Summer is the perfect time to help kids explore new worlds, discover exciting stories, and build a love for reading! From babies to kids just starting to name letters or sound out words, these fun, engaging activities, events, and book recommendations are tailored to support preschoolers as the gain the skills to begin reading on their own. Join us for an adventure in learning to become a lifelong reader!
Register, Track Reading Time & Earn Prizes
1. Register Learn how to get registered and see the full list of rules.
2. Get a Reading Tracker Download and print an Early Literacy Reading Tracker (.pdf) or pick one up at any Library location.
3. Read Spend time listening to audiobooks, reading aloud to someone, or having someone read to you.
4. Earn Prizes Prizes are earned at 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, and 20 hours of reading. When you reach the hour markers, visit any Library location to claim your prize! Prizes are subject to change and while supplies last. Claim prizes until August 2, 2025.
5. Earn an extra Prize Ready to dig deeper? Complete 7 of 11 activity challenges to win a bonus prize. Dowload and print the Kids Activity Challenges (.pdf) or pick one up at any Library location.
6. Win a Gift Card Fill out the Kids Summer Reading feedback survey to be entered to win a gift card!
7. Grand Prize Drawing All readers who log time will be eligible for grand prizes at the end of the summer if all age groups in the Summer Reading Program together reach a total of 20 million minutes read. Winners will be contacted in August.
Reading Recommendations
Bedtime Little Dinosaur
Books to read to your dino-obsessed little one before bedtime.
Can You Dig It?
Children's nonfiction books about archaeology and paleontology. These books introduce kids to history through the study of fossils and ancient artifacts.
Digging for Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs are always a popular subject for young ones, but especially now with the new Dinosphere exhibit at the Children`s Musuem of Indianapolis opening. This list will pique the interest of budding paleontologists.
Kids Explore Geology
What an amazing planet we live on! The books in this list will provide young scientists with vital information about how the Earth formed and help them explore geology through experiments, rock collecting, and more.
Dinosaurs ROAR!
I love dinosaurs and (maybe) so does your child! These are some of my favorite dinosaur read aloud books. I hope this list helps you find one (or ten) new ones to read before bedtime!
Dinosaurs and other Endangered Species
Enjoy some fiction and nonfiction children's books about some of their favorite extinct species and learn more about why other animals are endangered.
No Longer With Us: Kids Books All About Extinct Animals
Fiction and nonfiction books for kids who are interested in learning about prehistoric/extinct animals.
Rocks & Minerals
Rocks and minerals are all around us, especially in Indiana! Have you ever been fossil hunting at Turkey Run State Park, or geode hunting in Brown County? Find more about rocks and minerals and get into the summer reading spirit with these picks!
Summer Reading Workshops for Preschoolers
Animal Meet & Greets with Silly Safaris
1 hour | All Ages | Schedule for Animal Meet & Greets
Meet up to three animals at these casual drop-in sessions presented by Silly Safaris. Ask your question and take a picture with the critters.
Animal Shows with Silly Safaris
1 hour | All Ages | Schedule for Animal Shows
Go on a wild adventure with Silly Safaris in this sit-down 45-minute live animal show! You’ll have the chance to see animals up close and ask questions. Seating is first come, first served. Arrive early to grab a spot! The June 7 session at Haughville and the July 12 session at Glendale include ASL interpretation.
Storytime with Professor Watermelon
1 hour | Ages 3-6 | Schedule and Register for Professor Watermelon
Chomp, stomp, and roar through stories, songs, and activities with Professor Watermelon! This dinosaur storytime is perfect for children ages 3-6 and their caregivers.
Dino Dash with JumpBunch of Indianapolis
1 hour | Preschoolers | Schedule and Register for Dino Dash
Bring dinosaurs to life as kids jump, run, and stomp their way through activities with JumpBunch of Indianapolis. Young children will strengthen gross motor skills through imaginative movement!
Teddy Bear Concerts with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Young children and their families are invited to an introduction to the orchestra through story, movement and live music. Teddy bears welcome! Space is limited. Learn more about the Teddy Bear Concerts. See the Teddy Bear Concert Schedule.
- Saturday, May 31 from 11-11:45 a.m. at Decatur
- Saturday, June 21 from 11-11:45 a.m. at Central Library
- Saturday, July 19 from 11-11:45 a.m. at Southport
Daily Literacy-Building Activities
Pick up a daily literacy-building acitivity calendar for June at any Library location or:
Pick up a daily literacy-building acitivity calendar for July at any Library location or:
