‘hood Magazine is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. 

Summer is a season of adventure, sunshine, and—yes—reading! While kids are taking a break from the classroom, their brains don’t have to take a vacation. In fact, reading over the summer is one of the best ways to keep kids’ minds sharp, boost creativity, and prevent the “summer slide”—that dip in skills that can happen during a long school break.

Reading can also be a fun and cozy part of summer routines. Whether it’s a read-aloud on a picnic blanket, a chapter before bedtime in the camper, or letting kids build a book fort on a rainy day, there are so many ways to make books a joyful part of your family’s summer story.

Tips for Making Summer Reading Fun:

  • Let kids choose their books (even if it’s a comic book or the 10th reread of a favorite).
  • Create a cozy reading nook indoors or a reading tent outside.
  • Make it social with a family book club or reading buddy system.
  • Try audio books on road trips or during quiet time.
  • Incorporate rewards—and luckily, many reading programs offer them!

Look at these posts for our Top Book Recommendations for Picky Readers, Top Tips to Get Kids Reading, and more about why Summer Reading is so important!

For kids who fly through books, don’t like holding books, or who prefer to always carry a book with them, we recommend the Kindle Paperwhite Kids. Sometimes kids really do prefer reading on a Kindle/screen over a physical book! We like the Paperwhite for the easier time on the eyes. Another great gift for kids who love to read is a book light! Encourage quiet time before bed with reading in bed. We love this clip-on book light for our kids! It has a 30-minute timer, since we know sometimes they will fall asleep without turning it off. 

Now, on to the summer reading programs available for kids in the Sioux Falls Area!

Summer Reading Programs

Siouxland Libraries Summer Reading Program: Color Our World

The Siouxland Libraries offers a fantastic, all-ages summer reading program that runs from May 23 to August 15. The 2025 theme, Color Our World, invites kids to explore creativity through reading and hands-on activities. Kids earn prizes as they complete reading goals and can attend engaging events like storytimes, zoo visits, and art classes. Babies, toddlers, teens, and even adults can participate too. It’s a great way to keep the whole family reading together!

Reach Literacy’s Summer Reading Challenge

Reach Literacy here in Sioux Falls is holding another Summer Reading Challenge this year! Pickup your Summer Reading Challenge Sheet during the month of June. Finished challenges can be returned July 1st-19th for a FREE Kids Meal courtesy of Chick-fil-A Empire Place! 

Pizza Hut BOOK IT!® Summer of Stories™

This beloved program from Pizza Hut is back with a digital twist! Running from June 1 through August 31, BOOK IT! allows parents to set reading goals through an app. When kids meet their monthly goals, they earn a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza®. It’s simple, motivational, and a delicious way to encourage reading. Bonus: there’s no cost to participate!

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

Kids in grades 1–6 can earn a free book through the Barnes & Noble’s summer program. All they have to do is read eight books and log them in the store’s Summer Reading Journal. Once completed, the journal can be brought into any Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31 to redeem a free book from a special selection. It’s a great way to let your child build their personal library!

Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program

Looking for a more challenging or long-term reading goal? The Mensa for Kids program offers curated reading lists by grade level. Kids who complete a full list (which includes classic and high-quality literature) can submit it to receive a certificate and a T-shirt. This is a great choice for avid readers or families who want to stretch their literary horizons with meaningful rewards. This reading challenge is NOT summer-specific.

No matter how your family reads this summer—on a beach blanket, a porch swing, or under the covers with a flashlight—books can open doors to imagination, empathy, and endless learning. And with so many reading programs available, it’s never been easier (or more rewarding) to dive in.