Summer starts with the best intentions... and then suddenly it’s week two, everyone is bored, and screens start winning.
I always mean to keep my kids reading over summer break, but it’s a lot easier when there’s a little motivation involved. These summer reading programs for kids make it fun, and even better, many offer free books, prizes, and rewards just for reading.
If you want an easy summer win — less boredom, more reading — This is the one thing that actually works for us 👇
Get Your FREE Summer Reading Challenge Bookmarks
These printable bookmarks turn reading into a fun challenge with prompts like: Read a mystery, a superhero story, or a book recommended by a friend.
It’s simple, fun, and gives them just enough structure without feeling like school.
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Download the FREE bookmarks →
Your Local Library
Your local library is still one of the best places to find free summer reading fun.
Libraries usually offer a wide range of summer programming for kids, and sometimes even adults too. These programs usually begin as soon as local schools start summer break, or very shortly after. These challenges can either help them branch out into new genres or authors, include free t-shirts, entice them with cool prizes at the end of the summer for completion, entered into raffles for museum tickets or local giveaways, or just give kids a way to hold themselves accountable.
Here are the local library summer reading programs near Wheaton, IL that we know about:
- Wheaton Public Library: May 28th - August 1st
- Carol Stream Library: May 26th - August 9th
- Helen Plum Library: June 1st - August 1st
- West Chicago Library: June 1st - July 27th
- Warrenville Library: June 1st - July 31st
- Glen Ellyn Library: June 1st – July 31st
- Winfield Library: June 1st - July 31st
- Bloomingdale Library: June 1st - August 1st
- Glenside Library: June 7th - July 31st
Even more fun, lots of libraries celebrate the start of their Summer Reading Program with fun kick-off events that help kids get signed up, and have some fun while they're there!
Local Summer Reading Progam Kickoff Events
- Thur May 28, 2026, Ice Cream Social & Kickoff Event at Wheaton Library
- Sat May 30, 2026, Summer Reading Kick-Off at Carol Stream Library
- Mon June 1, 2026, Summer Reading Kickoff at Winfield Library
- Thur June 4, 2026, Summer Reading Kick-Off & Ice Cream Social at West Chicago Library
- Sat June 6, 2026, Kona Ice Kickoff Event at Glenside Library
- Sat June 6, 2026, Reading Challenge Roundup at Warrenville Library
- Mon June 8, 2026, Ice Cream Social at Glen Ellyn Library
Barnes & Noble
This summer, kids in grades 1-6 can earn a FREE book through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program.
Kids read any eight books and record them in their Summer Reading Journal. When they’re done, bring it to a Barnes & Noble store and choose a free book. Redeemable: July 1-August 31, 2026.
Pizza Hut BOOK IT!
During June, July, and August 2026 any child who meets their parent-set reading goals can earn a free Pizza Hut single-topping Personal Pan Pizza from participating locations.
Use the BOOK IT! Mobile App to set goals, track progress, and redeem rewards.
Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp
Beginning on June 1, registered participants can access printable camp components all summer, including reading lists, activity ideas, and coloring sheets. Kids can take their completed reading logs to their local HPB to receive $5 Bookworm Bucks in June and July.
New York Times Summer Reading Contest
This one is a great fit for teens.
Teens can read The New York Times and answer the prompt, “What got your attention in The Times this week?” each week for 10 weeks beginning in June.
There will be free teen-friendly content available to anyone without a subscription. Entries are judged, and winning entries are published on The Learning Network. There are specific rules to follow, plus advice for creating a winning entry, so be sure to read the full details on their website.
Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program
Looking for a more structured reading challenge? The Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program encourages kids to read from grade-level book lists and earn recognition for completing an entire list. Kids who complete the program can earn a commemorative certificate and an Excellence in Reading T-shirt.
This program is open to readers under 18 and is a year-round program, so kids can keep reading even after summer ends.
To participate, kids choose a list, track the books they read by hand, and submit the completed list and order form to the Mensa Foundation.
More info and reading lists here.
Need some book suggestions?
Check with your local librarian - they have TONS of great ideas for new books keep your little ones engaged. We also love these curated lists from ReadBrightly.com:
The Ultimate Summer Reading List for Kids Ages 3 – 5
The Ultimate Summer Reading List for Kids Ages 6 – 8
The Ultimate Summer Reading List for Kids Ages 9 – 12
The Ultimate YA Summer Reading List
Make Your Own Summer Reading Challenge
None of these a good fit for your family? Use our free printable bookmarks to make up your own challenge and prizes!
You can design your own bookmark with family reading goals or use one of our pre-made challenges and offer small weekly rewards, or let kids choose their own prize after finishing a certain number of books.
It’s simple, fun… and might just buy you a little less “I’m bored” this summer.
Love free printables and other ideas for creative fun for kids?
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