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The Best Summer Reading Challenges For Kids In Austin

Every summer, Austin comes alive with a cornucopia of events and activities to keep the young ones engaged, and amongst the most exciting are reading challenges. Whether your child is a passionate bookworm or a reluctant reader, summer reading challenges can help cultivate a love for literature and strengthen literacy skills. Let’s explore the best summer reading challenges for kids in Austin.

1. Austin Public Library Summer Reading Program

  • Dates: June 7-Aug 10, 2025
  • Requirements: Read or be read to 20+ minutes per day, or for a total of 600 minutes (10 hours) of reading and complete 3 activity badges
  • Prize: a free book for kids and a free mug for adults
  • Join here: library.austintexas.gov/beanstack (or use the Beanstack app)

2. Austin ISD’s 5 Book Dive: BookPeople, First Light Books, Black Pearl Books

  • Requirements: Bring your completed 5 Book Dive bookmark to BookPeople to receive a $5 gift certificate! Bring your completed 5 Book Dive bookmark to First Light Books to receive a free lemonade and cookie! Bring your completed 5 Book Dive bookmark to Black Pearl Books for a goody bag!

3. H-E-Buddy’s Summer Reading Club

  • More info coming soon!

4. Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

  •  Dates: now through August
  • Requirements: Kids must read a designated number of books – library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble – write about their favorite part in the Reading Journal, and bring a completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble bookstore
  • Prize:  A free book from the books listed on the Reading Journal. Collect the free book from a store near you during July and August. 

5. Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp Program

  • Dates: June 1-July 31
  • Requirements: Pick up reading logs from your local Half Price Books store

6. Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards

Did you know that Chuck E. Cheese offers Reading Rewards? Your child can get 10 Free Play Points for daily reading for 2 weeks! They also offer other rewards, such as for losing a tooth, getting good grades, and potty training.

  • Dates: May 3- Aug 15, 2025
  • Requirements: Read five books from the included reading list and tell them your favorite part of each book.
  • Prize: Each participant who turns in their challenge packet will receive a goodie bag of fun treats! The first 10 super-kids to turn in their challenge packet will also receive a $10 owlbear gift coin!

8. Round Rock Public Library Summer Reading Program

  • Dates: June 2, 2025, to July 31, 2025 
  • Requirements: Kids (ages 0-11) may choose to earn one point per minute of reading, or 15 points per picture book read or read to you. Teens (ages 12-17) and Adults (ages 18+) earn one point per minute of reading. Babies and toddlers, can also download the Baby & Toddler Challenge Sheet or pick one up at the Summer Reading Desk, or at a Babytime or Toddlertime session.
  • Prize: Children, teens and adults will earn an entry in a prize drawing for every 300 points they earn, up to 1,500 points
  • Join here: ReadSquared, online tracking software,

9. Pflugerville Summer Reading Challenge

  • The library uses Beanstack, an online reading tracker, for all of our reading challenges. With Beanstack, you can track the books or minutes you read over the summer, log activities, and more. Our Beanstack site is now live! The Summer Reading Challenges will be available in June of 2025. Download the User Guide (PDF) if you need help getting started.

10. Cedar Park Library Summer Reading Challenge

  • Dates: May 24-Aug 9, 2025
  • Requirements: Log your reading minutes this summer and earn small rewards as you progress through the challenge. You’ll also earn virtual tickets to enter into the prize drawings of your choice. The more you read, the more chances you have to win a prize! Complete Activity Badges to earn additional tickets.
  • Prize: Enter tickets into the prize drawing. Prizes are limited. Not every participant will win a prize. Prize winners will be contacted through email by August 16.
  • Join here: https://cedarparktexas.beanstack.org/reader365

11. Buda Library Summer Reading Kick Off

  • Dates: May 30, 2025
  • Requirements: Keep track of the number of minutes read on your reading log! Reading logs are available at the library beginning May 30. Keep track of your minutes read by coloring or marking through one of the images. If you run out of room on the log, keep track of the minutes read on another sheet of paper, or print a new log down below.
  • Prize:
  • Join here: https://www.budalibrary.org/320/Summer-Reading-Clubs

