Summer break from school means summer reading programs from the local library systems, plus a few other places.
At the time of the publication of this post, the City of San Diego has not officially posted their information; however, I spoke to a librarian at a city library, and they said it would be almost identical to the program offered in years past. For more information on prior years’ programs and prizes, click here.
Here are a few of our favorite summer reading programs. Unless specifically stated, the programs start on June 1st.
Book It has a summer program where kids can read and earn free personal pan pizzas from Pizza Hut! Book It is the FAVORITE reading program in my house. Parents can enroll their kids for the summer! All logging of reading and prizes is now done on an app. Learn more here.
The County of San Diego Library’s summer reading program starts on June 1st. They have all sorts of prizes for kids and adults.
If you want your family to experience a multicultural world through reading, I recommend PJ Library. PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children from birth through 12 years old.
My kids love learning about faraway places and experiences different from their own. The PJ library books have opened their eyes to new holidays, customs, and ways of life.
Read Conmigo provides free books for kids by mail in Spanish and English to children ages preschool to fifth grade. They are only available to kids in CA, TX, and Florida. We used to receive the books, and they are ok, but my kids aren’t interested in learning Spanish. The books were super useful for me in learning to read in Spanish (Beyond what Duolingo teaches).
Barnes and Noble has a summer reading program starting July 1st. More info here.
Dolly Parton has established the Imagination Library, which is available in select regions, and those who live in participating areas can receive one book for their kids every month via mail.
Many of you have told me about Nothing Bundt Cake’s reading program. Books & Bundts is their youth reading program for pre-K through elementary students that celebrates the joy of reading. It’s easy and free with delicious results. Contact your local bakery to see if they are participating and to learn more.
I’ve spent time this week getting ready for a family trip at the end of the month. All sorts of list-making, planning, and washing of camping bedding.
One of the kid’s favorite summer activities is to hit up the local theater for a showing of one of their favorite movies.
May 4-8, 2026 is Teacher Appreciation Week, and to celebrate, there are some freebies and deals around.
On May 9th, from 11 am to noon, kids can make and take their very own 
I love Michaels! Not only do they have great sales and 
This year, I focused on picking up birthday freebies that I really wanted. And that the kids would like too, because really, I couldn’t eat everything that was offered to me!
Free Food Birthday Goodies:
Here are some offers that I did not include because I feel like they are a Freebie with a catch:
When my kids were little, they loved these events. Honestly, they probably still would be excited about seeing wild animals up close.
Hewes Family Fun 