Digging into a great book under a sun umbrella, preferably poolside, is one of the joys of summer. And the benefits of reading still hold true even when school isn’t in session. Thankfully, a number of summer reading programs help keep the learning going over the summer months, and kids can earn free goodies along the way! Here are our picks for the best summer reading programs for kids.
1. Reading Is Fundamental
Soar with reading while summer is out with Reading Is Fundamental, the nation’s largest children’s literacy nonprofit. From RIF reading lists and a collection of free e-books to interactive materials on Literacy Central and the Literacy Central app for on the go, RIF helps kids master the reading skills they need to succeed.
Learn more: RIF Summer Reading
2. Showcase Cinemas Summer Reading Program
Read a book and earn a ticket for a free summer flick on Bookworm Wednesdays! Kids can earn free admission to a select children’s film when they present a book report at a participating Showcase Cinemas box office.
Learn more: Showcase Cinemas Bookworm Wednesdays
3. Barnes & Noble
Every summer, Barnes & Noble curates an excellent list of books that make for fun (and secretly educational) summer reads for kids of all ages. Kids can earn a free book after they read eight books and log them on the downloadable reading journal. The Barnes & Noble kids’ summer reading program is available for students in grades 1–6. Only one book is available for each child who completes a reading journal, and the choice must be made from the selected books available at the store.
Learn more: B&N 2024 Summer Reading Journal
4. Half Price Books
The Half Price Books kids’ summer reading program, aka Summer Reading Camp, offers kids the chance to earn Bookworm Bucks for reading during the months of June and July. The program website also features printable coloring sheets, online story times, and mystery book recommendations for ages ranging from preschool to teens.
Learn more: Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp
5. Professional Sports Teams
Many professional sports teams sponsor summer reading programs, including the Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago Fire FC. Check with your local team to see if they offer a reading program.
Learn more: Reading With the Rays and Chicago Fire Kids Club
6. Scholastic
Scholastic has a summer reading digital home base where kids can build an avatar, make new friends in a fully moderated online space, and earn virtual rewards. All you need to do is sign up and keep a Reading Streak in Scholastic Home Base over the summer.
Learn more: Scholastic Summer Reading Home Base
7. Public Libraries
Check your local library for more free kids summer reading programs with activities and incentives for all ages. Most libraries also have story times and other reading-themed activities.
Learn more: Collaborative Summer Library Program
8. Camp BOOK IT! With Pizza Hut
Join BOOK IT summer camp to encourage reading all summer long. Track kids’ reading for the summer months in their digital dashboard. If they meet their monthly reading goal, kids then receive a free Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut!
Learn more: Camp BOOK IT!
9. Sonlight Summer Reading Challenge Kit
Homeschool curriculum publisher Sonlight has created a printable Summer Reading Kit packed with reading activities that’ll keep your child engaged with books all summer long. Printables include punch cards, reading bingo cards, templates for bookmarks and bookplates, book brackets, and book award certificates.
Learn more: Sonlight Summer Reading Kit
10. Start your own book club
Reading is more fun with friends! Why not start your very own book club? Gather 8 to 10 friends from school, summer camp, or your neighborhood who are all around the same reading level as your child. Chicago Parent magazine offers some great tips for starting your own summer reading club.
