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10+ Free Online Coding for Kids Resources: Websites & Apps

Introducing Free Coding for Kids Resources! Coding has become one of the essential skills to learn in this tech world, not only for college students or working professionals but also for kids. Learning coding for kids at an early age (5-15 years old) can provide various benefits like improved problem-solving, thinking abilities, and creativity to make new things.

This easy-to-follow Coding for Kids guide helps your child explore the fun world of coding. Here we provide free games, websites, apps, and other Coding for Kids Resources that help kids learn coding.

Coding for Kids

What is Coding?

Coding for Kids is concerned with teaching children the basics or fundamentals of computer programming in a quite easy-to-understand, fun, and engaging manner.

Learning to code equips kids with valuable skills like logical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, which are valuable in many fields such as software development, entrepreneurship, etc.

Best Coding for Kids Resources

Teaching code to children at a young age can help them learn how to solve problems, creative thinking, and reasoning. Many coding apps have come out for kids as more parents are teaching technical and coding skills to their children that also allow them to play games while learning.

We have compiled a list of the top free coding resources for kids, which will help in selecting the best resource out of many.

1. Scratch Jr.

Scratch-Jr-copy

ScratchJr is an introductory coding app tailored for young learners aged 5 to 7, fostering the concept of coding for kids in a fun and engaging way. This platform empowers children to unleash their creativity by transforming characters into the protagonists of their own stories and games. Through the use of colorful coding blocks, kids can make their characters jump, dance, and sing, sparking their interest in programming from an early age. Moreover, ScratchJr allows kids to personalize their creations by integrating their own drawings, voices, or photos, further fueling their imagination and making the learning process even more enjoyable. With its child-friendly programming blocks, ScratchJr serves as an excellent introduction to the world of coding, laying a solid foundation for young minds to explore and innovate.

Age Group: 5 to 7 Years

Language: Scratch Programming Language

Fees: Free to Learn

2. CodeKarts

CodeKarts-copy

CodeKarts

Code Karts introduces coding for kids through an engaging race car game, where children learn coding fundamentals by navigating tracks with blocks. As they progress, the app introduces more complex concepts, including binary through interactive games. Ideal for tech classes, it cultivates crucial problem-solving skills necessary for future programming, making it a perfect blend of fun and education in the world of “Coding for kids.”

Age Group: Starting From 4 Years

Language: Logical Reasoning and Logical Puzzles

Fees: Free for Learning

3. CodeSpark Academy

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CodeSpark Academy

CodeSpark is dedicated to developing engaging games that introduce coding for kids, captivating their interest in programming. This app, designed for children aged 5 and up, educates them on the fundamentals of coding through puzzles, coding challenges, and imaginative tools, making it an excellent resource for coding for kids.

Age Group: 5–10 Years

Language: Logic Building and Logical Puzzles

Fees: Subscription costs $9.99/month with a 7-day free trial.

4. Hopscotch

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Hopscotch

Hopscotch is a valuable learning tool in the realm of “coding for kids,” allowing users to design and exchange their games within a virtual community. It not only fosters creativity but also nurtures essential skills such as problem-solving, logic, and persistence, crucial for children’s development.

Age Group: Any group group as young as three years old can also learn

Language: Typed programming language (kind of like Python or JavaScript)

Fees: Hopscotch charges $0.20 per item, plus a 5% transaction fee on the sale price

5. Move the Turtle

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Move the Turtle

Move the Turtle is a dynamic “coding for kids” platform where young learners can craft their programs either from the ground up or by drawing inspiration from compelling examples before sharing their creations with others. It introduces children to the foundational aspects of coding—such as loops, procedures, variables, and conditional instructions—via engaging and colorful graphic puzzles, making it an ideal tool to grasp the basics of programming.

