Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Support Young Readers This Summer
The Summer Reading Challenge is back, bursting with surprises, stickers, and storytelling fun for children aged 4–11. Whether you’re reading in a treehouse, a tent, or your favourite cosy corner, a summer full of stories and imagination awaits.
What is the Summer Reading Challenge?
The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic free event run every year by The Reading Agency, with support from libraries across the UK. Encouraging children to keep reading during the holidays, the challenge also helps to boost reading confidence, preparing and supporting children before their return to school.
This year’s theme is Story Garden: Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors! It’s all about discovering the magic between books and the natural world. Think forests, flowers, and fantastical creatures!
How It Works:
1. Sign up at your local library or online.
2. Set your goal – read as many books as you like this summer.
3. Earn stickers and rewards as you go!
The challenge helps to get approximately 700,000 children into libraries each year, reading books they love and having fun along the way.
The Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge launches on 21st June 2025 in Scotland and on 5th July 2025 in England and Wales.
Children can read anything they like, from comics and graphic novels to chapter books, fact books or fairy tales. It’s all about reading for fun and enjoyment. Best of all? Taking part is completely free!
Grab your library card, pick your first book, and start your summer adventure today.
Extra Activities for Super Readers:
• Write a mini book review
• Make a story soundtrack playlist for your favourite book
• Paint an exciting scene or moment from your book
• Draw your favourite book character or author
Top Tips for Parents:
• Let your child choose what they read
• Make 15 minutes of reading a daily habit
• Be a reading role model and try to read more yourself
• Visit the library together regularly, celebrate progress and cheer them on
Keep your family’s reading journey on track with Book Bingo!
Use these fun prompts and see how many you can complete during the holidays.
The Book Bingo section can be found in the summer issues of Primary Times. Tick off or colour in each square as you go – and get the whole family involved!
Find out more at: summerreadingchallenge.org.uk