Chores for Kids: A List for Ages 3-12

Build life skills that are essential and carry on into adulthood! Here’s a mega list of chores for kids, ages 3-12!

Each family’s chores will be different, but some chores/life skills are universal, and are a great way to help prepare kids for adulthood. Learning how to put toys away as a toddler can grow into learning how to properly care for a car as a teenager. Basic family chores can also teach taking pride in your work, teamwork, and responsibility.

Chores for 3-4 year olds:

• put toys away
• put shoes on feet
• put clothes in hamper
• put clothes away
• help brush teeth
• clean up after mealtime
• match socks
• help make beds

Chores for 5-6 year olds:

• wash hands (while counting to 20 or singing the ABC song)
• set the table
• put dishes away
• clean up after mealtimes
• brush teeth
• make lunch
• set table
• help with laundry
• dress self
• use the bathroom
• sweep
• water flowers
• feed pets (with supervision)
• get mail

Chores for 7-8 year olds:

• empty dishwasher
• sweep and vacuum
• dust
• take out trash
• clean under the bed
• feed and water pets
• load the dishwasher

Chores for 9-10 year olds:

• weed flowers/garden
• clean bathrooms (they may need help with certain chemicals)
• sweep steps
• load washing machine
• load dryer
• organize toys
• floss
• take out recyclables

Chores for 11-12 year olds:

• mop floors (A Swiffer is great for kids to learn)
• organize cabinets
• make simple meals (Pinterest is a great resource for finding easy, budget-friendly meals)
• clean out the car
• clean out the fridge (clean up spills, get rid of old/moldy food, etc.)
• help with grocery lists (and budgeting, if need be)
• wash windows
• iron clothes

Download this handy list by clicking the blue link below!

Free Chores for Kids Printable List

What are the best chores for kids? Do you have any secrets for getting kids to enjoy chores?