Key Takeaways
- Creating a fun and relaxed reading environment encourages kids to enjoy books and develop their long-term literacy skills.
- Interactive activities, personalized books, and connecting stories to real-life experiences make reading feel exciting and meaningful.
- Offering a variety of materials, including graphic novels, audiobooks, and reading apps, keeps children motivated and helps build confidence in their reading journey.
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.
Why Some Kids Don’t Enjoy Reading
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.
Screens themselves also play a big role. Studies show that spending too much time on digital devices can impact focus, language development, and even reading comprehension. Reading on screens, especially when rushed, often leads to distracted attention and a reduced understanding compared to reading printed books.
Finally, a lack of choice can turn kids away from reading. Being forced to read books that don’t match their interests makes reading feel like homework, while being allowed to pick books that match their hobbies or favorite topics builds excitement.
Tips to Make Reading More Fun For Kids
Reading can become an exciting adventure for kids when approached the right way. Simple changes in how books are introduced and shared can spark curiosity and imagination. With the right strategies, children can move from avoiding books to looking forward to reading as a fun and engaging activity.
Create a reading-friendly environment
The environment in which kids read is sometimes just as important as the book. You want to create an atmosphere where kids can be comfortable and enjoy their reading time. A welcoming nook and easy access to books encourage kids to spend more time with stories.
Try transforming a corner of your home into a cozy retreat filled with books and calm. To achieve this:
- Add soft cushions, comfy blankets, or a small tent to invite children to curl up and relax.
- Make sure the lighting is bright enough so that little eyes do not strain.
- Pick a spot away from TV or tablet distractions to promote focus.
- Keep books visible on low shelves, in baskets, or on a display rack. When titles are within reach and in plain view, children are more likely to browse and choose independently.
- Set reading time during quiet parts of the day, for example, after school or before bed, so they associate that space with relaxation and curiosity.
Let them choose what they read
Children thrive when they can pick their own books. Allow them to explore different genres, formats, and lengths. They may enjoy colorful comics, fun magazines, charming picture books, or lively audiobooks. Mixing these formats keeps reading fresh and exciting.
A child might look at a picture book today, a graphic novel tomorrow, and listen to a narrated story another day. Giving them this freedom builds confidence in their choices and helps them discover what they love to read. When kids feel that reading is for them and not something they are told to do, they are more likely to develop a strong and lasting interest in books.
Incorporate reading into daily routines
Blending reading into everyday life helps children see it as something natural and enjoyable rather than a chore. The key is to weave books and words into moments that already exist, making stories feel like a regular companion.
Here are a few ways to do that:
- Make bedtime stories a ritual. Reading a short story every night creates a calm and comforting routine that children look forward to. It also builds positive associations with books.
- Turn cooking into a reading moment. Ask your child to read recipes aloud or help you follow steps. Reading while preparing meals makes them feel involved and teaches them that words have a real purpose.
- Use shopping trips as an opportunity for quick reading practice. Encourage them to read signs, price tags, or ingredient lists. It is a simple way to keep them curious and engaged with words outside of books.
- Make car rides story time. Play an audiobook together or take turns reading aloud. Sharing stories on the go turns travel time into an enjoyable reading adventure.
Make reading interactive
Turning reading into an interactive experience can transform it from a quiet task into an exciting adventure. When parents bring stories to life, children stay more engaged, remember details better, and begin to see books as something fun rather than something they have to do.
Start by reading with energy and emotion. Give every character a unique voice or accent so the dialogue feels alive. A brave knight can sound bold and loud, while a shy fairy might speak softly and gently. Children love it when stories feel like a performance, and they often join in by mimicking voices or adding their own sound effects.
Encourage them to act out scenes as you read. Stomp together like giant dinosaurs, flutter your arms like butterflies, or whisper like sneaky mice hiding in the woods. These playful movements spark imagination and make the story feel like a game.
Ask questions while reading to keep them thinking about what might happen next. Simple prompts such as “What do you think will happen now?” or “How would you feel if you were the hero?” make children feel involved in the story.
Props can add even more excitement. Puppets, stuffed animals, or even simple homemade crafts can become characters that “speak” or “move” during the story. When reading feels like play, children connect with books on a deeper level and look forward to every storytime.
Introduce personalized books to spark interest
Personalized books place your child at the center of the story. Their name, appearance, and even family members become part of the adventure. A child who sees themselves as the hero feels more connected and excited to read.
