Last Updated on April 23, 2025
Looking for ways to get your kids to help out around the house but not sure where to start? Check out this list of the best chore ideas for kids at every age and stage.
Tis the season – for the kids to be a home a whole lot more! Our family is currently on spring break and I can see the long hot days of summer right around the corner.
This coming summer will be the first time that I don’t have my two kids at summer camps most days of the week. That means we’ll have 3 months of empty, hot days to fill!
While we’ll be working on our summer bucket list soon, I figured this was the perfect time to get in the habit of helping out a little more around the house.
Need a free chore chart to help your kids keep track of responsibilities? Grab ours right here!
So whether you just need to keep the kids busy or you’re trying to think of chores they can do around the house for money, this post is for you! Say goodbye to boredom and hello to a clean house with these chore ideas for every age.
In this post:
Chores for kids 8 years old and up
Kids Chore Ideas By Age
No matter how young your kids are, there are ways they can start to learn responsibility and contribute to your household. Here are some of the best chore ideas by age that I’ve found.
Chores for 1-2 year olds
- Pick Up Toys – Teach them to put their toys in a bin or basket after playtime.
- Wipe Spills – Give them a small cloth to help clean up little spills. (This is great for building responsibility!)
- Put Clothes in Hamper – Encourage them to put dirty clothes in the laundry basket.
- Throw Away Trash – Let them help by tossing small items into the trash can.
- Help Feed Pets – With supervision, they can help pour pet food into a bowl.
Chores for 3-5 year olds
3-5 year old kids can do these tasks or any of the ones listed for younger kids above!
- Make Their Bed – Encourage them to straighten blankets and arrange pillows.
- Set/Clear the Table – They can help place napkins, utensils, and unbreakable dishes before meal time, and take dishes to the sink after meals.
- Dusting – Grab a feather duster and show them how to wipe surfaces like tables, shelves and windowsills.
- Water Plants – Give them a small watering can to care for indoor or outdoor plants. (My 4 year-old LOVES this.)
- Sort Laundry – Teach them to separate dark and light clothes before washing. They can also sort clean laundry in piles to go in each person’s room.
- Help with Cooking – Simple tasks like stirring, tearing lettuce, or adding ingredients.
- Pick Up Their Room – Encourage them to put away books, toys, and shoes where they belong.
- Help Empty Small Trash Bins – They can carry small wastebaskets from bedrooms or bathrooms to a larger trash can.
- Small Vacuum jobs – We have one of these small handheld vacuums that my kids LOVE to use. Show your little one how to vacuum crumbs from the ground, or even vacuum couch cushions and seat to help clean up messes around the house.
- Put Away Groceries – They can help place lightweight items in the pantry.
Chores for 6-7 year olds
Here are some great task chore ideas for older, along with any of the ones from above.
- Make Their Bed Properly – Teach them to straighten sheets and arrange pillows neatly.
- Vacuum or Sweep Small Areas – They can help with a lightweight vacuum or broom in their room or a hallway.
- Wipe Kitchen Counters – A damp cloth and a little guidance can help them clean up crumbs and spills.
- Fold and Put Away Laundry – They can match socks, fold towels, and put away their own clothes.
- Load and Unload the Dishwasher – Have them place utensils and unbreakable dishes in their proper spots.
- Take Out the Trash – They can empty small wastebaskets or help carry out the trash bag.
- Help Pack Lunches – Teach them to grab fruit, snacks, or help assemble simple sandwiches.
- Water Outdoor Plants or Garden – Give them responsibility for a few plants or a small section of the garden.
- Organize Their Toys and Books – Show them how to sort and neatly arrange their belongings.
Chores for kids 8 years old and up
At this age, kids can really start to take full responsibility for certain tasks around the house on a consistent schedule. Here’s a list of some great chores for this age range!
- Make Their Bed – Encourage them to start their day with a tidy space.
- Make Simple Meals – Prepare sandwiches, scramble eggs, or cook pasta with supervision.
- Sweep, Mop or Vacuum Floors – A lightweight broom, Swiffer mop or cordless vacuum makes this easier.
- Walk the Dog – If the pet is manageable, let them take responsibility for short walks
- Take Out the Trash – They can replace the liner and bring the trash to the curb with supervision.
- Take Care of Younger Siblings – Entertain or read to younger siblings while you handle other tasks.
- Wash and Dry Laundry – Show them how to load the washer and transfer clothes to the dryer.
- Change Bed Sheets – Teach them how to strip and replace sheets and pillowcases.
- Help with Yard Work – Rake leaves, pull weeds, or spread mulch.
- Clean Out the Fridge – Wipe down shelves and toss expired food.
- Wash the Family Car – Scrub, rinse, and dry the car for a fun, hands-on task.
Two Chore Resources to Help
Ready to get started with a creating a consistent chore schedule for your kids? Check out our free resources right here!
Get our printable chore list right here!
Get our blank printable chore charts here.
Teaching Responsibility with a Biblical Foundation
As we guide our kids in doing chores, we’re not just teaching them life skills—we’re helping them develop a heart of service and responsibility. Colossians 3:23 reminds us:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23, NIV)
By giving our children small responsibilities, we’re instilling the value of diligence and stewardship from a young age. Whether they’re setting the table or watering plants, remind them that even the smallest tasks can glorify God!