Age Group: 5+ Years

Language: Inspired by Logo Programming Language

Fees: Individual – $3.99, STEM Pack – $4.99 & Education – VPP

6. Swift Playgrounds

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Swift Playgrounds

Swift Playgrounds empowers coding for kids by enabling them to craft their own applications and share them within an online community or submit them to the App Store Connect for distribution via TestFlight. This platform fosters the development of essential skills such as creativity, problem-solving, logic, and persistence.

Age Group: 10+ Years

Language: Swift – a powerful programming language created by Apple

Fees: Free To Learn

7. Mimo

Mimo-copy

Mimo

Mimo is tailored for young learners with a keen interest in coding, catering to children of all ages. With its diverse range of difficulty levels and topics, the app ensures that coding for kids remains engaging and adaptable to individual interests and objectives.

Age Group: All age group

Language: Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and SQL.

Fees: Free To Learn

8. Codea

Codea-copy

Codea

Codea is a mobile application available for iPad or iPhone, designed to facilitate game and simulation creation using Lua, a straightforward yet potent scripting language. It serves as an excellent resource for learning game coding, enabling users to write and test actual code in real time, observe immediate updates, and share their creations with the App Store or fellow Codea users.

This makes it an ideal platform for exploring coding for kids, fostering creativity and collaboration in the realm of game development.

Age Group: 7+ Years

Language: Lua programming language

Fees: Free To Learn

9. Hopster Coding Safari

Hopster-Coding-Safari-copy

Hopster Coding Safari

Hopster Coding Safari for Kids is designed to introduce coding for kids through engaging puzzles that utilize drag-and-drop blocks, fostering computational thinking among young learners. Children explore coding basics by directing animals along paths with different inputs, such as directional arrows.

This game features two puzzle worlds, offering one for free, allowing players to progress at their own pace and unlock new levels as they advance.

Age Group: 4+ Years

Language: Logic Problem Solving

Fees: Free To Learn

10. Algorithm City

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Algorithm City

Algorithm City stands out as a “Coding for kids” game, designed to introduce programming fundamentals through an intuitive interface. By directing a character to navigate through various levels to gather gold, players, particularly children and beginners, grasp the essentials of sequencing commands, functions, and loops. This game is an excellent choice for those eager to dive into the world of coding in an entertaining and captivating manner.

Age Group: 5+ Years

Language: Command Sequencing, Functions and Loops

Fees: Free To Learn

11. Lego Boost

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Lego Boost

LEGO Boost transforms coding for kids into a hands-on experience by allowing them to learn through the construction and interaction with robots, rather than passive screen time. This approach not only makes coding more engaging but also simplifies the understanding of core concepts for kids.

Age Group: 7+ Years

Language: Visual Programming Language

Fees: Free To Learn

12. Daisy the Dinosaur

Daisy-the-Dinosaur-copy

Daisy the Dinosaur

Daisy the Dinosaur is a delightful introduction to coding for kids, offering a fun and interactive way to dive into the world of programming. Tailored with a user-friendly interface and intuitive drag-and-drop commands, this game makes learning to code a breeze for young learners. With its emphasis on logic and problem-solving, Daisy the Dinosaur not only teaches coding concepts but also nurtures critical thinking skills. Whether it’s sequencing commands or understanding loops, kids can explore the fundamentals of coding in a playful and engaging environment.

Age Group: 5 to 6 Years

Language: Objects, Sequencing, & Loops

Fees: Free To Learn

Best Free Coding Resources for Kids

Here is a list of some of the best Coding for kids Websites in 2024:

