Fun Summer Reading Activities to Keep Kids Engaged (and Learning!) All Summer Long
- Carolyn Watkins
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
Summer break is a time for bike rides, beach days—and yes, books! While the school routine may pause, a child’s curiosity never takes a vacation. With a little creativity and a lot of heart, you can turn ordinary summer moments into joyful reading opportunities that build confidence, spark imagination, and strengthen literacy skills.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, here are six easy, screen-light activities (plus book suggestions!) that will keep young readers smiling all season long.
🌳 1. Backyard Book Picnics
How it works: Pack a basket of snacks, lay out a blanket, and bring a stack of books outside. Invite your child to pick one or two to read aloud—or simply enjoy side-by-side silent reading.
Builds: Reading stamina and fluency.
Perfect Pairings:
Tomorrow’s Trailblazer by Carolyn Watkins– A hopeful story about facing the unknown with courage.
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins – Always a giggle-worthy favorite.
Take me to Tomorrow's Trailblazer
Take me to We Don't Eat Our Classmates e-book
🎭 2. Story time Theater
How it works: After reading a favorite story, act it out together using silly voices, costumes, or stuffed animals. Take turns being the narrator!
Builds: Comprehension, sequencing, confidence with expression.
Perfect Pairings:
I Don’t Want to Move! by Carolyn Watkins– Full of emotion, humor, and action perfect for performing.
Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems – Short, expressive lines make these a hit for dramatic play.
Take me to I Don't Want to Move!
Take me to Elephant & Piggie
✏️ 3. Summer Story Journals
How it works: Encourage your child to write or draw their own summer story, whether real or imagined. Offer simple prompts like “The day I met a dragon…” or “A surprise in the garden…”
Builds: Writing skills, narrative structure, creativity.
Perfect Pairings:
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall – Inspires stories about bravery.
Tomorrow's Trailblazer by Carolyn Watkins – Great launchpad for writing about new experiences and friendships.
Take me to Jabari Jumps
Take me to Tomorrow's Trailblazer
📚 4. Reading Challenge or Book Swap
How it works: Make a summer reading goal (number of books or genres) or invite neighborhood families to swap gently loved stories. Offer tiny prizes—like popsicles or bookmark coupons—for participation.
Builds: Motivation, diversity of reading.
Perfect Pairings:
Ricky, the Rock That Couldn't Roll by Mr. Jay – Encourages inclusive thinking and empathy.
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad – A beautiful, empowering story to pass along.
Take me to Ricky, the RockThat Couldn't Roll
Take me to Proudest-Blue Story-Hijab-Family
🕵️♀️ 5. Reading Scavenger Hunt
How it works: Create a checklist of silly or themed reading spots and types of books: ✅ Read under a table ✅ Read a book with an animal ✅ Read to a stuffed animal ✅ Read something that makes you laugh
Builds: Independent reading choice and genre exploration.
Perfect Pairings:
Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings – A reader favorite.
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantcher – Ideal for animal-loving adventurers.
Take me to Can I Be Your Dog?
Take me to Strictly No Elephants
🎨 6. Make a Book-Inspired Craft
How it works: After reading, invite kids to create something inspired by the story—draw a scene, make a kindness rock, or write a message to a character.
Builds: Emotional connection, comprehension, and creativity.
Perfect Pairings:
Maybe by Kobi Yamada – Inspires powerful self-reflection.
Trailblazers Shine! (Coming soon!) – Bright, empowering themes for artful expression.
Take me to Maybe
🎁 Free Printable: Summer Reading Bingo + Trailblazer Journal Pages!
Want to take these ideas to the next level? Download your free Summer Reading Bingo Card and Trailblazer-Themed Journal Pages—a fun way to track progress and reflect on each book.
Take me to my Bingo Game
Take me to my Journal Pages
Another Journal Page, Journal Page #3
💬 Wrap-Up:
From quiet story picnics to joyful storytelling, reading doesn’t have to stop in the summer—it can shine. Let books be the bridge between play, learning, and lasting connection. Here’s to a summer of stories, smiles, and shining young minds.
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