There are so many fun FREE Summer Reading Programs for Kids this year!
Updated for Summer 2026: New programs and rewards added!
These programs reward kids with free books, pizza, movie tickets, cash, and more just for reading.
If you’re anything like me, you want your kids to keep learning over the summer… but you also don’t want it to feel like school.
That’s why I love these programs. They make reading feel fun, motivating, and even a little exciting.
Below you’ll find the best free summer reading programs available this year, plus a few tips to help you choose the ones your kids will actually enjoy.
Quick List: Free Summer Reading Programs (2026)
- Barnes & Noble – Free book after reading 8 books
- Chuck E. Cheese – Free play points for reading
- Scholastic Summer Reading – Online reading rewards
- TD Bank – Earn $10 for reading 10 books
- Books-A-Million – Free Dog Man backpack (select years)
- Local Libraries – Prizes, events, and reading challenges
Once school is out for the summer, it’s easy for kids to lose the habit of reading.
Regular daily reading is essential for kids to hone their reading skills, especially during the slower days of summer, when they’re not in school and reading every day.
You’ll find it’s so much easier to encourage your kids to keep reading when they know they’re working for fun reading rewards.
I’ve gathered up all of the FREE Summer Reading Programs available this year.
Be sure to scroll all of the way down to find a list of More FREE Summer Programs for Kids.
Summer Reading Programs for Kids
If you like this, then you might also be interested in this list of Good Report Card Freebies.
There are many great programs that your children can take advantage of to earn FREE books, prizes, and cash!
Need some kid’s book recommendations? Check out this Kids Summer Reading Book List for lots of great ideas for the best books for kids to read this summer, including books for all ages and all reading levels.
Barnes & Noble Book Your Summer
This summer reading program through Barnes & Noble gives your child the ability to earn a FREE book after reading books and keeping track of them in a reading log.
If your kids love picking out their own books, this one is always a favorite.
Kids read 8 books, write them down in a simple reading journal, and then get to choose a free book from a list at their local Barnes & Noble store.
I love this one because it’s easy to follow and doesn’t feel overwhelming. And letting kids choose their own reward makes it way more exciting.
Best for: Kids who love choosing their own books
Reward: Free book
Book Adventure
Sylvan offers this reading incentive program.
Basically, your child reads books and then takes a simple comprehension quiz to make sure they understand what they read.
The quiz is usually about 10 questions long.
They earn points based on how much they remember from reading the book.
There are hundreds of books to choose from in all reading levels.
These are common books that can be found at your local library.
Once they have earned enough points, they can trade them for some really neat prizes!
Books-A-Million Summer Reading Program
This program changes a little each year, but it usually includes a fun prize for kids who complete their reading log.
In past years, rewards have included things like backpacks or themed prizes, which kids get really excited about.
It’s another simple and easy program to add if you’re already out and about during the summer.
Best for: Kids who love fun prizes
Reward: Varies (often a themed prize)
Chuck E. Cheese
This one is perfect if your kids are motivated by fun (and maybe a little pizza 😄).
Kids track their reading and earn free play points at Chuck E. Cheese. It’s a simple reward system, but for the right kid, it’s very motivating.
If your child struggles to stay interested in reading, this can be a great way to turn it into something they look forward to.
Best for: Kids who need extra motivation
Reward: Free play points
Half Price Books
During the months of July and August, campers can visit their local HPB with their completed reading logs to receive $5 Bookworm Bucks
These are good for $5 off anything in store, so your booklovers can add even more great reads to their collection!
Best for: Kids who love bookstores
Reward: Store credit (Bookworm Bucks)
Local Public Library
Honestly, this is one of the best (and most overlooked) options.
Most local libraries offer summer reading programs with prizes, events, and activities, and they’re completely free.
Some even include:
- Story times
- Craft days
- Guest performers
- Bigger prize drawings
If you only choose one program this summer, this is the one I’d start with.
Best for: All ages
Reward: Varies (prizes, events, community fun)
My kids have participated in several Summer Reading Programs through the library, and it always includes FREE books & prizes.
Nothing Bundt Cakes (Select Locations)
While there isn’t a nationwide summer reading program, some local Nothing Bundt Cakes stores partner with schools and community programs to offer rewards for kids.
It’s worth checking with your local bakery to see if they’re participating in any summer promotions.
Panda Express Read With Me Program
Once enrolled in the program, teachers or homeschool parents receive paper bookmarks and awards.
When a student completes 5 books, the teacher or parent awards the student with a free kids meal coupon.
Pizza Hut Book It Program
BOOK IT! is a reading incentive program created by Pizza Hut in 1984. We empower teachers and parents to motivate their students to read by providing digital Reading Award Certificates®, good for a free, one-topping Personal Pan Pizza® from Pizza Hut®.
