If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching the desk job for something a little more hands-on, and a lot more fresh air, you’re not alone. Outdoor businesses are more popular than ever, and for good reason. They offer low startup costs, flexible schedules, and the chance to work in the sunshine instead of under fluorescent lights.
Whether you're looking for a weekend side hustle or hoping to build something full-time, outdoor business ideas are a great way to get started. Many successful entrepreneurs begin by taking on a few local clients, testing the waters on evenings or weekends before making the leap full-time. The beauty of these ideas is that you can scale at your own pace.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best outdoor business ideas that are perfect for anyone who loves being outside and wants to build a business around it. From low-investment options to scalable opportunities, there’s something here for every interest and skill set. Let’s get started.
3 Event & Entertainment-Based Outdoor Business Ideas
If you enjoy working with people and want to be part of memorable moments, the event industry offers some of the most rewarding outdoor business opportunities. These ideas let you tap into celebrations, community gatherings, and wellness experiences, all while enjoying the benefits of being outside.
Party Tent Rental
The rental industry is booming, with projections estimating it will exceed $80 billion in 2024. Outdoor events surged in popularity during the pandemic—and that demand hasn’t slowed down. From weddings, corporate events, birthday parties and other event planning activities, tents are a must-have for any outdoor gathering, making tent rentals a smart, profitable venture.
One of the biggest perks? High ROI. If you rent out your tent every weekend, it can pay for itself in less than two months. After that, nearly everything you earn is profit.
Curious about how to get started? Download our free 7-step guide to launching a tent rental business, or reach out to our team. We’re here to help you take the first step toward a business that’s built to grow.
Outdoor Photography Business
If you love being behind the camera and spending time outdoors, photography is a natural fit. It’s a flexible, creative business you can start with minimal gear: just a good camera, some basic editing tools, and a keen eye. Outdoor sessions get you out in the fresh air during the day and allow you to work around your own schedule.
There’s steady demand for portraits, graduations, weddings, engagements, pet photos, and more. With the high cost of professional photographers, many people are eager to hire amateurs or semi-professionals who offer quality work at affordable rates. Start by offering sessions to friends or local groups to build your portfolio and grow from there.
Outdoor Fitness Classes
If you’re a personal trainer or passionate about wellness and love being active outside, running outdoor fitness classes can be a fun and rewarding business. From yoga and Pilates to strength training and bootcamps, offering classes in parks or green spaces allows people to exercise in a refreshing, open-air environment. On hot days, setting up a tent for shade can make your workouts more comfortable and inviting.
These classes are also great for building brand recognition and fostering community. Hosting public workouts in free or low-cost outdoor spaces keeps your overhead low, and charging a small fee per attendee can quickly add up. With consistent attendance and word-of-mouth growth, outdoor fitness classes offer both a meaningful impact and high earning potential.
Need a Customized Outdoor Tent? Chat with Us
Looking to enhance your outdoor business idea with an elegant tent? Your search ends here! Call us today and let our team of experts guide you to find the perfect tent that will transform your party or corporate event into an unforgettable celebration.
Discover the many options we offer by calling us: 920-280-3554
Service-Based Outdoor Business Ideas
Ready to roll up your sleeves and offer hands-on help? These service-based outdoor business ideas are perfect for those who enjoy active work, interacting with customers, and providing in-demand solutions that keep homes and properties looking their best. Whether you’re into landscaping, pets, or repairs, these businesses are built for reliability, repeat customers, and steady growth.
Lawn Care & Landscaping Business
For those who love working outside and seeing tangible results, landscaping services and lawn care can be an ideal outdoor business. It offers steady, seasonal income with services that change throughout the year—spring cleanups, summer mowing and maintenance, fall leaf removal, and even snow removal in the winter months.
It’s also a business you can grow at your own pace. Start small with regular lawn maintenance, then expand into landscaping design, hardscaping, or planting as your gardening and landscaping business grows. With the right equipment and a focus on reliability, you can build a loyal customer base and a thriving year-round operation.
