These 2024 summer reading programs will keep kids learning all summer long!
Keep your kids reading throughout the summer! đź“š
If you’re looking for a summer boredom buster and hoping to keep your children reading while school’s out, there are lots of free reading programs available for kids this year! Here are some of the best FREE free summer reading programs happening in 2024.
NOTE – Bookmark this page and keep checking back, as we will continue to update this post with any additional summer reading programs that become available!
Kids can earn a FREE book from the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program.
Through August 31st, Barnes & Noble is hosting a Summer Reading Program, where kids in grades 1-6 can earn a completely FREE book by following these easy steps:
- Download the summer reading journal, or pick one up at your local Barnes & Noble store.
- Have your child read ANY eight books this summer and record them in the journal. They’ll need to share the book’s title and author, along with their favorite part of each book.
- Head to your nearest Barnes & Noble and turn in the completed journal between July 1 and August 31, 2024. Find a location near you.
- Choose a free book from the titles listed in the reading journal!
Earn Play Points from Chuck E. Cheese.
Chuck E. Cheese has a Reading Rewards Calendar that kids can complete over the summer. Just read every day for two weeks, track your progress on the calendar, and then trade it in for 10 FREE play points at your local Chuck E. Cheese.
Even better, your child can start working on a new calendar every two weeks for multiple redemptions all summer long! Your offer for free play points is valid until December 31, 2025.
Join the Books & Bundts program to score sweet treats for reading.
Did you know Nothing Bundt Cakes has a reading program for kids? The Books & Bundts program. You’ll pair with your child’s school and use an easy tracker to log your kiddos progress. When they reach a goal, celebrate with a FREE Bundlet! Reach out to your local Nothing Bundt Cakes for more information!
Half Price Books is holding a free Reading Camp this summer.
This summer, Half Price Books will offer its popular Summer Reading Camps again. Register your child or children now, and beginning on June 1st they’ll get access to themed book recommendations, printables, crafts, and fun activities all summer long! It may be past June 1st, but you can still register and get in on the fun!
After you’ve completed the online registration, stop by a Half-Price Books location to pick up your camper’s Reward Map. Once completed, your child’s reading log can be redeemed to earn $5 Bookworm Bucks!
Kellogg’s Feeding Reading Program is back for another year.
Kellogg’s Feeding Reading offers two FREE books when you buy one qualifying Kellogg’s cereal and one qualifying partner product in the same transaction.
There are 140 titles to choose from and you can get up to 20 FREE books per participant! There are so many different participating products that you can buy, so getting your free books is easy! Here’s how:
- Buy any participating Kellogg’s cereal along with one qualifying partner product (see the full list of eligible products).
- Take a picture of your receipt.
- Visit FeedingReading.com and upload your receipt within 30 days of purchase. Each receipt must be uploaded separately by 10/30/24.
- Earn credits to redeem the book(s) of your choice to keep or donate. Credits must be redeemed by 11/15/24.
Receive a FREE T-shirt from Mensa for Kids.
The Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading program is open to all readers under the age of 18, and it will keep your kids reading high-quality literature all summer long!
To participate, kids can select one of these reading lists based on their grade level or reading ability. Then, print the appropriate list and have your child read all the books on it. Your child can track their progress by checking off each book and recording the date it was read, along with a rating.
After both the reader and an adult have signed the completed list, it can be sent to the Mensa Foundation at the address provided. Once the list is received, your child will get a commemorative certificate and an Excellence in Reading T-shirt, too!
Participate in Scholastic’s Summer Reading Program!
Now through September 12th, kids can participate in the Scholastic Summer Reading Program. Participants will get access to the Scholastic Home Base, a free digital community full of books, live events, and games in a kid-safe environment that is moderated for safety 24/7.
Readers will be encouraged to track their reading streaks to earn rewards, unlock fun digital experiences, and donate books to communities in need. Head on over to their website to learn more!
Enjoy Bookworm Wednesdays at Showcase Cinemas.
The Bookworm Wednesdays reading program at Showcase Cinemas entitles kids to free admission to select children’s films when they present a book report at a participating box office.
Accompanying parents or guardians and children under six years of age also receive free admission – no book report required!
Sonlight gives away FREE summer reading kits!
Download and print a free summer reading kit from Sonlight. Each kit has a plethora of activities for your child to do. You’ll receive punch cards, genre charts, reading logs, reading bingo, a list of books you can watch as movies, a book bracket and awards activity, and more!
Books aren’t included in the kit. However, if you find titles at your local library, you can read them for free!
Check with your public library for local summer reading programs.
Be sure to check your local public library, as many of them will have summer reading programs for kids, like the Collaborative Summer Library Program, in addition to FREE storytime, family movie days, kids clubs, activities, and more throughout the summer!
After reading, try these other fun summer activities for kids!