Next to the benefits of playing and swimming all summer long, reading is just about the most important thing kids can do this summer. Growing up, my mom made sure that I was constantly busy during the summer. Yes, I know she was motivated to get us out of the house, but I also know that she understood the benefit of keeping my brain engaged, even when school was out. My favorite place to visit was the library. I loved to sign up for reading contests, peruse the rows of books, and pick out new ones every week. I am incredibly grateful that my mom pushed me to read; her determination to keep me learning year-round put me on the path to success. After scouring the internet and interviewing a few Educator friends, I was able to put together this list of FREE kids summer reading programs to help keep the learning going over the next few months. I hope you all enjoy your summer and share these kids wonderful reading programs with your family and friends!
Books-A-Million
137 Spotsylvania Mall Dr #5800, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 (Spotsylvania Towne Centre)
There’s something for every reader at BAM this summer. Kids can get a free Maze Runner series water bottle with the Books-A-Million summer reading program. The kids must read four of the 75+ qualified books. Then they fill out a journal to show their progress, and return it to any Books-A-Million store. Check out their website HERE for additional information, or swing by their location here in town!
Scholastic Summer Challenge (Scholastic Books)
Scholastic has a summer reading challenge in which kids read and then go online to record the minutes they’ve read this summer. They’ll also be able to take weekly challenges to earn rewards. This reading program is online only, but offers a great array of books and information on age appropriate literacy. Visit their website HERE to enter the Summer Reading Challenge.
Barnes & Noble
1220 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (Central Park)
Kids can earn a FREE book after they read eights books and log them on the reading sheet. The Barnes and Noble kids summer reading program is only available to children in grades 1-6. Only one book is available for each child who completes a reading journal and choice must be made from the selected books available at the store. Please visit their website HERE for additional information and participation requirements at our local store.
Chuck E. Cheese's
1280 Central Park Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (Central Park)
With the Chuck E. Cheese kids summer reading program, kids earn 10 FREE tokens each time they read for two weeks in a row. Complete the form to claim the free tokens. A food purchase is required. Print out their calendar HERE, then bring it filled out to receive your free tokens (available in spanish and english).
Central Rappahannock Regional Libraries
Last but not least our local Central Rappahannock Libraries are offering their Summer Reading Program which starts June 1! Read whatever you want all summer long, complete missions, earn virtual badges, win prizes, and become eligible for raffles. They also offer story times and other reading-themed activities throughout the Summer months free. You can visit their website HERE for information , email sign up, as well as information on becoming a reading sponsor, and HERE for their list of story times offered.
