Amazing & Free! Kid’s Summer Reading Programs That Make Learning Fun (and Rewarding!)
Summer’s here, and if you’re a parent looking to keep those young minds sharp (without a daily screen-time battle), we’ve got you covered! These summer reading programs make it easy—and fun—for your child to dive into books all season long. From reading rewards to storytime adventures, these summer reading programs for kids across the Twin Cities (and virtually) turn the library or your at-home reading nook into your family’s favorite summer hangout. Whether you’re raising a reluctant reader or a mini bookworm, you’ll find fun (and often free) summer learning ideas for kids that spark imagination, boost literacy, and make reading feel like a true adventure.
Please keep reading to discover our top picks for the best Kid’s Summer Reading Programs.
Check Your Local Public Library
Visit your local library first. They often offer one of the best (and most fun!) ways to tap into Twin Cities summer reading programs for kids. Our libraries provide incredible, free summer reading programs for kids across the Twin Cities, complete with books, prizes, and creative activities that make reading exciting. Visit the MELSA website to explore what your local library has planned. It covers programs and libraries across the Twin Cities metro area.
To get you started, here are two programs happening this summer. However, most country library systems across Minnesota offer summer reading programs for kids.
- Summer Spark at St. Paul Public Library, where kids and teens (ages 0–18) can complete fun reading challenges from June 1 to August 31 and earn prizes along the way. St. Paul Public Libraries also offer summer storytime hours for kids.
- In Hennepin County, libraries are buzzing with summer fun, too, offering book clubs, events, and more than 800 free classes and events for kids of all ages. Check your local Hennepin County library story time hours for this summer!
- Summer Discovery at Dakota County Libraries. You pick up your activity log, complete the activities and return your completed log by Aug. 31 for a free book. Summer Discovery materials are available for the following age groups, children 0 – 11 and teens age 12-18. Available while supplies last.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program is a favorite among summer reading programs for kids in Minnesota—and for good reason! It’s simple, fun, and a great way to keep kids excited about reading.
Kids in grades 1–6 read any eight books over the summer (library books, borrowed books, or books from home all count!), jot down their favorite part of each one in the official Summer Reading Journal, and bring the completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store near them between July 1 and August 31. The best part? They can choose a FREE book from a special list of age-appropriate stories. You can find the printable journals here to keep track!
It’s an easy win for families looking for summer reading programs for kids in Minnesota that offer extra motivation—and a great way to build your home library for free!
Red Balloon Bookshop, Saint Paul
891 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
Looking for a creative and LOCAL twist on Twin Cities summer reading programs for kids? Head to Red Balloon Bookshop in Saint Paul for their imaginative and inclusive Summer Reading Bingo! Details for the 2025 program are still coming, but generally, the program works like this:
This beloved indie bookstore kicks off its program with bingo cards packed full of fun prompts—like reading about people different from you or trying a new genre. Kids fill in a title for each square, and once they complete a bingo (four in a row, any direction), they can stop by the store to claim a prize from the Red Balloon treasure chest!
Feeling ambitious? Complete the entire card for a blackout and score a prize pack loaded with Grand Avenue coupons—plus a secret invitation to the end-of-summer reading party! Bingo sheets are typically available starting with Saint Paul’s Grand Old Day (mid-June) and can be turned in anytime through Labor Day weekend. It’s a joyful, community-powered way to celebrate reading in the Twin Cities!
Finally, Red Balloon Bookshop offers summer storytime hours, book clubs, and other events for all ages. Click here for their full calendar of events.
Wild Rumpus Books, Minneapolis
2720 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410
If you’re exploring Twin Cities summer reading programs with your kids, don’t miss the magic at Wild Rumpus Books in Minneapolis! Tucked into the whimsical Linden Hills neighborhood, this beloved children’s bookstore is more than just shelves of stories—it’s a summer reading adventure wrapped in fur, feathers, and imagination.
Details are still coming, but generally, Wild Rumpus launches its in-store Summer Reading Challenge in June. The program invites kids and grown-ups to grab a bingo sheet, read through the prompts, and return it by the end of August to earn prizes (plus a chance at big rewards!). Whether your child has a towering summer stack or needs help picking out their next read, the friendly staff (and maybe a bookstore cat or two) are ready to help.
Wild Rumpus is a joyful place to celebrate reading all summer. It offers cozy reading nooks, weekly storytime, and a wide range of books in English, Spanish, and other languages. Click here for its full calendar of events, story times, and book clubs.
Legacy Toys Summer Reading Club
Looking for fun and rewarding summer reading programs for kids across Minnesota? Legacy Toys makes reading exciting for all ages with their Summer Reading Club! Stop by any Legacy Toys location—from the Roseville to Duluth, Edina, Minnetonka, and more—to participate this summer.