Website

Website Link

Fees Features Age Group
Code.org https://code.org/ Free
  • Offers Hour of Code tutorials and projects.
  • Suitable for kids aged 5 and above.
5+ years
Scratch https://scratch.mit.edu/ Free
  • Interactive platform for creating stories, games, and animations using block programming.
5 / 8+ years
Blockly https://blockly.games/ Free
  • Teaches coding through block programming puzzles.
  • No prior experience needed.
8+ years
Code for Life https://www.codeforlife.education/ Free
  • Covers basic coding principles using Blockly and Python.
  • Lesson plans available for teachers.
6+ years
Gamestar Mechanic https://gamestarmechanic.com/ Free
  • Teaches coding through game design.
  • Create and share video games. – Popular in schools.
8+ years
Code Monster https://www.codemonster.io/ Free
  • Interactive JavaScript programming sessions guided by a cute, blue monster.
8+ years
Tynker https://www.tynker.com/ Paid (Free trial)
  • In-depth courses, lessons, and apps for learning coding.
  • Online coaching available.
8+ years
Kodable https://www.kodable.com/ Paid (Free trial)
  • Cute and engaging games to teach coding.
  • Builds a strong foundation.
8+ years
Scratch Jr. https://www.scratchjr.org/ Free
  • Younger version of Scratch for kids aged 5 and up.
  • Introduces coding concepts.
5+ years
Codecademy https://www.codecademy.com/ Paid (Free trial)
  • Interactive coding lessons for various programming languages.
  • Suitable for older kids and teens.
14-18 years

What Age Should a Child Start Coding?

As a parent, you might wonder, “Is my child ready for coding? Should I teach them?” Don’t worry, coding is more like a fun hobby, similar to painting or cooking. It’s an enjoyable activity your child can definitely explore.

According to Various Studies, the Ideal age for coding for kids is around 6-7 years old. At this age, they can kick off with visual programming languages like Scratch, tailor-made for kids. Starting early helps develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

As they grow, they can progress to more advanced text-based languages like Python or JavaScript. This early exposure sets a strong foundation for their future coding endeavors.

Learning to code can benefit kids in the following ways:

  1. Solving Problems: Breaks down complex problems into manageable parts, solves puzzles or following step-by-step recipes.
  2. Enhances Creativity: Empowers kids to create games, animations, and websites, for artistic expression and storytelling.
  3. Improves Logical Thinking: Teaches kids to think logically and systematically and organize their thoughts.
  4. Understanding Technology: Helps kids understand how computers and technology work to navigate and use technology in their daily lives.
  5. Future Job Opportunities:Kids can gain a valuable skill set that can open up a wide range of career opportunities in fields like software development, data science, robotics, and more.

Best Programming Language For Kids

When it comes to the best programming languages for kids, it depends on various factors such as their age, interests, and learning goals. Here are some programming languages that are often recommended for kids:

1. Coding with Scratch

Scratch is a block-based programming language, revolutionizes the way kids engage with coding. With Scratch, youngsters can unleash their creativity by designing interactive games and animations. Beyond its coding capabilities, Scratch fosters a vibrant online community where kids can share, discuss, and explore an array of Scratch programs. Geared towards children, Scratch aims to cultivate creative thinking and collaborative skills, making it an ideal platform for introducing coding for kids. Whether they’re crafting their first digital masterpiece or collaborating on a group project, Scratch empowers young minds to express themselves through code in a fun and engaging manner.

Learn More About Scratch:

2. Coding with Python

Python, a high-level, generic-purpose programming language, has garnered widespread acclaim for its simplicity and readability. Its straightforward syntax makes it accessible to beginners and seasoned developers alike. Notably, Python finds extensive use across various tech behemoths such as Google, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, Dropbox, Uber, and more. Its versatility and efficiency make it a cornerstone of modern software development. Moreover, Python’s suitability for teaching programming to children has led to the emergence of innovative educational initiatives centered around “Coding for kids.” This approach not only introduces youngsters to the fundamentals of programming but also cultivates problem-solving skills and computational thinking from an early age. As Python continues to shape the digital landscape, its role in fostering a new generation of tech-savvy innovators through coding education for kids remains pivotal.

Learn More About Python:

3. Coding with C

C is a general-purpose programming language, originally developed by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs. It is widely used for system programming, embedded systems, and various applications where high-performance and low-level control are required. It has a simple syntax, making it easy to learn and understand.

