Keep Kids Reading All Summer: Best 2025 Reading Programs Challenge!

Are you ready for a summer filled with stories, giggles, and a little friendly competition? If you’re a parent, you know the struggle is real when it comes to keeping kids busy (and, let’s be honest, sane) during those long, sun-soaked months. We’ve all heard the warnings about the dreaded “summer slide”—when reading skills decide to take their own vacation. But don’t worry, mom friend, we’ve got your back!

This year, make summer reading more exciting than ever with these awesome summer reading programs for kids that will turn reading into a family adventure!

Why Summer Reading Matters

The Infamous Summer Slide (And How To Avoid It)

If you’re new to the phrase “summer slide,” let me paint you a picture. Imagine your kid’s hard-earned reading skills slipping down a playground slide—and landing somewhere back in spring! Not on our watch. Just a few minutes of daily reading can keep those skills sharp and ready for the new school year.

Keeping Kids Engaged and Learning

But summer reading isn’t just about “stopping the slide.” It’s about keeping curious minds engaged, expanding imaginations, and even helping kids discover new interests. Bonus: When reading feels fun, kids are way more likely to do it—without the push-and-pull of mom versus video games.

The Best 2025 Summer Reading Programs for Kids

Ready for the real magic? These national (and local!) summer reading programs offer real rewards—books, pizzas, and more—for kids who read over the summer.

1. Local Library Reading Programs

Your public library is a hidden gem for free summer fun. Libraries usually offer themed reading challenges, fun activities, storytimes, and cool prizes—sometimes for adults too! Visit your local branch to sign up and start collecting those rewards. Some even have kick-off parties and closing celebrations.

2. Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp

Bookworms, unite! The Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp allows kids to complete reading logs to earn fun rewards, and also offers downloadable activities and printable reading trackers. The program begins June 1 and is packed with ways to inspire reluctant readers. Find more information here.

3. Chuck E. Cheese Rewards Program

If your kids need a little extra incentive, check out Chuck E. Cheese’s Parent Resource Center. Download printable certificates for all kinds of achievements—including reading! Kids can redeem one certificate at a time for 10 free points at Chuck E. Cheese. This program runs all year, so you can keep the motivation going.

4. Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

Barnes & Noble makes reading extra rewarding for kids in 1st-6th grade. Here’s how it works:

• Read any 8 books over the summer and keep track in their special Reading Journal (download from their website).

• Bring your completed journal to your local store and choose a free book from their special list!

• The 2025 program kicks off in early June, and book redemption runs through July and August. Find more information here.

5. Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! Summer of Stories™

Is there anything more motivating than pizza? Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! program (for Pre-K to 6th grade) allows parents to set custom reading goals through the app, and when kids reach their goal, they earn a free Personal Pan Pizza. The Summer of Stories runs June through August at participating locations.

6. New York Times Student Reading Contest

For teens (or advanced readers!), the New York Times offers a weekly writing prompt: “What got your attention in The Times this week?” The contest runs for 10 weeks, and standout entries are published online. No subscription required for the special content—perfect for budding journalists!

7. Scholastic Summer Reading Home Base

The Scholastic Summer Reading program takes reading online, letting kids start their “Reading Streak™,” join a safe reading community, play games, and earn digital rewards. The 2025 program starts in May and runs through early September. It’s the ultimate way to combine screen time with story time!

8. CSLP: “Color Our World” Summer Reading Program

The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) partners with libraries everywhere to create inclusive, art-inspired reading fun for kids, teens, and even adults! This year’s theme, “Color Our World,” invites families to explore creativity and the arts through a wide range of library activities, themed reading challenges, and special resources. Ask your local library if they’re part of CSLP to access colorful program guides and printables, or learn more here. Let’s make reading and art the highlights of your summer!

9. Books-a-Million Summer Reading Adventure

With Books-a-Million’s Summer Reading Adventure, kids and teens can pick any four books from their Summer Reading Adventure section—including classics like Charlotte’s Web, Matilda, and Where the Red Fern Grows—then jot down their thoughts in a special logbook. Once you’re done, bring the completed log to your local store and score a free Dog Man drawstring backpack (while supplies last). No age limits are specified, so teens are also welcome to join in!

10. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Little ones can build their own home library with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which mails a free, brand-new book every month to children under five—all year long! Just check if the program is available in your area and register on their website. It’s a magical way to grow a lifelong love of reading, one mailbox surprise at a time!

11. Panda Express Read With Me Program

Panda Express’ Read With Me program is open year-round for Pre-K through 5th graders—perfect for teachers, librarians, and families alike. When a student reads five books, they’ll earn a digital coupon for a free Panda Express kids meal (yum!). It’s easy to register, and those tasty rewards are redeemable at participating locations.

12. Mensa for Kids: Excellence in Reading Program

For your book-loving overachievers, the Mensa Foundation’s Excellence in Reading Program is a fantastic year-round challenge for kids of all ages! Based on the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Summertime Favorites list, this program is perfect for ambitious readers ready to tackle a big stack of books. Kids who complete the challenge earn a certificate of achievement and a cool Excellence in Reading T-shirt. Just print the list by grade level, check off each book as you go, and submit your finished list (plus T-shirt order form) to claim your rewards.

Tips for Raising a Lifelong Reader

Mix It Up: Let Kids Choose

Sometimes, the magic happens when you let go. Let kids pick graphic novels, magazines, comics—whatever gets them reading!

Create a Cozy Reading Spot

Think forts, fairy lights, bean bags, or reading outside under a big tree. Little changes can make reading time feel like an adventure.

Join a Family Reading Challenge

Compete as a family—who can check off the most reading prompts, or who can find the quirkiest place to read? Bragging rights included.

Wrapping Up: Make This the Summer of Reading

No matter how busy summer gets, a good book (and a little friendly competition) can make every day more magical. Whether your family is in it for the free pizza, the thrill of new adventures, or just the simple joy of reading together, these summer reading programs are your secret weapon for an unforgettable summer.

So sign up for a few programs, and let’s read our way through summer—one story at a time!

FAQs about Summer Reading Programs

Q1: How do I get my child excited about summer reading? Try fun incentives, let them pick their own books, and mix up the routine with silly reading spots and family reading challenges!

Q2: Are these reading programs really free? Yes! Most programs are completely free to join. Some offer free rewards, books, or certificates—just check the details for each.

Q3: Can toddlers or pre-readers participate? Absolutely! Many programs let parents read to little ones. The Chuck E. Cheese and Pizza Hut programs are especially toddler-friendly.

Q4: Can my kids join more than one reading program? Definitely! In fact, “double-dipping” is encouraged—earn pizza and a free book for the same stack of stories!

Q5: Where can I find book suggestions for my child’s age or interests? Click on this link for book suggestions based on your kid's grade level, visit your local library, or ask your friendly children’s librarian for recommendations.

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