Summer Learning Activities

Make the most of summer with free learning activities for all ages! The City of Hayward is excited to offer a variety of enriching and fun opportunities to keep young minds active throughout the summer of 2026.
Plant a seed, read. Illustration of seeds reading.

Join us for our Summer Reading Challenge, enjoy free meals and activities at Lunch at the Library, and dive into hands-on discovery at our Summer Learning Camp. Whether your child is a curious reader, a budding scientist, or just looking for something fun to do, there’s something for everyone this summer—at no cost to families.

Summer Reading Challenge

For kids, teens, and adults. Read, learn, have fun and earn prizes from June 8 - August 1, 2026.

Sign up for the challenge

Events & Activities

Join us for a summer full of book clubs, author talks, puppets, bubbles, dance, craft classes, and so much more!

View our events calendar

Lunch at the Library

Free lunch, books, and more! For kids from birth to 17; receive a free lunch and all children leave with a free book each time they attend! No registration required. See our event calendar for a full list of days and locations after June 1.

Downtown Library Branch Dates: 

  • Tuesday, June 16, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Wednesday, June 17, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Tuesday, June 23, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Wednesday, June 24, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Tuesday, July 7, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Wednesday, July 8, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Tuesday, July 14, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Wednesday, July 15, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Weekes Library Branch Dates: 

  • Thursday, June 18, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Thursday, June 25, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Friday, June 26, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Thursday, July 9, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Friday, July 10, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Thursday, July 16, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Friday, July 17, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Summer Learning Camp

Free lunch, educational fun, and crafts in our 3-day afternoon camps! For students entering 2nd - 8th grade. Lottery registration begins on Monday, May 11.

Summer Learning Camp Lottery Form

This is an entry to the Summer Learning Camp 2026 Lottery. Acceptance to the camp is not guaranteed. You will be emailed if you are selected by May 30. Camp will take place from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm on all days.

Downtown Library Branch Learning Camp Dates:

Week 1
  • Tuesday, June 16, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
  • Wednesday, June 17, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
  • Thursday, June 18, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Week 2
  • Tuesday, June 23, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
  • Wednesday, June 24, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
  • Thursday, June 25, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Weekes Library Branch Learning Camp Dates: 

Week 3
  • Tuesday, July 7, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
  • Wednesday, July 8, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
  • Thursday, July 9, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Week 4
  • Tuesday, July 14, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
  • Wednesday, July 15, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
  • Thursday, July 16, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm