37 Profitable Summer Business Ideas for a Hot Season

Summer means taking a break, enjoying outdoor leisure, going to a summer camp, and BBQ’ing in the backyard. For smart entrepreneurs, it also means big profits.

If you’re looking for ways to make money in summer, you’ve come to the right place. Lemonade, summer camps, snow cones, and shaved ice are just some of the businesses that thrive during summer. We’ve come up with a long list of brilliant summer business ideas below. Check it out and see what strikes your summertime fancy.

1. Food Truck

Start: Secure a food truck and local permits/food licenses. Summer festivals, busy streets and parks are great spots to park.
Food to Sell: Offer summer-themed meals like BBQ, fresh salads, hot dogs, or tacos.
Sales Tips: Use social media for location updates to attract crowds.
Off-Season: Cater private events or switch to deliveries in colder months.

2. Landscaping

Start: Purchase basic landscaping tools and advertise services locally.
Services: Provide garden design, mowing, and planting services. Use social media/website to showcase your work.
Sales Tips: Offer package deals for regular maintenance.
Off-Season: Focus on snow removal or holiday decorations services.

3. Home Decor Service

Start: Develop a portfolio by decorating your own or friends’ spaces. Use social media/website to showcase your work.
Services: Offer both interior and exterior decor services (backyards, patios/decks), focusing on creating vibrant and refreshing spaces.
Sales Tips: Highlight transformations (before and after) on social platforms and offer seasonal promotions.
Off-Season: Shift focus to indoor projects and prepare for seasonal decoration services like holiday themes.

4. Lawn Care

Start: Invest in quality lawn care equipment and distribute flyers in your local community. Friends, neighbors, and relatives can be good referrals.
Services: Offer mowing, fertilizing, and weed control.
Sales Tips: Provide discounts for referrals and repeat customers. The word of mouth will be your best marketing strategy.
Off-Season: Offer snow removal or leaf cleanup services.

5. Ice Cream Shop

Start: Get a mobile ice cream cart or small parlor. You want to choose a location with high foot traffic: shopping malls, busy streets, or tourist destinations.
Products: Sell classic and unique ice cream flavors that cater to both local community and tourists.
Sales Tips: Set up near beaches, busy streets, parks, events like summer festivals or sport events.
Off-Season: Create gift baskets with ice cream-making supplies or coupons.

6. Car Wash

Start: Set up a mobile or stationary car wash (near gas station, parking lots, busy roads).
Services: Offer eco-friendly washing, waxing, car vacuuming, and interior cleaning.
Sales Tips: Provide loyalty cards and quick service.
Off-Season: Offer vehicle detailing or switch to commercial vehicle contracts.

7. Pressure Washing

Start: Purchase a commercial pressure washer and advertise locally and online.
Services: Clean driveways (with parking and garages), siding, decks, commercial exteriors, area rugs.
Sales Tips: Offer bundled services for entire property washes. Get referrals via word of mouth.
Off-Season: Offer holiday lighting installations or gutter cleaning.

8. Farm

Start: Lease farmland (consider soil, topographic, and climatic requirements) and focus on seasonal crops or livestock. Start small and then expand.
Products: Sell fresh products, eggs, or meat at farmers’ markets.
Sales Tips: Use organic or sustainable farming as a selling point.
Off-Season: Plan for the next season or sell products like preserves.

9. Lemonade Stand

Start: Set up a stand in a high-traffic area (busy streets, parks, near public swimming pools, near summer events). Simple setup with a table and supplies.
Products: Offer fresh, cold lemonade and complementary snacks.
Sales Tips: Use fresh, local ingredients to attract health-conscious customers.
Off-Season: Offer catering for indoor events or sell hot beverages.

10. Juice Business

Start: Invest in a commercial juicer and source fresh fruits and vegetables.
Products: Sell fresh juices and smoothies.
Sales Tips: Set up at gyms, parks, busy streets, or health food stores.
Off-Season: Shift to offering detox cleanses or subscription services.

11. Solar Farm

Start: Research land leasing (the amount and quality of solar radiation) and solar technology. Obtain necessary permits and financing.
Services: Generate and sell solar energy to local businesses or through the grid.
Sales Tips: Market as a green energy alternative. Offer tours or educational sessions to increase community engagement.
Off-Season: Maintain equipment and plan expansions or new contracts for the next sunny season.

12. Pool Cleaning

Start: Purchase pool cleaning equipment and chemicals. Market services to local pool owners.
Services: Offer regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and seasonal opening/closing services.
Sales Tips: Create service bundles and offer early season promotions. The word of mouth will bring referrals.
Off-Season: Focus on maintenance services for indoor pools or expand to hot tub servicing.

13. BBQ Business

Start: Invest in a good barbecue setup and food supplies. Obtain necessary health permits.
Products: Sell BBQ meats and sides (develop a menu) at events, or offer catering services.
Sales Tips: Participate in local fairs and outdoor events (summer festivals, sport events). Offer tasting samples to attract customers.
Off-Season: Cater for indoor events and holidays or sell pre-made BBQ sauces and rubs online.

14. Glamping

Start: Acquire a scenic location (beautiful nature view) and set up luxurious camping facilities.
Services: Offer comfortable bedding, unique accommodations, and nature experiences.
Sales Tips: Market as a perfect getaway for city dwellers and offer package deals. Get listed on Booking.com and Trip Advisor.
Off-Season: Do the glamping site maintenance and market as a cozy winter retreat if climate allows.

15. Tour Business

Start: Identify unique local attractions and obtain any required licensing.
Services: Offer guided tours, themed tours, or adventure activities.
Sales Tips: Utilize online booking platforms and partner with local businesses for promotions (travel agencies).
Off-Season: Plan and market special holiday tours or focus on school educational trips. Maybe your local climate allows winter tours.

16. Solar Panel Installation

Start: Obtain certification and training in solar installation. Secure partnerships with solar panel manufacturers.
Services: Offer residential and commercial solar panel installations.
Sales Tips: Highlight energy cost savings and environmental benefits. Offer free initial consultations.
Off-Season: Focus on servicing and maintaining existing installations.

17. Sunglasses Business

Start: Design or source unique sunglasses styles (do the market research to see what’s popular; fashion trends change quickly). Set up a pop-up shop.
Products: Sell a variety of sunglasses, from budget-friendly to high-end custom designs. Make sure to cater to different demographics: kids, adults, elderly.
Sales Tips: Set up kiosks in high-traffic summer spots like beaches or tourist areas.
Off-Season: Shift focus to online sales and expand product lines to include other seasonal accessories.

18. Home Building

Start: Gain experience in construction or partner with a contractor. Get licensed and insured.
Services: Build custom homes or specialize in specific types of constructions like eco-homes.
Sales Tips: Showcase completed projects and use 3D models to help clients envision their homes.
Off-Season: Focus on interior renovations or planning and designing future projects.

19. Boat Rental

Start: Purchase or lease boats and secure docking space. Ensure all safety regulations are met.
Services: Offer boat rentals for fishing, leisure, or special events.
Sales Tips: Partner with local hotels and tourism boards to offer packages.
Off-Season: Maintain and repair boats, or rent them for winter fishing if climate allows.

20. Campground

Start: Acquire land suitable for camping (5 – 10 acres, near natural sights and attractions) and install necessary facilities like toilets and showers.
Services: Provide camp spots, rental tents, or RV hookups. Offer nature-related activities.
Sales Tips: Create a family-friendly environment with planned activities and amenities.
Off-Season: Host special events or themed weekends to attract off-season campers. Some campgrounds remain open during the winter.

21. Summer Camp

Start: Choose a focus (sports, arts, science) and secure a safe location. Obtain necessary permits and insurance.
Services: Provide themed camp experiences for children or families.
Sales Tips: Use early bird specials and sibling discounts to increase registrations.
Off-Season: Plan for the next summer and engage past attendees with newsletters.

22. Party Bus

Start: Acquire a bus and modify it for parties. Ensure compliance with all transportation and safety laws.
Services: Rent out for private parties, proms, weddings, and corporate events.
Sales Tips: Offer themed packages and collaborate with event planners.
Off-Season: Offer holiday-themed tours or special event services. Party buses are more popular during the summer due to more events, but with the right marketing, they can also provide steady income during the winter months.

23. Bounce House

Start: Purchase high-quality bounce houses. Get liability insurance and a local business license.
Services: Rent out bounce houses for children’s parties, community events, and fairs. They’re also very popular at theme parks and summer music festivals.
Sales Tips: Offer package deals with multiple inflatables or party supplies.
Off-Season: Rent them for indoor events or use the time for maintenance.

24. Gardening

Start: Invest into gardening tools and supplies. Learn about local plant species and landscaping designs. Low maintenance landscaping has become quite popular.
Services: Offer garden design, maintenance, and consultation services.
Sales Tips: Market to residential clients and offer seasonal garden updates.
Off-Season: Focus on indoor plants and prepare garden plans for the next season.

