Age-Appropriate Chores by Age (3 to 16)
Here are realistic chores for every age from 3 to 16, with rough time estimates. Every child is different, so treat these as a starting point and adjust for your child, your home and what you are comfortable with.
Chores for a 3-year-old
8 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Put toys back in the toy bin | tidy | 5 |
| Put dirty clothes in the hamper | laundry | 2 |
| Help feed a pet (scoop food with a grown-up) | pets | 3 |
| Put books back on the shelf | tidy | 3 |
| Wipe up small spills with a cloth | kitchen | 2 |
| Get dressed with a little help | self-care | 5 |
| Carry a plastic cup or plate to the counter | kitchen | 2 |
| Match socks from the clean laundry | laundry | 5 |
Chores for a 4-year-old
9 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Make bed (pull up covers, straighten pillow) | self-care | 3 |
| Tidy toys before dinner | tidy | 5 |
| Set napkins and spoons on the table | kitchen | 3 |
| Put dirty clothes in the hamper | laundry | 2 |
| Fill the pet's water bowl (with help) | pets | 2 |
| Dust low shelves with a cloth or duster | tidy | 5 |
| Water plants with a small watering can | outdoor | 3 |
| Put shoes and coat away when coming in | tidy | 2 |
| Brush teeth with a grown-up checking | self-care | 3 |
Chores for a 5-year-old
9 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Make bed | self-care | 3 |
| Get dressed and put pajamas away | self-care | 5 |
| Set the table (napkins, cups, silverware) | kitchen | 5 |
| Clear own plate after meals | kitchen | 2 |
| Sort laundry into lights and darks | laundry | 5 |
| Feed the pet (pre-measured food) | pets | 3 |
| Tidy bedroom floor | tidy | 10 |
| Pull small weeds with a grown-up | outdoor | 10 |
| Put coins in a piggy bank and count them | money | 5 |
Chores for a 6-year-old
10 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Make bed | self-care | 3 |
| Pack own backpack for school | self-care | 5 |
| Set and clear the table | kitchen | 5 |
| Put away own clean clothes in drawers | laundry | 10 |
| Feed and water the pet | pets | 5 |
| Empty small trash cans into the big bin | tidy | 5 |
| Wipe the kitchen table after meals | kitchen | 3 |
| Rake leaves into a small pile | outdoor | 15 |
| Help put groceries away | kitchen | 10 |
| Split allowance into spend and save jars | money | 5 |
Chores for a 7-year-old
10 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Make bed and tidy bedroom | tidy | 10 |
| Get ready for school using a routine chart | self-care | 15 |
| Unload silverware and plastic dishes from the dishwasher | kitchen | 5 |
| Fold towels and washcloths | laundry | 10 |
| Feed the pet and refresh water | pets | 5 |
| Sweep a small area with a broom and dustpan | tidy | 10 |
| Make own simple snack (cereal, fruit, crackers) | kitchen | 5 |
| Water the garden or outdoor plants | outdoor | 10 |
| Help sort recycling | tidy | 5 |
| Count allowance and record savings | money | 5 |
Chores for a 8-year-old
10 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Make bed and keep bedroom tidy | tidy | 10 |
| Shower or bathe with a reminder | self-care | 15 |
| Load the dishwasher after dinner | kitchen | 10 |
| Fold own laundry and put it away | laundry | 15 |
| Walk the dog with an adult or older sibling | pets | 20 |
| Vacuum own bedroom | tidy | 10 |
| Make own sandwich for lunch | kitchen | 10 |
| Take trash and recycling bins to the curb | outdoor | 5 |
| Clean the bathroom sink with a damp cloth | tidy | 5 |
| Save toward a goal and track it on a chart | money | 5 |
Chores for a 9-year-old
11 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Pack own school lunch | kitchen | 10 |
| Load and unload the dishwasher | kitchen | 15 |
| Fold and put away own laundry | laundry | 15 |
| Change own bed sheets with help | laundry | 15 |
| Clean the pet's food and water bowls | pets | 5 |
| Vacuum a shared room | tidy | 15 |
| Wipe bathroom counters and mirror | tidy | 10 |
| Rake leaves or pull weeds | outdoor | 20 |
| Help plan one family dinner and write the shopping list | kitchen | 15 |
| Compare prices of two items at the store | money | 10 |
| Keep own room tidy without reminders | self-care | 10 |
Chores for a 10-year-old
12 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Run the washing machine and dryer with supervision | laundry | 15 |
| Fold and put away family towels | laundry | 15 |
| Load, run and unload the dishwasher | kitchen | 15 |
| Make a simple breakfast (toast, eggs in the microwave) | kitchen | 15 |
| Walk the dog around the block | pets | 20 |
| Clean the litter box or pet cage | pets | 10 |
| Vacuum and dust the living room | tidy | 20 |
| Clean the bathroom sink and toilet with mild cleaner | tidy | 15 |
