Free Online Kids Books & Storytelling Events in KC
We all know it’s important to make reading a priority for our kids. Most teachers will encourage kids to have at least 20 minutes of reading time each day.
In order to help you with your family reading goals, check out these resources for free kids books online and storytime events around Kansas City!
For Kids – Age 2 to 7
Your Local Library
All area libraries offer story-times for kids. For some sessions, you need to register because they fill up quickly. Library events usually include a few books and might also have songs or a craft for the kids too. Added bonus: browsing the shelves for more fun reads to take home!
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble Bookstores has free story-time sessions offered weekly. These story-times will usually feature newly published kids books and some also include a craft or character visit. Check their online calendar for the schedule.
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn stores also offer free weekly story-times. Kids can get a free Book Club Passport on their first visit and once they attend 5 storytimes, they will receive a special gift.
There are also special events offered through their National Geographic Little Explorers series where kids are introduced to books and activities based on animal or nature themes.
Nature Centers
These are some of my favorite story-times in Kansas City! Not only do kids get to listen to a story, but there is also some type of nature activity or animal introduction that’s also involved. Burr Oak Woods, Lakeside Nature Center, and Ernie Miller Nature Center have really cool storytime sessions during the week and on weekends.
Free Read Aloud Books Online
You can find more than 50 free read-to-me kids books online! Books include popular stories such as Arthur, Pinkalicious, Green Eggs & Ham, If You Give a Mouse a Cookies and many others! Stories are accessible via most computers, iPads and smartphones. These are perfect for when you’re on-the-go, at the grocery store or running errands!
For Older Kids
Read Aloud Fun
Even when kids can read on their own, it’s still important for them to hear others read. Continuing a family read-aloud for as long as they’ll listen! Many middle school and high school English classes still do read-alouds and the teen love them! Not sure what to read? Here’s a list of 50 Amazing Read-Aloud Books for kids of all ages!
Books to Movies Database
With more than 100 titles, I’m sure you’ll find something to watch in this Kids Books Made into Movies database! Give the kids an incentive – read the book and then watch the movie.
Book Games Online
Many companies that publish children’s books have really cool websites for kids! The draw here is that kids need to read the book in order to play along.
You can find more than 100+ games and activities that accompany many kids books at Harper Collins Children’s Books, The Stacks at Scholastic Books, and the Penguin Young Readers Minisites!
Reading on the Road
It’s great to use car time as reading time. Encourage kids to keep books in the car so they can read on the way to/from sports practices and activities. There are also a number of websites that offer free books via your computer, iPad, Kindle and smartphone — a great solution if the kids forget their book or if you need a few new options while traveling.
This post is by my friend Jacquie Fisher who is the author and curator of KCEdventures. KC Edventures is an online resource that provides parents & grandparents with ideas to keep kids creative, curious and connected to the world around them. (In my speak, they give you ideas that combine hands-on, with books, and places to go in Kansas City.)
