It can be a challenge to keep kids busy all summer long, and of course we've all heard about the dreaded "summer slide." Getting our kids to read during summer break can help prevent both boredom and learning loss by keeping up reading skills and keeping kids' minds active.
Thanks to our local libraries and many national companies, not only can we keep kids reading this summer, kids can earn rewards too! If you're looking for an easy way to sneak some learning into your summer, check out these programs and see if one of them will work for your child.
Download Your FREE Kids' Summer Reading Challenge Printable
As a bonus, you can download our free printable Kids' Summer Reading Challenge to help keep reading fun. With prompts like read in the dark with a flashlight, read a book published the year you were born, and read a book with a cover in your favorite color, our free Kids' Summer Reading Challenge printable will keep summer reading from getting boring.
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Your Local Library
Libraries usually offer a wide range of summer programming for kids — and sometimes even adults too! These programs usually begin as soon as the local schools start summer break, or very shortly after. Visit your library to find out about local programs your family can join.
Barnes & Noble
Kids in 1st-6th grade can earn free books over the summer by reading a designated number of books and keeping a reading journal. Once complete, kids will choose a free book from the list on the reading journal and collect their free book from a nearby store. This program is expected to begin in early June (watch their website for the 2025 Reading Journal) and book redemption is in July and August.
👉🏽 Find more information here.
Pizza Hut
An extension of the school-based BOOK IT! program, Camp BOOK IT! lets kids in PreK-6th grade (ages 4-12) read to earn pizzas during the summer too. Parents sign up their own kids, decide what materials to read, and set the reading goal. This program usually begins on June 1 and runs through August.
👉🏽 Find more information here.
Half Price Books
Kids can earn rewards by completing reading logs for the Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp. They also offer other summer reading activities you can download and print. This program begins on June 1.
👉🏽 Find more information here.
Need some book suggestions? Check out these ideas!
Read Across America: 50 Kids' Books, One for Each State
Books We Love: Children and Young Adult Books by AAPI Authors
5 Great Kid Books Featuring Characters With Developmental Disabilities
5 Books For Your Family to Read for Hispanic Heritage Month
10 Must-Read Books and Movies to Celebrate Black History Month
Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese offers a collection of printable awards and rewards in their Parent Resources Center on their website. Parents can print a variety of reward certificates and calendars with special goals, such as reading daily for two weeks, using good manners, potty training, and even not picking their nose! Kids can redeem one award certificate or calendar at a time for 10 free points to use on games, pizza, and more. This program runs year round.
👉🏽 Find more information here.
New York Times
Teens can read The New York Times and answer the prompt "What got your attention the The Times this week?" every week for 10 weeks beginning in June. There will be free teen-friendly content available to anyone without a subscription. Entries will be judged, and winning entries will be published on The Learning Network. There are specific rules to follow, as well as advice for creating a winning entry, so be sure to read them all on their website.
👉🏽 Find more information here.
Scholastic
During the summer kids can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base to start their Reading Streak™, read stories, play games, and join a community of readers. The longer kids keep up their Reading Streak, the more digital experiences they earn. Homebase is monitored for safety 24/7. This program usually begins in late April or early May and runs through early September.
👉🏽 Find more information here.
Make Your Own
None of these a good fit for you family? Make up your own challenges and prizes! Or use our FREE printable with some fun prompts to change up the same-old reading routine.
Click here to download the free printable Kids' Summer Reading Challenge!
Love free printables and other ideas for creative fun for kids?
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