Summer reading programs for kids

Summer reading programs are a great way to encourage children to read so they will retain those hard-earned critical skills over the summer. Here are a few fun and educational programs that offer rewards and help prevent the summer slide.

South Florida libraries

Local branches are celebrating space exploration during summer reading programs. “A Universe of Stories” will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 15 with special events and activities. Broward County libraries is hosting the 14th Annual Children’s BookFest June 1 at the North Regional/Broward College Library. There will be crafts, face painting and a free book for the first 1,000 children. Go to Broward.org/Library and click on the events tab to register.

Palm Beach County’s summer program runs June 3 to July 26. Register for a bingo card at any library, fill in the squares and turn it in for prizes for all ages. Items include an LED rocket lamp, free tickets to a baseball game at Roger Dean Stadium baseball game and $50 Amazon gift cards. Register online at Pbclibrary.org/summer-reading-registration.

Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards

Kids fill out a reading certificate and get 10 free play points good at participating locations. There also are more than 25 calendars and behavior charts that reward children for consistently doing homework and brushing their teeth. There also is a graduation certificate. Go to Chuckecheese.com/kids-corner/rewards-calendars.

Scholastic Read-a-Palooza Summer Reading Challenge

Librarians, teachers and parents register kids or bulk register classes at Scholastic.com/summer/home/. Kids then enter reading minutes online to unlock digital rewards and earn free books through Sept. 6. Near the end of September, Scholastic will recognize the top school in each state, and the top 10 libraries and community partners nationwide overall with the most minutes read. When total minutes reach 25, 50 and then 100 million minutes collectively, Scholastic will donate 200,000 books to kids in need. Info: Scholastic.com/summer/home/

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

Kids in grades 1-6 read eight books to get a free book at stores in August. Download the reading journal in English or Spanish at Barnesandnoble.com/h/summer-reading. Kids fill out the form as they read books and bring it to stores from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31 to pick a free book from a list of age-appropriate titles. There also are summer reading deals, a buy-one-get-one free offer and up to 50 percent off select titles. Also, share your school’s required reading list to get a free tall hot or iced coffee in the cafe.