Coding For Kids
With rapid technological advancements, coding has become a crucial skill. Contrary to what the phrase might suggest, coding for kids encompasses much more than learning programming languages. It covers diverse and important areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, data science, and game development. There are also a wide range of tools available for kids to learn coding, such as Scratch (developed by MIT), Minecraft Education, and Micro:bit.
Read on for a comprehensive guide to Coding for Kids, including the best options for different ages and tips for starting with free classes.
Start Coding for Kids with Free Classes
Choose a free introductory class below based on your child's age, interests, and experience level. Learn together in a small group led by an experienced teacher live online and discover how fun it is to code!
Grades 2-5
Code games and animations with beginner-friendly Scratch coding
Best starting point for elementary school beginners
Grades 5-10
Fast-paced introduction to coding: build games, stories, and animations
Best starting point for middle school beginners
Best starting point for high school beginners
Best starting point for kids with previous coding experience
Awards And Recognition
For years, we've been teaching kids of all ages, offering 40+ engaging and interactive courses designed by experts from Google, Code.org, Stanford, and MIT
Learning Pathways by Age Groups
Kids learn best when engaging with topics and materials tailored to their age, building a learning pathway over time. Select your child's age group to explore available course options.
We recommend all elementary and middle school students begin by learning Scratch coding (and ScratchJr for kindergarteners and first graders). Designed by MIT, Scratch coding is a wonderful first programming language for kids that introduces students to coding concepts in a fun, visual way. With its drag-and-drop interface, kids can easily create animations, games, and interactive stories, and get the thrill of seeing their ideas quickly come to life, without needing to write complex code.
Meanwhile, Python is an ideal first text-based programming language for high schoolers to learn because of its simplicity and versatility. Beyond that, Python is incredibly powerful and widely used in fields such as artificial intelligence, web development, game design, and data science.
For kids interested in computer science, but not specifically coding, it’s best to begin based on their unique interests. For example, artificial intelligence and digital design can be great starting points if your child likes art or is curious about ChatGPT and self-driving cars. Or if your child loves games, empower them to build engineering skills by beginning with Minecraft Redstone where they'll learn how to create sophisticated automated machines in Minecraft.
As your child progresses with their computer science skills, we recommend following the curriculum for their grade level. Complete the foundation classes series first, choose intermediate classes (such as Minecraft modding, Roblox coding, and robotics) based on their interests, and pursue advanced classes (such as Cloud Computing and AP Java) for ambitious learners eager to secure internships or stand out on college applications.
Diverse Coding Topics for Kids
A wide variety of topics are available for kids interested in learning coding. These range from popular platforms like Scratch and Minecraft, designed specifically for kids, to real-world applications such as Python, AI, Data Science, and Digital Design. Click on topics below to explore how kids can dive deeper into each area. Whatever your child's interests, they’re sure to find something they're passionate about!
Essential Kids Coding Classes
With so many fun options, where should you start? We recommend beginning with Scratch for most students. Created by MIT, Scratch is an excellent first programming language that introduces coding concepts in a fun and visual way. For high schoolers, Python is a great choice due to its simplicity and applications in AI. Students can also choose classes based on their interests, such as game development with Minecraft or Roblox, AI, robotics, and more. Here are the essential classes that introduce students to key computer science topics.
| Live Online Classes | Best For Grades | Class Highlights | Subject | Type of Coding | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Scratch Junior | K-2 | Fun coding classes for very young students. Create interactive stories and games with code, while developing problem-solving skills and creativity. | Scratch Coding | Block coding |
 | Scratch Ninja (Free Intro Available!) | 2-6 | An essential coding class for almost all grade 2-5 learners using Scratch, an MIT-developed platform, to create fun stories, games, animations, and more. | Scratch Coding | Block coding |
 | Accelerated Scratch (Free Intro Available!) | 5-9 | Fast-paced introduction to coding using Scratch: build games, stories, and animations. Recommended for all middle-school beginner coders. | Scratch Coding | Block coding |
 | Python for AI (Free Intro Available!) | 5-12 | Learn the most popular programming language in the real world, with focus on AI. Python is also the most suitable text-based coding language for students. | Python | Text-based |
 | Minecraft Redstone Engineering | 2-5 | Elevate Minecraft skills and use Redstone to build light shows, automatic doors, flying machines, and explore engineering and computer science concepts. | Game Development | Block coding |
 | Beginner Roblox Game Coding (Free Intro Available!) | 4-9 | Learn essentials of how to code for Roblox and create fun Roblox games using a platform that is friendly for kids and teens. | Robotics | Block coding |
 | AI Explorers (Free Intro Available!) | 4-7 | Explore broad AI applications such as computer vision, language, and art, as well as the underlying technologies. | Artificial Intelligence | |
 | Modern Website Design with Wix | 5-12 | Build a portfolio of beautiful professional-looking websites using Wix. Learn a combination of web design and backend content management technology. | Web Development | |
 | Canva for Kids: Design, Video Creation, AI Art | 4-8 | Create beautiful graphic designs and videos in Canva with assistance from AI. Bring your imagination to life. | Digital Design |
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Why Online Classes Are The Best Way For Kids To Learn Coding
Downloading an app, sorting through YouTube videos, and reading books are all potential ways for children to learn coding. However it is challenging for young learners to pick up a brand new subject on their own. You might have encouraged your child to try, and while they may stay consistent for a few days, they often lose interest and eventually give up.
