Free Printable Summer Coloring Bookmarks For Kids

Here are 3 super cute free printable summer coloring bookmarks for kids to engage them with books, this summer, and encourage a love for reading!

SCROLL TO THE END TO SNAG YOUR FREE SUMMER DIY BOOKMARKS!

I agree 100% that summer is the perfect time for kids to slow down. However, I also believe it’s an excellent opportunity for them to explore new stories and develop a love for reading.

Sometimes this can be a bit challenging with all the excitement of sunny days, swimming pools, BBQs, popsicles, etc.

Oftentimes, reading and learning take a backseat.

As parents, we don’t want that, right?!

That’s why I created these DIY summer bookmarks for your kiddos!

These adorable bookmarks double as a coloring activity and make the perfect companion for summer reading and crafts.

Let’s dive into why your kids will absolutely love these bookmarks, how they can boost your child’s summer reading, and some fun ways to use them at home.

Table of Contents

Why Kids Love These Summer Coloring Bookmarks?

Kids are naturally drawn to creative, hands-on activities, and coloring is at the top of the list.

These printable bookmarks are full of cute, summer-themed designs that include suns, beach balls, popsicles, starfish, sea creatures, and fun reading quotes.

Here are a few reasons kids are bound to love these bookmarks:

They’re personalized – Kids can color them with their favorite crayons, markers, or colored pencils. Making each bookmark their own.

They’re usable – Once colored, these bookmarks serve a real purpose. Kids can tuck them into their favorite books and feel proud to use something they made.

They’re inspiring – Two out of the three bookmark features a short, uplifting quote like “Dive into a good book!” and “Catch some rays and read all day!” These little messages of encouragement can help kids feel excited about reading.

How Can These Bookmarks Encourage Summer Reading?

We all know that reading during summer break helps prevent the “summer slide”, that dip in reading skills that can happen when kids are away from learning. But keeping reading fun and low-pressure is key.

These coloring bookmarks help by:

Creating a positive association with reading – When a child sees their hand-colored bookmark waiting in a book, it feels like an invitation to come back and read some more.

Giving kids ownership over their reading journey – Letting them color and use their own bookmark adds a sense of pride and independence.

Adding excitement to book time – Something as simple as a fun bookmark can make daily reading feel like a treat instead of a chore.

You can even make it part of a routine, every time they finish a book, they get to choose a new bookmark to color!

Free Summer Printable Bookmarks Included

This free download includes a variety of summer-themed bookmarks to color. Each one features:

Whimsical summer illustrations (think sandcastles, watermelon, sunglasses, ice cream, palm trees, etc.)
Positive reading quotes
Easy-to-cut bookmark templates (3 per page)

You can print them on regular paper or use cardstock for a sturdier finish. They’re also easy to laminate for extra durability (more on that below!).

How To Make Beautiful Summer Bookmarks For Your Kids?

There are so many ways to enjoy these printable bookmarks.

Whether you’re a teacher sending home a summer reading pack, a parent encouraging daily reading, or a librarian planning a reading program, these bookmarks are a simple but meaningful addition.

Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Print the Bookmarks

Download the free printable file and print the bookmarks on 8.5″ x 11″ paper. For the best results, use white cardstock; this makes the bookmarks more durable and gives a better surface for coloring. However, it is not necessary.

Step 2: Let Kids Color and Decorate

Provide kids with coloring tools like:

Crayons
Markers
Colored pencils

They can color in all three bookmarks or just choose their favorite. For added fun, set up a “bookmark coloring station” at a summer camp, library event, or at home with friends.

Step 3: Cut and Customize

Once the coloring is complete, help your child carefully cut along the lines to separate each bookmark.

Then, choose one or both of the following finishing options:

Punch a hole at the top and tie a ribbon or string – This gives the bookmark a fun look. You can even use yarn or colorful twine you have at home.

Laminate for long-term use – If you have access to a laminator, this is a great option to protect the bookmarks. Laminate the sheet first, and then cut out the bookmarks and punch holes. This way, they’ll hold up better through all the page-turning.

Bonus Idea: Bookmark Gift Sets!

Encourage your child to make extra bookmarks to give as gifts to friends, family, or classmates. A bundle of hand-colored bookmarks makes a sweet and personal end-of-year gift for teachers, or a great party favor for a summer birthday party.

Fun Ways To Use These Summer Bookmarks

Need some creative ways to integrate these bookmarks into summer reading time?

Try these fun ideas:

Summer Reading Challenge – Print several bookmark sets and let kids color a new one each time they finish a book. It’s a visual way to track progress!

Bookmark of the Week – Choose one bookmark to decorate and use for the week. Let it inspire the theme of the books they pick (ocean books, adventure stories, etc.).

Bookmark Swap – Have kids decorate and swap bookmarks with friends or siblings. It’s a fun way to share favorite designs!

Story Starter Bookmarks – Use the images on the bookmarks as inspiration for a short story writing activity. What happens when the turtle goes under the palm tree?

Nurturing A Lifelong Love of Reading

Sometimes it’s the small things, like a colorful bookmark, that can nurture a lifelong love of books.

Giving kids something they can create, personalize, and proudly use helps make reading a joyful experience instead of an assignment.

These bookmarks aren’t just a craft, I truly believe they’re a bridge between creativity and literacy.

They remind kids that reading can be fun, expressive, and full of imagination. And when kids feel good about reading, they’re more likely to keep coming back to it again and again.

Grab Your Free Printable Summer DIY Bookmarks

Click on the link below to snag these free printable summer bookmarks for your kids!

Free Summer Bookmarks (2 downloads )

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More Summer Fun Printables For Children

Here are some more fun summer activities that you may want to snag for your kiddos:

Pin These DIY Bookmarks For Your Children

Head over to your Pinterest account and save these super cute summer bookmarks for your kiddos! And, while there, please consider following us on Pinterest.

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