Published: by Gretchen on May 18, 2026 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
If you’re looking for summer reading programs for kids, this is our comprehensive list of all the completely FREE programs for 2026!
{Looking for other fun summer deals? Kids can bowl for free and skate for free at many participating locations this summer!
The Best Summer Reading Programs 2026
Believe it or not, it’s almost that time of year again — when school is out and summer reading programs abound. Yay!
Note: We recommend calling your local stores to verify that they’re participating in these programs this year.
Do your kids love to read, too? If so, this is our big list of all the FREE summer reading programs that are available nationally!
Summer Reading Programs for Older Kids
Half Price Books — Half Price Books is hosting Summer Reading Camp for kids 14 or younger. Kids are encouraged to read 15 minutes per day to reach a total of at least 300 minutes. After that, they can turn in their completed reading log to their local store to earn Bookworm Bucks to spend. Each week they will also offer fun new printable activity sheets of all kinds!
Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program — Kids ages 18 and under can select a list from the grade level bands listed. Print the list and track each book you read by checking it off and recording the date it was read, along with a rating. Submit your list to receive a recognition certificate and T-shirt!
Pizza Hut Camp Book It — In addition to their annual school year program, Pizza Hut also has their summer reading program called Summer of Stories! Simply track your child’s reading during June, July, and August. Once they reach their monthly reading goal, they can redeem for a free one-topping personal pizza at Pizza Hut!
Sweet Sora Reads — Geared toward K-12, this program will run from May 12th through August 25th and offer a collection of free, simultaneous-use ebooks and select audiobooks.
Local Libraries — Above all, don’t forget about your local library! Most of them offer fun summer reading programs with prizes and more.Bonus: Don’t forget about the Pizza Hut Book-It Program that runs each school year!
Why Do a Summer Reading Program?
Summer reading programs are a great opportunity for kids to keep reading (and learning) even when they’re not in school.
Plus, they’re free and something your children can do anywhere and at any time!
With the added incentives and prizes offered, it’s a win-win for kids and their families!
Why are Summer Reading Programs Important?
It’s good for their brain development and can help them to retain more of what they learned during the school year.
Reading is also a great way to pass the time — time they might otherwise spend zoning out to screens!
How to Encourage Kids with a Summer Reading Program
The best way to encourage your children to do anything is by modeling the behavior you want for them — so start reading!
Ask them what types of books interest them and then ask your librarian to suggest similar books at the child’s reading level. Or, select books you can read aloud to them.
Make reading time fun with special snacks, by reading outside, or by letting them “stay up late” to read one more chapter.
FAQs for Kid Summer Reading Programs
What is the best reading program?
It depends on your child’s reading level and what would be the “best” motivator for him or her. Look through the list of online reading programs above and check out your local library offerings and then just pick one!
How do you organize a summer reading program?
Save time and let your local library organize it for you — or search online for a free summer reading program. Most libraries and dozens of online websites offer reading programs for free. Once you’ve selected the program you want to do, then have a set time each day where you and/or your children will read for at least 15-20 minutes. Make sure to record your reading time and follow up with the appropriate challenges, and of course, don’t forget to redeem any prizes or rewards!
Looking for a fun way to encourage and motivate your kids to read more? Or need a creative way for your kids to keep track of all the books they read through summer reading programs this year?
Be sure to download our FREE Kid’s Summer Reading Printable Pack! It comes with a reading challenge, reading time tracker, and fill-in-the-blank summer reading list.
Do you know of any other Summer Reading Programs we should add to this list for 2026? Let us know in the comments!
