Help keep your kids reading all summer long with these free summer reading programs for kids in the Des Moines, Iowa area.
Looking for fun things for your kids to do this summer? Summer reading programs can be a fun way to encourage your kids to read more, and they can even earn some exciting rewards and freebies along the way. My kids have won gift cards, toys, electronics and more by participating in different opportunities and these can be a fun way to keep them enjoying books when school isn’t in session.
Here are some of the free summer reading programs 2021 for kids in the Des Moines metro area that your family will want to check out.
Please note that some free opportunities for kids may not officially launch for the year until school is out. Keep checking these different pages for regular updates on each individual opportunity.
Altoona Library Summer Reading Program - This summer reading program will kick off on Wednesday, June 2nd with a special drive through summer reading event.
Clive Library Summer Reading Program - The details for this library’s summer reading program have not yet been announced. Watch their website for more details.
Des Moines Public Libraries Summer Reading Program - This summer reading program gets underway on Monday, June 7, and runs through Saturday, August 7.
Grimes Summer Reading Program - Keep your kids reading all summer long with this free summer reading program for Grimes area kids.
Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled - This summer reading program focuses on STEM topics and includes regular educational sessions.
Johnston Library Summer Reading Program - This free 8 week program helps kids keep reading all summer long.
Urbandale Library Summer Reading Program - Details for this summer reading program have yet to be announced. Watch for more details coming soon!
Waukee Library Summer Reading Program - This reading program for both kids and teens offers rewards for reading at least 15 minutes a day.
West Des Moines Library - This summer reading program features escapes for all ages and young readers can also help earn donations to a local animal shelter.
Additional Summer Reading Programs for Kids in the Des Moines Metro
While these programs aren’t local, they are still fun opportunities to get your child to read more and to also earn prizes. Check out the programs below!
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program– Kids can earn a free book when they read eight books from the Barnes and Noble list. Lists are available in both English and Spanish.
Sylvan’s Book Adventure Reading Program – Available all year long and offers quizzes on the books kids read and prizes.
LifeWay Summer Reading Program – This Christian focused kids reading program offers children the opportunity to earn rewards.
Pizza Hut Book-It Reading Program – I used to love to participate in this when I was a kid, and now it’s available for a whole new generation! Kids can earn free pizza by meeting certain goals.
Sync- Free Audiobooks for Teens – Teens can get free audiobooks every week all summer long.
Scholastic Summer Reading Program– The Scholastic Summer Reading program is a free, fun and safe summer reading experience that gives kids the opportunity to access e-books, connect with authors, make new friends, and earn virtual rewards, and it gives a wealth of motivational encouragement. Kids can create and keep Reading Streaks™, as well as help unlock a donation of 100,000 books from Scholastic to Save the Children for kids in rural America with limited or no access to books.
Half Price Books Reading Program– Half Price Books offers a program for kids 14 and under. They read for 15 minutes each day throughout June and July. Then, they record their minutes on a log and when they reach 300 minutes, they receive $5 Half Price Books Bookworm Bucks. There is also a program for high school students. High school students are required to read 1 book a month and write a short review on it. Then, they receive $5 Half Price Books Bookworm Bucks.
Looking for more fun summer reading programs for your child? Check out our post here.