Free Summer Reading Programs for Kids 2018

There are a LOT of great programs that your children can take advantage of to earn FREE books, prizes, and cash!

Here is a roundup for programs available to families in Minnesota (for the full national list, check out this list from Saving Dollars and Sense!).

Barnes & Noble Imagination Destination – This summer reading program through Barnes & Noble gives your child the ability to earn a FREE book after reading 8 books and keeping track of them in a reading log.

Local Public Library – Don’t forget to check out your local libraries to find out which programs they’ll be offering this summer. My kids have participated in several Summer reading Programs through the library and it always includes FREE books & prizes. Visit the MELSA website to learn more about the summer Bookawocky programs in local Twin Cities area libraries!

Chuck E. Cheese – Earn FREE tokens every time your child reads. Just print out the bookmarks which are each worth 5 FREE tokens and bring it in to claim your free tokens. (Note – as of this publishing, they haven’t updated the bookmarks for 2018 – check with your local Chuck E>Cheese.)

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge – Log in your reading minutes to the Scholastic site and your child will be able to participate in a World Record challenge as well as earn digital prizes!

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.

Another program is the Pizza Hut Book-It Program. This existed when I was a kid and is still going strong! Kids who read can earn a free personal pan pizza. They also have free printables for summer fun.

Programs like these are a great way to encourage our children to continue reading throughout the summer months. If you know of any other programs that aren’t listed here, please feel free to leave the information in a comment below!