As summer rolls in, it’s time to unlock a world of fun and learning for your little bookworms with some of the best reading rewards programs out there! Imagine your child enjoying a thrilling adventure with a favorite book and then scoring exciting rewards like FREE play points at Chuck E. Cheese or a tasty Bundlet from the Books & Bundts program. These summer reading programs not only keep kids entertained but also help them develop a lifelong love for reading. From the Scholastic reading program’s digital rewards to the opportunity for a FREE personal pan pizza with the revamped Pizza Hut BOOK IT! initiative, there’s something for every young reader to look forward to. So, why not dive into these educational programs for kids and make reading a thrilling part of your family’s budget-friendly summer fun?
Explore Summer Reading Programs
Summer reading programs are a fantastic way to keep kids engaged with books during their break. Let’s dive into some exciting options that combine learning with fun rewards!
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards
Chuck E. Cheese’s Reading Rewards Calendar is a hit among kids and parents alike. This program encourages daily reading habits while offering a tasty incentive.
Here’s how it works: Children read every day for two weeks and track their progress on a special calendar. Once completed, they can trade it in for 10 FREE play points at their local Chuck E. Cheese.
The best part? Kids can start a new calendar every two weeks, allowing for multiple redemptions throughout the summer. It’s a win-win situation – children improve their reading skills and get to enjoy some fun at Chuck E. Cheese.
Remember, this offer for free play points is valid until December 31, 2025, giving families plenty of time to participate and reap the rewards.
Books & Bundts Program
The Books & Bundts program from Nothing Bundt Cakes is a sweet way to encourage reading. This unique initiative combines the joy of reading with delicious treats.
Parents can partner with their child’s school and use an easy tracker to log reading progress. When children reach their reading goals, they’re rewarded with a FREE Bundlet – a miniature version of Nothing Bundt Cakes’ famous cakes.
It’s important to note that participation may vary by location. To get involved, reach out to your local Nothing Bundt Cakes store for more information and to confirm their participation in the program.
This program not only promotes reading but also teaches children about goal-setting and the sweet rewards of achievement.
Scholastic Reading Program
The Scholastic Summer Reading Program, running through September 12th, offers a digital twist to summer reading. It’s designed to keep kids engaged with books while also providing a safe, interactive online experience.
Participants gain access to Scholastic Home Base, a free digital community filled with books, live events, and games. This kid-safe environment is moderated 24/7, ensuring a secure space for young readers.
The program encourages readers to track their reading streaks, earning rewards and unlocking fun digital experiences along the way. As an added bonus, participation helps donate books to communities in need, teaching children about the importance of giving back.
For more information and to get started, visit the Scholastic website. It’s a great way to combine reading, technology, and community service all in one program!
Fun Reading Challenges for Kids
Reading challenges add an element of excitement to summer reading. These programs offer unique rewards and experiences that make reading even more enjoyable for kids.
Mensa for Kids Excellence
The Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading program is an exceptional opportunity for young readers under 18. It challenges kids to read high-quality literature throughout the summer and beyond.
To participate, children select a reading list based on their grade level or reading ability. They can print the list and track their progress by checking off each book, recording the date read, and giving it a rating.
Once the list is completed and signed by both the reader and an adult, it can be sent to the Mensa Foundation. As a reward, the child receives a commemorative certificate and an Excellence in Reading T-shirt.
This program not only encourages reading but also introduces children to a diverse range of literature, helping to broaden their horizons and deepen their appreciation for different writing styles.
Half Price Books Camp
Half Price Books’ Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Camp is a fantastic way to keep kids reading all summer long. This program is open to all children 18 and under, making it accessible for a wide range of young readers.
Starting June 1st, kids can pick up a reading log from any Half Price Books store. They’re encouraged to read throughout the summer and record their progress on the log.
After completing the log, children earn $5 in Bookworm Bucks, which work just like gift cards in Half Price Books stores. It’s a great way to reward reading while also encouraging kids to choose new books they’re excited about.
Remember, reading logs must be turned in by July 31st to earn the Bookworm Bucks. It’s a simple yet effective way to make reading a rewarding summer activity!
Panda Express Read With Me
Panda Express’s Read With Me program offers a unique twist on reading rewards, benefiting both individual students and entire classrooms. This program combines reading with delicious rewards, making it a hit among kids and teachers alike.
Teachers can create a free Panda Express Read With Me account to enroll their class. The enrollment process includes providing school details and approximate class size. Once verified, Panda Express sends bookmarks to everyone in the class.
The real excitement comes when kids read five books – they can earn a free meal coupon! This not only encourages individual reading but also promotes a collective reading culture in the classroom.
It’s a great way for teachers to motivate their students and for Panda Express to support education in local communities. Plus, who doesn’t love free food as a reward for reading?
Free Books and Prizes
What’s better than reading? Reading and earning free books and prizes! These programs offer tangible rewards that make reading even more exciting for kids.
Barnes & Noble Reading Program
The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program is a fantastic opportunity for children in grades 1-6 to earn free books. This program encourages kids to read and reflect on their reading experiences.
Here’s how it works:
- Children select eight books to read over the summer.
- They complete a reading journal, recording their thoughts about each book.
- Between July 1 and August 31, 2025, they return the completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store.
- As a reward, the child gets to choose a free book from a selected list.
The free books available are typically worth between $5.99 and $11.99, making this a valuable reward for young readers. It’s important to note that the free book must be claimed in-store, not online.
This program not only encourages reading but also helps children develop critical thinking skills as they reflect on their reading experiences.
Books-A-Million Passport
The Books-A-Million summer reading program is an exciting adventure for young readers. While the exact dates for 2025 are still to be determined, the program typically runs during the summer months.
Participating is easy. Kids can stop by a Books-A-Million store to pick up a reading passport. This passport serves as a fun way to track their reading progress throughout the summer.
As children complete the reading list in their passport, they work towards earning a special prize. In previous years, the reward has been a free backpack – a practical and exciting gift for any child.
This program not only encourages consistent reading habits but also adds an element of adventure to the reading experience. It’s like taking a literary journey with a tangible reward at the end!
Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Rewards
The Pizza Hut BOOK IT! program has been encouraging young readers for years, and its summer initiative, now called “Summer of Stories,” is no exception. This program combines the joy of reading with the delicious reward of pizza.
Here’s how the summer program works:
- Parents download the BOOK IT! app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
- They set reading goals for their children for June, July, and August.
- As kids meet these monthly goals, they unlock a free 1-topping Personal Pan Pizza.
Children can earn one pizza per month, with a limit of five pizzas per family each month. With each Personal Pan Pizza valued at around $6.69 (prices may vary), a child could earn over $20 worth of pizza for their summer reading efforts!
This program not only rewards reading but also allows families to celebrate their child’s achievements together over a delicious meal. It’s a tasty way to keep kids motivated to read all summer long!
Local Library Partnerships
Don’t forget to check with your local libraries for their summer reading programs. Many libraries partner with local and nationwide companies to offer unique rewards for readers. These partnerships often provide opportunities for kids to earn exciting prizes while encouraging them to discover new books and authors. Libraries can be a treasure trove of resources and motivation for young readers looking to dive into summer fun with a literary twist!
