This list of coding apps offers ways to jump-start a coding adventure. It also encourages kids to become creators and not simply consumers of technology. Using new coding skills, budding programmers can create their own games and solve problems, while also practicing logical thinking, math and reading skills. Teaching everything from simple commands to complex programs, our favorite coding apps for kids come in various formats designed for different ages and abilities.
You can also read our best typing apps to improve your typing speed in programming. With computing part of the new curriculum and technology forming the basis of today’s society, learning how to code with these fun yet effective apps will allow students to learn the fundamental and basic aspects of coding important for any child’s future. Educational App Store editors help you choose coding apps to help kids develop vital problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Here are some of the best coding apps for kids to help them down the path of coding.
codeSpark Academy is an award-winning app that teaches kids how to code. The game-like interface makes coding fun for kids, and they don’t even realize they’re learning. The carefully designed puzzles allow kids to learn without the help of an adult and build confidence in problem-solving. Kids can also code interactive stories with custom voice recordings and photos.
Features
- Curriculum based on research from MIT, Princeton and Carnegie Mellon
- Hundreds of puzzles and games to learn coding and game design principles
- Kids can create their own games and share them with the community
- Kids earn badges and points to encourage them to keep learning
- Progress reports for parents
Pros
- Teaches a a range of computer science concepts, from sequencing to conditionals
- Safe (KidSafe Certified) and ad-free
Cons
- Subscription auto renews
Cost: 7-day free trial then pay monthly or 14-day free trial then pay yearly
Devices: iOS, Android
CodeMonkey is an award-winning online platform that teaches kids real coding languages like CoffeeScript and Python. Children and teenagers learn block-based and text-based coding through an engaging game-like environment.
Features
- Teaches coding languages like CoffeeScript and Python
- Parent Dashboard to track child's progress
- Classroom Dashboard allows you to effortlessly manage your students
Pros
- Aligned with common core standards
- Helps students develop a variety of essential skills including computational thinking, reasoning and logic
Cons
- Several courses do not work on mobile devices like tablets
Cost: Free trial then pay monthly or quarterly or yearly
Devices: CodeMonkey is still fully available on the web - reachable via PC, tablet, Mac, and mobile (web).
Tynker also uses code blocks to teach kids how to program. With Tynker's revolutionary approach, kids learn to code using visual code blocks that represent real programming concepts.
Features
- Over 5,000 coding for kids lessons, backed by hundreds of built-in tutorials, hands-on projects and interactive assessments.
- Interactive story-based learning with block-based coding challenges
- Teaches text-based languages like JavaScript and Python
- Live 1:1 classes
Pros
- Aligned with common core standards, UK National Curriculum and cross-curricular STEM coding
- Kids engage with interactive learning modules, mini-games, coding projects, and puzzles
Cons
- Minecraft modding available only on iOS devices
- No free trial
Cost: Subscription based (30-day money back guarantee)
Devices: iOS, Android
Daisy the Dinosaur is an iPad app for kids who want to learn to code. Daisy the Dinosaur (free) is an iPad app for teaching basic computer programming concepts in a way children as young as four years old can understand.
Daisy the Dinosaur teaches programming concepts such as loops and conditionals without explicitly using those terms. This short game makes programming fun and approachable for kids.
Features
- Easy drag and drop interface
- Create short and simple animations
Pros
- Free to download
- Easy to use for young kids
Cons
- Doesn't offer much depth to programming
- Only available on iPad
- App is not actively developed anymore
Cost: Free
Devices: iOS
Hopscotch is an app that kids use to learn to code. It is designed for kids 7-13, but anyone from any age can use it. You can make your own games, apps, animations, and anything else you can imagine with Hopscotch! It builds on the concepts explored in ScratchJr., and it helps students apply coding to other subjects.
Features
- Drag and Drop coding app
- Self-paced video tutorials
- Provides kids with a platform to collaborate and share their work with others.
Pros
- Allows kids to explore different programming concepts and techniques.
- Do not collect any personal information from children
Cons
- Doesn't offer much depth to programming
- Not available on Android devices
Cost: 7-day free trial with monthly or yearly subscription options
Devices: iOS
ScratchJr is a free coding app for young children. With ScratchJr, young children (ages 5-7) can program their own interactive stories and games. In the process, they learn to solve problems, design projects, and express themselves creatively on the computer.
