Free Museums & Meatballs: San Diego’s Summer Reading Program is a Win!
The San Diego Public Library Summer Reading Program
One of our favorite summer traditions! The San Diego Public Library’s Summer Reading Program makes reading feel like an adventure—with museum passes, and even food.
All you have to do:
• Read 10 books
• Complete 10 activities
• Log your reading hours
My kids were all in this year—they asked to do something from the list every single day!
How It Works
• Pick up a reading log starting June 1
– Available at any San Diego Public Library or print it online
• Track your books, hours, and activities
– Activities are grouped by age:
• Ages 0–5
• Ages 6–11
• Teens & Adults
• Turn in your log starting June 9 at any San Diego branch to claim your prizes
– While supplies last
This Year’s Prizes
Children (Ages 0–11)
• 1 free book
• Pass for 2 to the San Diego Natural History Museum (The NAT)
• Pass for 2 to the Model Railroad Museum
• Pass for 2 to the Automotive Museum
• Pass for 1 to the Children’s Discovery Museum
• 1 free cookie at Mendocino Farms
• 1 free kid’s meal at Denny’s & (Raising Cane’s was a nice unexpected surprise!)
Teens (Ages 12–17)
• 1 free book
• Pass for 2 to The NAT
• Pass for 2 to the Model Railroad Museum
• Pass for 2 to the Automotive Museum
• 1 free cookie at Mendocino Farms
Adults (18+)
• Free book from participating Friends of the Library book sales
• Pass for 2 to The NAT
Our Turn-In Day at Mission Valley
We turned in our reading logs at the Mission Valley Library—on purpose, because IKEA is next door.
It was super easy. We walked up to a librarian, said we completed our summer reading, and they handed us our museum passes and told the kids to pick out a book.
Of course, when I said, “Don’t pick from this area—it’s all chapter books,” my 4-year-old locked eyes on a chapter book and didn’t budge.
Here’s what they picked:
• Colin (6 yrs): Charlotte’s Web
• Cameron (4 yrs): Before Columbus: The Americas of 1491
• Aubrey (3 yrs): Carry and Learn Colors
Last year there were more options geared toward younger kids—think LEGO and Star Wars—but the kids were still stoked to walk away with something new.
Post-Library Lunch at IKEA
After the library, we headed to IKEA for lunch.
Right now, if you buy one adult meal, you get two kids meals free valid 5/27-8/5 2025 —such a great deal! Another IKEA promotion- buy 4 juices, get 1 free.
The kids chose Swedish meatballs and mac & cheese. Honestly, I should’ve doubled the meatballs—they were gone fast.
While we waited in line, the kids treated the IKEA rails like jungle gyms. I felt like I was herding monkeys, but they were happy, and that’s what counts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in San Diego and haven’t done this program—don’t miss it.
• Free fun
• Free books
• Museum passes
Win-win-win. If you’ve already gone, I’d love to hear what your kids picked or which museum you’re hitting up first!