25. Roofing Business

Start: Gain skills in roofing and get the necessary certifications and licenses. Get listed on local directories and Google Business/Yelp.
Services: Provide roofing installation, repair, and maintenance services.
Sales Tips: Offer free inspections and highlight the importance of roof care. The word of mouth can bring more referrals.
Off-Season: Focus on repairs and emergency services due to winter damages.

26. Waterpark

Start: Plan the layout and attractions. Secure a large enough land area and obtain all required zoning permits and insurance.
Services: Offer various water-based attractions, food services, and event hosting.
Sales Tips: Create season passes and host special event days to attract more visitors.
Off-Season: Maintain equipment and plan new attractions for the next season.

27. Window Washing

Start: Purchase professional window washing equipment. Advertise to both residential and commercial clients.
Services: Offer window cleaning services, including high-rise buildings.
Sales Tips: Provide package deals or scheduled maintenance services.
Off-Season: Expand to cleaning other building areas like gutters or exteriors that are less weather dependent.

28. Charter Boat

Start: Buy or lease a boat suitable for tours or fishing trips. Obtain all necessary business licenses and insurance.
Services: Offer fishing trips, sightseeing tours, or private charters.
Sales Tips: Partner with hotels and travel agencies to offer tourist packages.
Off-Season: Offer educational trips or maintain and upgrade the boat.

29. Kayak Rental

Start: Purchase a variety of kayaks and safety gear. Find a waterfront location with high foot traffic.
Services: Rent kayaks by the hour or day. Offer guided tours or lessons.
Sales Tips: Provide group discounts and promote eco-friendly tours.
Off-Season: Store equipment and plan for the next season or offer winter water sports if applicable.

30. Luxury Picnic

Start: Gather stylish picnic gear, gourmet food suppliers, and a list of scenic locales.
Services: Offer curated, luxury picnic experiences with high-quality food and unique settings.
Sales Tips: Market to couples for dates or families for special occasions. Use Instagram and Pinterest for stunning visuals.
Off-Season: Shift to indoor or covered locations and emphasize cozy themes.

31. Hot Dog Cart

Start: Acquire a hot dog cart and the necessary health permits. Source quality hot dogs and buns.
Products: Sell hot dogs with a variety of toppings and condiments.
Sales Tips: Set up near busy public spaces or during events. Offer meal combos to increase sales.
Off-Season: Offer catering for indoor events or seasonal gatherings.

32. Home Improvement

Start: Gain experience and licensing in home improvement tasks. Purchase tools and liability insurance.
Services: Offer services like remodeling, painting, and installing fixtures.
Sales Tips: Provide free consultations and showcase before/after photos of your projects.
Off-Season: Focus on indoor improvements and pre-book spring projects.

33. Bike Rental

Start: Buy a fleet of bicycles, including some specialty bikes like tandems or electric bikes. If you’re business is near mountains, then you need to source mountain bikes.
Services: Rent bikes at hourly or daily rates. Offer maps and suggested routes.
Sales Tips: Locate near tourist spots or cycling trails. Offer guided tours or themed rides.
Off-Season: Service bikes and plan marketing for the next tourist season.

34. Snow Cone Business

Start: Purchase a snow cone machine, flavors, and a cart or kiosk.
Products: Sell a variety of flavored snow cones. Offer customizable options.
Sales Tips: Operate near parks, fairs, festivals, or schools. Run promotions on hot days.
Off-Season: Shift to selling hot beverages or close seasonally.

35. Tree Trimming

Start: Acquire tree trimming equipment and safety gear. Get trained in proper pruning techniques.
Services: Provide tree trimming, pruning, and health assessments.
Sales Tips: Offer seasonal packages and promote healthy tree maintenance.
Off-Season: Offer services like holiday light installations or snow removal.

36. Jet Ski Rental

Start: Invest in a fleet of jet skis and all required safety equipment. Secure a location on a popular waterbody.
Services: Rent jet skis by the hour and offer guided jet ski tours.
Sales Tips: Use vibrant signage and online booking to attract tourists. Offer early bird specials.
Off-Season: Maintain and repair jet skis, or offer seasonal storage services.

37. Stump Grinding

Start: Purchase a stump grinder and other necessary safety equipment. Learn local regulations for disposal.
Services: Offer stump removal services for residential and commercial properties.
Sales Tips: Market to landscapers and property managers as a subcontractor. Offer bundled deals with tree trimming.
Off-Season: Expand services to include lot clearing or firewood sales from ground trees.