Every time my kids mindlessly watch a YouTube video or play another round of Roblox, I can’t help but think they could be doing something WAAAY more interactive or stimulating. What about teaching them to code?? Great!! But… HOW?!? Even though I can hack together a Python script, I have ZERO idea how to teach them to code. And even if I did, the chances of them getting excited about it, seem slim. So, we started looking into different coding websites for kids – fun, safe spots where they can learn about coding and apply what they learn to make cool projects.

STEMium’s Ultimate Guide to Coding Websites for Kids

Why Kids Should Learn About Coding

You might have heard about Hour of Code and other initiatives to help kids learn about programming concepts at an early age.  So, why all the push to get kids coding early?  Beyond the critical skills children learn (e.g. math, logic, problem solving), let’s face it… technology is an increasingly predominant piece of our lives.  Grasping these concepts at an earlier age and fully appreciating the fundamentals will pay off for kids down the road.  Not learning these skills won’t doom your kids’ future…but why make things harder.  We could literally go on for hours, but feel free to read on our main page for more info.

What is the best programming language for a child to learn?

We see this question a lot!  Especially for parents who don’t have a coding background, analysis paralysis easily creeps up!  It’s overwhelming to find a path forward.  One thing to keep in mind though… there is no standard answer.  Just getting started and getting exposure should be the goal.

So, with that in mind…  Let’s start to pick a language.

Believe it or not, even if your child has never seen a single line of code, they can help guide the selection process.

If your child is younger and still learning how to read, a visual programming language makes for a great starting point!  Examples of visual languages/environments include things like Scratch and Blockly (which we cover in more detail below).

What if they are older or are ready to move on from Scratch?  There are a number of different languages out there.  Keep in mind once your kids start to learn general programming concepts, it becomes easier to pick up additional languages.

Examples of coding languages:

• HTML/CSS – this is really what makes the web work.  HTML is considered a MARKUP language. using tags to change how text appears.  Adding in CSS allows more complicated formatting.  If they want to create the next Facebook or Twitter, then this would be a good starting point.
• JavaScript – now we’re starting to get into more procedural programming and even some object-oriented strategies.  What does that mean?  Your child will be learning more of those transferable coding skills that you were hoping they’d learn!  This is a language that works with HTML/CSS but also starts to make websites more interactive and complicated.  It’s also great to create quick games – which is great to build confidence and enthusiasm.
• Python – typically considered a scripting language, this one’s powerful!  Kids can do a ton with this one.  What’s even cooler is that it’s widely used in a lot of industries… start early with this one and it will carry a lot of shelf life!
• Java, C++ – these are going to have a more complicated syntax and are considered to be languages that use compilers.  My first computer science course in college used Java.  For students who are more advanced or considering pursuing a programming-related path, this would be one to work towards after gaining more programming familiarity.
• Lua – have a future game developer looking to get started?  This is what they should work towards learning.  Ever heard of Angry Birds or Roblox?  Yup, they’re built on Lua.

But, I don’t code… how can I help my child learn how to code??

No worries!  Truth be told – even with my coding skills, I still wouldn’t try to introduce my kids to programming.  It’s tough enough to get them excited about things I suggest.  Remember…  The key is to make sure coding is presented in an understandable format and something they ENJOY DOING!  Coding classes are a great way to immerse kids in programming (feel free to check out our STEMium camp listings), but that’s not always an option either due to cost, location or scheduling.

Alternative:  coding websites for kids.

Use an online tool to introduce basics and get kids familiar with basic programming concepts.  Once you spark their interest, they can advance towards more complicated platforms, projects and languages.

Great!  But, which coding websites should we use?  There are so many!!

I 100% agree with you. The first year our kids went through the Hour of Code program at school it really sparked their interest.  They were excited about doing something DIFFERENT!  Controlling the screen and output truly got them fired up!!

I’ll find them some more sites, I thought…  Wow.  Things seemed pretty daunting from there…  So many sites and apps.

The biggest problem was that they quickly got bored with doing the same thing because many sites used similar styles and activities.

With all that in mind, we created the ULTIMATE guide to coding websites for kids…  

We’ve spent hours combing the far reaches of the internet to come up with one of the most comprehensive list of coding websites for kids.  The sections above describe both FREE and PAID coding websites that are all geared towards teaching kids to code.  We also included a few apps in the list – I know, I know…these aren’t exactly coding WEBSITES for kids.  But, I do think some of the apps also offer interesting approaches and I’m sure certain kids will likely gravitate more towards that type of format versus a website.  As we close things out, an ultimate guide would be incomplete without highlighting a few considerations to keep in mind as you’re trying to find the best fit for your kiddo.

Picking a Coding Website for Kids

• Skill level

  • First, consider what level your kids are starting on.  Have they already gone through basic ScratchJr lessons?  Are they still learning numbers?  Would they really like to learn how to make a video game?  Are they ready to tackle Python?
  • A good fit will be at the right skill level that challenges them but doesn’t get them frustrated. At the beginning stages, getting them excited and having fun is the most important part.  There will be frustrations down the road as they get more advanced (impossible to avoid!), but if there are also additional resources such as being able to email a teacher, watch a video or see examples, it may be helpful.

• What Resources Do You Have Available

  • Depending on what devices you have access to (tablets, computers, phones), certain courses may not be available for you.  Many of the options above are purely web-based courses, but some are app based or will require specific environments.  For example, if your kids are working on making Android apps, it will be pretty hard for them to test their work if you don’t have an Android device.

• What they like

  • Third, make sure it’s a program they are excited about!  I found what I thought was a pretty sweet course on Minecraft modding for our 8 year old and since she plays the game with somewhat regular frequency I thought she would be totally pumped.  Trying to predict what my 8 year old will like is very similar to guessing what the weather will be – if I’m right 50% of the time I’m doing great!  Needless to say, she was not down with that Minecraft modding course so $ saved for another time.

• Money, money, money

  • Speaking of money, consider cost.  Many of the free programs out there are pretty good at getting kids started and delving into specific languages.  Personally, before making an investment in any monthly subscription to a coding website for your kids, I would see how they fare in a free program and environment.  If it turns out they need more personal guidance, timing to devote to it or coding just isn’t their thing, you’ve avoided spending extra money.
  • For those just starting out, we would point you towards some of the more drag-and-drop, visually oriented coding sites like ScratchJr/Scratch and Tynker.  Older kids or those who have already made it through introductions, may be more interested in applied programs that teach video game modding or web page development.

Introductory coding websites for kids

Code.org

• Ages: 5+ years
• Available platforms:  web-based
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered:  intro to computer science concepts, Javascript, HTML, CSS
• What should kids know before they start?  Suitable for beginners – no prior programming experience needed.
• Overview:  No discussion of coding websites for kids would be complete without mentioning Code.org.  This is truly the top of the heap! If you’re in the early stages of finding resources, this is where you should probably start first.  Code.org offers a broad collection of courses and modules for kids as young as kindergarten and stretching all the way up to university level.  Students largely focus on game, app development so there is tangible, real-world coding going on.

ScratchJr

• Ages: 5-7 years
• Available platforms:  iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle, Chrome
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered:  drag-n-drop, graphical programming
• What should kids know before they start?  No experience needed; just jump in
• Overview:  While ScratchJr is more of an app-based coding tool, they do offer the Chrome version so that keeps it near the top of our coding website list.  Specifically designed for younger kids just starting out on their coding journey, ScratchJr uses coding blocks that kids click together to execute commands.  If you’re familiar with Scratch, there won’t be too many surprises here.  Simply put, ScratchJr offers a great setup for younger kids to get

Scratch

• Ages: 8-16 years
• Available platforms:  iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle, web based
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered:  drag-n-drop, graphical programming
• What should kids know before they start?  A great one for beginners – no special skills needed.
• Overview:  Scratch was originally created at MIT and provides a pretty cool environment for kids to learn about general programming concepts (like loops, conditions and variables) as well as how to build coding projects.  Students can make games, apps and movies.   Our own kids have had exposure to this one and really enjoyed sharing some of their creations.  Two thumbs up as a beginner’s tool to learn about programming – they will learn basic concepts and the available curriculum let’s them work through problem-solving activities.

Microsoft MakeCode

• Ages:  7-13 years
• Available platforms:  web-based, Windows
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered:  general programming concepts
• What should kids know before they start?  Nothing at first.
• Overview:  This is Microsoft’s portal and intro to coding largely in the Windows environment.  However, they do have several tutorials for kids, including Minecraft.