Personalized books can also encourage reluctant readers because every page feels special. Children who read stories where they play the leading role often smile, laugh, and talk more about what they read. They may also learn new words faster because the story feels meaningful to them.
WonderWraps creates beautifully illustrated personalized stories where children become part of magical worlds. You can choose from many books we offer, such as:
- Princess and the Glowing Flower, where your child spreads kindness and light in an enchanted garden.
- Boy and the Moon Goddess, where they travel to the moon, solve riddles, and meet amazing creatures.
- Girl Counts with the Forest Friends, where your child learns to count in a fun, engaging way.
Use technology and reading apps
Technology can be a great tool for encouraging kids to read when used thoughtfully. Many apps are designed to build literacy skills while keeping reading fun.
Some well-reviewed options include Epic!, which offers thousands of books for all reading levels, FarFaria, an app that updates with new stories weekly, and Homer Reading, which combines phonics with interactive stories. For younger children, Endless Reader introduces sight words through animated fun, while older kids might enjoy interactive e-books from Kindle Kids Edition.
Balance is important, so mix digital reading with physical books. Use apps for travel, short breaks, or when you want to introduce new genres, but also encourage daily time with printed books to give children a variety of reading experiences. Switching between screens and pages keeps reading exciting and helps them build different comprehension skills.
Try reading games and activities
Games make reading feel like play, which helps children stay engaged and excited to learn new words. A word scavenger hunt is a fun option: hide cards with words around the house and have kids search for them, reading each one aloud. You can also play “word detective”, where children look for specific words or letters in books or magazines.
Board games that focus on words are another great choice. Scrabble Junior and Boggle help build vocabulary, while Zingo Word Builder encourages younger children to form words quickly. Puzzles that involve matching letters or creating words are excellent for early readers.
Acting out scenes from a favorite book or creating a mini puppet show based on a story also makes reading interactive. These games and activities turn learning into a lively adventure and help children build stronger reading and comprehension skills without realizing they are practicing.
Connect books to real-life experiences
Linking stories to real-life experiences helps children feel more connected to what they read. If a book is about animals, plan a trip to the zoo or a local farm. After reading about space, visit a science museum or look at stars with a telescope. These experiences make the story feel real and exciting.
Similarly important is following up with creative activities that match the theme of the book. If the story involves baking, try cooking a simple recipe inspired by it. A book about the ocean can lead to making seashell crafts or painting underwater scenes. You can also encourage kids to talk about how the story relates to their own hobbies or interests.
When children see how books connect to the world around them, they are more likely to stay curious and motivated. Stories become invitations to explore, create, and learn in fun new ways.
Join libraries and reading clubs
Libraries are more than places to borrow books. They often host fun events like storytelling sessions, themed reading days, and workshops that encourage kids to explore different genres. Visiting the library regularly gives children access to a wide variety of books, helping them discover new authors and subjects that spark their interest. Picking their own books also gives them a sense of independence.
Reading clubs, whether local or online, add a social side to reading. Kids can share opinions about books, listen to others’ ideas, and even take part in friendly reading challenges. Being part of a group motivates them to read more because they feel included in a community.
Parents can also join family reading groups, where everyone reads together and discusses the stories. Libraries and clubs transform reading into a shared experience, making it enjoyable, social, and something children eagerly look forward to.
Turn Pages, Build Passion
Making reading fun and pressure-free is one of the best ways to nurture a lifelong love for books. When children enjoy stories, they naturally build stronger vocabulary, better comprehension, and more confidence in their reading skills. Simple changes, like interactive activities, cozy reading spaces, and personalized stories, can transform how they see books. Every positive experience adds up, creating a habit that lasts well beyond childhood.
If you want to make reading even more exciting, explore WonderWraps’ personalized books. They turn kids into the heroes of their own adventures, making every page feel magical and unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Are audiobooks as beneficial as physical books for kids?
Yes, audiobooks improve listening skills, vocabulary, and comprehension, especially when paired with following along in a physical book.
Should I worry if my child prefers graphic novels?
No, graphic novels still build reading skills and can motivate reluctant readers to enjoy longer texts.
How do I help my child transition from picture books to chapter books?
Offer early chapter books with illustrations and engaging stories, and read a few chapters together to make the shift feel easier.
