Everything you need to know about the PBS Kids Utah Reading Marathon

The PBS Kids Utah Reading Marathon is a great way to reward kids for reading AND get free admission to lots of awesome venues in Utah. It’s one of our favorite traditions!

It’s time for the PBS Kids Utah Reading Marathon, and I’m so excited! As a former English teacher, I’m a big fan of anything that gets kids reading, and this Utah-based program is such a great opportunity for families!

If you are familiar with the Reading Marathon, take this as your quick reminder to go print your reading tracker (and set a reminder in your phone to submit it by December 31).

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, allow me to introduce you to my favorite way to encourage kids to read AND get free admission to some of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Utah. Seriously, I’ll shout about it from the rooftops…every family needs to know about this program!

We’ve been participating for years, so I gathered up everything you need to know and put it in a handy FAQ format below.

What is the PBS Kids Utah Reading Marathon?

The PBS Kids Reading Marathon is an annual reading challenge in Utah that encourages kids to read 20 minutes per day during the month of November. By completing the goal and submitting a reading record, participants earn a PBS Kids Adventure Pass, which gives them free admission to various popular family-friendly venues around Utah.

How does the PBS Kids Utah Reading Marathon work?

The process is simple: your child reads for 20 minutes each day (or 600 minutes total) in November. You download the reading tracker from their website, fill it out during November and then submit it online between December 1-31. As a reward, they’ll receive an Adventure Pass (via email) with access to various attractions in Utah.

Who can participate in the Reading Marathon?

The reading marathon is open to all children across Utah, preschool through 6th grade.

How much do kids have to read for the PBS Kids Utah Reading Marathon?

The goal is 20 minutes per day throughout November, totaling 600 minutes for the month. My kids are required to read that much for school anyway, so it’s already built into our daily routine. If you miss a day, you can make it up another day, as long as you get 600 minutes total by the end of the month.

What types of reading materials can I count toward the required minutes?

Any type of reading material counts! Books, magazines, graphic novels, or audiobooks all contribute toward the reading goal. This makes it easy to keep kids engaged with materials they’re excited about.

Are there any rewards or incentives for participants?

Yes! Every participant who completes the reading goal earns a PBS Kids Adventure Pass with free or discounted admission to awesome locations around Utah, like museums, zoos, and more!

What is included in the PBS Kids Adventure Pass?

The Adventure Pass changes a bit each year but typically includes places like Tracy Aviary, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, Red Butte Garden, Hogle Zoo, and several others. It’s a fantastic way for families to experience more of what Utah has to offer at no cost.

Here are the current listed Adventure Pass partners:

• Natural History Museum of Utah
• Discovery Gateway
• Red Butte Garden
• Clark Planetarium
• Salt Lake City Public Library
• Utah Symphony | Utah Opera
• Intermountain Therapy Animals
• Thanksgiving Point
• The Leonardo
• Ogden Nature Center
• Tracy Aviary
• USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum in Price
• Utah Film Center
• U of U Athletics
• SeaQuest Aquarium
• Scheels
• Christa McAuliffe Space Center
• St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site
• St. George Children’s Museum
• Utah Shakespearean Festival
• Hogle Zoo

How do I register for the PBS Kids Reading Marathon?

Head over to the PBS Utah website in November to download your reading tracker. You don’t have to officially “register”…just make sure you come back in December to enter and submit your kids’ reading minutes so that you’ll receive your Adventure Pass.

How do I submit my child’s reading minutes?

During the marathon, you’ll track your child’s daily reading on the printed reading tracker (available on the PBS Utah website). Anytime during the month of December, go to the PBS Utah website and look for the link to submit everything.

How do I use the PBS Kids Adventure Pass?

Once you receive the pass, each venue has specific instructions on how to redeem it. Some of the venues are only valid for certain months, but many can be used anytime throughout the year. Be sure to bring your Adventure Pass with you when you visit. Most places will ask for the code on the front of your Adventure Pass when you redeem your free admission.

Is it really free?

Yes! Participation in the PBS Kids Reading Marathon and the Adventure Pass are completely free. That’s why it’s so awesome! We have saved so much money by using the Adventure Pass to visit some of the most popular attractions in Utah.

What about adults?

The program is focused on children, so any adults and other family members visiting with the passholders will have to pay. However, a few of the locations (like Ogden Nature Center and Sea Quest) include free or discounted admission for one accompanying adult. Check each venue’s guidelines for details.

We usually use our passes when my husband is working anyway, so I’m only paying for one person. If I can get myself and my three kids into the zoo for the price of ONE adult admission, I’m gonna call that a big WIN!

Ready to get started?

Head to the PBS Utah website to download your tracker, start reading, and let the adventure begin!

(And in case you didn’t do it yet, go set that reminder in your phone to submit your reading minutes on December 1st…before the Christmas craziness kicks in.)