Intermediate coding websites for kids (where they’ll start to learn a language)

Code Monsters

• Ages: 13+ years
• Available platforms:  web-based
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered:  intro to Javascript
• What should kids know before they start?  Suitable for beginners – no prior programming experience needed.
• Overview:  Code Monster offers ~60 interactive lessons with an input/output approach.  Kids follow instructions from Code Monster and watch the changes in real-time to see how the output is altered.  While it can be used offline to an extent, Code Monster might be a bit buggy on an iPad.  This will not get into the nitty gritty of Javascript but should give students a good overview.   We would think of it as more of a stepping stone to some of the advanced coding websites for kids.

Tynker

• Ages: 7+ years

  

• Available platforms: web based, iPad
• Cost:  Paid – Tynker offers individual plans ($96-$192/yr) or family plans for up to 4 members ($144-$300/yr)
• Concepts covered:  programming concepts, HTML, CSS, Javascript, Python
• What should kids know before they start?  No special skills needed to start
• Overview:  Your student may have access to Tynker at school which are free, but this is a commercially-available coding site geared for kids (Tynker for Home).  Tynker offers a wide range of courses that kids can work through at their own pace.  The course relies on games and daily challenges to help motivate students.  In the beginning, students use block-based coding to learn basic concepts, while later courses allow students to learn more about specific programming languages.

Codemoji

• Ages: 6-12 years
• Available platforms:  web-based
• Cost:  Paid plans range from $7 for a month to $100 for a lifetime membership
• Concepts covered:  HTML, CSS, Javascript
• What should kids know before they start?  Suitable for beginners – no prior programming experience needed.
• Overview:  Ok…this was a new one to us…  codemoji is just that – combining emojis with programming concepts to teach kids how to code.  Nice!  Instead of the traditional coding blocks (aka drag-n-drop) that are used in other sites, codemoji uses emojis.  Students tackle the basics of coding in HTML, CSS and Javascript.  A game-style leader board and other challenges keep kids learning.

Kodable

• Ages: 4-11 years
• Available platforms:  web-based
• Cost:  paid – the parent plan will get you “forever” access for $29
• Concepts covered:  Javascript
• What should kids know before they start?  They start from ground zero, so no prior programming experience needed.
• Overview:  In Kodable, kids work their way up to learning Javascript to design a game.  There is positive reinforcement for students with new badges issued upon completion of different levels.  Also pretty neat – 30% of your purchase goes to supporting computer science programs in underserved schools.

Thimble by Mozilla

• Ages:  13+ years
• Available platforms:  web-based
• Cost: FREE
• Concepts covered:  HTML, CSS, Javascript
• What should kids know before they start?  Nothing special needed to get started
• Overview:  Thimble teaches kids how to create web-based projects with HTML, CSS and Javascript.  The editor lets them see what’s happening real-time on the right.  A ton of templates and cool little tutorials here.  Also neat – as kids get more advanced, they can upload files and projects.  Pretty solid intro program!

TechRocket

• Ages: 10-18 years
• Available platforms:  web-based courses
• Cost:  Some are free, get access to all courses for $18/month
• Concepts covered:  Java, Ruby, Python, HTML, CSS, Javascript, C++, Swift (iOS)
• What should kids know before they start?  Requirements vary depending on the course.  Beginning classes start from scratch, so no prior coding experience.  More advanced courses will build on the beginning.
• Overview:  TechRocket comes from the folks at iD Tech (see our iD Tech camp listing).  TechRocket features 28 courses varying in skill and topic.  Kids use game-like challenges to work their way through the material.  The free version gives students access to 12 different lessons, while upgrading to the paid version will be needed to use the rest.

CodeWizardsHQ

• Ages:  10-18yrs old
• Available platforms: web-based
• Cost: monthly fee for courses is $149
• Concepts covered:  HTML, CSS, Javascript, algorithms, data science
• What should kids know before they start?  Intro level starts from scratch, but levels build on each other.
• Overview:  CodeWizardsHQ is a bit different from the other coding websites for kids.  This one actually involves online courses that are more structured in terms of timing, activities and projects.  There will be a specific class the child attends online, with an assigned instructor.  Contrasting this versus some of the free sites, you’ll be able to see a difference.  We don’t have specific experience with CodeWizardsHQ, but point to this as a different format some students may get more out of versus the on-your-own pace programs.  After completing three levels, the fourth assigns students to a real, non-profit organization where they will build a custom project.  Pretty unique experience!

CodeAvengers

• Ages:  Two levels – JR for 5-14 years, PRO for 15+ years
• Available platforms:  web based
• Cost:  Monthly subscriptions begin at $29/mo which gives you access to lessons, projects; annual subscriptions drop the monthly rate
• Concepts covered:  HTML, Javascript, CSS, Python, design and web development
• What should kids know before they start?  Foundational level programs start with basic concepts while later lessons build on earlier content
• Overview:  The CodeAvengers program focuses on building HTML, CSS and Javascript skills using game/adventure-style challenges.  As kids gain familiarity with programming concepts, they put their skills to work to build their own games.

Codakid

• Ages:  7-15 years
• Available platforms:  web based
• Cost:  monthly subscription starts at $25/mo
• Concepts covered:  Java, Python, HTML, CSS, Javascript, games (Minecraft, Roblox)
• What should kids know before they start?  Level 1 courses start for newbies and build up.
• Overview:  Codakid offers a variety of courses to get kids engaged, and we think the tie in to games like Minecraft and Roblox should draw in many new coders.  Codakid provides self-paced courses which include videos and support.  With a free trial available (14-days), this should at least help you and the kids decide if it is a good fit.

Coding websites for kids (or actually anyone)

*These websites introduce coding concepts, but have been designed for anyone to learn.  While they might not be kid-specific, the guides/tutorials should be easy enough to follow for older kids.

Rubymonk

• Ages: 12+ years
• Available platforms:  web-based
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered: Ruby
• What should kids know before they start?  Working their way through a basic intro program like Code.org or Scratch will help before starting.
• Overview:  Ruby is an object-oriented programming language and Rubymonk offers a series of free tutorials to dive into Ruby.  While the tutorials might be a bit more towards the dry side for kids, this is a great language to pick up for anyone interested in web development.  There is a related site called kidsruby but with no updates in several years we haven’t included it in our listings.

FreeCodeCamp

• Ages: 15+ years
• Available platforms:  web-based
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered:  HTML, CSS, Javascript
• What should kids know before they start?  Nothing necessary to start
• Overview:  FreeCodeCamp may be more geared towards grown-ups, but leaving this one in the list of coding websites for kids because its free and extensive in terms of introducing students to basic web development.  The lessons are pretty easy to grasp, but we’re setting the age a bit higher.

 HTML Dog

• Ages: 12+ years
• Available platforms:  web-based
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered: HTML, CSS, Javascript
• What should kids know before they start?  nothing special – just get started
• Overview:  HTML Dog offers basic, intermediate and advanced tutorials for students interested in learning about web development.  Not necessarily kid-specific, but still included in our coding websites for kids as we think older kids will still be able to follow along and pick it up.

Codeacademy

• Ages: 15+ yrs
• Available platforms:  web based
• Cost:  Monthly subscription starts at $19.99/mo, with rates dropping for longer-term subscription
• Concepts covered:  HTML, CSS, Javascript, Python, Ruby
• What should kids know before they start?  Newbies can start with no prior training
• Overview:  CodeAcademy rounds out our list of coding websites for kids… even though it wasn’t specifically designed for kids.  The web based interface is pretty straight forward to use, so we do think older kids will do just fine.  Keeping their attention may be a bit more challenging as the games/whistles/shiny toys in other sites are not present here.  What they will get though is a good understanding of the languages and general programming concepts.

Coding websites for kids that teach app development

App Inventor

• Ages: 13+ years
• Available platforms:  web-based (apps require Android device)
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered:  Java, Android app development
• What should kids know before they start?  Suitable for beginners.
• Overview:  Is your child interested in making apps for Android devices?  Then App Inventor should be your first stop.  This freely-available course offers numerous tutorials on the site to help students learn basic concepts.  They will walk through all the steps from setting up the development environment and digging into basic app development.

Blockly

• Ages: 8+ years
• Available platforms:  Android
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered:  Javascript
• What should kids know before they start?  Suitable for beginners – no prior programming experience needed.  Uses drag-n-drop blocks in the beginning and then transitions to text coding.
• Overview:  Blockly uses a series of games to build up programming concepts and introduce kids to the basics like loops, conditionals and functions.  Students work their way up towards text based programming.  This is another Google project so plenty of documentation and support for teachers to integrate in their classroom.

