If you are looking for summer reading shows for kids, here is our comprehensive list of completely free shows for 2025!
{Looking for other interesting summer deals? Kids can play free bowling and skate for free this summer at many participating locations!
Best Summer Reading Plan 2025
Believe it or not, almost that time of the year – when you go to school, summer reading classes abound. yeah!
Note: We recommend calling your local store to verify that they are participating in these programs this year.
Does your child like to read, too? If so, here’s a big list of all our free summer reading plans available nationwide!
Read the plan for primary school kids
Barnes & Noble – Earn free books for children in grades 1-6 with Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program.
Read any eight books this summer and record them in your summer reading diary (PDF download). Explain which part of this book is your favorite and why.
Between July 1 and August 31, 2025, bring your completed diary to the Barnes & Noble store.
Get free books from the selection in the list of reading journals.
Chuck E. Cheese – Children can fill out their reading rewards calendar when they read for two weeks a day and then have 10 free play spots at your local Chuck E. Cheese location.
Summer reading courses for older kids
Half price book – Half Price Books are being held for summer reading camps for children under 14 years old. Children are encouraged to read for 15 minutes a day to achieve at least 300 minutes. After that, they can turn the full reading log to their local store to earn money from Bookworm Bucks. They will also provide fun new printable activity sheets each week!
Mensa of Children’s Excellence Reading Program – Children aged 18 and under can choose a list from the listed grade bands. Print the list and track each book you read, by checking and recording the dates read, as well as ratings. Submit your list for identification certificates and t-shirts!
Pizza Lodge Campground – In addition to their annual school year plan, Pizza Hut also hosts a summer reading program called Summer of Stories! Just track your kids’ reading in June, July and August. Once they reach their monthly reading goal, they can redeem free unit pizza in the Pizza Hut!
Sweet Sora Read – For K-12, the program will run from May 12 to August 25 and offers a range of free, simultaneous use of e-books and featured audiobooks.
Local library – Most importantly, don’t forget your local library! Most of them offer fun summer reading shows and offer more awards.
Bonus: Don’t forget the Pizza Hut Book Program run every school year!
Why do you need to do a summer reading plan?
The summer reading program is also a great opportunity for kids to continue reading (and learn) even if they are not in school.
Plus, they are free and your kids can do something anytime, anywhere!
With the incentives and prizes provided, this is a win-win for the kids and their families!
Why is summer reading courses important?
This is beneficial for their brain development and can help them retain more of the knowledge they learned in the school year.
Reading is also a great way to have a festival time – otherwise they might spend time on screen!
How to encourage children through summer reading program
The best way to encourage your child to do anything is to model the behavior you want – so start reading!
Ask them what type of books they are interested in and ask your librarian to suggest similar books at the child’s reading level. Or, choose a book you can read aloud.
Make reading time interesting by reading outside or letting them “stay up late” to read a chapter.
FAQ for children’s summer reading program
What is the best reading program?
It depends on your child’s reading level and the “best” motivation for him or her. Check out the list of online reading programs above, then view your local library products and select one!
How do you organize your summer reading plan?
Save time and let your local library organize for you – or search online for free summer reading plans. Most libraries and dozens of online websites offer free reading programs. After selecting the program to be executed, there is a set time per day that you and/or your child will read for at least 15-20 minutes. Make sure to record your reading time and follow up on the appropriate challenges and of course, don’t forget to redeem any prizes or rewards!
Download our free summer reading printable pack for kids!
Looking for a fun way to encourage and motivate your kids to read more? Or is it necessary to have a creative way for your kids to track all the books they read this year through the summer reading show?
Must download ours Free summer reading printable pack for kidsAnd it comes with reading challenges, reading time trackers and summer reading lists.
Did you know we should also add to the 2025 list? Let us know in the comments!
