7 Free Summer Reading Programs Kids (and Parents) Will Love

Looking for fun, free ways to keep your child reading this summer? You're in luck! Summer is the perfect time to build joyful reading habits—and with a little extra motivation (hello, free books, sweet treats, and even pizza!), kids might just surprise you with how much they read.

We’ve rounded up 7 exciting summer reading programs—some national, some right here in Asheville—that are easy to join and totally free. Whether your child is into silly stories, graphic novels, or picture books, there’s something on this list to keep them turning pages all summer long.

1. Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal
📚 Prize: A free book of your choice
🗓 When: July–August 2025
✍️ How it works: Download the Summer Reading Journal (English or Spanish), have your child read 8 books, and write a short response for each. Bring the completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store and pick out a free book from the summer reading list!

2. Panda Express “Read with Me” Program
🍱 Prize: A free kids meal
📖 How it works: Sign up for the Read with Me program online. You’ll get printable bookmarks and fun materials. Once your child reads 5 books, you’ll receive a coupon for a free kids meal.

3. Nothing Bundt Cakes “Books & Bundts”
🎂 Prize: A free mini bundt cake
📅 When: June 1 – August 31, 2025
🕒 How it works: Kids PreK–elementary can track 400 minutes of reading (just 15 minutes a day!). Download or pick up a reading tracker at your local Asheville store, then turn it in for a sweet reward. All three Asheville locations are participating!

4. Buncombe County Libraries Summer Reading Challenge
📖 Prize: A free book, bookmark & kiddie scoop from The Hop
🌈 For ages: 0–18
📍 Where: At any of Buncombe County’s 12 public libraries
🗺 How it works: Pick up an activity sheet at your nearest library. Complete 10 fun reading-related activities and return the sheet for a free book, bookmark, and a scoop of ice cream from The Hop. Details here.


5. Chuck E. Cheese Rewards Calendar
🎮 Prize: 10 free play points
📆 When: Ongoing through 12/31/25
📝 How it works: Download the Reading Rewards Calendar, track two weeks of reading, and bring it to any Chuck E. Cheese for free play points.

6. Pizza Hut “Book It!” Digital Program
🍕 Prize: Monthly reward certificate for a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza
📲 How it works: Parents and caregivers can sign up online to track reading through the Book It! digital dashboard. Kids in PreK–6th grade can earn a pizza reward each month from June to August.


7. Little Free Libraries Around Asheville
📚 Prize: Free books, anytime
🏘 Where: All around Asheville neighborhoods!
🔍 How it works: Visit a Little Free Library near you, take a book, leave a book, or just explore. It’s a free, year-round way to build your home library and discover new stories together.​


Let Reading Be the Reward
From bundt cakes to books, Asheville’s local libraries, businesses, and national programs are making reading even more rewarding this summer. Whether your child is already a bookworm or just starting to warm up to reading, these programs offer something special to help keep the joy of learning alive all season long.

🌞 Take Action Today: Choose one or two programs to explore this week. Set a reading goal with your child. Then celebrate their progress—big or small. You’ve got this!

Want more reading ideas and activities for kids? Check out our monthly Family Reading Newsletter with book recommendations, check out our blog, or follow us on social media @r2sasheville for tips, book picks, and local literacy events happening all summer.