How to Get Kid Freebies at the Los Angeles Book Festival: Guide

Planning a visit to the Los Angeles Book Festival with kids? You’re in for more than just a day of great reads there are dozens of freebies for families if you know where (and how) to look!

Here’s your insider guide to uncovering all the free books, tote bags, bookmarks, posters, and kid activities at this exciting literary event all without spending a dime.

Reading at the Los Angeles Book Festival

Book Festival 2025 Caters to Kids

One of the most amazing things about the Los Angeles Book Festival 2025 is that they cater to the kids. While there are extraordinary panels where adults can consume the words from the very authors who wrote them, the festival goes the extra mile for the kids. Even those fussy kiddos who would rather be in front of a video game find themselves pulled into the book world.

Hard Working LA Book Fest Volunteers

I personally appreciate how hard the volunteers work at the Los Angeles Book Festival. Offering directions, helping people stand in line, doing what needs to be done to make the 2025 book fest a success.

Additionally, they once again have a Spanish speaking area at the Los Angeles Book Festival 2025, for kids who enjoy books in Espanola. Inclusion, no matter what language you speak, is important and the emphasis on this area is always a busy spot.

Gone to all the Book Fests Since the Beginning

I've been to every Los Angeles Book Festival since the beginning. When it started the LA Book Fest was at the UCLA campus and yes, everyone complained about the parking there too. Over the years this unique festival has become a mainstay for the book community, the educational community and even Los Angeles overall. It's a great place to wrap yourself up in words and find a good book (or two.)

How to Get Kid Freebies at the Los Angeles Book Festival 2925:

🎒 1. Look for Free Tote Bags Early

One of the most popular giveaways at the Los Angeles Book Festival for families is the free tote bag. These often go fast — especially the colorful ones with artwork or slogans.

Pro Tip: Arrive early and keep your eyes peeled for stacks of folded bags or booths that have signs reading “Free Tote” or “Grab a Bag.” If you see someone carrying one, politely ask where they got it. Many vendors give them out to encourage visits or participation in quick activities.

📚 2. Snag Free Books for Kids

Yes the free books at the Los Angeles Book Festival are real! Some booths (especially those focused on children’s literacy) offer complimentary children’s books to help encourage reading.

How to Spot Them: Watch for displays with multiple copies of the same book or a “FREE” sign posted. Ask if any books are available for kids. Don’t be shy — many vendors love sharing with families!

🎨 3. Collect Activity Sheets, Puzzles & Posters

Another kid-friendly score: free printable activities, posters, and puzzles. These are often laid out on tables or in folders and range from coloring sheets to crossword puzzles to literary-themed posters.

Look For: Bins labeled “Take One,” stacks of paper near the front of the booth, or signs that say “Free for Kids.” Activity sheets make for a great quiet time after the festival, too!

🎟️ 4. Enjoy Free Storytelling Sessions

Throughout the day, the festival offers live storytelling for children, often performed by real authors, educators, or guest readers. These sessions are not only totally free, but they offer a calm and magical moment amid the crowd.

When & Where: While there may not always be a formal stage, these readings happen in kid-focused areas or at booths designed for families. Listen for the sound of animated reading or check the day’s printed schedule for author talks aimed at younger readers.

📌 5. Ask and You Might Receive!

The best way to find kid freebies at the Los Angeles Book Festival? Ask. Vendors love talking about their books, materials, and missions and many have giveaways hidden behind the counter they’ll share if you engage with them.

Say something like: “Hi! We’re looking for fun stuff for our young reader. Do you have any freebies or kid handouts?” This small effort often results in bookmarks, posters, stickers, or even free books.

🧐 6. Look for Visual Cues

When in doubt, follow the signs — literally. Many booths that offer kid freebies have signs that say:

• “Free for Kids!”

• “Take One”

• “Free Poster or Bookmark”

• “Storytime Today”

And always keep an eye on where families are gathered. If you see a cluster of kids excitedly digging through a pile of paper, you’ve probably found something good!

An Afternoon of Family Fun

The Los Angeles Book Festival 2025 is more than a book lover’s event it’s a treasure trove for curious kids. From tote bags to story time, there are countless ways to engage your little ones with free, fun, and educational materials.

So bring a backpack, get there early, and let your kids explore. You’ll walk away with more than just memories. You’ll have a bag full of free surprises, too!