Best Summer Reading Programs for New York City Kids

Summer Reading Programs for New York City Kids

There are plenty of reading options and programs for kids to stay engaged this summer. Now that the school year is over, it’s absolutely vital that kids keep up with reading!

Summer literacy loss is real. Summer reading programs provide an excellent opportunity for readers to stay encouraged and on-track, through activities, conversations with peers, and prizes.

These programs provide hours of entertainment, productivity, education, and fun — check out our favorites!

Psst… Check out our Summer Reading List for Kids of All Ages!

Barnes and Noble

Receive a free book this summer when you read any of the eight books from their Summer Reading Journal list. Pick eight exciting books and fill out the journal explaining your favorite part of each book and why.

Then, bring the log back to a Barnes and Noble store from July 1 to August 31st and receive your free book from the book list. For grades first through sixth.

Brooklyn Public Library 

The Brooklyn Public Library is offering a children’s booklist full of reading options for the entire summer. Most of the titles listed are available in formats like eBooks and eAudio books, making this list perfect for reading on the go.

There are plenty of activities like storytelling, arts and crafts, performances, and games for kids to enjoy throughout the summer. 

In addition, explore all of the different locations in the Brooklyn Public Library system this summer with the Browse the Branches passport and win prizes.

When you fill out half of your passport, win a bookmark and 25% off an item at the Brooklyn Public Library web shop. And get a special tote when you fill out the whole passport!

Scholastic Summer Reading Home Base

Scholastic is providing a community for kids who love reading while improving access to books during the summer. Through Sept. 12, kids can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base, a completely free online spot for stories, characters, games and a community of readers. The best part is, Home Base is moderated 24/7.

Scholastic Home Base also encourages kids to keep a “Reading Streak” throughout the summer. The longer your kid extends their reading streak, the more digital experiences they earn. This option is perfect for encouraging a summertime routine.

Queens Public Library

Queens Public Library is providing summer content for children and teens. Hosting storytelling, singing, coding, and more, there’s never a dull moment on the program’s calendar. If you’re looking for a new summer read, check out their curated booklists for all reading levels!

Kids and families can sign up for the library’s summer reading challenge on READSquared. Every minute you read is a point towards unlocking games and badges. Once you’ve earned enough points, you can unlock a printable and sharable completion certificate!

Summer at the Library

Summer Reading Programs
Photo courtesy of New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is hosting a summer program, offering ways for your child to stay engaged with reading and free activities. Kids can track their reading and activities to become a Summer Star at the library!

Take the Library’s 60-day reading challenge, reading for at least 2o minutes every day and doing activities in your neighborhood. 

Head to your local branch to pick up an activity and reading tracker, or download and print them at home!

New York State Senate Summer Reading Program

Your kids can get a Certificate of Achievement from their New York State Senator to commemorate their reading this summer. Simply fill out the online form with your child’s information and what they read. Just be sure to submit the form by September 1!

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

British Swim School - Manhattan

<p>The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.  British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School’s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!</p>

A-Game Sports

<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">A-Game Sports is a premier provider of sports camps, programming and instruction for kids of all ages ranging from toddlers to teens. As an instructional and recreational youth sports facility, our goal is to make athletics a rewarding experience for all kids. A-Game Sports is located in New Rochelle, NY, and offers camps, lessons, customized programs for more than 10 sports and rental space for private events. A-Game Sports was founded in 2013 by two guys who decided that it was time to do what they truly love in life. Since then, we've made the ideology of fusing hard work and fun into a reality. Our dedicated staff of professional coaches share their enthusiasm with kids of all ages and skill levels that take part in our programs.</p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">With turfed fields for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and flag football, batting cages and tunnels for baseball and softball, and various basketball programs, A-Game Sports is one of the premiere sports facilities for kids and adults of any age. Aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts will benefit from our many strength and conditioning programs, while children new to sports will learn skills and techniques within their chosen sport, all while having a great time and keeping the game fun.</p> </div>

WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals—all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!</span></span></p>