Make Reading the Highlight of Summer with These Amazing Kids’ Rewards Programs!
Summer isn’t just for sprinklers and sunscreen. It’s also the perfect time to turn your kids into full-blown bookworms—with serious rewards to match! That’s right, we’re talking about summer reading rewards programs that make literacy fun, delicious, and downright magical. Whether your little reader dreams of earning free pizza, a Chuck E. Cheese play session, or even their very own Bundt cake, this summer's lineup of programs delivers something for every kiddo.
Here’s a look at the hottest summer reading programs to help your family beat the heat with brainpower!
🎮 Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards
Turn pages, earn play! With the Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards Calendar, kids log 14 days of reading, then cash in their completed chart for 10 FREE play points at participating locations. And guess what? They can do it every two weeks—through December 31, 2025!
🧃 Pro tip: Grab a snack and let them celebrate every reading streak with a round of skee-ball!
🍰 Books & Bundts by Nothing Bundt Cakes
Reading goals + cake = a total win. The Books & Bundts program rewards kids with a FREE Bundlet for meeting their reading milestones. Just track their progress and check with your local bakery to join the fun.
Note: Participation varies, so contact your store for details!
📚 Scholastic Home Base
The Scholastic Summer Reading Program goes digital with Home Base—a safe, interactive space where kids can read, play, and join live events. As they track their reading streaks, they unlock new experiences and help donate books to underserved communities.
📅 Runs through September 12—don’t miss out!
🧠 Mensa for Kids
This one’s for the brainy bunch! The Excellence in Reading program challenges kids to read classic, high-quality literature. When they finish their selected list, they’ll earn a certificate and T-shirt—hello, bragging rights!
📖 Half Price Books Camp
Starting June 1, kids can pick up a reading log from Half Price Books and earn $5 in Bookworm Bucks after logging their summer reads. That’s free money to buy even more books. Smart, right?
📆 Logs due by July 31—set those reminders!
🥡 Panda Express Read With Me
Teachers, this one’s for you! Sign your class up for Read With Me and receive bookmarks plus free meal coupons for students who complete five books. Reading never tasted so good.
📗 Barnes & Noble Journal Rewards
Kids in grades 1–6 who read eight books and complete a reading journal can choose a FREE book in-store (worth up to $11.99!). Just bring the journal to a B&N between July 1 and August 31.
🌍 Books-A-Million Passport Program
Swing by a Books-A-Million store to grab a summer reading passport. As your child checks off books, they get closer to earning a free backpack or other prize. Dates vary, so stay tuned.
🍕 Pizza Hut BOOK IT!
Ah, the classic. The Pizza Hut Summer of Stories lets parents set monthly goals in the BOOK IT! app. When kids meet them? FREE Personal Pan Pizza, baby! Families can redeem up to five pizzas a month through August.
📱 Download the app and get those goals going!
📖 Don’t Forget Your Local Library!
Many libraries offer prize-filled reading programs, scavenger hunts, and events all summer long. Some even partner with national brands for extra goodies. Check your local branch—you might be surprised what they have in store!
Make Reading Your Family's Favorite Summer Tradition
These educational programs for kids prove that reading can be just as exciting as any summer camp or water park day. By mixing books with tangible rewards (hello, pizza and cake), we help kids build confidence, strengthen skills, and make screen-free memories.
Ready to turn reading into the highlight of summer break? Dive into one—or all—of these fun, frugal programs and watch your kids fall in love with books one page at a time.
👉 Check out more kid-friendly fun and learning ideas at ConsumerQueen.com – Just for Kids
