Families love participating in Free Summer Reading Programs. The great incentives keep kids reading books all summer long. Check out the list of summer reading programs for kids being offered this year.

For many years, we have loved to participate in Free Summer Reading Programs.  From fun trinkets, to local coupons and even bike raffles- these great incentives keep my kids in the books all summer long.  Check out the list below of programs being offered for 2021.

Please note; with these unprecedented times, some programs may have changed from previous years or not been updated yet. Please check your location for participation.

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: Kids in grades 1-6, fill out the Summer Reading Journal. Then turn in the completed form at a store and choose a free book from the list! Bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between July 1st and August 31st, 2021.

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, now you must sign up to access “rewards”)

Half Price Books: NOTE: Site not yet updated for 2021. Kids should read (or be read to) for at least 15 minutes a day during June and July. Share your weekly log by tagging @halfpricebooks and use the hashtag #FeedYourBrain for a chance to win prizes.

H.E.B. Summer Reading Club: When your kids read 10 or more books, they can submit a form and end up getting a cool prize (which includes a T-Shirt). Just fill out the form including the books your child has read (if your kids can’t read, you can just list the books you read to them) and mail to the address on the form!

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. Register now to be notified when the program begins.

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: From Monday, April 26 to Friday, September 3, kids can keep track of their reading by logging in to the site. In return, they will earn book donations. Scholastic Home Base is a free digital destination that offers full books, live events, and games.

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: Due to COVID-19, the 2021 Read to Succeed Program has been suspended. Unused tickets earned during the 2020 season will be valid through August 31, 2021

TD Bank Summer Reading Program – NOTE: Site not yet updated for 2021. 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.

Local Libraries: Be sure to check with your local library to see what sort of summer reading program is offered. Many reward readers with great local coupons and raffles.

• Columbus Metro Libary Summer Reading Challenge here. 2021 Program May 29-July 31
• Worthington Libraries Summer Reading Club here

I love the coupon prizes for both these library systems. And they both offer “adult” rewards too- so the whole family can get rewarded for reading this summer.

Chick-fil-A on Sawmill is offering a Summer Reading Offer too. Watch for details on the Chick-fil-A Sawmill Facebook page. NOTE: offer not updated for 2021 yet.

 Looking for more Summer Fun for the Kiddos?!  

Check out these ideas for Back Yard Summer Camp and more, because Summer is Not Canceled.

Check out my list of Summer Movie Programs too! (not yet updated for 2021 due to theatre closures)