This free chore list for kids has 30 chores in four age bands (ages 2 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 11 for tweens, and 12 to 14) plus a daily chore list that works at any age. Each band holds chores kids can genuinely own at that stage. Post it once and stop the daily reminding.
Put together by Amelie, B.Ed, M.Ed, former classroom teacher · Updated September 2026
| Age | Chores kids can own |
|---|---|
| Ages 2-5 | Put toys in a bin after playing · Carry dishes to the sink after meals · Put dirty clothes in the hamper · Set the table with the correct number of everything · Sort laundry by color · Water plants with a small watering can |
| Ages 6-8 | Load and unload the dishwasher · Fold simple laundry (towels socks t-shirts) · Sweep the kitchen floor · Feed pets independently on a schedule · Make their own bed each morning · Wipe down counters after meals |
| Ages 9-11 (tweens) | Do their own laundry start to finish · Cook simple meals (eggs pasta sandwiches) · Clean a bathroom from start to finish · Pack their own bag for a trip or school day · Take out garbage and recycling without being asked · Help with grocery shopping using a list |
| Ages 12-14 (teens) | Plan and cook a full family meal · Do basic home repairs (tighten screws hang pictures) · Run errands independently · Meal plan for a week on a budget · Schedule their own appointments · Handle a minor household emergency |
| Daily chore list (any age) | Make their own bed before leaving the room · Clear their own dishes and wipe their spot at the table · Put dirty clothes in the hamper and yesterday’s clean ones away · Feed the pet or water one plant, same time every day · Ten-minute tidy of their own space before dinner · One shared-space job they own for the week (recycling, floor, bathroom sink) |
Anywhere Learning
anywherelearning.co
Life Skills & Money
30 ideas · 5 themes
30 Chores for Kids by Age: 2 to 14, Plus a Daily Chore List
Want the full guide? anywherelearning.co/blog/age-appropriate-chores-life-skills
Meaningful Learning, Wherever You Are
anywherelearning.co/ideas
Free printable checklist
Want this list on paper? Full colour or black and white, ready for the fridge or your bag.
Chores are not punishment. They are how kids learn they are capable of real contribution to the family. Find your child age group in the chart, pick a couple of chores, and teach them properly once instead of redoing it for them. Post the chart where everyone can see who does what, and let the chart do the reminding.
This checklist is the quick version. For the why behind each idea, parent tips, and the full walkthrough, read Chores by Age: The Chore List That Builds Real Life Skills.
The printable version, in full colour and black and white. Print it for the fridge or tuck it in your bag, and let them tick things off themselves.
Everything on this page stays free to read. The printable is just the version that survives leaving the house.
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