Swift Playground

• Ages: 8+ years
• Available platforms:  iOS (iPad)
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered:  general programming concepts, iOS app development
• What should kids know before they start?  beyond how to operate an iPad, no prior programming experience is needed
• Overview:  Apple’s Swift Playgrounds introduces kids to programming concepts using a game/puzzle based approach.  As kids answer questions and enter responses, the code comes together and executes.  General programming concepts are covered (e.g. loops, types, functions).  Also pretty cool – kids can connect Swift Playgrounds with robotics toys like Sphero to control robots and drones.  Again you might have noticed that this one isn’t necessarily a coding website exactly, but hey who’s counting!

Gameblox

• Ages: 12+yrs
• Available platforms:  iPhone, iPad, Android
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered:  game programming on apps
• What should kids know before they start?  Just get started…
• Overview: Do the folks at MIT ever sleep??  Here’s another great coding tool for kids interested in creating games.  Kids use the familiar block-based programming that they used in ScratchJr/Scratch.  Definitely worth checking out!

Stencyl

• Ages: 6-10 years
• Available platforms:  Windows, Mac, Linux
• Cost:  FREE (but paid plans also available)
• Concepts covered: introduction to programming, game concepts
• What should kids know before they start?  Nothing necessary – just be excited!
• Overview:  I get it, I get it.  You’re probably saying “this is totally not a coding website for kids”.  But since they have a forum on their site to help students, its making our list!  Honestly, this seems like a really polished format for kids to create fully functioning games and by using the drag-n-drop/Scratch-style coding, kids won’t have to grapple with syntax.  A great starting point!

Coding websites for kids that focus on games

*This group of sites/apps offer kids an opportunity to practice coding concepts in a game format.  

Cargo-Bot

• Ages: 6 years
• Available platforms:  iPad
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered:  graphical based programming concepts
• What should kids know before they start?  Suitable for beginners – no prior programming experience needed.  Uses drag-n-drop blocks to introduce concepts.
• Overview:  Cargo-Bot is an app based tool to teach kids about coding.  Similar to other coding tools, Cargo-Bot uses a gaming style approach to introduce different concepts.  Important to note this purely an app to work on concepts.  What does that mean?  Well, your child will learn about techniques like loops and sequencing, but they won’t be building a Javascript app or getting that type of exposure.  I would put this more in a “practice” category versus actually learning specific languages but this still might be useful just to build confidence.

LightBot

• Ages:  4-8 yrs
• Available platforms:  iPhone, iPad, Kindle, Android, Windows, Mac, web based
• Cost:  FREE
• Concepts covered:  general programming concepts
• What should kids know before they start?  No prior skills needed.
• Overview:  LightBot is a puzzle-based app that teaches kids about programming concepts like loops and sequences.  The app runs with a graphical based command approach, so younger kids can play also.

Code Angel

• Ages: 13 yrs+
• Available platform: Python (lessons are web-based)
• Cost: FREE
• Concepts covered: general programming concepts
• What should kids know before they start?  Completing some Python tutorials would be helpful.
• Overview:  We spotted this one via Reddit and thought we would give it a try.  There are kits to download for graphics and sounds and videos walk students through each section of code (we tried Toadie which is a Frogger clone).  The lessons aren’t specifically geared towards a specific age-group, so keep in mind kids that use this one will probably do better if they’ve made it through some beginner Python tutorials and have a little knowledge on syntax basics (e.g. loops, methods).

CONCLUSION:  Plenty of coding websites for kids – just find one that fits

This is just a brief sampling of resources, but hopefully should put you on the right path to finding something that is a good fit for your child.  While it’s easy to end up with analysis paralysis, our advice would be to start with one of the free options, see what they are excited about and delve further.  Are we missing a favorite?? Have you recently created your own coding website for kids??  Please let us know so we can add it to the list!  Happy coding!

STEMMomma

STEMomma is a mother & former scientist/educator. She loves to find creative, fun ways to help engage kids in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math).  When she’s not busy in meetings or carpooling kids, she loves spending time with the family and dreaming up new experiments or games they can try in the backyard.