Looking for a way to keep your kids entrained this summer? We gathered a list of free reading programs available this year! There are tons of options available for kids of all ages and they can earn a variety of rewards for reading, including a free book from Barnes & Noble, a free baseball cap, a t-shirt and more. Scroll down and check out all the offers!
Also, don’t miss out, and check out these as well!
Best Kids Summer Reading Programs for 2025
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble is hosting a Summer Reading Program! Kids in grades 1-6 can participate and earn a completely free book by following these steps:
- Download the Summer Reading Journal!
- Have your child read eight books this summer and record them in the journal.
- Head to your nearest Barnes & Noble and bring your completed journal during July and August (exact dates to be announced).
- Choose a free book from the titles listed in the reading journal!
 Books-A-Million
Books-A-Million is offering a free baseball cap to kids who read four of the selected Summer Reading Adventure books! All you need to do is choose four books from their pre-selected collection, fill out the printable log book, and return the log to your local BAM! store for your free baseball cap.
Chuck E. Cheese Reading ChallengeÂ
Chuck E. Cheese is hosting a Reading Challenge all year round! Your kids need to read every day for two weeks – you can track their progress on the calendar, and then trade it in for 10 free play points at your local Chuck E. Cheese. Please note that you must make a food purchase to redeem your reading challenge worksheet for the 10 free points. The offer for free play points is valid until December 31st, 2025.
Imagination Library
Don’t miss the opportunity to get free books for your kids from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library each month! All children under the age of 5 are eligible for the book gifting program. Simply choose your country to check availability in your area and complete the form. Books arrive in the mail monthly until your child’s 5th birthday.
These books are selected by publishing and education experts and are suitable for the child’s age. The goal of the program is to encourage children to enjoy reading and learning. Dolly’s program spans five countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Republic of Ireland) and gifts over 2 million free books each month. Check if this offer is available in your area.
Mensa for Kids
Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading program is offering a free t-shirt! Kids under 18 can participate by selecting a reading list based on their grade level or reading ability. Then, they can print the appropriate list and read all the books on it and 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! Please note that it may take up to 6 weeks for delivery.
Panda Express Read With Me
Right now, elementary students aged 5 to 11 years and from Pre-K/TK up to 5th grade can participate in the Read With Me Program! Child-focused program organizations are eligible and the teachers are also getting awards, tracking student book reads, bookmarks etc. Students are also awarded with a free meal coupon upon completion of 5 book reads. Check out our post here!
Pizza Hut Book It ProgramÂ
Starting May 1st, the new Pizza Hut Book It Program app called BOOK IT! Summer of Stories will be available on Google Play and Apple App Store! This new app will replace the “Camp Book IT” program and make it easier for parents to set and track reading goals.
This is an opportunity for kids to get a free pizza during summer – from June to August!  All teachers or homeschool teachers of students in PreK – ages 4 to 12 can enroll their students in the program and enjoy this lovely deal. The program will track and reward your kids for reading (the goal is set by the teacher and can be adapted to each student). When kids meet their monthly reading goal, they’ll receive a free one-topping Personal Pan pizza from Pizza Hut!
The program is available for PreK-6th grade classrooms, parents, and homeschool families. You can enroll here now, but note that the program will start closer to summer break. Printed or emailed digital certificates will be redeemable for dine-in, carry-out, or for delivery.Â
Scholastic’s Summer Reading Program
Through September 12th, kids can participate in the Scholastic Summer Reading Program and get access to the Scholastic Home Base – a digital community full of books, live events, and games. This base is moderated for safety 24/7. Kids can earn rewards, unlock digital experiences, and this program also helps donate books to kids who don’t have access to books in rural America. Check out their website to learn more!
Public Libraries
Did you know that lots of public libraries offer summer reading challenges? Collaborative Summer Library Program is a nonprofit, charitable organization that supports literacy, education and science through summer reading events in public libraries. Rules and details will vary, so make sure to call your local library and ask what kind of reading challenges they will be hosting this summer!
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I didn’t know Chuck E. Cheese does that! My little one loves reading so thank you so much for this information!
You’re very welcome!
great