12. Bee Cave Summer Reading Program

  • Dates: June 2-July 26, 2025

13. Lake Travis Summer Reading

  • Dates: Monday, June 2, 2025 from 10am to 7pm to pick up your summer reading log or punch card, enjoy scavenger hunts and prizes, take pictures at our photo booth, and more.
  • Requirements: Pick up a summer reading log in the children’s room or on the bookmobile and record the titles or time you read. Turn in your completed log for a prize from the treasure box! Adults- when you have read five titles, turn in your punch card.
  • Prize: Treasure box for kids, one free item from the Friends Bookstore for adults.
  • Join here: https://laketravislibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Summer-Reading-Log-2025.pdf

14. Leander Summer Reading Program

  • Dates: June 2-July 31, 2025
  • Requirements: Starting June 2nd, simply pick up a physical log at the Front Desk or the Youth Services Desk. As you read, track your progress by checking off the minutes you’ve read. 
  • Prize: Throughout the summer you can earn prizes for reading, as well as raffle tickets for grand prizes.
  • Join here:

17. First Light Books Summer Reading Adventure

  • Dates: Summer Kickoff Party is May 31, 2025

18. Panda Express Read With Me Program

  • Requirements: Read 5 books
  • Prize: Free kids meal coupon

19. Pizza Hut Book It

  • Dates: June-Aug
  • Requirements: Keep track of your reading in the Book It Mobile App. Read 20-60 min per day
  • Prize: One coupon code per month for a free personal pan pizza.

20. Scholastic’s Summer Reading Program

  • Dates: May 9- Sept 12, 2025
  • Requirements: Keep track of your reading streaks- the more you read the more you unlock.
  • Prize: Unlock digital fun

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Austin Summer reading challenges for kids

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🙋🏼‍♀️ A guide for exploring Austin with kids 🛝 parks, hikes, restaurants, day trips, etc!

🧸 CLAW MACHINE ARCADE IN AUSTIN 🧸

📍 2525 W Anderson Ln. Suite 288, Austin, TX

🧸 This was the best claw machine arcade we’ve been to! Did they win every time? No! But were there tears this time? Also no! There was a very kind lady who walked around “fluffing” the toys for everyone. If she noticed that you kept trying and were getting frustrated, she would stack it for you to make it easier. Also, we were told that if you double tap the button once it grabs the toy that it will clamp down harder and not drop it early. I think this worked on most machines (definitely NOT the SpongeBob!)

If you’ve had trouble winning at claw machines in the past, I would highly recommend checking this place out!

You can even trade in your smaller toys for jumbo toys!

#austinkids #austintx #austinfamily #austin #atx #austinmoms #kidfriendlyaustin | Austin claw machine arcade @clawzania.austin

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Open post by austinfunforkids with ID 18273756544261262
🧸 CLAW MACHINE ARCADE IN AUSTIN 🧸 📍 2525 W Anderson Ln. Suite 288, Austin, TX 🧸 This was the best claw machine arcade we’ve been to! Did they win every time? No! But were there tears this time? Also no! There was a very kind lady who walked around “fluffing” the toys for everyone. If she noticed that you kept trying and were getting frustrated, she would stack it for you to make it easier. Also, we were told that if you double tap the button once it grabs the toy that it will clamp down harder and not drop it early. I think this worked on most machines (definitely NOT the SpongeBob!) If you’ve had trouble winning at claw machines in the past, I would highly recommend checking this place out! You can even trade in your smaller toys for jumbo toys! #austinkids #austintx #austinfamily #austin #atx #austinmoms #kidfriendlyaustin | Austin claw machine arcade @clawzania.austin
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🧸 CLAW MACHINE ARCADE IN AUSTIN 🧸

📍 2525 W Anderson Ln. Suite 288, Austin, TX

🧸 This was the best claw machine arcade we’ve been to! Did they win every time? No! But were there tears this time? Also no! There was a very kind lady who walked around “fluffing” the toys for everyone. If she noticed that you kept trying and were getting frustrated, she would stack it for you to make it easier. Also, we were told that if you double tap the button once it grabs the toy that it will clamp down harder and not drop it early. I think this worked on most machines (definitely NOT the SpongeBob!)

If you’ve had trouble winning at claw machines in the past, I would highly recommend checking this place out!

