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Looking for a fun (and free!) way to keep your kids reading this summer? Whether you’ve got a bookworm or a reluctant reader, summer reading programs are a great way to motivate kids to keep turning pages—even when school’s out.
The best part? Tons of stores, libraries, and publishers offer summer reading rewards for FREE.
From free books and prizes to simple reading logs and goal trackers, these programs are fun, flexible, and easy to join.
Here’s your complete list of free summer reading programs for 2025.
National Free Summer Reading Programs (2025)
1. Your Local Library
Most local libraries run their own summer reading programs with weekly prize pickups, raffles, or event days.
Tip: Check your library’s website or stop by the front desk to ask how to register — programs often run from June to early August.
2. Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Summer Program
The iconic BOOK IT! program continues through the summer with “Camp BOOK IT!” for PreK–6th grade.
Kids set goals and track their reading in a digital dashboard — and earn free Personal Pan Pizzas!
3. Scholastic Summer Reading Home Base
Scholastic runs an interactive digital summer reading program through its Home Base platform.
Kids can log minutes, access free books online, and earn digital rewards.
4. Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal
Kids in grades 1–6 can earn a free book by reading 8 books and filling out a short reading journal.
Then they bring the completed journal to a local store between July–August to pick out a free book from the approved list.
5. Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards
Chuck E. Cheese offers printable Reading Rewards Calendars — kids track two weeks of daily reading and can redeem for 10 free Play Points with a food purchase.
6. Half Price Books Feed Your Brain Program
Half Price Books summer reading camp allows kids to track their reading to earn rewards and keep your kids busy with books all summer long!
Keep the Fun Going at Home
Even if you don’t have access to a local program, you can still create your own summer reading challenge at home!
Try this:
- Create a simple reading tracker or sticker chart
- Let kids earn rewards for each book or hour (popsicles, prize box, movie night, etc.)
- Make it fun with themed reading days, reading picnics, or buddy read-alouds
Conclusion
Summer reading doesn’t have to be a struggle — and it definitely doesn’t have to be expensive.
With a little planning (and a few fun rewards), your kids will stay learning and have a blast all summer long!
More frugal summer fun
hi! I'm shannon
I’m a wife, mom of three, doctor, and blogger! In 2018, I decided to turn my mom blog, into a personal finance blog so others could follow along on our journey to pay off over HALF a MILLION dollars in student loan and practice start up debt. I hope you enjoy following along, and maybe even find some inspiration along the way.
