Top 9 FREE Summer Reading Programs for 2026 (Kiddos Can Earn Free Pizza & More)
These 2026 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 9 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:
- Download the summer reading journal in English or Spanish, or pick one up at your local Barnes & Noble store.
- 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.
- Head to your nearest Barnes & Noble and turn in the completed journal between July 1 and August 31, 2026. Find a location near you.
- 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, 2026.
*Also available in Spanish.
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 3rd, 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 Pop-It toy 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. 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.
Register up to five children between 4 and 12 years old in grades pre-K to 6th grade. Your child will be able to use this free app throughout the summer to earn one free personal pan pizza each month by meeting parent-set reading goals – the first reward drops July 1st–15th!
Head over to our Pizza Hut Book It post to learn more!
8. Reward the entire class with Panda Express’s Read With Me program!
Panda Express offers a Read With Me program for teachers and classrooms where students (Pre-K through 5th grade) can earn rewards for reading. After completing a reading goal (typically 5 books), students may receive a Kids Meal coupon, and teachers are provided with bookmarks and tracking materials to support the program.
9. Half Price Books has a free Reading Camp in June and July, where kids can earn up to $10 in Bookworm Bucks.
Summer Reading Camp at Half Price Books is back, starting June 1, and it’s an easy win for keeping kids reading all summer long. Once registered, families get access to fun printable camp extras all season. Think reading lists, activity ideas, and coloring sheets to keep things simple and engaging.
Plus, you can swing by your local HPB to pick up a Summer Reading Log for your camper, grab some cute camp stickers, and get the details on how kids can earn $5 Bookworm Bucks in June and July just for reading!
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.
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