You can even trade in your smaller toys for jumbo toys!

#austinkids #austintx #austinfamily #austin #atx #austinmoms #kidfriendlyaustin | Austin claw machine arcade @clawzania.austin

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Open post by austinfunforkids with ID 18093100975524560
🧸 CLAW MACHINE ARCADE IN AUSTIN 🧸 📍 2525 W Anderson Ln. Suite 288, Austin, TX 🧸 This was the best claw machine arcade we’ve been to! Did they win every time? No! But were there tears this time? Also no! There was a very kind lady who walked around “fluffing” the toys for everyone. If she noticed that you kept trying and were getting frustrated, she would stack it for you to make it easier. Also, we were told that if you double tap the button once it grabs the toy that it will clamp down harder and not drop it early. I think this worked on most machines (definitely NOT the SpongeBob!) If you’ve had trouble winning at claw machines in the past, I would highly recommend checking this place out! You can even trade in your smaller toys for jumbo toys! #austinkids #austintx #austinfamily #austin #atx #austinmoms #kidfriendlyaustin | Austin claw machine arcade @clawzania.austin
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🦖 Dinosaurs at the @wildflowercenter starts this Friday!

📍 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX

🗓️ May 16 – Aug 17, 2025

⏰ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (only open from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. in July and August)

🎟️ Entry to the exhibit is included with general admission to the center. Prices are $15 for adults, $8 for children (ages 5-17), and free for children under 5. Members enter free.

🦕 There’s more to do here with kids than just the Dinosaur Exhibit! the entire family garden was designed with kids in mind, making it a fun outing for the whole day. There’s a sand pit, a maze, giant nests with eggs, a waterfall, an obstacle course, and more!

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Open post by austinfunforkids with ID 17954669504801704
🦖 Dinosaurs at the @wildflowercenter starts this Friday! 📍 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 🗓️ May 16 – Aug 17, 2025 ⏰ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (only open from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. in July and August) 🎟️ Entry to the exhibit is included with general admission to the center. Prices are $15 for adults, $8 for children (ages 5-17), and free for children under 5. Members enter free. 🦕 There’s more to do here with kids than just the Dinosaur Exhibit! the entire family garden was designed with kids in mind, making it a fun outing for the whole day. There’s a sand pit, a maze, giant nests with eggs, a waterfall, an obstacle course, and more!
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🦖 Dinosaurs at the @wildflowercenter starts this Friday!

📍 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX

🗓️ May 16 – Aug 17, 2025

⏰ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (only open from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. in July and August)

🎟️ Entry to the exhibit is included with general admission to the center. Prices are $15 for adults, $8 for children (ages 5-17), and free for children under 5. Members enter free.

🦕 There’s more to do here with kids than just the Dinosaur Exhibit! the entire family garden was designed with kids in mind, making it a fun outing for the whole day. There’s a sand pit, a maze, giant nests with eggs, a waterfall, an obstacle course, and more!

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Open post by austinfunforkids with ID 18075742063678080
🦖 Dinosaurs at the @wildflowercenter starts this Friday! 📍 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 🗓️ May 16 – Aug 17, 2025 ⏰ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (only open from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. in July and August) 🎟️ Entry to the exhibit is included with general admission to the center. Prices are $15 for adults, $8 for children (ages 5-17), and free for children under 5. Members enter free. 🦕 There’s more to do here with kids than just the Dinosaur Exhibit! the entire family garden was designed with kids in mind, making it a fun outing for the whole day. There’s a sand pit, a maze, giant nests with eggs, a waterfall, an obstacle course, and more!
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🦖 WIN A FAMILY 4-PACK TO @texassciencemuseum

📍 2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX

🔍 The @texassciencemuseum just got a new hands-on exhibit that’s perfect for families! 🤗 Learn about fossils, bones, dinosaurs, and more!

🦕 To celebrate we have teamed up with them to give away a family 4-pack of tickets so that you can experience it with your family! Here’s how to enter:

1️⃣ Like this post!
2️⃣ Follow @austinfunforkids and @texassciencemuseum
3️⃣ Tag someone in the comments! Each unique tag is a separate entry. No repeat tags please.
4️⃣ Giveaway ends on Thursday, May 15 at noon. I will DM the winner and announce to stories.

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Open post by austinfunforkids with ID 18085080238632964
🦖 WIN A FAMILY 4-PACK TO @texassciencemuseum 📍 2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX 🔍 The @texassciencemuseum just got a new hands-on exhibit that’s perfect for families! 🤗 Learn about fossils, bones, dinosaurs, and more! 🦕 To celebrate we have teamed up with them to give away a family 4-pack of tickets so that you can experience it with your family! Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Like this post! 2️⃣ Follow @austinfunforkids and @texassciencemuseum 3️⃣ Tag someone in the comments! Each unique tag is a separate entry. No repeat tags please. 4️⃣ Giveaway ends on Thursday, May 15 at noon. I will DM the winner and announce to stories.
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💖 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! 💗

🥰To celebrate this year, I thought I would recommend to you all the MOM-OWNED BUSINESSES IN AUSTIN

🤗 Please forgive me as I’m sure I have forgotten a ton and feel free to tag yourself or someone else in the comments if you/they are a mom-owned local business!

💗Mom Owned Businesses in Austin:
‌
🧁Restaurants/Bakeries
@stargazerbar
@pennyroyalbakerytx
@pamcakescb
@getloveandcookies
@oakwoodbbq
@ululanishawaiianshaveice_atx
@scoopandscorecp
@besameatx
@slackersbrew
@tacobabyatx
@winstonsatx
@dearaustintx
@leeskitchenatx
@thefancymarshmallowco
@cupprimo
‌
👧Kid Hangouts:
@mythinklounge
@workcastle.us
@totboxplaycafe
@wildexplorers.naturecollective
@figmentcreative
@southern_etiquette_consultants
@roundrockpumpkinfestival
@tumblesrr
@hotelfloraandfauna
@wimberley_national_mini_golf
@ragingaxe
@thetherapyxploriment
@thesensoryclubaustin
@austinsaltroom
‌
🛍️Shopping:
@grocery_obsessed
@plantparty.co
@brightbeginningsboutique
@sparklekidsatx
@parkerandscott
@coollittleones
@vendly.vending
@paperbarkbirchbooks
@austinbabyco
‌
🎨 Art studios:
@createstudioatx
@saplingsatx
@theartgarage_atx
@artbarnatx512
‌
📸 Photography:
@timeless.tots
‌
🐷Farms:
@isleacrefarms
@equizensanctuary
@minis.mischief
@karmaslilfarm
‌
📕 Books/eBooks:
@kidfriendly.meals
@coupdegracefarris
‌
Who can we add? Please leave more in the comments!

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Open post by austinfunforkids with ID 18029554154423790
💖 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! 💗 🥰To celebrate this year, I thought I would recommend to you all the MOM-OWNED BUSINESSES IN AUSTIN 🤗 Please forgive me as I’m sure I have forgotten a ton and feel free to tag yourself or someone else in the comments if you/they are a mom-owned local business! 💗Mom Owned Businesses in Austin: ‌ 🧁Restaurants/Bakeries @stargazerbar @pennyroyalbakerytx @pamcakescb @getloveandcookies @oakwoodbbq @ululanishawaiianshaveice_atx @scoopandscorecp @besameatx @slackersbrew @tacobabyatx @winstonsatx @dearaustintx @leeskitchenatx @thefancymarshmallowco @cupprimo ‌ 👧Kid Hangouts: @mythinklounge @workcastle.us @totboxplaycafe @wildexplorers.naturecollective @figmentcreative @southern_etiquette_consultants @roundrockpumpkinfestival @tumblesrr @hotelfloraandfauna @wimberley_national_mini_golf @ragingaxe @thetherapyxploriment @thesensoryclubaustin @austinsaltroom ‌ 🛍️Shopping: @grocery_obsessed @plantparty.co @brightbeginningsboutique @sparklekidsatx @parkerandscott @coollittleones @vendly.vending @paperbarkbirchbooks @austinbabyco ‌ 🎨 Art studios: @createstudioatx @saplingsatx @theartgarage_atx @artbarnatx512 ‌ 📸 Photography: @timeless.tots ‌ 🐷Farms: @isleacrefarms @equizensanctuary @minis.mischief @karmaslilfarm ‌ 📕 Books/eBooks: @kidfriendly.meals @coupdegracefarris ‌ Who can we add? Please leave more in the comments!
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🚲 Our favorite local bike company is having a moving sale, and you’re invited! 🎉 @woombikesusa