Kids can record 15 hours of reading each month and earn $5 in Legacy Reading Bucks to spend in-store. That’s up to $15 in rewards over the summer! It’s the perfect way to keep young readers motivated and engaged all summer long. Whether your child is devouring books on dinosaurs or embarking on magical adventures in faraway lands, Legacy Toys adds a little extra magic (and prizes!) to the journey.
Half Price Books
Half Price Books offers a free and adventurous way to keep kids ages 0–12 engaged all summer! Their Summer Reading Camp is one of the most fun summer learning ideas for kids! Starting in June, families can pick up a reading log and Reward Map in-store or sign up online to receive themed book lists, craft ideas, and printable activities delivered to your inbox.
As your child reads and completes activities, they’ll earn Bookworm Bucks to spend in-store—an exciting motivator for young readers! With themes like “Camp Creativity” and “Camp Curiosity,” this program encourages kids to explore new genres and get hands-on with book-inspired crafts. Whether your kiddo is devouring picture books or diving into chapter books, Summer Reading Camp makes it easy to turn reading into an epic adventure.
Bonus: It’s flexible and fits right into your summer schedule.
Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese offers a fun way to keep your child reading and playing all summer! With their Reading Rewards Calendar, kids can earn 10 free play points every time they read for two weeks in a row. Print the calendar at home, track their reading, and bring it to your local Chuck E. Cheese to claim the reward (with any food purchase).
There’s no limit to how often your child can earn rewards, making this a great way to keep the reading momentum going all summer. It’s one of the more playful options among summer reading programs—and yes, they even have other silly reward charts like the “No Nose Picking” calendar for preschoolers! So grab a slice, sip a soda, and let your kids celebrate their reading wins with games and giggles. Talk about an easy, screen-free summer reading program for kids!
Pizza Hut Book-It Program
Yes, this program still exists! And it’s one of the best summer reading programs for kids. Camp BOOK IT! is one of the tastiest reading programs for kids because what’s better than free pizza in exchange for a bit of reading? Parents can set custom reading goals for their kids in June, July, and August using the BOOK IT!® mobile app. As kids track their progress and meet their goals, they’ll earn a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza® from Pizza Hut (at participating locations).
This digital program makes it easy to stay motivated all summer long. Families can opt-in to receive weekly reading activity ideas by email. It’s a great way to encourage consistent reading while adding a yummy reward to celebrate their efforts.
Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge
Are you looking for fun summer learning ideas for kids? Scholastic’s Summer Reading on Home Base offers an engaging, interactive way to keep kids reading during the school break. Kids can explore the Summer Zone inside Scholastic Home Base, a free digital destination with stories, games, and book-based adventures. From May to September
Home Base is safe and fully moderated 24/7, allowing kids to connect with characters, attend live author events, and join a global community of young readers. Kids can even track their reading and help Scholastic donate books to communities in need.
No subscriptions, downloads, or purchases are required—just pure bookish fun. Whether you’re at the cabin or on the go, this is a great way to turn screen time into reading time!
Mensa for Kids’ Excellence in Reading
While not exclusive to summer, the MENSA for Kids Excellence in Reading Program is a fantastic year-round challenge—and one of our favorite fun summer learning ideas for kids.
Kids (and teens!) choose from curated book lists based on four grade-level books featuring high-quality literature drawn from the National Endowment for the Humanities’ favorites. As they complete the list, they track their progress by hand, then mail it in to receive a certificate of achievement and a free Excellence in Reading T-shirt!
A Mensa membership is not required, and the program is open to readers under 18 worldwide. Whether your child devours chapter books or tackles the classics, this is a powerful way to build reading stamina and literary appreciation. It is also one of the top summer reading programs for kids.
Create Your Own Kid’s Summer Reading Program
Want to keep your kids reading all summer long at their own pace? Create your own custom summer reading program right at home! One of the most fun summer learning ideas for kids, this DIY approach lets you tailor everything to your child’s age, reading level, and interests.
Build a book list together using your home collection, your local library’s summer picks, or gems you find in neighborhood Little Free Libraries. You can make it official with printed reading logs, homemade bingo cards, or themed challenges like “read under a tree” or “read a book with a map.”
Set milestone rewards—stickers, a treat, or a backyard celebration! It’s a flexible and free summer reading program for kids that turns reading into a personalized adventure all season long.
Kid’s Summer Reading Programs! Have a Great Summer Reading with your Kids!
These fun summer learning ideas for kids in Minnesota will turn even the hottest days into cool reading adventures! Whether your child is motivated by tokens, pizza, prizes, or the joy of literary discovery, there’s no shortage of reading programs to keep them turning pages all summer break.
From bookstores and libraries to national challenges and DIY storybook adventures, these free and fun summer reading programs for kids offer something for every kind of reader. Not only do they build great habits, but they also spark imagination and make literacy part of the summer thrill. So pick a program—or two—and dive into the best summer reading programs for kids.
Check out our Books Resource & Recommendations Guide here.
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
