2025 Free Summer Reading Programs

Our big list of summer reading programs includes links to each program, lists of recommended books, and even free read-aloud sites! 

A big list of summer reading programs has been Updated for 2025 to include some programs that may not be free but are excellent. This year we have included a homeschool program with excellent printables you can use.

Those names with a line drawn through them are active links but the site has not been updated yet for 2025. I didn’t want to exclude them as they have been active in the previous years.

Table of Contents

• Summer Reading Programs
  • Check your local library for the All Together Now program
  • Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program
  • Barnes & Noble Summer Reading for Kids
  • Scholastic Summer Reading
  • Half Price Books
  • Sylvan Book Adventure
  • Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading
  • Books-A-Million Summer Reading Challenge
  • Showcase Cinemas Bookworm Wednesdays (Regional)
  • Sonlight Summer Reading
  • 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program
  • Chuck E. Cheese’s
  • Department of Defense Summer Reading
  • Sweet Sora Reads
• More Reading Resources
• Free Read -Aloud Sites
• More Summer Fun Ideas For Families

Summer Reading Programs

Check your local library for the All Together Now program

Get the details for your local library from your local library.

• Download or Print Reading Logs
• Earn Prizes

Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program

• Free printables including; puzzles, Dot-to-dot, coloring pages, mazes, finger puppets and more
• School registration is open now for grades K-6 including a Homeschool program
• Connect to a list of literary excursions to take your kids on this summer
• A free summer reading program for Pre-k-6th grade

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading for Kids

• Answer a few questions from reading 8 books onto a free downloadable journal
• Receive a free reading adventure from the list provided

Scholastic Summer Reading

• Read and log minutes
• Unlock activities and earn rewards
• Enter to win books

Half Price Books

• Summer Reading Camp for ages 14 and younger
• Earn Bookworm Bucks
• Printable Activity Sheets

Sylvan Book Adventure

This program has evolved and while it is a good program, it is not free.

• K-8 Read books and earn prizes
• Fun online quiz for recommended books
• Interactive Reading program

Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading

• Kids 18 and under
• Printable reading list provided
• Earn a commemorative certificate in recognition of your outstanding achievement
• Get an Excellence in Reading T-shirt, too!

Books-A-Million Summer Reading Challenge

• Download the reading journal
• Read any four books from the list
• Receive a free hat

Showcase Cinemas Bookworm Wednesdays (Regional)

• Present a book report
• Receive free admission to select children’s movies
• Accompanying parents or guardians and children under six years of age also receive free admission

Sonlight Summer Reading

• Designed for homeschoolers
• Great resource with lots of free printable incentives

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program

• The goal is to read 1,000 books to your child before they start kindergarten
• Yes, you can repeat books
• Free printable log sheets
• Milestone encouragement
• Certificate of completion
• Printable list of recommended books

Chuck E. Cheese’s

• Reading Rewards Free Printable

Department of Defense Summer Reading

• Military Family reading program
• Register to win prizes
• Log reading and activities

Sweet Sora Reads

•  Free, simultaneous-use ebooks (and select audiobooks) for grades K-12
• Program runs May 12, 2025 – Aug. 25, 2025

More Reading Resources

• Summer Reading Calendar
• Summer Reading Lists from the Association for Library Service to Children
• Reading Rockets Summer Reading Guide (Book ideas for every age)
• Summer of Reading by Georgia Public Broadcasting for all ages
• Bookshare for People with dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, and other reading barriers can customize their experience to suit their learning style and find virtually any book they need for school, work, or the joy of reading.
• Fordham University Summer Reading Improvement Online Program to improve reading skills for all grade levels. Limited enrollment.

Free Read -Aloud Sites

• Storyline Online  (children’s literacy website streaming imaginatively produced videos featuring actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations) Screen Actor’s Guild
• Just Books Read Aloud   (Children’s books read aloud by enthusiastic readers)
• Before you get everyone started on their summer reading list, take a few minutes and make some of these DIY Bookmarks to inspire interest! 

More Summer Fun Ideas For Families

• 55 Random Acts of Kindness Kids Can Do
• 300 Summer Ideas For Kids
• How To Make Milk Jug Bird Houses
• 35 Family-Friendly Games for Kids & Grown Ups
• Fairy Garden Ideas