Summer Reading Programs 2022: Kids' Reading Programs near Arlington, Texas

Summer break is (practically) here!

Time for summer vacations, lazy days by the pool, day and overnight camps and just general relaxing and thinking about anything except school.

Buuuuut (my kids are going "Mom, don't even talk about learning" as I type this), if you are like me, you want your kids to do something, anything, that resembles learning over the summer.

Reading is the perfect compromise. It's educational and fun and something kids of all ages can do, most of them without parental guidance. Books can be borrowed for free from local libraries or found in Little Free Libraries all over Texas. Kids can find a genre or an author that they love and just dive in.

This kid loves the Whatever After series!

Reading is good for kids (and adults!) for a number of reasons. It can improve your memory and focus, expand your vocabulary and improve brain function. There is no shortage of reasons why kids should read over the summer. 

If your kids need a little extra push to get reading this summer, they aren't alone. Locally, a number of local businesses recognize that kids sometimes need a small incentive to open a book and get reading. Here are some great programs that will reward your kids to do something rewarding in and of itself: reading!

Summer reading incentive programs for kids 2022

Pizza Hut Book It- Yep- Book It! is back. Actually, I'm not entirely sure it ever left. But if you spent your childhood reading to earn a free personal pan pizza, well, now you can pass the tradition on to your children! Kids 4-12 years old can read to earn a free pizza. Sweet!

Arlington Public Library Discover Reading- Formerly called the Summer Reading Challenge, this program offers so much for kids. Not only will the library host free concerts and play dates all summer long for kids and teens, but kids can read five books and earn a number of goodies. There is even an adult reading club! Sign up on the website for more details. 

Free Play Arlington Read It- Guys- I'm SUPER pumped about this one. If you can believe it, I have never been to Free Play! Kids can read 5 books and fill out the online form for free admission and a free swag item! I read 5 books in April... Can I get in for free? All those vintage games look awesome! 

HEBuddy Summer 2022 Reading Program- Designed for kids in Texas between the ages of 3 and 12, the HEBuddy program runs through October 1. Print out the reading log, complete your summer reading and mail in the journal for a special prize. 

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading List- Kids entering grades 1-6 can fill out this summer's reading log and turn it in for a free book from a pre-selected list. This program runs through August. 

Chuck E Cheese Summer Reading Rewards- Print the summer reading calendar and mark the days you complete the task. When you've filled the calendar, bring it to Chuck E Cheese for 10 free play points. 

Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp- Starting June 1, HPB will offer four different reading camps for kids. From camp creativity (focusing on arts and crafts) to camp imagination (focusing on music and arts), this program has lots of great programming that will appeal to everyone. 

I can't wait to get my kids reading all summer! And, if you want to keep up with me and all my reading, the next books on my bookshelf are The Paris Bookseller and Last Train to London!

Reading from her favorite series. 

Happy summer reading!