Pool Cleaning Services & Maintenance
Pool cleaning is a highly sought-after service, especially in the warmer months, and offers a lucrative business venture for recurring income. Many clients need help with regular maintenance throughout the summer, along with opening and closing their pools at the beginning and end of the season.
You can choose to serve residential clients, commercial properties, or both—depending on your goals and capacity. As your own business grows, consider offering repair services or expanding into equipment maintenance. In colder climates, indoor pool cleaning services can help you stay busy during the off-season, making this a flexible and profitable year-round business.
Pet & Dog Walking Services
Busy pet owners want the best for their furry companions, especially when they’re at work or out of town. That’s where dog walking services come in. In residential neighborhoods and urban areas where yard space is limited, dog walking is a high-demand service that offers daily income and flexible scheduling.
What makes this business especially appealing is how easy it is to customize based on your interests and local demand. You can offer pet sitting, dog boarding, drop-in visits, or even grooming services to pet owners. Whether you start solo or grow into a team-based operation, this is a feel-good business with strong potential and loyal customers.
Outdoor Cleaning Services
Outdoor cleaning services are always in demand, especially for busy homeowners and business owners who want to maintain their property’s curb appeal. From pressure washing services to a window washing business or yard junk removal services, these offerings make a noticeable difference with little investment upfront.
It’s easy to start small with just one piece of equipment and expand as your client base grows. As demand increases, you can add more tools, hire help, or offer additional services like gutter cleaning or driveway sealing. With the right setup and reliable service, this business can grow quickly and build long-term repeat customers.
Repair Services
Running a repair service business is a great way to enjoy fresh air while doing hands-on work. Whether you’re fixing tools, small engines, outdoor furniture, or grills, you can set up shop outside, under a garage, or even under a branded tent for shade and visibility.
Offering mobile repairs is a strong selling point, particularly for customers who don’t want the hassle of transporting bulky or broken items. By traveling to their homes or job sites, you provide added convenience and stand out from traditional repair shops. With basic equipment and strong local demand, this is a flexible, outdoor-friendly business that’s easy to grow.
Reach Out to Us for Your Next Event Tent
Let our team guide you every step of the way, ensuring your celebration is a success. Contact us today to secure your commercial-grade event tent complete with comprehensive post-sale support for hassle-free installation. We’d love to help!
Food & Retail Outdoor Business Ideas
If you’re more hands-on and enjoy helping people with everyday needs, service-based outdoor businesses offer dependable income and room to grow. From lawn care to repairs, these ideas are perfect for entrepreneurs who want to stay active, work outside, and make a difference in their local communities.
Food Truck or Pop-Up Food Stand
Starting a food truck or pop-up food stand is a cost-effective alternative to running a traditional restaurant. Without the overhead of a brick-and-mortar location, you’ll have more flexibility to set your own schedule. Plus you can work when the weather (and crowds) are in your favor.
You can become a regular vendor at local farmers markets, street fairs, and annual food festivals, or approach local organizations to get permission to park outside popular businesses and breweries on busy days. Whether you're serving up tacos, coffee, or sweet treats, this mobile model gives you the freedom to build a loyal following and grow your own business one event at a time.
Mobile Car Wash & Detailing
A mobile car wash and detailing services is a convenient, in-demand service for busy homeowners who don’t have time to visit a car wash. By traveling directly to your customers, you make it easy for them to keep their vehicles clean and well-maintained without interrupting their day.
This business is easy to start with a few essential tools and supplies, and it offers plenty of room to grow. You can expand into fleet services by partnering with local businesses to clean employee or company vehicles on a regular schedule. With low overhead and flexible hours, it’s a smart outdoor business with high earning potential.
Pop-Up Retail or Farmer’s Market Vendor
Setting up a vendor booth is a great way to showcase your talents and connect directly with your community. Whether you sell homemade crafts, baked goods, handmade soaps, or homegrown produce, local farmer’s markets and pop-up events offer a ready-made audience that loves to shop small.
