How to Make Summer Reading Fun for Kids

Nicole Obre

I was the kid who had her nose buried in a book on every road trip, read under the covers long past bedtime with a flashlight, and borrowed dozens of books at a time from the library. I’ve loved reading as long as I can remember and I’m hoping to pass that passion along to my daughter.

But aside from reading her bedtime stories every night, how do I foster a love of reading? How do I make it fun? Especially during the summer months when sitting inside reading isn’t super appealing. Well, naturally, I did a little reading and research about it; and I’ve come up with a few ideas that I think will work on just about any kid, at any age.

Take books along on your adventures

Leave the iPad at home next time you’re travelling with kids, and bring along a book or two. They’re the ultimate and original portable entertainment, plus they’re way easier to read in blinding sunlight. Pull out a book for your kids to dive into while you’re relaxing on the beach, waiting at a restaurant, or snuggled up in a tent. 

Bring stories to life

Find a book that ties into your summer activities. Something about nature and animals if you’re headed out on a camping or hiking trip. See if you can find a book set in a location you’ll be travelling to. And if you don’t have any real summer plans made, create a fun, book-themed adventure you can have in your own neighbourhood. Read The Jungle Book with your kids and then use your imaginations to turn your backyard into the jungle.

Make books a basic

Treat reading like it’s as necessary as eating and drinking. Go to the library as often as you go to the grocery store. Read a book, or a chapter, with your child every night before bed. Incorporate reading into your regular routine and before you know it, they’ll be reading out of habit.