Menu x
x
Advertiser Disclosure
Make Money Side Hustles

21 Weekend Side Hustles That Make You Money (And Are Actually Fun)

Use your free time to make extra money doing something you love, not something you have to do.

fit woman having fun with adorable mongrel dogs
Lindsay Frankel
Samantha Hawrylack
By Lindsay Frankel
and Samantha Hawrylack
Gabriela Walsh
Edited by Gabriela Walsh
Updated Dec. 17, 2024
Fact checked

Having a full-time job doesn’t guarantee you can meet your financial goals. Emergencies, big purchases, or major long-term goals often require extra income. But if you already work 40 hours a week or more, like me, how could you make more money?

Weekend side hustles have been a lifesaver for me. With the gig economy, there are opportunities for everyone. The key is figuring out what you like and are good at so you can find gigs that you love doing and that don’t feel like work.

Whether you want to make $500 faster or need extra steady income, here are some fun ways to add income to your monthly budget.

In this article

Best weekend side hustles

  1. Help businesses with accounting
  2. Take surveys to earn cash
  3. Use your creative skills
  4. Automate your investments
  5. Deliver food and groceries
  6. Hang out with dogs
  7. Earn on everyday purchases
  8. Become a rideshare driver
  9. Hang out with kids
  10. Hang out in an empty house
  11. Teach English
  12. Teach a fitness class
  13. Pour beer or wine
  14. Be a budtender
  15. Be a brand ambassador
  16. Become a freelance tailor
  17. Become a reseller
  18. Become a mystery shopper
  19. Help set up events
  20. Help with home staging
  21. Be a tour guide

    22. Help businesses with accounting

    • Time commitment: high
    • Earning potential: high

    Many small business owners need assistance with their bookkeeping but don’t want to hire a full-time employee. Freelance bookkeepers often work from home and set their own hours, whether you work late at night or on the weekends when you’re off from your 9-to-5.

    Surprisingly, you don’t need to be a math savant or have an accounting degree to start this side gig. If you want to learn bookkeeping skills, consider enrolling in a free 3-class intro from Bookkeepers.com.

    This is one of those side hustles I find intriguing because it offers the potential to earn some serious side cash. Plus, it offers the opportunity to turn it into a business that could eventually replace your 9-to-5 income.

    Earn Great Pay Working From Home

    Bookkeepers

    Bookkeepers Benefits

    • Free 3-class intro teaches you how to launch a bookkeeping business
    • #1 most profitable business as described by Entrepreneur Magazine
    • Supplement your existing income or even replace your current job
    • You don’t need to be a math savant or have an accounting degree
    Enter your first name and email here to access the training

    Take surveys to earn cash

    • Time commitment: low
    • Earning potential: low

    Taking online surveys is one of my favorite ways to make extra cash. It doesn’t require a lot of brain power, and I can answer surveys during downtime, like waiting at the doctor’s office or sitting on the couch, watching TV. Many platforms reward members in points or cash, that you can redeem for gift cards or bank transfers.

    Granted, answering surveys isn’t full-time income. Depending on how many surveys you answer and how many platforms you use, it may not even be part-time income, but every dollar counts. The nice thing about answering surveys is you don’t need any special skills; just the desire to share your opinion.

    Check out my favorite survey sites:

    Earn Cash Taking Surveys

    SurveyJunkie

    SurveyJunkie Benefits

    • Over $55,000 paid to members daily
    • Earn up to $130 a month taking 4 or more surveys daily
    • $76 million paid out to date
    • 20M+ lifetime members and BBB accreditation
    Sign up today

    Use your creative skills

    • Time commitment: low to high (depending on project)
    • Earning potential: low to high (depending on skill level and demand)

    When I was looking for ways to increase my income, I made a list of my skills and things I enjoy and am good at doing. My list was extensive and didn’t pertain only to the skills I used at my full-time job.

    Some skill ideas include:

    • Organizing
    • Graphic design
    • Writing
    • Proofreading
    • Marketing
    • Transcription
    • Administrative tasks
    • Creating items or products

    Sites like Upwork and Fiverr connect freelance writers, graphic designers, and virtual assistants with potential customers. You set your tasks and rates, and use the websites to market yourself and connect with clients.

