10 Best Coding Apps for Kids

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. Kids learn to code with lovable characters called The Foos. Each world explores a fundamental coding concept where kids use logical thinking and problem-solving skills to help The Foos accomplish tasks. The app empowers young thinkers to become makers as kids learn to create their own stories and games.

The word-free design makes it easy for pre-readers to get a head start with coding before learning to read. The carefully designed puzzles allow kids to learn without the help of an adult and build confidence in problem-solving. The open play area allows kids to code their own games and share them with the community of kid coders. Kids can also code interactive stories with custom voice recordings and photos.

The app introduces a range of computer science concepts, from sequencing to conditionals. Beyond the puzzles and creative play areas, the app explores additional programming concepts through fun games. Kids learn to use algorithms to automate their pet care center and discover the secrets of a hidden temple with math inequalities. The app is KidSafe Certified and does not contain advertisements or in-game purchases. 

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.

Kids learn coding in an engaging and rewarding environment that utilizes gaming elements. CodeMonkey does not require prior coding experience to teach and is designed for schools, clubs, and home use.

CodeMonkey places a high emphasis on content that aligns to today’s standards. With online challenges and unplugged activities, students not only develop coding skills, but also computational thinking, collaboration, reasoning and logic.

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. They progress to text languages like JavaScript and Python as they continue to play through 2,000+ interest-driven activities.

Learn the ABCs of coding as you solve engaging story-based challenges that gradually introduce new concepts. Use their apps Tynker Junior, Tynker and Mod Creator to code, create, and mod on a tablet, while on the go. Coding lessons are designed to guide kids on a path to earning cool new badges. In each lesson, kids engage with interactive learning modules, mini-games, coding projects, and puzzles.

Tynker introduces its visual programming language within a series of coding puzzles. Kids learn and apply coding skills with fun adventures. To solve these puzzles, kids are presented with a buggy code snippet to fix. Kids exercise logical thinking to create programs that stress efficiency; and in that process, they learn about programming using loops and conditionals.

For high school students, they can be introduced to Python as they solve coding puzzles, learn to code games, and complete programming activities. Tynker courses comply with 1st–8th grade Common Core standards to ensure coding can be integrated into any subject area.

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.

With just a few short steps, anyone can animate Daisy the Dinosaur and make her dance on the screen. This app is from the experts at Hopscotch, and it’s designed to give kids a taste of the possibilities of coding. The app is free to download, and it’s fun. It’s a great way to get children intrigued with the possibilities of writing computer codes.

Devices: iOS

Hopscotch is an app that kids use to learn to code. It is available for free on iPad and iPhone. It is designed for kids 7-13, but anyone from any age can use it. On Hopscotch, you can make your own games, apps, animations - anything you like! 

Kids will feel at ease coding with their kid-friendly tool. The app has self-paced video tutorials that teach your kid coding through making popular games, like Pokemon Go, Geometry Dash, drawing apps, and more. 

Transition your children from ScratchJr to more advanced coding on Hopscotch. These have block-to-block comparisons and suggestions for building off concepts explored in ScratchJr. The app create new opportunities for students to apply coding to other subject areas.

Devices: iOS

As young children code with ScratchJr, they learn how to create and express themselves with the computer, not just to interact with it. In the process, children learn to solve problems and design projects, and they develop sequencing skills that are foundational for later academic success. They also use math and language in a meaningful and motivating context, supporting the development of early-childhood numeracy and literacy. With ScratchJr, children aren't just learning to code, they are coding to learn.

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.

Kodable breaks down computer science into the basic concepts kids need for a strong foundation life. Kodable offers materials focused on topics ranging from communication and social emotional learning to real world impact of computer science. Students learning computer science through the Kodable and CodeHS K-12 pathway will learn foundational skills in computer science preparing them for the next step in their learning, whether that is taking an additional course or pursuing computer science in college or career.

Choose from over 70 lessons with both on-screen and off-screen components. Every lesson includes instruction guidance, vocabulary words, and student materials. You can teach K-5 computer science as it’s own content area or integrate into math, ELA, digital citizenship, robotics, or other subject area.

The student can choose a character to roll through the levels and will come across directional, rotational, colour coding and looping procedures. Level 1 eases the student into the app and its progresses nicely through further stages, all but a little repetitive at times.

Where this app really comes into its own is the Teacher Mode where the teacher can share vocabulary, create a class account, manage levels and show a classroom tutorial. We recommend that this is looked at first before you introduce the app to the classroom. 

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.

Code Land uses gamification to ensure the app appeals to kids and encourages them to keep playing and learning. Kids don’t just learn to solve problems with code but can use their knowledge to create challenges for others to try or compete against other players.

Devices: iOS, Android

From the very popular Bee-Bot floor robot, the new Bee-Bot app allows students to easily use an app version to learn the basics of programming in the different levels and puzzles using the cartoon bee, suitable for very young students.

It allows students to improve their skills in directional languages and programming through the different sequences of forwards, backwards, left and right 90 degree turns in each level.  Progression within the app will allow students to develop their knowledge whilst solving complex challenges throughout the different aspects of the game. 

Devices: iOS

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.

There are 1000+ levels to teach the basic programming concepts of sequences, loops, functions and arrays. As schools move away from traditional Information technology to cater for the computer programming curriculum, ‘Coding Games for Kids’ is an excellent application that will support this process. 

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.

Completing one level will then unlock the next. However, the difficulty rises quite quickly, making it a challenging game for all students.

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 30 well-crafted levels. 

The objective of the app is to get Aurora home by completing the 30 levels of puzzles. The application works through various levels, including basics, functions, conditionals and loops. Children will need to put the commands into the right order so to practice sequencing. They also will discover the need to repeat commands to move the character around the screen, since each move only takes it one unit in any direction.

Different puzzle elements like flying platforms, movable bridges, ladders and portals are gradually introduced, making programming even more fun. Kids will solve challenging puzzles while learning how to program, and a great opportunity for parents to bond with their kids and spark their interests in STEM-related subjects.

Devices: iOS, Android