🗓️ May 17, 2025
⏰ 10am-3pm (first come, first served- supplies limited)
🎟️ free admission with a reservation:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woom-moving-sale-tickets-1357385890739?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios

📍 Woom Warehouse, 8301 Springdale Rd Ste 800, Austin

👉Things to know:
-All sales final
-Bring cash for cash-only specials
-No on-site assembly
-Bike experts will be on hand to help with size/fit/model
-No test rides

We love our Woom Bike! They’re the best for new riders. We got ours as a balance bike and then attached the pedals after he got the hang of riding (took about 4 days!) The pedals were so easy to put on!

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Open post by austinfunforkids with ID 18087265390620550
🚲 Our favorite local bike company is having a moving sale, and you’re invited! 🎉 @woombikesusa 🗓️ May 17, 2025 ⏰ 10am-3pm (first come, first served- supplies limited) 🎟️ free admission with a reservation: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woom-moving-sale-tickets-1357385890739?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios 📍 Woom Warehouse, 8301 Springdale Rd Ste 800, Austin 👉Things to know: -All sales final -Bring cash for cash-only specials -No on-site assembly -Bike experts will be on hand to help with size/fit/model -No test rides We love our Woom Bike! They’re the best for new riders. We got ours as a balance bike and then attached the pedals after he got the hang of riding (took about 4 days!) The pedals were so easy to put on!
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🚂 + 💦 = BEST SUMMER DAY EVER! 😎

Want to have the perfect summer day? Pack a picnic, some towels, swimsuits, and sunscreen and head out to the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park!

🚂 First stop: the newly refurbished Cedar Rock Railroad! They got a new train and playground!
📍 390 Borho, Leander
⏰ Open Tues-Fri 10am-5pm and weekends 10am-6pm (CLOSED MONDAYS)
🎟️ $3.75 (babies under 1 are free)
🚂 Train departs at :15 and :45 each hour (or once per hour on slow days). Ride is about 15 minutes and includes a tunnel.
🛝 They also have several play areas and a little locomotive chase (hand-cranked train on tracks for kids ages 3+)

💦Next stop: Quarry Splash Pad!
🗓️ Open May 24 - September 1, 2025
⏰ Wed-Sun 10am-6pm CLOSED MON + TUES (except Memorial Day and Labor Day)
🎟️ $2/person, cc only
👉Pro tip: Come after lunch time and it clears out! Everyone leaves for baby’s nap time!

#austinkids #cedarrockrailroad #quarrysplashpad | Things to do in Austin TX | north Austin | Leander | Round Rock | things to do with kids in Austin | summer activities for kids in Austin | mini train ride | splash pad

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Open post by austinfunforkids with ID 17918374125087754
🚂 + 💦 = BEST SUMMER DAY EVER! 😎 Want to have the perfect summer day? Pack a picnic, some towels, swimsuits, and sunscreen and head out to the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park! 🚂 First stop: the newly refurbished Cedar Rock Railroad! They got a new train and playground! 📍 390 Borho, Leander ⏰ Open Tues-Fri 10am-5pm and weekends 10am-6pm (CLOSED MONDAYS) 🎟️ $3.75 (babies under 1 are free) 🚂 Train departs at :15 and :45 each hour (or once per hour on slow days). Ride is about 15 minutes and includes a tunnel. 🛝 They also have several play areas and a little locomotive chase (hand-cranked train on tracks for kids ages 3+) 💦Next stop: Quarry Splash Pad! 🗓️ Open May 24 - September 1, 2025 ⏰ Wed-Sun 10am-6pm CLOSED MON + TUES (except Memorial Day and Labor Day) 🎟️ $2/person, cc only 👉Pro tip: Come after lunch time and it clears out! Everyone leaves for baby’s nap time! #austinkids #cedarrockrailroad #quarrysplashpad | Things to do in Austin TX | north Austin | Leander | Round Rock | things to do with kids in Austin | summer activities for kids in Austin | mini train ride | splash pad
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