    If your creative skills are more artistic or hands-on, you could always create products to sell on sites like Etsy or Redbubble.

    Automate your investments

    • Time commitment: variable
    • Earning potential: variable

    How you use your extra income is just as important as earning it. Making your income work for you is a great way to ‘double dip’ and maximize your earnings. When you automate your investments, you have a hands-off approach to investing.

    My favorite way to make my income grow is using robo-advisors. These automated investing platforms ask questions about my financial situation, goals, risk tolerance, and timeline. They then invest my funds accordingly, usually for a small fee. Some investment apps let you invest with as little as $1, so it’s easy to get started.

    Check out these popular investment apps:

    • Public
    • Robinhood
    • Stash

    Get 6% Yield or more on bonds, 4.6% APY1on your uninvested cash, $0.06-$0.182rebate on options contracts, and more

    Public
    4.4
    info

    Public Benefits

    • Invest in stocks, bonds, options, ETFs, and more with no account minimum 3
    • $0 commission charge on U.S. listed stocks & ETF trades placed during regular US market hours
    • US-based customer support
    Learn more

    Deliver food and groceries

    • Time commitment: low to medium
    • Earning potential: medium

    I love using food delivery apps to fill my downtime. With the large number of options available, it’s easy to find one that works well in your area. Each delivery service works slightly differently, but you can sign up and begin fulfilling orders right away with most.

    The requirements for each app vary, but overall, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and insurance, possess a reliable vehicle, and pass a background check.

    The beauty of food delivery apps is in the variety of tasks they offer. It's all about finding what you enjoy the most or what you excel at. For instance, if you prefer not to deal with restaurants and ensure orders are correct, but love grocery shopping, Instacart might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you love the flexibility of delivering for restaurants more than the hassle of shopping, food delivery could be your best option.

    There are many delivery apps, but these are the most common:

    Earn Money Making Deliveries

    Uber Eats
    • Earn money with your car, bike, or even a scooter in some cities!
    • Make your own schedule and be your own boss
    • You can access your earnings up to 6X per day with Instant Pay
    • (Additional terms and conditions apply)
    Sign Up To Deliver With Uber Eats

    Hang out with dogs

    • Time commitment: low to medium
    • Earning potential: low to medium

    If you’re an animal lover and enjoy spending time with furry friends, why not turn your passion into a money making opportunity? You can become a dog walker or pet sitter and earn extra cash while spending time with dogs.

    Several platforms allow you to connect with pet owners in your area looking for someone to walk their dogs or take care of their pets while they’re away. You’ll have the opportunity to spend time outdoors, get some exercise, and make new furry friends. Plus, you can earn extra money while doing something you love.

    Check out the top platforms for pet sitters and dog walkers:

    Earn on everyday purchases

    • Time commitment: low
    • Earning potential: low

    Earning money back on everyday purchases is a great way to increase your income because it requires little to no planning. Many platforms allow you to earn points, gift cards, or cash back for your purchases. Simply sign up for a profile, browse participating stores, and start earning rewards. You may even receive a first-time sign-up bonus.

    This side gig is perfect for those who want to earn extra cash without committing a lot of time or effort. You can earn rewards on purchases you would make anyway, such as groceries, gas, or clothing.

    Check out these two great options for rewards:

    Looking for more ways to earn cash back on everyday purchases? Check out our current picks below.

    4.5
    info
    Discover®️ Cashback Checking

    Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month.4 No minimum deposit or balance. FDIC Insured.

    Learn More

    Become a rideshare driver

    • Time commitment: high
    • Earning potential: high

    If you enjoy driving and have a reliable vehicle, becoming a rideshare driver could be the perfect way to increase your income. As a rideshare driver, you’ll have the flexibility to make your own schedule and earn extra cash during busy hours of the day.

    Platforms like Lyft or Uber allow you to connect with riders in your area who need a ride from one place to another. You only need a valid driver’s license, a vehicle that meets the platform’s requirements, and a smartphone to download the app.

