10 of the Best Free Kids Summer Reading Programs for 2025 – Kiddos Can Earn Prizes!

These 2025 summer reading programs will keep kids learning all summer long!

Looking for a fun way to prevent the summer slump? These free reading programs will keep your kids engaged, learning, and excited about books all summer!

Note that some deals begin on June 1st or later, so be sure to bookmark this page for future summer reading programs that become available! 

Check out these 10 free summer reading programs…

1. Kids can earn a FREE book from the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program.

Through August 31st, Barnes & Noble is hosting a Summer Reading Program, where kids in grades 1-6 can earn a completely FREE book by following these easy steps:

1. Download the summer reading journal in English or Spanish, or pick one up at your local Barnes & Noble store.
2. Have your child read ANY eight books this summer and record them in the journal. They’ll need to share the book’s title and author, along with their favorite part of each book.
3. Head to your nearest Barnes & Noble and turn in the completed journal between July 1 and August 31, 2025. Find a location near you.
4. Choose a free book from the titles listed in the reading journal!

2. OR turn reading into rewards with Play Points from Chuck E. Cheese!

Chuck E. Cheese has a Reading Rewards Calendar that kids can complete over the summer. Just read every day for two weeks, track your progress on the calendar, and then trade it in for 10 FREE play points at your local Chuck E. Cheese.

Even better, your child can start working on a new calendar every two weeks for multiple redemptions all summer long! Your offer for free play points is valid until December 31, 2025.

3. Join the Books & Bundts program to score sweet treats for reading.

Did you know Nothing Bundt Cakes has a reading program for kids? The Books & Bundts program (also found under their FAQ section). You’ll pair with your child’s school and use an easy tracker to log your kiddos’ progress. When they reach a goal, celebrate with a FREE Bundlet! Note that participation depends on location, so be sure to reach out to your local Nothing Bundt Cakes for more information!

4. Celebrate your child’s reading success with a FREE kids T-shirt from Mensa. 

The Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading program is open to all readers under the age of 18, and it will keep your kids reading high-quality literature all summer long!

To participate, kids can select one of these reading lists based on their grade level or reading ability. Then, print the appropriate list and have your child read all the books on it. Your child can track their progress by checking off each book and recording the date it was read, along with a rating.

After both the reader and an adult have signed the completed list, it can be sent to the Mensa Foundation at the address provided. Once the list is received, your child will get a commemorative certificate and an Excellence in Reading T-shirt, too!

5. Start a reading streak that lasts beyond summer with Scholastic’s Reading Program!

Now through September 12th, kids can participate in the Scholastic Summer Reading Program. Participants will get access to the Scholastic Home Base, a free digital community full of books, live events, and games in a kid-safe environment that is moderated for safety 24/7.

Readers will be encouraged to track their reading streaks to earn rewards, unlock fun digital experiences, and donate books to communities in need. Head on over to their website to learn more!

6. Books-A-Million has fun freebies that are worth waiting for! 

Kids can participate in the Books A Million reading program and possibly earn a FREE Dogman backpack when they read just four books! Simply record the title/ author, favorite character, and best part in this free printable journal, then head to a local Books A Million to claim your prize.

7. Sonlight gives away FREE summer reading kits & more prizes! 

Starting June 1st through August 31st, Sonlight is offering a free summer reading kit when you click ‘Take the Challenge’ on this page. Plus, kids can score a FREE Sonlight book light and possible $50 off Sonlight purchase coupon.

8. Nothing goes better than pizza & reading – except FREE pizza! Get ready for Pizza Hut BOOK It!

Kids can earn one pizza per month in June, July, and August with the BOOK IT! mobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

They need to read at least 20 minutes a day for at least 15 days during the summer months!

This new Summer of Stories program is replacing “Camp Book IT” to help streamline parents’ participation in the summer program and make it easier to set and track reading goals for their children!

Bookmark this page for all the tasty details! 🍕

9. Reward the entire class with Panda Express’ Read With Me program! 

Did you know you can get a FREE bookmark for everyone with Panda Express Read With Me program? Plus, kids can also score a free meal coupon when they read five books!

How to enroll: Teachers can create a free Panda Express Read With Me account. You will be asked to first ‘create an enrollment‘ which includes the child’s school, address, principal’s email, and approximate school size. Once verified, Panda Express will send bookmarks and free meal coupons to everyone!

10. Half Price Books typically holds a free Reading Camp every summer.

In the past, the Summer Reading Camps started on June 1st. Although more details are not available for 2025, you can register for child or children for free now.

Looking for even more free reading programs?

• Check with your public library for local summer reading programs, as many of them will have summer reading programs for kids. In addition, many may offer FREE storytime, family movie days, kids clubs, activities, and more throughout the summer!
• Get free books any time of the year at Imagination Library! Founded by Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library provides free books to kids from birth to age five through local funding. To get started, click on ‘Can I register my child’. Note that availability varies by location. 

After reading, try these other fun summer activities for kids!