Using a vendor booth tent not only keeps you shaded and comfortable during long market days, but it also helps your setup look professional and stand out to passersby. As your own business grows, you can book more events to fill your schedule and create a steady stream of income. With low startup costs and room to scale, this is a flexible and rewarding way to turn your passion into profit.
Unique or Niche Outdoor Business Ideas
Looking for something a little different? These unique and niche outdoor business ideas tap into growing trends and underserved markets. Whether you want to turn your passion into profit or explore a seasonal side hustle, these creative ventures offer flexibility, freedom, and plenty of room to grow.
Mobile Storage or Shed Rentals
Mobile storage is a practical and in-demand service, especially for homeowners decluttering, construction crews needing secure onsite storage, or event organizers looking for a place to stash supplies. By offering portable storage pods, you provide a convenient solution that meets short-term or seasonal needs.
The model is simple: drop off the storage unit, then pick it up when the customer is done. This hands-off approach is great for efficiency and scalability. Mobile storage also pairs well with other outdoor services like construction equipment rental or landscaping, giving you opportunities to bundle services or tap into existing customer bases.
Outdoor Adventure Business or Tour Guide Services
If you’re passionate about outdoor activities and love sharing it with others, offering adventure or tour guide services could be the perfect fit. With so many natural and historic destinations to explore, the possibilities are endless, whether you’re leading scenic hikes, offering ski lessons, wildlife tours, or even walking tours through big cities or historic neighborhoods.
This business thrives in areas with natural beauty, cultural landmarks, or tourist traffic. It’s a great way to stay active, work outside, and connect with people while turning your local knowledge and outdoor enthusiasm into a successful business.
Mobile Plant Care or Garden Setup
As interest in natural food and sustainable living grows, more people are looking to start their own home gardens, but many don’t know where to begin. That’s where you come in. With a mobile plant care or garden setup service, you can help clients design, plant, and maintain their own vegetable or herb gardens right in their backyard.
From recommending the best produce for their region to creating planting plans that match their lifestyle and space, your guidance can turn any yard into a productive, healthy garden. This service is especially popular with homesteaders, wellness-focused families, and anyone wanting to live a little closer to the land.
Holiday Light Installation or Seasonal Decor Setup
Holiday light installation has become a fast-growing service, especially as more homeowners and businesses want festive displays without the hassle. It’s a great way to stay busy and profitable during the off-season of your summer business. Plus, it requires relatively low startup costs and a small crew to get going.
You can offer full-service packages that include design, installation, and takedown, giving customers a stress-free experience. As your reputation grows, so can your client list, making each holiday season bigger and more profitable than the last. This business also opens the door to other seasonal décor opportunities throughout the year.
Final Tips for Starting Your Outdoor Business
With so many creative and profitable business ideas to choose from, the key is to find something you're genuinely passionate about. When you love what you do, it shows and it makes the work feel a whole lot less like work. Whether you're starting a side hustle or building a full-time operation, the best outdoor business ideas offer the freedom to grow at your own pace while enjoying the fresh air.
If you're just getting started, keep these tips in mind:
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Conduct market research to identify gaps in the market
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Understand any local permits, insurance, and safety regulations
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Invest in reliable, durable equipment
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Use scheduling and payment tools to stay organized
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Prioritize excellent customer service for word-of-mouth growth
If you're specifically interested in starting a tent rental business, we’ve got the tools to help. Download our free 7-step guide to launching your tent rental company, packed with insider tips from a team that’s actually been there. Our roots are in rentals, and we’re always happy to share what we’ve learned. Tune into our podcast to hear how others got started in the industry.
Need a tent for your outdoor business idea? A commercial-grade tent ensures your business can keep running in any weather. And a custom tent with your logo can act as a billboard, turning heads and attracting potential customers wherever you set up.
Have questions or need help choosing the right tent? Give us a call at 920-431-0938. Our team is here to help you find the perfect fit for your business or event.
