Coding activities for kids are great opportunities to introduce them to coding or to continue their learning outside of the classroom. As with any new skill, the more kids practice coding, the better they get at it! Coding activities not only help improve skills but also boost confidence and interest in computer science.
Discover fun coding activities for kids
There are plenty of coding activities to choose from! There are coding activities for beginners and elementary kids as well as free coding activities, coding activities without a computer, and free printable coding worksheets.
Coding activities for beginners and elementary kids
Coding activities for beginners and elementary kids are a great way to introduce kids to coding. These activities include classes and coding camps to introduce kids to coding and develop their coding skills.
1. Free Intro to Scratch Coding
In this free Scratch class, kids can learn the basics of how to use the Scratch interface live online with a teacher. Kids can explore programs created by other students and work together to build a fun game of their own.
Ages: Grades 2-5
Create & Learn's Starter Pack covers 2-3 beginner subjects with 24-28 hours of live classes to help your child learn the basics of coding. The pack allows you to pick from any schedule of a specific subject, including weekly or twice a week classes and daily camps.
Grades: Starter Packs are available for either Grades 2-5 or Grades 6+
3. Free Intro to Python Coding
This is a great place to begin for older students with some experience in Scratch already. In this free Python coding class, kids take their first dive into coding with Python. We transition from block coding, such as in Scratch, to text-based coding. Kids learn how to animate and draw with Python and build their own story project to create a cool animation.
Ages: Grades 5-9
Free coding activities
Kids can also explore coding on their own using free coding activities. Kids can complete these activities anytime and include step-by-step instructions to help them create fun games and apps.
4. Roblox Studio Intro - First Project
This class is for kids who have not had any experience with Roblox Studio before. We lead students through the process of installing and activating Roblox Studio. Kids also complete a self-paced tutorial to create a simple interactive experience.
Ages: Grades 4-8
5. Roblox Tutorial: How to Make a Game
Coding with Roblox is a great way to learn new skills while building a game. Kids can make a variety of games, such as platformers, racing games, and more.
Ages: Grades 4-8
6. How to Make Pacman on Scratch
With this tutorial, kids can learn how to make Pacman on Scratch. Kids learn how to design sprites and the maze and write the code to control the Pacman.
Ages: Grades 2-5
7. How to Make a Mario Game on Scratch for Beginners
With this tutorial, kids can learn how to create a Mario game on Scratch. Kids learn how to use broadcasting and messaging as well as some techniques for creating platformers.
Ages: Grades 4-8
8. How to Make AI in Python Tutorial
Python is commonly used to develop AI applications, such as improving human to computer interactions, identifying trends, and making predictions. With this tutorial, kids can learn how to create a simple AI chatbot in Python.
Ages: Grades 5-9
Coding activities without a computer
Coding doesn't always require a computer! These activities help kids develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which help them become better coders.
9. Code.org "Unplugged" activities: Computer Science without the computer
This activity packet helps kids explore coding and computer science without a computer while learning about events and writing algorithms. These activities are especially fun to do as a family, such as having a family Dance Party!
Ages: Grades 2-5
10. Hello Ruby
Hello Ruby has many activities and resources for kids to explore coding and computer science. There are also books and videos that teach kids about computer science through storytelling.
Ages: 5+
11. CS Unplugged
CS Unplugged is a collection of activities and resources that teaches kids coding and computer science through games and puzzles. Many of the activities use resources that can be found around the house, such as string and crayons, and are a lot of fun for kids!
Ages: Grades 2-5
12. Kodable Unplugged Coding Activities
This collection of over twenty projects teach kids coding concepts and developing a computer science mindset without computers. These activities focus on building problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which help kids become better coders.
Ages: Grades K-5
Free printable coding worksheets
These free printable coding worksheets are useful resources for kids to explore coding and computer science without a computer. These guided worksheets help kids develop important skills they will use when coding in any programming language.
13. CodeWizards HQ Free Printable Coding Worksheets
These coding worksheets teach kids the basics of coding and include activities such as coding word searches and crossword puzzles. Kids can also learn about algorithms, ASCII codes, and sorting algorithms.
Ages: Grades 2-5
14. Teach Your Kids Code: Coding Worksheets
Teach Your Kids Code has several coding worksheets to explore app development, problem-solving and algorithmic thinking, and general coding concepts. Kids can learn the basics of coding without a computer while developing their critical thinking skills.
Ages: K-5
15. Teach Starter: Coding Teaching Resources
This collection of coding worksheets and activities allow kids to learn about algorithms, binary coding, 8-bit coding, and the difference between software and hardware. Kids develop their coding vocabulary as well as their problem-solving and critical thinking skills to learn about coding or strengthen their coding skills.
Ages: K-7
Enjoy coding activities for kids
There are many coding activities for kids to get started with learning coding and computer science. Kids can take online classes and coding camps or explore coding concepts through unplugged activities and worksheets. With so many options to choose from, you can easily find activities that best suit your child's level of experience, learning style, and personal interests. You can start with free coding classes so your child can learn coding with an experienced instructor and use unplugged activities and worksheets to continue developing their coding skills outside of class. Up next, explore a list of after-school enrichment activities.
Written by Jamila Cocchiola who has always been fascinated with technology and its impact on the world. The technologies that emerged while she was in high school showed her all the ways software could be used to connect people, so she learned how to code so she could make her own! She went on to make a career out of developing software and apps before deciding to become a teacher to help students see the importance, benefits, and fun of computer science.