    Hang out with kids

    • Time commitment: medium
    • Earning potential: medium to high

    If you enjoy spending time with kids, consider babysitting or becoming a nanny. You’ll have the opportunity to play games, run around, and help out a parent who needs some time away.

    While there aren’t any specific requirements for caregiving or babysitting, having a degree, CPR and first aid certifications, and experience with kids can help you charge more for your services. Your potential employer may also want to conduct a background check.

    Here are some of the top platforms to connect with parents who need sitters:

    Hang out in an empty house

    • Time commitment: low to medium
    • Earning potential: low to medium

    Travelers often hire house sitters to water the plants, bring in the mail and keep the house safe. Often, house sitters also take care of pets in the household. It’s easy to make a bit of extra cash house-sitting without putting forth much effort.

    It’s also a great option if you want to sit back, put your feet up, and catch up on your Netflix or social media feed. You could even double up your side hustles and try one of these money-making game apps while you’re at it. Check out these websites to get started with house sitting:

    Teach English

    • Time commitment: low to medium
    • Earning potential: medium to high

    If you love kids but would prefer not to teach in person, consider teaching English online to children. You can work for platforms such as VIPKid and earn an hourly rate of up to $22 an hour.

    You don’t need to speak a foreign language, and you’ll have the opportunity to help students gain confidence in another language. The platform provides the curriculum, and you’ll work one-on-one with students to ensure they receive the educational attention they deserve.

    Teaching English online is a great opportunity for those who enjoy working with kids and want to make a difference in their lives. Plus, you can work from the comfort of your own home and set your own schedule, but the hours can fall in the middle of the night to accommodate students in other time zones.

    Teach a fitness class

    • Time commitment: medium to high
    • Earning potential: medium to high

    If you’re an exercise addict who wants to inspire others to take on healthy habits, becoming a group fitness instructor or personal trainer is a great option. Employment in the industry is increasing, and jobs in the field can be fun and rewarding.

    For most opportunities, you must become certified, and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) is the largest certifier in the nation. The level of effort and time required will depend on the certification you choose. However, you can study for the certification exam independently and at your own pace.

    Get Paid Potentially $1,000s to Lose Weight

    HealthyWage

    HealthyWage Benefits

    • Decide how much weight you want to lose (and how quickly)
    • Tell the company how big of a prize you want to win
    • Work to get there! The average amount of earnings per winner is between $1,100 and $1,400 … and you could win as much as $10,000!
    Join HealthyWage

    Pour beer or wine

    • Time commitment: medium
    • Earning potential: low to medium

    Fans of top-notch alcohol may enjoy serving wine or beer at a restaurant, brewery, or winery as a second job. You may need a certification or license to start, so be sure to research the requirements in your area. This is another one of those gigs I admire for people with alcohol-serving skills because you could consider getting an alcohol permit and launching a mobile bartending business.

    Be a budtender

    • Time commitment: medium
    • Earning potential: medium to high

    If you live in a state where cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use, becoming a budtender could be a good side hustle and a rewarding way to help people get treatment for all types of ailments.

    Most states require a basic license, and there may be a small upfront cost. Just be sure to choose a legitimate budtender certification program. If you’re not ready to budtend, becoming a cashier at a dispensary could be a great way to break into the industry.

    Be a brand ambassador

    • Time commitment: low to medium
    • Earning potential: low to medium

    If you enjoy discovering and sharing new brands with friends, you might like working with companies to spread the word about their products in your free time. In many cities, brands post ads on Craigslist looking for people to pass out samples at grocery stores, liquor stores, pop-up events, or other venues. The gigs are usually short-term and a good way to boost your earnings temporarily.

    Become a freelance tailor

    • Time commitment: medium to high
    • Earning potential: medium to high

    If you have sewing skills and enjoy helping people find the perfect fit, consider becoming a freelance tailor or outfitter. You can start your own business by offering affordable alterations to customers in your area. All you need is a sewing machine and skills in hand sewing to start. You can connect with potential customers by giving your information to vintage stores and local boutiques.

    If you don’t have sewing skills but still want to help people find the perfect fit, you can consider becoming an outfitter with platforms like Trumaker. As an outfitter, you’ll find clients, take their measurements, and earn a commission from every custom-made item of clothing you sell.

    Become a reseller

    • Time commitment: low to high (depending on sales volume)
    • Earning potential: low to high (depending on product and demand)

    If you enjoy treasure hunting and have an eye for high-quality items, consider becoming a reseller. You can scour garage and estate sales for items that you can resell online on platforms like eBay or Amazon.

    You can also resell used clothing you no longer wear or vintage clothing you find at thrift stores on platforms like Poshmark. Becoming a reseller is great for those who enjoy treasure hunting and have an eye for high-quality items.

    I have a few friends that do this and make a great income doing what they love. They say that there is something about the thrill of finding a great deal and knowing they can flip it for a profit online.

    Become a mystery shopper

    • Time commitment: low to medium
    • Earning potential: low to medium

    Companies often hire mystery shoppers to gather data about customers’ experiences. As a mystery shopper, they may ask you to make a purchase and provide feedback on your experience in a written report. You’ll receive reimbursement for your purchase and a fee for your feedback. You're a good candidate if you can follow directions, write a detailed report, and have good organizational skills.

    Platforms like Market Force and IntelliShop offer opportunities for mystery shopping and are free to join.

    My love for shopping drew me to mystery shopping. Now, I can indulge in this passion while earning extra cash. I also get to choose which jobs I take and when I work.

    Help set up events

    • Time commitment: medium
    • Earning potential: low to medium

    If you have experience in the hospitality industry and enjoy setting up for events, consider looking for event set-up gigs to do in your spare time. Weddings, festivals, and farmers’ markets all need staff to help set up and tear down.

    You can find work on platforms like TaskRabbit by browsing available gigs and applying for those that fit your schedule and skills.

    Event set-up is great for those who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and don’t mind some physical labor. Plus, you can earn extra cash while helping to create memorable events.

    Help with home staging

    • Time commitment: medium
    • Earning potential: low to medium

    Another option for freelance work is home staging. Home staging is the process of decorating and furnishing a home that’s appealing for buyers.

    To start, network with local real estate agents. You may need to work for free to start, but once you have a portfolio of homes you’ve staged, you can make some extra cash from your interior decorating skills.

    Be a tour guide

    • Time commitment: medium
    • Earning potential: low to medium

    If you’re passionate about your city and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others, becoming a tour guide might be one of the best side hustles. You’ll be able to show travelers your favorite sights, eats, and activities in your city, and you don’t need to be a professional guide.

    You’ll have the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world and make new connections.

    Check out how you can get paid by using the following sites:

    How to start a weekend side hustle

    Starting a weekend side job can be a great way to earn extra income and achieve your financial goals. Here are some tips to help you get started:

    1. Choose your opportunity

    Before starting a side hustle, it’s important to do your research and plan accordingly. Research the earning potential and time commitment of different options and talk to others with experience to help you gain valuable insights and avoid common mistakes.

    Here are a few great resources:

    2. Consider upfront costs

    Depending on the gig you choose, you may incur upfront costs, such as licensing fees or equipment purchases. It’s important to factor these costs into your budget or choose a side hustle that doesn’t require upfront costs.

    3. Create a plan

    Once you have decided on the best opportunity, the next step is creating a plan to launch and manage it. Every business is different, so customize your plan to your situation. You don’t have to write a formal business plan for many part-time gigs, but you should consider the following:

    • Set goals: Start by defining what you want to achieve, how much money you need to make, and how long it will take to reach your goals.
    • Budget: Plan how much money you need to invest in your gig and when you can expect to see profits.
    • Business structure: If you need to set up a business structure, learn the different types and choose the one that works best for you and your goals.
    • Marketing strategies: Determine how to reach your ideal customers and stay visible in the market. Your plan could include social media, advertising, or networking.
    • Legal requirements: Research what licenses, permits, and documentation your side hustle may require.

    4. Manage your extra income

    Once you start earning extra money, it’s important to manage it effectively. Setting a budget, tracking your expenses, and finding ways to save money will help you in the long run. Budgeting apps such as Rocket Money and Simplifi can help you manage your finances more efficiently.

