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 XBOX 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 Indy Parks have plenty of opportunities this summer for your teen! From lifeguards, camp counselors, cashiers, and pool managers, Indy Parks will hire positions starting at $13-17 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 an incentive?
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2. Dive into lifeguarding
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. Lead the fun 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. Make a difference at the YMCA
If your teen is looking for a summer job that builds leadership and life skills, check out the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. The Y is hiring for roles like camp counselors, swim instructors, and lifeguards at multiple locations around the city. These jobs offer more than just a paycheck—they help teens grow in responsibility, teamwork, and confidence while impacting their community. Bonus: Y staff enjoy a free membership!
5. Keep it clean at the carwash
We're hearing of so many teens enjoying their summer working at Crew Carwash and couldn't pass on this mention. With competitive pay, tuition assistance, flex schedules, and free carwashes, this feels like a no-brainer.
6. Hungry for experience? Try a restaurant job
There is 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.
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
