The Ultimate Guide to Summer Reading Programs for Kids

Find a summer reading program for your child... or make your own! I've got a big list of summer reading programs for kids plus a guide to creating a summer reading program for tweens and kids of all ages.

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Summer’s almost here — which means the “please just read something” dance is about to begin. 😂 I know, when my kids were little they would beg to go to the library daily, but now that they are tweens it's a bit harder to pull them away from Minecraft and YouTube and into the pages of a book.

We all want our kids to keep reading during the summer. But we don’t want reading to feel like a chore. Or worse . . . like schoolwork in disguise. Believe me, you can't put anything past these middle schoolers.

That's why I've created this Ultimate Guide to Summer Reading, with a huge list of pre-made summer reading programs for kids. Don't see one you like? No worries, I have you covered with simple tips to create your own summer reading program and a free printable reading log to get you started.

Ready? Let's read!

Summer Reading Programs for Kids

Good news – there are tons of summer reading programs that make reading fun and rewarding! Here’s a list of great options to get you started:

1. Your Local Library
   Many libraries offer summer reading programs that come with exciting incentives like prizes or free books! Check out your local branch to see what they’re offering this year.

   
   

2. Pizza Hut Book It! Summer Reading Program
   This classic program rewards kids with free pizza for reading. It’s been around for decades, and it’s still a fan favorite! Check out the details here.

   
   

3. Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
   Barnes & Noble has a summer reading program where kids can earn a free book by reading a certain number of books throughout the summer and submitting a completed reading journal. It’s a simple, easy-to-follow program that’s perfect for readers of all ages. Learn more here. 

   
   

4. Books-a-Million Summer Reading Program
   Books-a-Million also runs a summer reading program encouraging kids to read 4 books during the summer. Once they do, they can submit their completed logbook at their local Books-a-Million store and receive a free gift! This year it's a Dogman drawstring backpack. Find out more here.

   
   

5. Scholastic Summer Reading Home Base
   Scholastic’s Summer Reading Challenge tracks reading streaks, and kids can earn digital prizes along the way! They even have a fun, online portal for kids to log their books. Check it out here.

   
   

6. Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp
   Half Price Books offers a summer reading program where kids can get a coupon for $5 in-store credit  (called Bookworm Bucks) after reading eight books. It’s a great way to save on books for the new school year! Learn more here. 

   
   

7. Chuck E. Cheese
   Did you know Chuck E. Cheese has a summer reading program too? Kids can earn 10 free play points by reading daily for 2 weeks in a row. What’s better than a fun day out after a good reading session? Check out their reading rewards calendar here.(Valid at participating locations only, so check beforehand.)

These programs are a fun and easy way to keep your kids reading all summer long. I hope this list helps you find a perfect fit for your little bookworms! But I know these aren't accessible to everyone - you may not live near one of these locations, or your kids (like mine) have aged out of the freebies.

That’s where creating your own DIY summer reading program can be the thing that keeps your kids WILLINGLY picking up new books. And I have a free printable to help you get started.

Creating a Summer Reading Program for Kids

A summer reading program doesn’t have to be fancy or overly structured. Just a few simple things can turn “ugh, reading” into “wait, is it book time yet?”

Here are a few ideas to get you started creating a summer reading program for kids:

✨Let them pick the books
Graphic novels? Audiobooks? Minecraft manuals? It all counts. One of my kids became a voracious reader over the summer when he first learned to play Minecraft and wanted to read all the tutorials he could fine. The best reading is the kind that actually gets read. 

✨ Make it visual
Track books on a big poster or use my free printable reading log (scroll down to download). Let them decorate a reading jar. Watch their progress grow — and their confidence, too.

✨ Add fun incentives
No need for over-the-top prizes. Think: a trip to the library, ice cream for finishing a book, or getting to pick family movie night.

✨Join in
Read together. Do voices. Laugh. Model that reading is something to enjoy, not just check off a list.

The goal? Keep it simple. Keep it fun. And help them walk into fall with stories in their hearts (and zero burnout).

And remember: Your summer reading program doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It just has to work for your family.

Free Printable Summer Reading Log

I'm not really a fan of reading logs that force kids into a certain number of minutes per day. But I do like to help my boys keep track of how many books they have read, their titles, and which ones they liked or didn't like. 

So I've put together a really simple summer reading log that allows us to list out the books we want to read. And when they are done, they can check off the title and even give it a star rating. It's a fun, no pressure way of keeping track of your summer reading. You can even make goals for every 5, 10, or 15 books read and surprise your kids with a reward when they finish! 

See my summer activity planner here for fun reward coupons to use.

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