    5. Plan for taxes

    Planning for taxes is essential if you earn income from a freelance or self-employed side job. This includes setting aside a portion of your income for taxes and keeping track of your expenses. Tax planning services such as TurboTax and TaxSlayer can help you accurately prepare and file your taxes.

    Managing your weekend side job expenses

    Some gigs may require funding for supplies, software, and more. Here’s a card we recommend for side hustles:

    Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

    This card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, so you’re rewarded for every purchase. Its $0 annual fee makes it an affordable option, and its welcome offer allows you to earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Another unique feature of this card is that it has a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (then 17.74% - 23.74% Variable). Businesses and side hustles can be expensive to get up and running, and the intro APR can help you get started on the right foot (and you could earn the welcome offer for an extra boost).

    Apply now for the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

    Find out more in our full Ink Business Unlimited credit card review.

    FAQs

    What are the best ways to earn extra money on the weekend?

    The best weekend side jobs depend on your lifestyle and what you’re comfortable doing. However, here are a few ideas for making extra money:

    • Resell on Amazon or Poshmark
    • Drive with Lyft or Uber
    • Deliver food or groceries with DoorDash 
    • Get paid to pet sit or walk dogs 
    • Work on home projects with HomeAdvisor
    • Take surveys and make money online with Survey Junkie or InboxDollars
    • House-sit with TrustedHousesitters or MindMyHouse
    • Teach English with VIPKid

    How can you earn income on the side?

    If there’s something you enjoy doing, you likely have the opportunity to earn money doing it as a side hustle or part-time job. For example, if you enjoy driving a car, consider driving people with Uber or Lyft or delivering food or groceries with DoorDash or Instacart.

    If you like animals, it could make sense to earn extra income as a pet sitter on Rover. Keep an open mind and be aware of the surrounding opportunities to find a side gig you enjoy.

    What are the highest-paying side hustles?

    Many side hustles can earn you plenty of money if you dedicate enough time to them, which can be difficult if your day job takes up most of your time. However, here are a few side hustle ideas that could pay off if done well:

    • Resell items on Amazon
    • Blogging
    • Flip houses
    • Rent out properties or spare rooms 
    • Create an e-commerce business
    • Drive for a rideshare company
    • Rent out your vehicle 

    Is it possible to make money blogging?

    Yes, it’s possible to make money blogging. The key is to create content on a regular basis and grow your following to the point where you can offer services or products for money.

    In addition, once you have a decent audience, you can monetize your website with ads or offer targeted products through affiliate marketing.

    How can I make an extra $100 a day?

    You could make $100 a day through a variety of side hustles. You could make use of your home by renting out an extra room on Airbnb or Vrbo, or if you have a crafty side, you could sell your handmade goods on Etsy.

    Another option is to deliver groceries and other items to people in your area. For those who prefer a more passive approach to earning extra cash, you could take online surveys while binging your favorite Netflix shows.

    What are easy side jobs to make money?

    Some easy side jobs to make money include:

    • Completing surveys online
    • Delivering food and groceries
    • Babysitting
    • Becoming a mystery shopper
    • House sitting
    • Pet sitting
    • Dog walking

    How can I make $2,000 a month on the side?

    There's no guarantee you'll make $2,000 a month, but some side hustles that could help you make $2,000 a month include:

    • Delivering food or groceries
    • Renting out extra space in your home
    • Becoming an online tutor
    • Setting up a blog or YouTube channel
    • Selling handmade items
    • Becoming a virtual assistant
    • Earning passive income from investments

    You could also combine multiple opportunities rather than focusing on just one.

    Bottom line on weekend side jobs

    When it comes to increasing your income, there are plenty of ways to make extra money that won’t feel like work. Whether you enjoy art and design, spending time with children or pets, shopping, or want to explore your city, there’s a side hustle for you.

    Many of these business ideas offer flexible schedules, allowing you to create your own hours or set your own rates, so you can supplement your weekday work, increase your earning potential, pay down student loans, and take control over your financial goals. You can find the perfect side hustle for you and your lifestyle.

SurveyJunkie
Learn More
Wide variety of short opinion surveys available
Earn cash payments via PayPal or gift cards from popular brands
Low $5 minimum cash-out requirement