How Can a 13 Year Old Make Money Without a Job?

Most 13-year-old kids don’t have jobs or the ability to get one.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t want to make some money of their own.

At this age kids jobs for kids provide them with the opportunity to do things like buy fashions they like, go out to eat and hang out with friends.

So how can a 13 year old make money without a job?

Follow along as I give you several ideas for making money at a young age that don’t require getting a job.

Young teen girl sewing with a sewing machine

How to Make Money Without a Job

Kids may think they can’t earn money if they aren’t working a traditional job where they have to clock in and clock out.

But that’ snot true.

To make money without a job kids will need to get creative and put on their entrepreneurial hats.

Here are a number of things kids can do so they can earn some pocket change without going to a 9-5.

Food/Drink Stands

Food and drink stands are great ways to make money, and do not require a lot of effort.

Selling concessions such as lemonade is one of the most prominent answers to the question of “how can a 13 year old make money without a job?”.

Selling food and drinks is simple as long as you have the right location.

If you live in a suburban area it is as simple as buying the supplies and setting up a card table in your yard.

To start, kids will want to plan a budget for the materials.

This means researching how much everything will cost and how much they’ll need to sell their product for.

Then, after they’ve bought the supplies, all they need to do is make the food or drinks and sell them at their table.

They can also set up at outdoor shows and indoor events as long as they get permission from the venue.

Selling concessions can be a great and easy way to make money as a 13 year old without a job.

Survey/Rewards Sites

This is a great way to make money, as it can be incorporated into a child’s daily routine with ease.

Survey sites will pay people to take surveys, usually given by researchers or businesses.

Rewards sites, such as BingRewards, will pay you to use their search engine.

Making money through this route is typically slow going, but like most people your child probably already spends a lot of time using search engines and browsing the internet, so why not accumulate some points while they’re are at it?

Make Things To Sell Online

This is a time-tested way to make quick cash, assuming kids can create a good product.

When learning how can a 13 year old make money without a job, making things to sell is probably one of the most popular options.

Sites such as Etsy and eBay make it easy to sell things online.

Kids only need a product and to learn how to ship packages.

Thankfully, most ecommerce sites are able to help with the shipping process.

Kids can make all sorts of things to sell, from art to clothes and small household goods such as potholders.

There are plenty of options as to what kids are able to do so I recommend thinking back on any skills they might have and trying to turn that into a way to make money.


Teenage girl sewing on a sewing machine. Image says ways kids can make money without a job


If your child is good with kids, babysitting can be an excellent way to make money, and it can even be a regular or consistent job as well.

To start, they can ask around your neighborhood or post fliers advertising their services, with a parent’s permission of course.

If they plan on going to someone else’s house you should always talk to the parents about it first and make sure it is someone you know and trust.

I recommend asking your family members if they happen to know anyone who might be interested in a babysitter and then expanding your child’s clientele from there.

Working with kids can be tricky at times, so make sure your child is up for it before they commit to it.

They can start getting some practice by watching their siblings or cousins for family members and then start reaching out to others.

Errand Running

Errand running is exactly as it sounds, as kids will simply be doing small chores and going places for people.

This is a great job if you live in a city or close to where a lot of businesses are.

Essentially, they’ll be hired to do simple tasks people might not have time for, such as getting coffee, sending and checking mail, or picking up groceries.

If you’re asking how can a 13 year old make money without a job, this is one of the best options because it isn’t seasonal.

There is always a business or person in need of help with small task and errands.

Errand running is also a good idea if your child rides a bicycle or has some other method of quick transportation.

Plus, it can be regular if people need you to do things for them on a frequent basis.

Dog Walking

Dog walking is a fantastic job whether you live in a suburban or urban area.

Plenty of people love walking their dogs, but many might not have time.

Plus, with work schedules sometimes dogs do not get walked as often as they should.

Dog walking is really great if you like animals, as you will be spending a lot of time with them.

To start, kids should advertise to local pet owners that they are offering this service.

They’ll then need to make the arrangements so that they are able to get the customer’s dog and walk them before returning them at a set time.

Making Money as a Kid

As you can see, if a kid doesn’t have a job, that shouldn’t limit their earning potential.

By coming up with creative things they can offer to do for other people, they can start their own business and have income coming in in no time.

Whether your 13 year old is looking for ways to work online or a more traditional job, here are more ways to make money as a 13 year old.

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