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 — choose one or two of these 2026 summer reading challenges and let the prizes do a little of the motivating for you.
Updated June 9, 2026
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 Arlington Library
Your Arlington library is one of the best places to find free summer reading fun close to home.
Our libraries offer a wide range of summer programming for kids and teens. Visit your favorite library’s website or stop by your nearest branch to find out about local 2026 summer reading programs your family can join.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
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 the completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store and choose a free book. Rewards are redeemable July 1-August 31, 2026.
Books-A-Million Summer Reading Adventure
Kids can join the Books-A-Million Summer Reading Adventure by choosing four books from the Summer Reading Adventure section, writing about them in the printable logbook, and bringing the completed logbook to a Books-A-Million store for a free reward.
This is a good one for families who already love browsing the bookstore, but rewards and availability may vary by location.
Pizza Hut BOOK IT!
During June, July, and August 2026, kids can earn a free Pizza Hut single-topping Personal Pan Pizza from participating locations when they meet their parent-set reading goals.
Use the BOOK IT! Mobile App to set goals, track progress, and redeem rewards.
Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp
Beginning June 1, registered participants can access printable camp components all summer, including reading lists, activity ideas, coloring sheets, and reading logs.
Kids can take their completed reading logs to their local Half Price Books store to receive $5 Bookworm Bucks in June and July.
The Second Lady’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge
Kids entering kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to read and track 12 books of their choice between June 1 and September 4, 2026, as part of the Second Lady’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge.
Participants who complete the challenge can submit their reading log and receive a digital certificate, a personalized letter, an America250 bookmark, a prize link, and a chance to win a trip to the White House.
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 available year-round, 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 out this list:
Read Across America: 50 Kids' Books, One for Each State
Make Your Own Summer Reading Challenge at Home
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.
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