Early Learning Resources for the Summer!

Prevent the summer slide and keep your kids motivated to read and learn all summer long by checking out the following resources and activities.

PBS Kids Summer Activity Book

Play and learn all summer long with the PBS Kids Summer Activity Book. Find a variety of activities, games, crafts, and shows curated by the team at PBS KIDS and at your local station.

You can also find more activity ideas for your early learners and families this summer on the SDPB Learners Connection website.

Brain-Building Through Play: Activities for Infants, Toddlers and Children

With support from the LEGO Foundation, Harvard's Center on the Developing Child created this series of handouts with playful, age-appropriate activities for children, from newborns to adolescents, that are easy to do at home or just about anywhere!

2023 Free Summer Meals

(For Kids 18 & under)

The Black Hills Area Community Foundation has developed a flyer to provide information about the different sites offering free meals for kids throughout the summer in Rapid City. Click on the flyer or dial 211 for more information.

Download Flyer

Summer Reading Resources

A young girl and boy sit next to each other reading a book. Summer Reading Programs in the Black Hills 2023.

2023 Summer Reading Programs in the Black Hills

With tons of fun activities, events, and prizes to be won, participating in a summer reading program is a great way to encourage young kiddos to gain and improve reading skills throughout the summer. Check out the page linked below to learn more about summer reading programs that are being hosted by libraries throughout the Black Hills this summer.

Visit BH Reads Website

Illustration of kids flying on top of open books in the air.

Summer Reading Field Trips

Whether picking up a book on a lazy summer day, reading during a long car trip, or setting time each summer evening for reading time, summer is the perfect time to encourage your child to read. Check out the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) website to take their Summer Reading Pledge and find fun summer reading field trip ideas, monthly literacy calendars, book recommendations, and more.

Visit RIF Website

Books to Read this Summer

Looking for books that focus on playing outdoors, cooling off in the water, and visiting relatives? Heat up your day with these stories and warm weather activities from NAEYC.

More Recommendations

A Sofia Special written by Julie Falatko

Ice Cream Summer by Peter Sis

Out of the Blue by Alison Jay

Summer Wonders written by Bob Raczka

Save the Date!

Power Hour: Virtual Learning Event

July 24, 2023 at 6:30pm MT/7:30pm CT

Join Black Hills Reads, SD Statewide Family Engagement Center, & SD Association for the Education of Young Children for the next Power Hour for childcare providers and other early learning professionals! This quarter's theme is Supporting Child Development. Join us for amazing speakers, interactive breakout conversations, prizes, and more!

Goldilocks and the Three Bears Imagination Book Stop