| Take out kitchen trash and recycling | tidy | 5 |
| Sweep the porch or patio | outdoor | 15 |
| Track spending in a simple money notebook | money | 10 |
| Manage own homework and morning routine | self-care | 10 |
Chores for a 11-year-old
12 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Do own laundry from start to finish | laundry | 30 |
| Change own bed sheets | laundry | 10 |
| Wash dishes by hand | kitchen | 20 |
| Help cook dinner (measure, stir, set timer) | kitchen | 30 |
| Wipe kitchen counters and stovetop when cool | kitchen | 10 |
| Walk and feed the dog | pets | 25 |
| Clean the whole bathroom | tidy | 25 |
| Mop the kitchen floor | tidy | 15 |
| Weed a garden bed and water plants | outdoor | 20 |
| Bring in mail and packages | tidy | 5 |
| Set a savings goal and save part of every allowance | money | 5 |
| Set own alarm and get up on time | self-care | 5 |
Chores for a 12-year-old
12 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Do own laundry every week | laundry | 30 |
| Cook a simple meal with an adult nearby (pasta, grilled cheese) | kitchen | 30 |
| Clean out the fridge (toss old food, wipe shelves) | kitchen | 20 |
| Unload groceries and put them away | kitchen | 10 |
| Bathe or brush the dog | pets | 20 |
| Clean the bathroom, including the tub | tidy | 30 |
| Vacuum and mop shared rooms | tidy | 30 |
| Wash the car with a bucket and sponge | outdoor | 30 |
| Shovel snow from the walkway | outdoor | 20 |
| Wipe down light switches, door handles and baseboards | tidy | 20 |
| Budget allowance for a week, including a treat | money | 10 |
| Pack own bag for trips and activities | self-care | 15 |
Chores for a 13-year-old
11 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Do own laundry, including ironing or steaming clothes | laundry | 40 |
| Cook a family dinner once a week | kitchen | 45 |
| Clean the microwave and wipe appliances | kitchen | 15 |
| Take care of pets fully for a weekend | pets | 30 |
| Deep-clean own bedroom (closet, under bed) | tidy | 45 |
| Clean windows and mirrors | tidy | 20 |
| Mow the lawn with a push mower (after training) | outdoor | 45 |
| Clean gutters from the ground with a scoop or hose | outdoor | 30 |
| Strip and remake beds for the whole family | laundry | 30 |
| Compare prices and buy one grocery item within a budget | money | 20 |
| Manage own schedule with a calendar | self-care | 10 |
Chores for a 14-year-old
11 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Plan, shop for and cook one family meal a week | kitchen | 60 |
| Clean the oven and stovetop | kitchen | 30 |
| Wash, dry, fold and put away family laundry | laundry | 45 |
| Take pets to the vet with a parent and learn their care routine | pets | 60 |
| Clean all bathrooms | tidy | 45 |
| Organize the pantry or garage shelves | tidy | 45 |
| Mow and edge the lawn | outdoor | 60 |
| Plant and maintain a vegetable bed | outdoor | 30 |
| Earn money doing neighborhood jobs (pet sitting, yard work) | money | 60 |
| Track a monthly budget for clothes or activities | money | 20 |
| Book own appointments with a parent's okay | self-care | 10 |
Chores for a 15-year-old
11 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Cook dinner for the family twice a week | kitchen | 60 |
| Do the weekly grocery shopping from a list | kitchen | 60 |
| Handle all own laundry and mending (sew a button) | laundry | 45 |
| Be the main caregiver for a family pet | pets | 30 |
| Deep-clean the kitchen (cabinets, fridge, floors) | tidy | 60 |
| Replace light bulbs and air filters with guidance | tidy | 20 |
| Do yard work: mowing, trimming hedges with hand tools, raking | outdoor | 60 |
| Wash and vacuum the inside of the car | outdoor | 45 |
| Sweep and organize the garage | outdoor | 45 |
| Open a savings account with a parent and track deposits | money | 20 |
| Manage own schoolwork, activities and wake-up | self-care | 15 |
Chores for a 16-year-old
12 ideas | Chore | Type | Min |
|---|
| Plan the family menu for a week and cook several meals | kitchen | 90 |
| Do the grocery shopping within a set budget | kitchen | 60 |
| Handle all own laundry, ironing and clothing care | laundry | 45 |
| Handle pet care, including vet reminders and supplies | pets | 30 |
| Clean the whole house on a rotating schedule | tidy | 60 |
| Do simple home repairs (tighten screws, unclog a drain with a plunger) | tidy | 30 |
| Do all lawn and yard care | outdoor | 90 |
| Check car tire pressure and fluids with a parent | outdoor | 20 |
| Run a store errand with set cash and bring back the receipt and change | money | 45 |
| Manage earnings from a part-time job: save, spend, give | money | 20 |
| Keep track of own appointments and deadlines | self-care | 10 |
| Prepare a weekly packed lunch for themselves and a sibling | kitchen | 20 |