This program is free to schools and parents homeschooling their own children.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Teachers at accredited public, private, and charter schools who teach English Language Arts curriculum for PreK* – 6th grade students (ages 4-12), and enroll individually for their classrooms using their school issued email
- Students may only participate through their primary classroom teacher and may only earn one certificate per month
- Parents homeschooling their own children may enroll in the BOOK IT! homeschool program
- *PreK requirements: School must be accredited and have an approved PreK curriculum. Eligible students must be age 4 by September 1st
Best for: Kids who love pizza rewards
Reward: Free personal pan pizza (varies)
Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge
This one is great if your kids enjoy using technology.
Kids log their reading online, earn digital rewards, and can participate in a global reading challenge. It adds a fun, interactive element that a lot of kids really enjoy.
It’s also nice because everything is tracked in one place, which makes it easy for parents.
Best for: Tech loving readers
Reward: Digital rewards + reading milestones
School Based Summer Reading Programs
Don’t forget to check your child’s school.
Many schools send home summer reading challenges or partner with local businesses to offer rewards.
Sometimes these are the easiest (and most motivating) programs because they feel familiar to kids.
Showcase Cinemas Bookworm Wednesdays
This one is such a fun option if your kids love movies.
Kids can earn free or discounted movie tickets by reading and participating in the program. It’s a great way to mix reading with a fun summer outing.
Best for: Kids who love experiences
Reward: Free or discounted movie tickets
Bookworm Wednesday Movie Schedule:
- To be announced…
Six Flags Read to Succeed
K-6 students who complete six hours of non-school-related reading approved by their parents and teachers are eligible for free admission to their nearest theme park.
(This one has been suspended temporarily)
TD Bank Summer Reading Program
If your child is motivated by earning money, this one is a big win.
Kids read 10 books and can earn $10 deposited into a TD Bank account.
It’s a simple concept, but it teaches a great lesson—reading has value, and consistency pays off.
Best for: Older kids or goal-driven readers
Reward: $10 deposit
Programs like these are a great way to encourage our children to continue reading throughout the summer months.
If you know of other programs that aren’t listed here, please feel free to leave the information in a comment below.
Bonus: Check Local Businesses
Don’t forget to check places like:
- Local bakeries (like Nothing Bundt Cakes)
- Ice cream shops
- Bookstores
A lot of small businesses quietly offer rewards for kids, you just have to ask!
How to Choose the Best Program for Your Child
If you’re not sure where to start:
- Pick one simple program (don’t overwhelm yourself)
- Choose something that matches your child’s personality
- Focus on making reading feel fun, not forced
Even one program can make a big difference.
Tips to Make Summer Reading Fun (Not a Battle)
- Let kids choose their own books
- Keep expectations small (10–15 minutes counts!)
- Pair reading with rewards or routines
- Read together sometimes
FAQ
Yes! Most are completely free and offer rewards like books, food, or prizes.
Most programs are designed for kids ages 4–12, but some include teens.
Yes, and they’re often one of the best options with events, prizes, and activities.
More Free Summer Programs for Kids
You can find LOTS more Educational Freebies here!
Thanks for all the information. I will be using some of these with my son this summer. Especially the Barnes and Noble Summer Reading. He loves books and free is great.
What a great list!
That’s awesome!
We Give Books is also doing a summer reading program and it’s for babies through age 10!
pizza hut also has a reading incentive program but it does not start until September.
Last year my girls participated in Pottery Barn Kids’ Summer Reading Challenge. They don’t have their list of books up yet, but you just read every book on the list and then turn it in to pick out a free book. This is a great option for little kids who aren’t in school yet, since many of these book programs are for school-aged kids. (My twins were 3 when we did it last year.)
Thank you for the list! I had no idea about these, we usually just do the program at our local library.
We also do Discovery Education’s Read to Succeed program. It runs January and February and then we get a ticket to the Six Flags park of our choice at the end! While it’s not a “summer” program, we certainly enjoy the park in the summer 🙂
http://readtosucceed.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm
I am a huge fan of summer reading programs…thanks for this great list of them all..
My girls and I LOVE bookworm Wednesdays. We have participated several summers so far. A free movie on a hot summer day (and encouragement to read a book and write a book report) is great!
Barnes and Noble you mntioned was last year’s. 2011.
Thanks Jennifer Martin Rappold I’ll update it now
The Borders program does not exist any longer. They went out of business last year
Most of the programs are still good =)
This is last summer’s list. I don’t think it’s up-to-date for this year!
Love this! What great incentives to get kids to read and hopefully learn to love it if they don’t already.
As the librarian at a local Michigan school, I just shared this information with our entire student body! THANK YOU!
Tweeting from Social Fabric!! I love love this post! Great info!!
Great list! I am reposting.
I’m glad you can use it, thanks for sharing!
Wow! Makes me wish I was a US resident! I’ll have to share this list with a few of my twitter friends.
Awesome! Summer reading is the best, we have a great library program for kids. Great resource you’ve put together here.
Great list! We usually just use the local library but now that my eldest is reading more independently, I will check out these national programs, too. I tweeted and shared on facebook. Stopping by from CB.
Terrific information in this post. Thanks!