One of the absolutely best ways to keep kids’ minds sharp over summer vacation is to get them to read.   And what better way to get them to read than with some free summer reading programs!

Here’s a list of places that will reward your children for reading:

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading.  Kids who read any 8 books during the summer will get to pick one free book at Barnes & Noble.

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge. Kids who sign up for the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge and log their reading time can enter to win sweepstakes and earn rewards.

Sylvan Book Adventure. Kids can earn points for reading that they can turn into rewards like books, magazines, and more, when they sign up for the Sylvan Book Adventure.

Pizza Hut’s Book It! Program.  Pizza Hut’s Book It Program continues through the summer with special rewards for reading.  There’s even a Book It! app for your smartphone to track your child’s progress.

Chuck E Cheese Reading Rewards. Kids who read every day for two weeks can earn 10 free tokens at Chuck E Cheese.  There is a food purchase required, but the good news is that this program continues through 12/31/14!

Half Price Books Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program.  This program runs through June and July.  Kids must read 15 minutes a day.  Once they’ve reached 300 minutes, they’ll earn Half Price Books Bookworm Dollars to spend at Half Price Books. In addition, one top reader from each age group will win a $20 Half Price Books gift card.

Pottery Barn Kids – Visit Pottery Barn Kids each week for Story Time and earn a free book receive a special gift after you’ve attended five Story Times.

Your local library. Check with your local public library for children’s summer reading programs.  Many libraries offer free kids summer reading programs that reward kids for reading with free books and prizes. They also hold free reading-themed activities throughout the summer!

Make your own reading program.  Make reading part of your summer routine.  Download a free printable reading chart for your kids to track their progress. Then you set the rewards!  Free rewards could be things like getting to choose a fun family activity or special meal, staying up late, extra screen time, or having a friend come for a sleepover.

Years from now, it’s unlikely they’ll remember the book they earned or the prize they won for participating in a summer reading program.  But hopefully, they’ll remember the joy they got from exploring the world through the written word.

This list was updated May 1, 2015.