Along with the convenience of playing and swimming all day, reading is one of the most important things children can do this summer. Plus digging a great book under the sun’s umbrella, especially by the pool, is one of the joys of the season. Several summer reading programs for kids help keep learning through the next few months so they can earn free goodies along the way. Here are our picks for the best summer lesson programs for kids.
1. Burns and Noble
Kids can earn a free book after reading eight books and logging into a downloadable reading journal. The Burns and Noble Kids summer reading program is only available to students in grades 1-6. There is only one book available for each child who completes a reading journal and will have to choose from selected books available in the store. Download B&N 2022 Summer Reading Journal today!
Learn more: RIF Summer Reading Road Trip
2. Chuck e. Cheese
Chuck e. With the Cheese Kids Summer Reading program, kids earn 10 free points each time they read for two consecutive weeks. Fill out the form to claim the free token. A food purchase is required.
Learn more: Chuck E. Cheese Kids Summer Reading Program
3. Reading is basic
Grow with summer reading with the country’s largest child literacy nonprofit Reading is Fundamental. From a collection of RIF reading lists and free ebooks to interactive materials at Literacy Central and the brand new Literacy Central app, RIF helps kids master the reading skills they need to succeed. This summer, RIF is inviting children across the country on a virtual reading road trip.
Learn more: RIF Summer Reading Road Trip
4. Half price book
Half Price Books organizes a summer reading program for children, aka ‘Summer Reading Camp’, to give away gift cards on social media for children who read for at least 300 minutes in June and July. The online summer reading program website also includes printable color sheets, online storytime and mystery book recommendations for preschoolers and teenagers.
Learn more: Half Price Book Summer Reading Camp
5. Public Library
Check out your local library for more free kids summer reading programs with activities and incentives for all ages. Most libraries also have story time and other reading-themed activities.
Learn more: Collaborative Summer Library Program
June 6 b. Kids Club
With over 60 million books sold, the best-selling Junie B. Jones series is a classroom favorite that has kept kids laughing and reading for over 20 years. Sign up for the Juni B Jones Reading Club and your baby Juni B will be connected to everything! Expect monthly updates about fun new activities, events, sweepstakes and more.
Learn more: Juni B. Kids Club
7. Professional sports team
Many professional sports teams sponsor summer reading programs, including Tampa Bay Ray and Chicago Fire FC. Check with your local team to see if they offer similar programs.
Learn more: Read with Ray and the Chicago Fire Kids Club
8. Scholastic
Scholastic has an online summer reading program that challenges kids to go online and record their reading minutes. This year, kids can make an avatar, make new friends, earn virtual rewards, and help unlock grants for kids with limited or no access to books. All you have to do is sign up and keep a “reading style” at the Scholastic Home Base in the summer!
Learn more: Scholastic Reed-a-Paluza
9. HEB
The HE-Buddy Summer Reading Club, sponsored by HEB Grocery Store, offers a special prize to each child who reads 10 books this summer.
Learn more: HE-Buddy Summer Reading Club
10. Sync
Sync has a summer reading program for teens only that will give them two free audiobooks per week this summer. Suitable for both on the go and for reading the sofa. Each week they offer a current YA book as well as a classic title that teens will be able to download for free via the SORA / OverDrive app.
Learn more: Sync summer audiobook programs for teens
11. Book-A-Million
Kids can get it for free Because of Win-Dixie Notepad and pen with Books-A-Million Summer Lessons program! This year’s summer reading adventure is led by Kate Decamillo, author of a children’s book and literacy lawyer. Start by reading four of the 75+ eligible books. They then fill out a journal to show their progress and return it to any Book-a-Million store.
Learn more: Book-A-Million Summer Reading Adventures
12. Book it
Join Book IT Summer Camp to encourage reading throughout the summer. Track kids reading during the summer months on their digital dashboard. If they meet their monthly reading goals, the kids will get a free personalized pan pizza from Pizza Hut!
Learn more: Book a camp
13. Cinema Showcase
Read a book and earn a ticket for a free summer flick! Children can get free access to a selected children’s film when the participating showcase cinema presents a book report at the box office.
Learn more: Showcase the movie bookworm on Wednesday