HUGE List of Free Summer Reading Programs for Kids
We all know homeschooling your kids can have it's ups and downs and as parents, we learn just as much homeschooling our kids as we teach them. Even as homeschool parents we struggle with kids wanting to take a break and go enjoy the summer weather. That is fine but we still want to to keep them learning right? I have found keeping them reading is the best way to do so!
I have found 18 free summer reading programs for kids that will help motivate your kids all summer to keep reading and learning.
Audio Book Sync Teen 13+ Reading Program – Each year from May until Mid August teens (age 13+) will receive two free audio books downloads per week. Audio books are a great option for those long road trips during the summer!
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program – This is a very popular reading program each summer. Children in grades 1 – 6 read any eight books this summer and record them in your Summer Reading Journal. Bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between the given May -September dates and choose your FREE reading adventure from the book list featured on the back of the journal.
Books A Million Summer Reading Adventure – Kids get to choose four books from the Summer Reading Adventure section list. Once they read the book, they record them in the provided reading journal. Once complete, their parent/guardian signs the journal, then turn it into your local store to get a free item. Summer 2016 they handed out James Patterson Middle School Lunch bags.
Book Club by Pottery Barn – Each week in the summer Pottery Barn offers a free story time called ‘book club'. Plus, receive a free gift for joining the book club and attending story time five times.
Bookworm Wednesday via Showcase Cinemas – Every Wednesday kids can get free admission to a select children’s film when they present a book report at a participating Showcase Cinemas, Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box office. Accompanying parents or guardians and children under six receive free admission and do not need to submit a book report. Available in CT, MA, NJ, NY, OH, and RI only.
Braum’s Book Buddy – If you live within 30 miles of a Braum's Ice Cream and if you are part of a school or homeschool organization, you can register the group for Braum’s Book Buddies. This is a reading incentive for grades 1-5 during the school year. As kids read and log the books in the student booklet, they earn coupons for free ice cream!
Chuck E Cheese’s 10 Free Tokens – Read a book every day for two weeks, record it in on the calendar, and get 10 FREE Tokens at Chuck E Cheese’s. One free token award per child, per day. Food purchase is required.
Half Price Books for Bookworm Bucks – During the months of June and July have your child read 15 minutes a day, grown-ups may read aloud to kids who are still learning. Use the reading log, add up your minutes and have a parent or guardian initial each week. Once you’ve reached 300 or more minutes, bring your log to your local Half Price Books to claim your Bookworm, Bucks.
H-E-Buddy Summer Reading Club – Through October 1st, read 10 books and mail the completed reading log to receive a free t-shirt from HEB.
Lifeway Stores Summer Reading Quest – This program tends to run June – August and is geared toward grades 1 through 6, but all are welcome to join in the adventure. Challenge: Read six books over the course of the summer and memorize six Scripture verses. Reward: Turn in a completed summer reading journal at your local LifeWay store to earn a free book and a new free Bible.
Local Public Library – Don’t forget to check out your local libraries I have seen them offer everything from a book reading and crafts to rewards based on how many reading events your attend.
Pizza Hut Book-It – This is not just for Public School Kids. Homeschool families can register and get the packets to read during the school year nd earn free pizza! ten is geared toward K-6th grade students.
Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge – Starting in May read & log minutes all summer, take weekly challenges & earn rewards. Every year there is a new theme such as Happy Camper: Take a Reading Adventure! Throughout the summer, students will log their reading minutes, earn digital rewards, and access fun reading activities.
Six Flags Read to Succeed – Students in grades K–6 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. Kids probably vote this as one of their favorite free summer reading programs for kids.
Sylvan Book Adventure – The Sylvan Book Adventure is a free, online reading program for children in grades K-8. At Book Adventure, reading is rewarding with tools, games and motivational rewards! Within the Prize Library, kids can search for a prize they’d like to win or exchange points for a prize they have earned by reading books and answering quiz questions correctly.
TD Bank Summer Reading Program – This is one of my favorite reading program for kids! Kids read 10 books and complete the summer reading form to receive $10 in a new or existing TD Simple Savings account.
Make You Own – The programs above are great motivation and all, but no one knows your kids like you do! Is there something they have had their eye on? A special toy or a trip to a local attraction? Set up how many hours or books you want them to read to achieve that goal, keeping in mind the cost. Reading times should be lower for items only costing $10 – $20 vs. items costing $100+. Set up the rules and motivate your child like only you can!
With so many great options I can see two problems your kids will have. One would be picking which of the free summer reading programs to start first and to not run out of books over the summer!
Did I miss a free summer reading program? Please let me know in the comments and I will add them to the list!
This list was brought to you in part by This Mommy Saves Money
Thanks for putting these all in one place.