💡 Real jobs, fresh air, and cash in your pocket
Working a 9-to-5 from your laptop is one thing. But using your weekend side hustle hours to stare at even more screens? No thanks.
Whether you’re burned out from the digital grind or just want a reason to get outside, here are 20 side hustles that let you make extra money without sacrificing your Vitamin D.
1. Lawn care & landscaping
If you’ve got a mower and a tolerance for grass clippings in your shoes, you’re halfway there. Neighborhood lawns don’t mow themselves — and plenty of folks would rather Venmo you than do it themselves.
You could start with flyers, but posting your services on Facebook and in neighborhood groups is likely more than enough. Upsell hedge trimming or weeding if you’re feeling ambitious.
2. Tree trimming & removal
This is lawn care’s tougher, more chainsaw-wielding cousin. It’s riskier and requires more know-how (and gear), but the pay is better.
You get to feel like a lumberjack while collecting cash.
Of course, don’t take on more than you can chew. If it’s a job best left for the licensed pros, be upfront. However, there are plenty of low-to-the-ground shrubs and trees that need a good trimming, too.
3. Mail carrier
📮 Believe it or not, the USPS and private delivery companies constantly need part-time help. Think route delivery, package drop-offs, sorting mail — and yes, walking miles in all kinds of weather.
It’s physical, outdoors, and (depending on where you apply) union-backed with solid hourly pay. There’s a big need for people to get their Amazon packages.
Look for seasonal or assistant mail carrier work on the USPS website.
4. Pool cleaning
Pools look pretty but are total divas. Skimming, brushing, testing chemicals — it’s a whole self-care regime with seasonal maintenance needs too.
If you live somewhere sunny and chlorinated, offering pool cleaning can net you repeat business fast. And yes, sometimes clients already have the tools.
5. Window cleaning
You don’t need a fancy harness and scaffolding to get started — just a ladder, some squeegees, and decent balance. Residential clients and small business owners are always looking for someone to tackle the grime they’ve been ignoring since last spring, er, forever.
6. Gutter cleaning
Leaves and rain = nasty gutter clogs. Homeowners hate cleaning them and will gladly pay you to do it. This one’s seasonal, messy, and oddly satisfying. Bring gloves and a playlist.
7. Flea market flipper
Got stuff to sell? Or an eye for things you can flip? Set up a table at your local flea market. You can offload old junk, handmade goods, or vintage finds and make a decent weekend profit.
You don’t even need to haul your finds to make a buck. Just listing your finds in resale apps and Facebook Marketplace can do the trick.
8. Sports umpire or ref
If you love sports but your playing days are behind you (or, let’s be real, you just hate running), consider becoming a ref. Weekend leagues are always short on umps, and it’s a paid gig that keeps you on your feet.
9. Farmers market vendor
Grow herbs, bake bread, make jam, knit things, pickle stuff — whatever your crafty little heart enjoys, people will buy it at farmers’ markets. You’ll need to rent a booth and follow some rules, but it’s a wholesome way to make bank outdoors.
10. Dog walker
Love dogs? Available mid-day? You’re hired. Dog walking is easy to start and surprisingly lucrative in the right neighborhoods. Use an app like Rover or Wag, or go old-school and drop some flyers. You’ll get sunshine, steps, and sloppy kisses (from the dogs, hopefully).
11. Christmas light installation
It’s seasonal, but lucrative. Folks with two-story houses and no ladder courage will happily pay you to hang their twinkle lights. Upsell takedown services in January. You’ll need some safety gear, a tall ladder, and a basic understanding of not electrocuting yourself.
12. Ski instructor
If you’re good on skis and live near a resort, this one’s a no-brainer. Ski instructors can make solid money — especially during holiday seasons. Some places require certification, so check your local requirements before you hit the slopes.
13. Surf instructor
Yes, this is a real job. No, you don’t need to be Kelly Slater. You do need patience, strong swimming skills, and a legit instructor cert (look up the ISA). Group lessons = more money. And let’s be honest — getting paid to hang at the beach doesn’t suck.
14. Photographer
Have an eye for lighting and composition? Outdoor photography gigs (think engagements, family sessions, brand shoots) can pay well once you build a portfolio. Start with friends and work your way up. If nothing else, it’s a hobby that might turn profitable.
15. House painter
Painting homes is a classic warm-weather side hustle. Bonus points if you can also stain decks or pressure wash siding. This one takes time and elbow grease, but the per-job pay can be juicy — especially if you’re not afraid of ladders.
16. Outdoor event staff
Think beer gardens, food truck fests, outdoor weddings, or 5Ks. These events need people to set up tents, haul gear, run registration, or assist vendors. Check with local event companies or browse GigSalad or Craigslist for postings.
17. Furniture flipping
Found a dresser on the curb? Turn it into cash. Painting, staining, and fixing up old furniture is easier in a garage or yard — and you can sell it for way more than you paid (or didn’t). Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp are your best friends here.
In some instances, you can make a profit without needing to invest any elbow grease. I once bought a $200 living room set on Craigslist, used it for a year, and then sold it for $600. The original sellers were moving and needed to unload it quickly. I listed it high and was willing to play the waiting game, but it sold within days.
18. Tour guide
Live somewhere cool? Know your city’s haunted history or best taco spots? Create a walking tour. Whether you’re showing off nature trails, historic sites, or viral filming locations, people love a good guide. Check if your city requires a license first.
19. Plant watering service
Perfect for hot summers or when neighbors go out of town. Offer to keep their plants alive — outside – and maybe inside too. You don’t need to be a master gardener; just know how not to drown a succulent.
Every year, I see bright-eyed neighbors putting in their spring gardens, only to see them drooping into oblivion by mid-summer. America’s amateur urban gardeners need a watering-can brigade!
20. Street chalk artist or message writer
Use sidewalk chalk to write affirmations, birthday greetings, or local ads for businesses. It’s a cute, creative hustle that can turn heads (and land you tips or repeat gigs).
If you’re not sure where to start, consider posting your chalk skills on Book An Artist.
Bottom line
You don’t have to be glued to a screen to make money on the side. Whether you’ve got a green thumb, a good camera, or just a decent tolerance for yard work, these outdoor hustles can pad your wallet and get you some fresh air. No Wi-Fi needed.
And you don’t have to pick just one. If you want to maximize the fresh air and Vitamin D vibes, why not do a side hustle stack so you can double- or triple-dip in the side hustle earnings?
