We love participating in Free Summer Reading Programs. The great incentives keep my kids in the books all summer long. Check out the list below of programs being offered for 2018.
Here’s a tip – print out all the record sheets for the programs you are participating in and keep them all in one folder. Then you can record your child’s reading all at one time.
National Free Summer Reading Program Offers
Barnes & Noble’s Summer Reading: Fill out the Summer Reading Journal. Then then turn in the completed form at a store and choose a free book from the list! This event starts May 16th and runs through September 5th.
Chuck E Cheese: Your child can keep track of their reading through one of the rewards calendars. Once they have completed two weeks of reading he or she can submit the completed Chuck E Cheese calendar for 10 free tokens! (Lots of other great incentive/reward sheets available)
Half Price Books: Kids should read (or be read to) for at least 15 minutes a day during June and July. Once they read 300 minutes, they can turn in their log and earn $5 in Half Price Books Bookworm bucks. They will also award one reader in each age group a $20 Half Price Books gift card.
Pizza Hut Summer Book-It Program. This program is an extension of the school year Book-It program. Participate in the Book It Summer challenge from June to August.
Pottery Barn Kids’ Summer Reading Challenge: Become a Book Club member and receive a free gift after attending 5 Weekly Story times (Tuesdays 11-11:30 am at participating locations). Previous Summer offer -> Kids who read at least 8 books off an age-appropriate list will get a free book at a participating location (while supplies last). NOTE: Site not updated for 2018 yet.
Rusty Bucket Bucketeer Bookworms: This program runs year round, but a good reminder! Pick up a bookmark at Rusty Bucket, have your kiddo read 5 books (or have 5 read to them), and mark them on the bookmark. Then redeem for a free kids meal. See more details here (including the awesome no per adult limit!)
Scholastic’s Summer Challenge: Starting May 8th, kids can keep track of their reading minutes by logging in to the site. In return, they can win digital prizes. Plus, they will be able to enter a sweepstakes for great prize packs and other fun rewards. Mom and Dad can also register in conjunction with their children to track progress and win prizes too. This program starts on May 9th. (Teachers can register early, but parents have to wait until 5/8 to register)
Showcase Cinemas Bookworm Wednesdays (select locations): Each Wednesday, kids can bring in a book report (unless you are six and under and then admission will be free) – which will be cost of admission!
Six Flags Read to Succeed: K-6 students who complete six hours of non-school-related reading approved by their parents and teachers are eligible for free admission to their nearest theme park. (Thanks Saving Dollars and Sense)
Sylvan’s Book Adventure Program: This program is for children in grades K-8. They search online for books and then find them in the library (or bookstore) and read them. Then, they come back and take quiz about the book and are rewarded with prizes for their reading success! (Program ending June 30 2018)
TD Bank Summer Reading Program – Read and keep track of 10 books this summer and your child will get $10 added to their Young Saver Account FREE! Contact your branch for details and participation. (Thanks Saving Dollars and Sense)
Local Libraries: Be sure to check with your local library to see what sort of summer reading program is offered.
Columbus peeps>> Chick-fil-A on Sawmill is offering a Summer Reading Offer too. Watch for details on the Chick-fil-A Sawmill Facebook page.
This is AMAZING!!! Super helpful, thank you!
You are welcome Eryn! Really is helpful to keep the kiddos reading.
This is GREAT!! Thanks for sharing all these ideas!
Sure! Thanks for checking them out!
I am a teacher and was literally just looking for a list to give to my students!! This is perfect!! Thank you for sharing!!
Perfect! I think my fave is the Barnes & Noble for the Free book. And of course Rusty Bucket for free food. Rewards are great positive reinforcements (for parents and kids)- but you know that as a teacher! 😉
Dang! Now THAT is a list! Sharing with my other mom friends. That Chuck E Cheese one is soooo going to get my son reading extra!
The Chuck E Cheese’s one actually offers several different reward calendar options. Great for mamas looking for a little extra incentive for the kiddos.