Summer reading can be one of the best ways to help kids maintain their reading skills, build confidence, and avoid the dreaded "Summer slide." Yet for many parents, getting kids excited about reading during summer break isn't always easy.
Many literacy experts suggest that the best reading rewards are experiences, privileges, and activities that reinforce a child's love of reading rather than distract from it.
Summer reading programs have long used reward systems, reading logs, and reading reward charts to help motivate children and build positive reading habits. Reading challenges, progress tracking, games, and goal-setting can help encourage kids to read more consistently throughout the Summer.
If you're looking for fresh ideas, here are 50 Summer reading rewards that kids actually get excited about.
Why Reading Rewards Work
Reading rewards aren't “bribing” kids to read. They're about helping children build momentum until reading becomes a habit.
Many parents find that a simple reading reward chart gives kids a visual way to see their progress. Whether your child tracks chapters, pages, books, or reading minutes, seeing those accomplishments add up can be incredibly motivating. Even simple sticker charts can help children stay focused on long-term goals.
The key is choosing rewards that feel meaningful while keeping the focus on reading itself.
How to Use a Reading Reward Chart
Before diving into reward ideas, create a simple reading reward chart for your child.
You can track:
-
Minutes read
-
Chapters completed
-
Books finished
-
Reading streaks
-
Family reading nights
-
Reading challenge activities
For example:
5 stars = small reward
10 stars = medium reward
20 stars = big reward
(Be sure to download our Reading Reward Chart Free Printable PDF at the end of this article.)
50 Summer Reading Reward Ideas
Experience Rewards
-
Family movie night
-
Campout in the backyard
-
Stay up 30 minutes later
-
Family game night
-
Water balloon battle
-
Visit a local playground
-
Pick the family dinner
-
Choose dessert for the family
-
Picnic at the park
-
Build a blanket fort
Adventure Rewards
-
Nature scavenger hunt
-
Visit a state park
-
Bike ride adventure
-
Mini golf outing
-
Trip to a splash pad
-
Library visit
-
Explore a new trail
-
Geocaching adventure
-
Visit a local museum
-
Family road trip day
Reading-Themed Rewards
-
New bookmark
-
Read with a flashlight
-
Reading fort night
-
Choose the next family read-aloud
-
Library/Bookstore shopping spree
-
Special reading nook makeover
-
Reading picnic
-
Bring a book to the park
-
Audiobook day in the car
-
Family reading marathon
Creative Rewards
-
Craft afternoon
-
Paint rocks
-
LEGO challenge
-
Create a comic book
-
Build a story-inspired project
-
Make homemade bookmarks
-
Draw favorite book characters
-
Design a book cover
-
Create a puppet show
-
Write your own ending to a story
Privilege Rewards
-
Pick the music in the car
-
Choose the family activity
-
Sleep in the living room
-
Breakfast for dinner
-
Wear pajamas all day
-
Invite a friend over
-
Extra outdoor playtime
-
Pick the family movie
-
Special one-on-one parent time
-
Choose the next Bakken Books adventure
Summer Reading Prizes That Build a Love of Reading
When choosing Summer reading prizes, try to focus on rewards that connect to books, imagination, and family experiences.
These types of rewards help children see reading as a gateway to fun experiences rather than a task they must complete to earn money.
Make Summer Reading Easier With Books Kids Actually Want to Read
The truth is that even the best reading reward chart won't help if kids aren't excited about the books they're reading.
That's why so many families turn to engaging chapter book series that combine adventure, mystery, humor, and relatable characters.
At Bakken Books, our chapter books are designed to help kids build reading confidence one chapter at a time. With short chapters, fast-paced adventures, and characters kids love, many reluctant readers discover that reading can actually be fun.
Browse all of our options or take our interest-based quiz for FREE!
Download Your Free Reading Reward Chart PDF!
Looking for an easy way to get started?
Download our Reading Reward Chart Free Printable PDF and let your child track their Summer reading progress. Add a sticker for every chapter, book, or reading session completed. Then let them choose one of the reading rewards from this list whenever they reach a milestone.
