The best kids summer reading programs.
Summer is just around the corner and I can’t wait for the lazy days of summer. I love the BBQs, the late nights, the snow cones (ohhhh the snow cones) and the lack of schedule. However, I do NOT like when the kids are bored (because….that usually leads to complaining…and I REALLY don’t like complaining!). One of the things that I have found to help curb the summer boredom (and complaining) is to sign my kids up for free summer reading programs.
These fun kids summer reading programs are the perfect way to keep kids busy, learning, entertained and to help prevent the summer slump. Most of these reading programs offers incentives and prizes which encourages my kids to keep reading throughout the summer months. They love accomplishing their goals and receiving a fun reward at the end!
I have been searching for a few free summer reading programs to sign my kids up for this year and wanted to share them with each of you!
2021 Free Summer Reading Programs
If you are looking for some good reading programs for your kids this summer, make sure to check out each of these!
Amazon Summer Reading Challenge
Have your kids join the Amazon Summer Reading Challenge! All they have to do is read 8 books, write down each book, and then bring the list into any retail Amazon Books store by September 2nd. After completing this challenge your kids will be rewarded with $1 off their next book purchase! Which, honestly isn’t much, but it’s better than nothing!
Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
Another fun summer reading program for kids is from Barnes and Noble. All they have to do is print out this reading journal, read 8 books and fill out the journal during the summer, and then bring the completed journal into a Barnes and Noble store. Your child will then be able to choose a free book from the free book lists (which always has lots of fun book choices!). This is one of our favorite programs and have been participating in it for years!
Books-A-Million
Earn a free “Because of Winn-Dixie” notepad from Books-A-Million after completing their reading challenge. All you have to do is read 4 books from their Summer Reading Adventure picks in store or online. Track your reading progress in the provided reading guide book and then show your completed book to a Books-A-Million store associate to get your prize! Easy peasy!
- Related: How To Listen To Audiobooks For Free
Camp Book-It
Sign your kids up for Camp Book-It through Pizza Hut. This is a fantastic summer reading program for your kids. All they have to do is set up a monthly reading goal and track their progress digitally. Once they reach their goal they will be sent a gift certificate for a free personal pan pizza!
Chuck-E-Cheese
Chuck-E-Cheese offers multiple reward charts for your kids to use to help them meet their goals. We like to print off this reading chart to encourage the kids to read during summer. All they have to do is read every day for two weeks and mark it on their chart. Once their chart is completed they can turn it in to Chuck-E-Cheese for 10 free play points! (Note: Food purchase is required to redeem play points).
Half Price Books
Half Price Books offers two different summer reading programs. One is for high school aged kids and the other is catered to kids 14 and under.
The 14 years and under program starts with printing out this reading log and tracking how much they read, they are suppose to read 15 minutes a day. Once they have completed the chart, they can bring it into a local Half Price Books store to receive a $5 gift certificate.
The High school kids challenge is similar. They have to read one book each month and then write a review on it. They can then bring their book review into a Half Price Books store and they will get a $5 gift certificate as well!
Public Library
Check your local library to see if they offer a free summer reading program for kids. My library has a great reading program each summer that my kids always look forward to! They always provide a lot of fun coupons, toys and other incentives.
- Related: 10 Free Things At The Library
Reading Is Fundamental
Reading Is Fundamental has a great Summer Reading Program for kids in grades K-6. All you have to do is download the provided Summer Activity Sheet and read the books on the list.
Each book has an activity that corresponds with the theme. Some books have crossword puzzles to do and others offer a read aloud activity. I love the interactive activities and think this is the perfect reading challenge for a family to participate in together.
Scholastic
Kids can join the Scholastic reading program to earn digital rewards for their reading. One of the things I love about the Scholastic summer reading is that the more your kids read, the more books Scholastic will donate to kids in need. So cool, right!!! It makes reading fun for kids, and gives them the opportunity to help give to others.
Showcase Cinemas
If you live near a Showcase Cinemas you will want to look into their Bookworm Wednesdays reading program. Your child can receive free admission to a movie on Wednesdays when they bring in a book report written off of one of the books they recently read.
Another thing that makes this deal even sweeter is that accompanying parents/guardians, and siblings under 6 years of age will ALSO get free admission to a movie.
Sync
Teens can get two free audiobooks from Sync each week during the summer months. This program doesn’t have rewards or charts, but it is a fun way to help teenagers get free books and keep reading!
TD Bank
And last, but certainly not least is the kids summer reading program from TD Bank. Just print out this reading form, fill it out with the books your child reads, and then bring it in to your local TD Bank. Your child will be rewarded with $10 deposited into their TD Savings Account.
Which, honestly combines two of my favorite things in one: reading and teaching kids how to manage money! Yay! Winning combination!
In Conclusion
Encouraging your kids to participate in these free summer reading programs is one of the best ways to help keep their brains active and literary skills sharp during the summer months.
You can even turn your summer reading challenges into fun family time. Reading books together and meeting a goal is a great way to build memories as a family!
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