Learn More About C:

4. Coding with Java

Java is a fast, most popular programming language used for software engineering, app development, and Android devices. It’s not just for adults, though; coding for kids is gaining traction, and Java can be a fantastic tool for young learners. Kids can use Java to make their own mobile apps for Android development, diving into the world of technology at an early age. They might be surprised and excited to learn that Java-built applications power some of their favorite platforms, such as Minecraft, Twitter, and Spotify. With Java, the possibilities for kids to explore and create are endless, sparking their interest in coding and unleashing their creativity.

Learn More About Java:

Simple And Fun Coding Activities For Kids

Here are some fun coding for kids activities that can help them learn and practice programming concepts in a much easier and more fun way:

Activity 1: Building a Website

Introduce kids to HTML and CSS by guiding them in building their own websites. They can start with a simple webpage and gradually add more elements, such as images, links, and styles. Encourage them to personalize the website with their own content and design choices.

Activity 2: Code a Game

Kids can design and code their own games using block-based programming languages like Scratch or Blockly. They can start with simple games like maze challenges or pong and gradually progress to more complex games with multiple levels and interactions.

Activity 3: Let’s Find Some Bugs/Error

Give kids some code snippets or programs with intentional errors, and challenge them to debug and fix them. This activity helps develop problem-solving skills and teaches kids to identify and correct coding mistakes.

Activity 4: Collaborative Coding Projects

Encourage kids to work together on coding projects. They can team up with friends or participate in coding clubs or camps where they can collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other’s projects.

Conclusion

Coding for kids opens up a world of opportunities and empowers them to become active creators in the digital age. By nurturing their coding skills, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Through engaging in free coding websites and apps by doing projects and real-world examples, coding becomes an exciting and accessible journey for kids of all ages.

While coding for kids is not necessary for all, it can be highly beneficial in today’s digital age. There are various reasons why learning coding can be advantageous for kids, such as future-proofing skills, critical thinking & problem-solving, digital literacy, etc. Although, in the end, the decision to learn coding should consider the child’s interests, goals, and aspirations.

Also Explore:

Frequently Asked Questions about Coding For Kids

How old should a child be to start learning to code?

The age at which a child can start learning to code can vary depending on their individual interests, abilities, and developmental stage. For instance – kids as young as five or six can begin with visual programming languages like Scratch coding for kids, while older kids can explore text-based languages like Python or JavaScript.

What is the ideal age for coding for kids?

The best time for kids to start learning coding is when they’re in early elementary school. Learning to code at this age helps their thinking skills grow and prepares them for more advanced learning later on. We believe that around 6-7 years old is a great age to begin learning to code.

How do I start my child in coding?

Most kids who are under 10 years old usually begin with activities designed for younger children. This could involve using a coding language that involves blocks, like Scratch. They might also learn to control a coding robot or understand algorithms through hands-on coding exercises that don’t require a computer.

What is coding for kids for?

For many kids and teenagers, technology is a normal part of their daily routine. Learning about coding goes beyond simply using technology it empowers them to design and innovate with it. This knowledge helps them improve their problem-solving abilities, think logically, and feel more self-assured.

Is coding difficult for kids?

Coding can be challenging, but it can also be fun and rewarding. Many coding resources or coding for kids apps provide step-by-step guidance and interactive activities to make the learning process enjoyable and accessible.

Can coding help improve a child’s academic performance?

Yes, coding can have a positive impact on academic performance. It enhances problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and creativity, which can translate to improved performance in subjects like math and science.

What resources are available for kids to learn coding?

There are numerous coding resources available for kids, including online platforms like GeeksforGeeks and various interactive coding games. Additionally, free coding classes for kids and camps are often offered offline or online.

How can parents motivate their kids to continue coding?

Encourage your child’s passion for coding by providing opportunities for them to apply their skills, such as creating projects or participating in coding competitions. Celebrate their achievements and showcase their work to boost their motivation.




Reffered: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org


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