50 Ways To Make Reading Fun For Children Signupgenius

Leo Migdal

-Dec 11, 2025, 9:43 AM

50 ways to make reading fun for children signupgenius

©2025 SignUpGenius, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reading is an essential part of early childhood education and an important foundation for all other subject areas. But how do you make reading fun? Here are 50 ideas and tips to get you started. Now that you know some ways to make reading exciting, which tips will you use to make reading fun for your child?

Julia Hembree is a full-time mom and part-time freelance writer who thrives on chocolate, Starbucks and toddler kisses. This is my second year using SignUpGenius, and I absolutely love it. I have been in charge of concessions as a cheer mom for many years, and these two years have been by far the easiest. It makes dealing with high school parents much easier. You might wonder what expertise I have. Nope — I’m not a trained teacher.

Rather, I personally struggled to learn how to read, and so did my son. Also, when my kids were little, I fussed at them more than I care to admit. But when we sat down on the couch with a stack of books, we entered a magical world together. All the “shoulds” melted away, and “time” became suspended. So, in no particular order, here are some random suggestions of how to make reading fun that I hope you’ll find helpful. Some are from my own experience; others are from my librarian and author friends.

What suggestions have I missed? Please share your ideas for how to make reading fun in the comments below. Thanks! And happy reading! by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish

If your child only reads when you’re watching, you’re not alone. Many parents are searching for clever ways to turn reading from “required activity” into “can we read another one?” It doesn’t take a Pinterest-perfect book nook or hours of spare time, either. Here are fifteen simple, brilliant ways to get your child talking, moving, and laughing with every page—no creative arts degree or glitter explosions required. Children love a good scavenger hunt, especially when there’s a story at the end. Hide books (or even single pages or clues) around your home and let your child “discover” their next bedtime tale.

If you are a book lover or a life-long reader, it might stump you to have a child who not only doesn’t gravitate toward reading, but actually actively dislikes it. You might never get that child to list reading as their very favorite activity, but there are some great ways to make reading more enjoyable for your child. Here are some of my best suggestions for how to make reading fun for kids: Any other favorite suggestions for how to make reading fun for kids? I’d love for you to share! This is such a great list!

Do you have a fun graphic at all? I’d actually like to put this on my library’s FB page. I try to say all these tips too as a librarian but sometimes hearing it from others resonates too. Research has revealed that only 35% of kids aged 8 to 18 read for pleasure in their spare time. That’s because many children today see reading as a chore for many reasons. However, despite these statistics, learning how to make reading fun for kids can completely change this experience.

Fun reading activities encourage curiosity, build imagination, and strengthen language skills. Children who enjoy reading are more likely to develop stronger vocabulary, better focus, and a love for learning. It also helps them relax, express emotions, and build confidence in their abilities. Many children struggle to enjoy reading, and research points to a few key reasons. Understanding these helps parents and teachers create strategies that spark curiosity and turn reading into something children truly enjoy. One of the biggest issues is low motivation.

Kids are far more likely to pick up a book when it feels meaningful or connects to something they care about. Without that personal connection, reading can feel like an obligation rather than an adventure. Another issue is what experts call aliteracy, referring to children who can read but choose not to. This often happens when books feel slow or irrelevant compared to the instant excitement of games, videos, and other digital entertainment. Reading is a gateway to imagination and knowledge, but keeping kids engaged with books can sometimes be challenging. If you’re wondering how to make reading enjoyable for kids, you’re in the right place!

Here are 15 creative and fun reading tips for children to encourage a lifelong love of books. Transform a cozy corner into a special reading space with soft cushions, blankets, and bookshelves. A designated spot makes reading feel like a fun escape rather than a chore, encouraging kids to pick up a book more often. Giving children the freedom to select their books fosters a sense of independence and excitement. Whether it’s comics, picture books, or adventure stories, letting them explore their interests makes reading feel like a choice rather than a task. Reading together as a family strengthens bonds and makes reading a shared experience.

Designate time for bedtime stories or weekend reading sessions. When reading becomes a fun family tradition, children naturally associate books with comfort and joy. E-books, audiobooks, and interactive apps make reading more dynamic. Try platforms like Epic!, Reading Eggs, and Storyline Online to provide a variety of engaging stories in digital formats. Teaching children to read is important. But teaching them to love reading sets up a lifetime of learning.

Kids who enjoy reading improve their language skills and think more creatively. It's about more than understanding words. It's about building a habit that helps them learn new things with enthusiasm. Here are some tips on how to make reading fun! Discover how to make reading a positive and rewarding part of your child's daily life. Reading for 15 minutes a day can make a big difference in a child's life.

This short time boosts their reading development and helps them understand new ideas. Read alouds also help prepare them for kindergarten. Regular reading expands a child's view of the world. It sparks curiosity and imagination. Making reading an enjoyable experience is key to developing a child's love for books. And if it’s something they look forward to, it will be much easier to help your child read.

Here are some creative ways to turn reading into a fun activity for your little reader: By using these tips, you can help make reading an enjoyable part of your child’s life. It's all about finding what excites and engages your child. Turn each reading session into a fun and educational experience! This post is also available as a podcast episode and YouTube video. Have you ever sat down for story time, excited to read with your child—only for them to groan, fidget, or suddenly remember they desperately need a snack?

You’re not alone. For many kids, reading feels like work. And the more we nudge—“Just one more page?”—the more they push back. But here’s the good news: reading doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a few playful tweaks, you can transform story time into something they actually look forward to. This isn’t about elaborate crafts or theatrical performances (though you can absolutely go there if you want).

It’s about simple, low-prep ways to bring books to life. Because when reading feels like play, it stops being a fight—and starts becoming fun. Think about how kids interact with the world. A cardboard box becomes a rocket ship. A handful of blocks becomes an entire city. But hand them a book?

50 Ways To Make Reading Fun For Children Signupgenius

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Julia Hembree Is A Full-time Mom And Part-time Freelance Writer

Rather, I Personally Struggled To Learn How To Read, And

What Suggestions Have I Missed? Please Share Your Ideas For

If Your Child Only Reads When You’re Watching, You’re Not