Children snap together graphical programming blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, and sing. Children can modify characters in the paint editor, add their own voices and sounds, even insert photos of themselves -- then use the programming blocks to make their characters come to life.
Features
- Drag and Drop programming blocks
- Website has activities, lessons to support teachers in classroom
Pros
- Simple to use and child-friendly
- Teaches how algorithms work and function logically
Cons
- Do not teach coding languages
- Not available on Android devices
Cost: Free
Devices: iOS, Android
Kodable is a great coding app for teaching kids basic to complex level programme procedures. Kodable provides easy to follow lesson plans focused on student outcomes so teachers can teach their students to code, no computer science knowledge required. Kodable will help kids to learn Javascript, Python, HTML, CSS, Java and more.
Features
- Teaches 70 lessons ranging from math and ELA to digital citizenship and Javascript
- Offers materials focused on topics ranging from communication and social emotional learning
- Teacher mode to create class account, manage students, share tutorials, roster upload, integration with Google Classroom and Clever
Pros
- Aligned with Common Core standards and CSTA standards
- Self-guided learning approach is helpful
Cons
- No support for pre-readers
- Not available on Android devices
Cost: 7 day free trial requires credit card
Devices: iOS
Code Land is an educational app that teaches coding to kids from ages 4 to 10. Kids learn programming from scratch to their own rhythm. With Code Land, they will master basic coding concepts such as pattern recognition, problem-solving, sequencing, logical thinking, loops, functions, conditionals, events, and many others.
Features
- Solve puzzles to learn coding concepts such as Booleans, stacks and more
- Kids can create challenges or compete against other players
Pros
- Game-like challenges will keep kids interested
- Varied coding-like activities
Cons
- Minimal instructions
Cost: 7 day free trial then subscription-based
Devices: iOS, Android
Coding Games for kids is a unique application that teaches sequential visual coding. The app has an array of free games and encourages children to solve problems, improve logical thinking and increase their memory in a fun and interactive environment.
Features
- 200+ coding games and 1000+ levels to teach the basic programming concepts of sequences, loops, functions and arrays
Pros
- Games are fun and engaging
- Won various awards
Cons
- Contains ads
- Educational value of some of the games are less
Cost: Free with in-app purchases
Devices: iOS, Android
Teaching students the logic of coding, this challenging programming puzzle is perfect for teaching basic concepts used in computer programming. Students are provided with brief instructions at the beginning of each level and can replay the level when they want, making the learning process easier.
Features
- Drag and drop programming blocks
Pros
- Simple interface and delightful graphic
- Offers support and direction
Cons
- Limited content
Cost: Paid
Devices: iOS, Android
Code Adventures: Coding Puzzles for Kids is a unique application suitable for ages 6 and above that focuses on child-friendly computer coding puzzles. This beautifully designed app features: challenging puzzles whilst learning how to program, fascinating visuals, humorous sounds and lovable characters as well as 32 well-crafted levels.
Features
- Solve engaging puzzles using commands
- Collect stars and challenge your skills
- Different puzzle elements making programming even more fun
Pros
- Teaches basic principles - loops, functions, lists, conditionals
- Improves problem solving and logical thinking
- Opportunity for parents to bond with their kids and spark their interests in STEM-related subjects.
Cons
- No free trial
Cost: Paid
Devices: iOS, Android
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should kids learn to code?
Coding exercises many skills. It encourages problem-solving, persistence, and logical thinking. It also shows kids a practical application for what they learn in math, as they use geometry, arithmetic, and functions to bring about their desired results. Even if kids chose not to take their coding skills to an advanced level, a basic understanding will prove useful to get the most from many tools in different subjects they may study and careers they might follow.
Which coding language should kids learn?
Kids don't have to start with a coding language. They could use a block-based coding environment which will let them concentrate on understanding key concepts like commands, loops, and conditionals. When they are ready to move on to typed coding languages, Javascript and Python are popular with beginners and languages with professional applications. Javascript is used for web development, and Python is popular with artificial intelligence developers.
Is it easy to start coding?
One of the advantages of app-based coding platforms is that they let kids get going straight away. While kids could learn to code using a mainstream coding environment, the set-up and installation process can be frustrating. Many kids have been discouraged from coding by the setup rather than actually learning to code.
If you’re on the lookout for apps to help kids learn to code, this list has plenty of options. Making coding fun for kids is all about finding what inspires them.
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