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These fun summer reading programs are a great way to encourage reading while earning free books, pizza, prizes, and more along the way. Take a look through the list and see which ones your family might want to try this summer!
📚 Summer Reading Programs for Kids 2026 📚
• Half Price Books — Beginning June 1, families can access free printable reading activities, coloring pages, and book lists all summer long. Participating kids can also earn $5 Bookworm Bucks during June and July.
• Local Libraries — Don’t forget your local library! Many public libraries offer fun summer reading programs with prizes, events, and activities just for reading. My library always has some fun events and prizes for summer reading.You will even find ones for adults!
• Reading with the Professional Sports Teams– Started May 17th, you could score game tickets. Several football and baseball teams have summer reading programs. Just go to google and type in what sports teams have summer reading programs the list shows up!
• Books-A-Million — This year’s theme is Warrior Cats! Kids can complete a reading log to earn a free reward. More official details were released on May 11.
• Books & Bundts — Read 400 minutes and earn a free bundt cake. Check your local store to see if there is participation. They may not all participate.
📚 More Fun Summer Reading Programs for Kids 2026 📚
• Barnes & Noble — Kids in grades 1–6 can earn a FREE book by reading 8 books and writing them down in their Summer Reading Journal. Turn it in at a Barnes & Noble store between July 1–August 31, 2026, and pick out a free book!
• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library — Children from birth to age 5 may qualify to receive free books mailed directly to their home every month through this wonderful literacy program.
• Pizza Hut BOOK IT! — The Summer of Stories program is back for kids in Pre-K through 6th grade! Enrollment opens May 1, and the program runs June 1–August 31. Parents can set reading goals, track progress in the BOOK IT! app, and kids can earn a FREE personal pan pizza from participating Pizza Hut locations throughout the summer.
• Panda Express — Through the Read With Me program, kids can work toward reading goals and earn a FREE kids meal coupon after reading 5 books! The program includes bookmarks and reading reward materials. This one is often used by teachers and classrooms, but families may enjoy it too.
• Chuck E. Cheese — Reading can earn more than books! Kids who complete the Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards Calendar can receive 10 free play points.
• Scholastic Summer — Kids in grades 1–6 can earn a FREE book by reading 8 books and writing them down in their Summer Reading Journal. Turn it in at a Barnes & Noble store between July 1–August 31, 2026, and pick out a free book!
You can find my fun reading challenge here and my summer bookmarks here!
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