Great summer jobs for Indianapolis teens
The conversation has started on our theCityMoms member boards:
What summer jobs are available for my teens in Indianapolis?
Does anyone know places hiring teenagers?
HELP ME FIND SOMEWHERE FOR MY KID SO THEY AREN’T PLAYING PS5 ALL SUMMER.
SKIP TO THE GOOD STUFF: Our wonderful partners at Indy Parks have hundreds of summer positions available and are offering a seasonal bonus up to $500!
Here's a guide to great summer jobs for teens in Indianapolis:
1. Look at local parks
Our local parks have plenty of opportunities from lifeguarding to pool staffers, educational programming, and more. And while you may not realize it, many surrounding communities have dedicated park systems too like Carmel Parks and Recreation, Fishers Parks, and Brownsburg Parks. Hop on their websites to canvas available summer jobs - most already have openings posted.
Even better: From lifeguards, day camp counselors, cashiers, stage technicians, and food program coordinators, Indy Parks will hire positions starting at $10-$16.50 per hour, with lifeguards making $15 per hour. Training and certifications are included! And your teen can qualify for a seasonal employee bonus of up to $500! How’s that for incentive?
2. Lean on lifeguarding
So may be somewhat of a repeat of our first suggestion but this was another popular mention among CityMoms (and with so many local pools around, the jobs are aplenty!). "I loved working as a lifeguard... Anything outdoors I think is awesome!" said mama Amy. Lifeguarding certainly requires discipline, something organizations like Indy Parks are dedicated to instructing before your teen even sets foot into a pool. Also, keep in mind that lifeguards typically require strong swimming skills.
BONUS: The included CPR certification and safety training is something many mamas noted has stayed with them for life. Our recommendations: Indy Parks, Jewish Community Center (JCC), Plainfield Splash Island, the Rivi Club, Goldfish Swim Schools, or the Monon Community Center Waterpark.
3. Kick in as a camp counselor
"I was a camp counselor!" <- CityMoms Cara, Cheryl, Amy, and Bethany. And there are so. many. options! In researching this post, we simply plugged in 'summer camp counselor' to Google and were met with list after list of ideas. #1 though? Oh hey, Indy Parks! We discovered openings at Garfield Park, Douglass Park, and Riverside Park just to name a few.
(And with over 200 local parks, the Indy Parks system has plenty of openings listed on their website, even as a Bike Camp Counselor!)
4. Restaurant work is rewarding
There is SO something to be said for the valuable customer service skills learned working in the service industry. And the pace of a busy restaurant definitely gives you a crash course on this, along with organization, multi-tasking, and operations. From host to waitressing to food prep, there are plenty of ways to get into the industry as a teen. Need ideas? Start with your family's favorite spot to eat out.
5. Clean it up at the carwash
We're hearing of so many teens enjoying their summer working at Crew Carwash and couldn't pass on this mention. At up to $15/hr, tuition assistance, flex schedules, and free carwashes, this feels like a no-brainer.
LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS? Here's a list of other options from our CityMoms to help you brainstorm!
Pet sitterNannyingBoys + Girls ClubSkating rinkGrocery cashiers or baggersLocal nursing homeLibraries
MORE INFO ON INDY PARKS: Indy Parks is home to 212 parks, 11,254 acres, 130 playgrounds, 155 sports fields, 135 miles of trails, 23 recreation and nature centers, 20 aquatic centers, 23 spray grounds, and 4 dog parks. Applications are now being accepted for summer positions at indy.gov/jobs. Questions? Call 317-327-PARK.
