Free Summer Reading Programs (Updated for 2024)

The end of the school year is looming ever closer and trying to find summer activities is always a challenge.  Why not get the kids involved in some of the great Free Summer Reading Programs?

Be sure to check your local libraries- they often have incredible summer reading programs as well.

Free Summer Reading Programs

Barnes & Noble  – This summer reading program through Barnes & Noble gives your child the ability to earn a FREE book after reading 8 books and keeping track of them in a reading log.

Chuck E. Cheese – Kids can fill out their Reading Rewards Calendar when they read every day for two weeks, and then trade it in for 10 FREE play points at your local Chuck E. Cheese location.

Department of Defense – The DOD offers a summer reading program for military families & children stationed worldwide. In partnership with iREAD Summer Reading, library programs will include activities, graphics, crafts, reading lists, incentives, and much more for children, teens, and adults.

For more information, please contact your installation library (here’s a full list with direct links!) or email them.

Pizza Hut: Summer Book It Program!  Earn FREE Pizza!

Half Price Books – Starting on June 1, children 14 and under who read 300 minutes over June and July (that’s only 5 mins/day) will earn $5 free Bookworm Bucks. There are also additional summer reading activities.

Scholastic — From May 9^th through September 12^th, kids can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base, a completely free digital destination that offers stories, characters, games, and a community of readers. Home Base is moderated for safety 24/7.

Showcase Cinemas — Bookworm Wednesdays entitles kids to free movie admission to a select children’s film when they present a book report at a participating Cinema de Lux, Showcase, or Multiplex Cinemas box office.

And don’t forget to check with your local Public Library- they will likely have a program running as well!