2024 Kids Summer Reading Programs
Summer reading programs are a great way to keep kids reading during the summer. Here are the 2024 Summer Reading Programs that we know will be available this summer. As always the list usually grows!
Barnes & Noble:
For kids in grades 1-6, get a free book after reading 8 books and filling out a Reading Journal.
Participation is a fun and easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read a designated number of books – library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble – write about their favorite part in our Reading Journal, and bring a completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble bookstore.
Children then choose their free book from the books listed on the Reading Journal and collect their free book from a store near them during July and August.
Books-A-Million:
ead four books and you can earn a FREE baseball cap. This is probably the biggest freebie I have seen this year!
- Choose any four books from the Summer Reading Adventure List
- Write about the books you’ve read in your summer reading adventure log
- Show your completed log to a store associate to review your free Baseball Cap!
Chuck E. Cheese:
Have your child read and fill out the Chuck E Cheese Reading Rewards Calendar, and they’ll get 10 free play points!
They have a ton of methods for kids to earn freebies, from good grades to sports achievements to reading in Spanish or English! This reading rewards calendar gets 10 free Play Points with any food purchase.
Half Price Books:
Starting June 1st you’ll be able to sign up for their Summer Reading Club!
They have new reading logs, printable coloring sheets, online storytimes and mystery book recommendations for ages ranging from preschool to teens. Plus, stay tuned for details about social giveaways!
HEBuddy:
H‑E‑Buddy is ready for summer fun and summer jamming, so it’s time to kick off our H‑E‑Buddy Summer Reading Club. All you have to do is read ten books and record them on your reading log from the form linked below. Each time you log a book, have an adult initial by the title so you get credit for reading. Once the log is complete, mail the form to the address below, and you’ll be rewarded with a special t‑shirt.
You have until October 1 to get in ten good reads. Texas summers are made for adventures, and some of the best adventures you find are in books, so find a stack of books and start exploring.*
San Antonio, TX 78217H‑E‑Buddy Summer Reading Club Form
The H‑E‑Buddy Summer Reading Club is intended solely for children who are residents of Texas and between the ages of 3‑12.
Imagination Library
Ages 1-5 can receive FREE books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library! Check availability HERE!
Local Library:
Many local libraries offer free programs. Check with yours!
Pizza Hut: CLOSED for 2023/2023 Year
Kids can earn a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut through the first-ever Camp BOOK IT program. Track their reading for June, July and August in the digital dashboard. When the monthly reading goal is met they will receive their free pizza.
Mensa for Kids:
To encourage the joy of reading, the Foundation has developed the Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program. Earn a commemorative certificate in recognition of your outstanding achievement and get an Excellence in Reading T-shirt, too!
The Mensa Foundation recognizes and encourages education, gifted youth, and lifelong learning through resources like the Mensa for Kids website and other programs for youth and those who support them. This program is open internationally to any and all readers under 18 years of age, their teachers, and librarians.
Panda Express:
Read with me program! Kids can enroll in their “class” and get a bookmark and reward materials. When students meet their goal of reading 5 books they can get a FREE kids meal coupon! Looks like this one may be more geared for teachers, etc. to do with/for their students, but it’s still a great program!
Scholastic:
Get ready for an all-new Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza experience!
This year, kids can build their avatar, make new friends, earn virtual rewards, and help unlock donations for kids with limited or no access to books by starting and keeping “reading streaks” in Scholastic Home Base when they read every day over the summer!
Parents, educators, public librarians and community partners: Check back on Monday, April 6 to access free summer reading content and learn about Home Base, this year’s donations, and more!
Showcase Cinemas:
Bookworm Wednesday rewards your little one with free admission to a select children’s film when they present a book report. Accompanying parents or guardians and children under six years of age receive free admission and do not need to submit a book report!
OTHER FREE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER…
- Kids Bowl Free – Children can get 2 free games of bowling PER DAY over the summer!
- Free Fishing Days – Check out 2024’s FREE FISHING Days!
- Kids Skate Free – Sign up for the Kids Skate Free program to get free roller skating sessions at a center near you!
- National Park Free Days – National parks offer free admission days!
- Free Parks for 4th Graders – Free National Parks admission for all 4th graders.
- Free Crafts at Home Depot – free workshops and activities regularly for kids and adults!
- Free Crafts at Lowes – free workshops and activities regularly for kids and adults!
- Free Crafts at Michaels – free workshops and activities regularly for kids and adults!
- Kids Fly Free -Free Young Eagles Flights, kids ages 8-17 have the opportunity to experience The Spirit of Aviation by becoming a Young Eagles volunteer!
