote them in local Facebook groups or on Instagram.
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28. Custom t-shirt printing
Summer camps, reunions, sports leagues, and local events all love a good custom tee. If you’ve got a fun design style or catchy ideas, T-shirt printing can be a fast, low-cost business to start in the summer.
You can use print-on-demand services like Printful or Canva’s built-in tools to create and sell without keeping inventory. Or, go hands-on with iron-on transfers or screen printing for local orders. Either way, you’re selling something people actually want to wear.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (using print-on-demand or DIY transfer materials)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Tech-friendly and beginner-ready
- Skills needed: Design sense, marketing, basic eCommerce setup
- Profit potential: $8-$20+ per shirt
- Best for: Designers, crafters, or anyone with a creative streak and fun ideas
👕 Pro tip: Offer matching shirts for events or create limited-edition summer designs to drive urgency.
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29. Art and craft workshops
Parents are always looking for creative ways to keep kids busy during summer, and adults love a relaxing DIY night too. If you’re crafty, hosting small workshops can be a fun, low-cost way to make money sharing what you love.
Host sessions in your backyard, local parks, or partner with a café or community space. Ideas like tie-dye, painting, jewelry making, or clay modeling are always a hit. Keep it simple, supply the materials, and let the creativity flow.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (basic supplies and setup materials)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Simple to launch with the right audience
- Skills needed: Crafting, group instruction, planning
- Profit potential: $15-$50 per participant
- Best for: Makers, teachers, or creative hobbyists who love working with people
🎨 Pro tip: Offer themed workshops (like “Beach Day Crafts” or “Paint & Lemonade”) to draw in families or groups.
Art and income in one — hosting craft workshops is a creative summer business that brings people together and pays off with every project.
30. DIY kit subscription boxes
Not everyone wants to go out in the summer heat — some prefer fun projects at home. DIY kits make it easy for customers to get hands-on without the prep, and they’re especially popular with kids, crafters, and bored teens on break.
You can sell one-off kits (like candle making, bracelet kits, or tie-dye sets) or offer a weekly or monthly subscription. Package everything they need in a cute box, add clear instructions, and promote your kits online or at local events.
- Startup cost: Under $100 (for sample kits and packaging)
- Ease of start: ★★★★☆ — Requires some prep and sourcing
- Skills needed: Crafting, product assembly, light branding
- Profit potential: $15-$50 per kit
- Best for: Makers, small-scale sellers, or anyone with a flair for packaging fun
📦 Pro tip: Use themes like “Summer Camp at Home” or “Rainy Day Rescue” to market your kits with seasonal appeal.
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How to choose the best summer business for you
With so many exciting options, how do you pick the right one? Choosing the best summer business for beginners starts with knowing what fits your lifestyle, skills, and location. Here are a few key factors to help you decide:
Your budget
Start with what you can realistically invest. Some ideas (like lemonade stands or pet sitting) cost almost nothing to launch. Others, like food trucks or gear rentals, may need more upfront capital. Look for low-investment summer business ideas if you’re just getting started.
Your interests
The best summer business is the one you’ll enjoy running. If you love being outside, try yard care or outdoor fitness. More into crafts or planning? Workshops or party services might be a better fit. Pick something that matches your personality — you’ll stick with it longer.
Your location
What works in a beach town might not work in the suburbs. Consider what’s popular in your area and what your community actually needs. High foot traffic, tourism, and local events all affect how your summer business performs.
Market demand
Ask yourself: Is this something people need this summer? Lawn care, childcare, and mobile services tend to stay in demand. Bonus if you can solve a specific seasonal problem (like pet care while people travel or shaded setups for parties).
Your time & schedule
Some summer businesses are super flexible (like pet sitting or photography), while others need weekend or evening availability. Be honest about how much time you can give, especially if you’re juggling other work or school.
💡 Pro tip: Test your idea on a small scale first. You’ll learn fast, and it’s easier to pivot if something doesn’t work.
Ready to launch? Use Square to accept payments, book clients, and run your summer business like a pro. It’s free to start and built for beginners, whether you’re selling online, on-site, or both.
Free one-page summer business plan template
Before you dive in, grab our simple one-page business plan to map out your summer business idea. It’ll help you stay focused, organized, and ready to launch fast.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Click through the sections below to read answers to common questions about summer business ideas:
The best summer business is one that fits your skills, location, and demand — lawn care, pet sitting, and cold drink stands are top picks.
Event services, gear rentals, and food trucks often bring in the highest profits, especially when booked for multiple summer weekends.
Almost any business idea on this list. Most summer businesses (like lemonade stands, dog walking, or pop-ups) can be launched under $1,000.
Pet sitting, lawn care, and selling cold drinks are flexible, beginner-friendly, and perfect for student schedules.
Yes, many summer businesses are perfect for teens and students and can be started with minimal equipment or funds.
Many summer side hustles can earn $500 to $2,000+ per month — more if you scale or work full-time hours.
Yes. Many can pivot into fall/winter services or expand online, like lawn care to snow removal, or pop-up shops to ecommerce.
It depends on your location and the type of business. For example, a lemonade stand may not need a license in some areas, but a food truck usually requires health permits and a vendor license. Pet sitting might need registration or insurance, and lawn care businesses may need a local service license. Always check with your city or state’s small business office to be sure.
Bottom line
Summer is one of the best times to dip your toes into entrepreneurship. With so many in-demand, low-cost, and beginner-friendly summer small business ideas, you don’t need a big budget or a business degree to get started. Pick something that fits your skills, schedule, and location — and just start. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can start earning.
When you’re ready to start, use Square to take payments, book clients, and run your summer business like a pro.
