“This article highlights top side hustle apps for parents in 2025, offering flexible ways to earn extra income. From freelancing on Upwork to selling crafts on Etsy, renting assets on Turo, or taking surveys on Swagbucks, these apps cater to busy schedules. Learn how to balance parenting and earning with platforms that maximize income and flexibility.”
Top Apps for Parents to Earn Extra Income in 2025
For parents juggling family responsibilities, finding a side hustle that fits around school runs, nap times, and bedtime routines is critical. In 2025, the gig economy continues to thrive, with apps offering flexible opportunities to earn extra income from home or on the go. These platforms cater to various skills, time commitments, and earning potentials, making them ideal for parents in the USA. Below are the best apps for parents looking to start a side hustle, based on their flexibility, ease of use, and income potential.
Upwork: Freelancing for Flexible Schedules
Upwork connects freelancers with clients seeking skills like writing, graphic design, web development, or virtual assistance. Parents with professional experience can create profiles showcasing their expertise and bid on projects. With over 15,000 finance and accounting jobs posted weekly, skilled parents can earn $50/hour or more. The platform’s flexibility allows work during nap times or after bedtime, though competition can be stiff, requiring a strong profile to stand out.
Etsy: Selling Crafts and Digital Products
Etsy is a go-to for parents with creative talents, enabling them to sell handmade goods or digital downloads like Canva templates. Setting up a shop is straightforward, and parents can work on their own schedules. Earnings vary based on product pricing and demand, but successful sellers can make hundreds monthly. Etsy charges listing and transaction fees, so pricing strategically is key to profitability.
Turo: Renting Out Your Car
Turo allows parents to rent out their vehicles when not in use, ideal for those with a spare car. Earnings depend on location and vehicle type, with some users making thousands annually. The app handles payments and guest verification, but parents should review insurance terms to protect their assets. This passive income stream suits parents who prefer minimal time investment.
Care.com: Babysitting and Tutoring
Care.com connects parents with babysitting, tutoring, or pet care opportunities. Parents with childcare experience can leverage their skills to earn $15–$25/hour, setting their own rates and availability. The platform requires background checks, ensuring trust for both parties. It’s perfect for parents who can work evenings or weekends while managing their own kids.
Swagbucks: Surveys and Small Tasks
Swagbucks offers a low-effort way to earn pocket change through surveys, watching videos, or shopping online. Parents can earn $0.50–$5 per survey, redeemable for cash or gift cards. While not a high earner, it’s ideal for downtime during kids’ naps or school hours. Combining Swagbucks with other survey apps like Survey Junkie maximizes earnings.
TaskRabbit: Handyman and Local Tasks
TaskRabbit connects parents with local gigs like furniture assembly, moving, or home repairs. Those with DIY skills can earn $12–$35/hour, setting their own rates and schedules. A killer profile and verified identity are essential to attract clients. This app suits parents who prefer hands-on work and can fit tasks around family commitments.
Uber or Lyft: Driving for Extra Cash
Parents with reliable vehicles and driving licenses can earn $9–$23/hour through Uber or Lyft. These ride-sharing apps allow flexible schedules, letting parents drive during peak hours or when kids are at school. Drivers keep 70% of fares plus 100% of tips, though vehicle maintenance costs should be considered.
Airbnb: Renting Space for Passive Income
Parents with a spare room or property can list it on Airbnb for short-term rentals. Earnings depend on location and availability, with some hosts making thousands monthly. Airbnb handles payments and guest verification, but parents must ensure compliance with local regulations and factor in cleaning or maintenance time.
Foap: Selling Photos for Creatives
Foap allows parents with photography skills to sell images for commercial use, earning $5 per photo sold, with potential for higher payouts through missions. It’s a great fit for parents who enjoy snapping photos during family outings, offering a creative outlet with minimal time commitment. Foap takes a 50% commission, so volume is key to profitability.
Shopify: Building an Online Store
For entrepreneurial parents, Shopify offers tools to create an online store for physical or digital products. Web developers can earn around $75/hour freelancing, while others can sell print-on-demand items or services like bookkeeping. Shopify’s platform supports flexible work, but building a customer base requires a strong digital marketing strategy.
These apps cater to parents’ need for flexibility, allowing them to earn from home or on their terms. Whether leveraging existing skills or exploring new ventures, parents can find a side hustle that aligns with their lifestyle and financial goals. Platforms like Upwork and Etsy require more setup but offer higher earning potential, while Swagbucks and Foap provide quick, low-effort cash. For maximum income, parents can combine multiple apps, diversifying their revenue streams while balancing family life.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research before starting a side hustle. Information is sourced from publicly available data and reputable platforms like Forbes, Shopify, and FinanceBuzz.
