School’s out, the sun is shining and your wallet might already be feeling the heat. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep kids learning, entertained and even rewarded this summer and the best part is that it’s all for free!
Whether your kiddo is bookworm, gamer or sweet treat enthusiast, these summer freebies offer fun incentives to keep them engaged without breaking the bank.
1. Free Treats for Good Grades
Did your student bring home A’s and B’s on their report card? Celebrate their hard work with some well-earned treats!
Krispy Kreme – Students can receive one free doughnut for each A on their report card. Just show the report card at a participating location.
Wendy’s – Kids with A’s and B’s can score a free Jr. Frosty. Sweet success has never tasted so good!
2. Reading Rewards
Summer is the perfect time to get lost in a good book—and now, it can lead to great rewards.
Summer Reading 2025: Color Our World!
Through August, both Kansas City Public Library and Johnson County Library are celebrating summer reading with free books and fun prizes!
Kansas City Public Library – Children of all ages can earn a free book and other rewards by reading just five books by August 15. Visit your local branch or KCLibrary.org for details.
Johnson County Library – JoCo Library is offering the same great program! Read five books by August 3 to earn a free book and enjoy bonus activities all summer long. Get started at JOCOLibrary.org/SummerReading.
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards – Print off a Reading Rewards Calendar and have your child read every day for two weeks. Once completed, they can trade it in for 10 free play points at Chuck E. Cheese.
Half Price Books – Summer Reading Camp: Kids are encouraged to read 15 minutes a day and log at least 300 minutes total. Submit their reading log to earn Bookworm Bucks, good for purchases in-store.
Pizza Hut’s Camp BOOK IT! – Open to pre-K through 6th grade, this program offers a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza each month to kids who meet reading goals set by parents or teachers. The program runs through August and can be accessed online.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program – Kids in grades 1–6 who read eight books and complete a reading journal can choose a free book from a pre-selected list. Visit your nearest store or BarnesandNobleINC.com.
Nothing Bundt Cakes – Books & Bundts Program: Pre-K and elementary students can earn a free Bundtlet by reading 400 minutes in a month. Pick up a reading tracker at a participating bakery and return it upon completion to receive the sweet reward.
Panda Express – Read with Me Program: Designed for pre-K through 5th grade students, this program rewards kids with a free Kids Meal coupon after they read five books. Teachers or program leaders can enroll their classes online.
Need help picking the perfect page-turner? Check out our handpicked list of Summertime Chapter Books—great reads to keep kids engaged and excited all summer long. Browse our book picks here.
3. Bonus Freebie: Imagination Library
Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children from birth to age five can receive a free book mailed to their home each month. Check online to see if your ZIP code in the KC metro is eligible at ImaginationLibrary.com.
Read, Play, Eat—Repeat!
Whether your family is staying close to home or on the go this summer, there are plenty of creative and educational ways to enjoy the season—for free!