35 Summer Reading Activities for Kids

Summer is a time for kids to relax, recharge, and have fun. However, it's also essential to ensure they continue reading during this break.

Research has consistently shown that children engaged in reading over the summer tend to perform better on standardized tests and have a higher likelihood of academic success.

To help your child stay engaged in reading, there are endless things you can do. Here are some of our favorites.

Four children lay on the grass and look at a picture book together..

Prioritize Reading

1.Create a dedicated time each day for your child to read. Even a short session of 15-20 minutes can make a significant difference.
2. Check in with your child’s teacher for recommendations on how to encourage your child to read over the summer.
3. Make reading a family activity by reading all together.
4. Encourage your child to read to you.
5. Involve siblings too! Have them read to each other.
6. Have your child read to their stuffed animals for more practice.
7. Get your child their very first library card.
8. Model good behavior by letting your child catch you reading.

Choose Engaging Books

9. Visit your local library to explore a wide range of books.
10. Ask your child’s friends and their parents what their favorite children’s books are.
11. Consider your child's interests and hobbies when selecting books.
12. Try a new genre, like poetry.
13. Ask your librarian for book recommendations. Librarians love this question!
14. Let your child choose what book they’d like to read next.

A father sits between his children, a girl and a boy, and reads a yellow and red book.

Interact Meaningfully

15. Read aloud to your child, using different voices and expressions for characters.
16. Take turns reading different parts of the book.
17. Use puppets and act out a story together.
18. Ask your child questions about the book. What did they like? Who was their favorite character? What was their favorite part?
19. Listen to audiobooks to make reading accessible in a different way.
20. Read words of affirmation together every morning.

Make Reading Fun

21. Find a recipe, read it together, make it, and enjoy it!
22. Sign your child up for Lil Readers Book Club and each month they’ll receive three books, exciting crafts, and a Parent Guide to make it all easy for you.
23. Create a cozy and comfortable reading nook with pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and good lighting.
24. Encourage your child to look at a book during quiet time after lunch.
25. Visit the library weekly to pick out new books together.
26. Check your library’s schedule for age-appropriate reading groups and activities.
27. Know when to stop. Is your child feeling antsy? Put the book down and come back to it.
28. Talk positively about reading. It should never be a punishment.

Encourage Summer Reading Challenges for Kids

29. Participate in summer reading programs offered by your local library.
30. Create your own reading challenge, such as setting a goal to read a certain number of books or pages.
31. Make a chart to keep track of your child’s progress. Reward your child for reaching their reading goals, like picking out a new book at the bookstore.

Promote Creative Expression

32. Encourage your child to write their own story.
33. Then ask them to read it to you.
34. Encourage your child to keep a journal.
35. Engage in creative activities related to the books they're reading, like drawing or painting a scene from a story.

Encouraging summer reading for kids can be easy and natural with the Lil Readers Book Club! Each month, your child will receive a box with 3 books, themed crafts, and an activity booklet customized to focus on exploring new concepts, story elements, reading comprehension, expanding vocabulary, and acquiring language skills.

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