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Summer is easily the best time for book club meetings because there’s plenty of sunshine, and – I don’t know – there’s just something about the season that puts everyone in a good mood.
If you have a book club, whether for children or adults, and you’re looking for activities to spice up your meetings, I’ve got some ideas for you!
Now, I’ve intentionally included both indoor and outdoor activities, and of course, they’re all cheap or even totally free.
I hope you consider some of these ideas because I know I will with my summer book club girlies!
And if you’re looking for a fun reading challenge to try with your club this summer, why not check out the TRJ Summer 2025 Reading Challenge?
Anyway, I just know these ideas will keep you talking, having fun, and laughing all summer long!
Let me know how it goes in the comments!
Fun Summer Book Club Activities for Adults That Bring Books to Life
1. Grab your books, a cozy blanket, and some snacks for a bookish picnic at the park.
2. Pick a book and throw a party inspired by it – costumes, food, and all!
3. Choose a scenic trail, take breaks to read, and discuss the book at the end.
4. Cook meals from books or inspired by their settings.
5. Nothing beats reading with your toes in the sand and the ocean breeze.
6. Bring books to exchange while enjoying a delicious brunch.
7. Make bookmarks, book sleeves, or literary-inspired art.
8. Watch movie adaptations of books you’ve read under the stars.
9. Visit different cafés, read, and chat about books over coffee.
10. Find a local literary site and make a trip out of it.
11. Choose a mystery or thriller and then put your detective skills to the test at an escape room.
12. Just read together in a cozy space, no talking needed.
13. Visit a bookstore, pick out surprise books for each other, and discuss over drinks.
14. Invite an author for a chat or join an online event together.
15. Create challenges like find a book with a blue cover and explore the library.
16. Mix up drinks inspired by books and enjoy lively discussions during a cocktail night.
17. Rewrite the ending of a book and share your versions.
18. Test your knowledge on different books with fun trivia rounds.
19. Read books based on a theme each week, like set in summer or written by a debut author.
20. Spend a weekend camping, reading, and sharing stories around the fire.
Exciting Summer Book Club Activities for Kids
1. Spread out blankets, bring snacks, and take turns reading aloud in the sunshine.
2. Let kids design and decorate their own bookmarks with stickers, glitter, and fun drawings.
3. Hide books around the yard or park and give clues to help kids find them.
4. Pick a book theme (pirates, princesses, superheroes) and have kids dress up while reading.
5. Visit the local library and give kids a list of things to find, like a book with a blue cover or a story about animals.
6. Let kids create sock puppets and act out scenes from their favorite books.
7. Have them draw scenes or write short stories on the pavement with chalk.
8. Take a walk and have kids make up a story using things they see around them.
9. Pick a book with a fun recipe and let the kids help bake a treat that matches the story.
10. Have kids dress up as their favorite book characters and do a mini parade or talent show.
11. Set up cozy reading nooks outdoors with tents, cushions, and fairy lights.
12. Write words from a book on balloons, and when kids pop them, they have to use the word in a sentence.
13. Let kids write letters or draw pictures for their favorite authors and mail them.
14. Use flashlights and hand-cut puppets to tell bedtime stories.
15. Have kids pretend to be their favorite characters and answer questions in a fun role-play game.
16. Make cubes with pictures or words, roll them, and use them as prompts to create stories.
17. Design a course based on a book (e.g., climb Jack’s beanstalk or hop over hot lava like in adventure books).
18. Fill in the blanks of book-inspired stories with funny words for hilarious results.
19. Pick a book and make crafts that go with it, like paper crowns for a fairy tale.
20. Let kids read under the stars with glow sticks and flashlights for a magical summer evening.
Are you planning to try any of these summer book club activities? Let me know in the comments below!
And don’t forget – the Summer Reading Challenge is open to everyone!
In that post, I break down how it works and everything you need to know to get started.
If you’re heading to the beach this summer, you’ll definitely want to pick up one of these books.
And if you’re in the mood for some sweet romance, these are the ones you don’t want to miss!