There are many resources where your child can get information and knowledge about how to code for free. But what happens if they get stuck on a line of code, learn outdated information, or find all it too overwhelming or confusing? Without guidance, they probably won't stick with coding, and they might never want to return to it. The opportunity to foster their passion for computer science might flash by in the blink of an eye!
Learning with an experienced teacher will likely lead to the best outcome. On top of that, live online classes offer some of the most compelling benefits when comparing key factors such as a curriculum crafted by top experts in the world, experienced instruction, personalized support, convenient learning from home, diverse subjects, and thoughtful learning paths that set students up for long-term success.
| Features | Live Classes | Apps/Platforms | Games | Videos/Books |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Expert Instruction | ||||
| Real-World Applications | ||||
| Diverse Subjects | ||||
| Accountability | ||||
| Learning Path | ||||
| Interactive Content | ||||
| Instant Personalized Support |
What Is Coding For Kids?
Coding for kids is the process of teaching children how to create and build projects using computer programming. It allows kids to bring their ideas to life by writing code that powers games, websites, apps, and even robots. Most young learners start with a block based coding platform such as Scratch coding. By learning coding languages like Scratch, Python, Lua, and JavaScript, kids can develop fun projects while building key skills like problem-solving, logical thinking, grit, and creativity. Coding skills can also help them compete in fun contests, secure internships, and stand out on college applications.
Coding is everywhere—from the apps on our phones to the games we play - so learning how to code helps kids understand how technology works and is highly beneficial regardless of what career pathways they take. It also builds important skills like critical thinking, logic, and problem-solving, all while opening doors to future careers in tech. With coding, kids have the power to turn their ideas into reality!
Enroll in a free coding class for kids today and experience the fun!
Coding Careers: Imagine Your Child's Future
Your child could be a Mobile Software Engineer who works on creating and improving features in the Spotify app. These engineers code how users discover and play music, create playlists, or explore podcasts.
Imagine your child becoming a Front-End Developer working on the booking platform that millions of travelers use to search for and book flights, hotels, and vacation packages. For example, working on the flight search feature, coding the interface that allows users to easily input their travel dates, destinations, and preferences while ensuring the search results are displayed quickly and clearly.
Imagine your child becoming a Recommendation Algorithm Engineer! These engineers create the AI that looks at your viewing habits and compares them to millions of other users to recommend content that matches your interests. For example, if you love adventure movies, Netflix's AI will learn that and start suggesting more movies or series with similar themes.
Learn Coding For Kids: Projects, Games, And Tutorials
Get started with Scratch with fun exercises that involve flying, changing colors, noises, and more!
From making a Mario game to a cool cross the road game, explore some awesome Scratch projects to make with step-by-step tutorials.
From loops practice to an array challenge and even a cat dog challenge, explore fun Python activities to try.
Discover Free Coding For Kids Resources
The Raspberry Pi Foundation provides interactive free project paths that teach kids coding from Scratch to Python.
Explore Free Coding For Kids Tools
Scratch and ScratchJr are beginner-friendly coding platforms where kids can create games, stories, and animations using simple, drag-and-drop coding blocks, perfect for younger children to learn programming concepts.
Minecraft Education Edition combines the fun of Minecraft with educational coding tools, allowing kids to design, build, and code in the game's environment, making learning programming an interactive adventure.
Roblox Studio is a platform where kids can create and code their own 3D games and experiences within Roblox, using Lua scripting to bring their imaginative ideas to life while learning real-world programming skills.