With the best coding programs for kids, your little one can start learning the basics of coding at an early age through fun and interactive games that teach them how to think logically and solve problems.
Coding is a great way for kids to develop problem-solving skills and logical thinking. It can also be a lot of fun!
By learning the basics of coding, kids can develop a strong foundation for future success in any field, from engineering or web design to math or science.
There are tons of great coding programs for kids out there, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for your child.
To help you narrow down the options, we’ve rounded up some of the best coding programs for kids of all ages.
We’ve reviewed and ranked the top coding programs for children based on a variety of factors, including ease of use, how fun it is, quality of the curriculum, customer reviews, price, and more.
This guide has been completely updated for 2023 to include the latest information on features, pricing, and more for these online coding programs.
Disclosure:Â Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost for you, we might get a commission if you click the link and purchase.
What are the Best Coding Programs for Kids?
Here are our picks for the top kids coding programs in 2023…
1. Tynker
Tynker
Tynker is the fun and exciting way for kids to learn coding while developing problem solving skills.
Pricing Plans
Tynker pricing is as follows:
Individual
- Lifetime ($360 one-time payment)
- Yearly ($15/mo billed at $180 annually)
- Quarterly ($20/mo billed at $60 quarterly)
Families (up to 3 accounts)
- Lifetime ($450 one-time payment)
- Yearly ($20/mo billed at $240 annually)
- Quarterly ($25/mo billed at $75 quarterly)
Recommended Age
This course has an age range of 5-18 years.
Tynker has quickly become one of the most popular platforms for teaching kids how to code. They offer a variety of courses, activities, and puzzles to help kids not only learn the basics of coding but also have fun doing it so they stay engaged and motivated.
The mission of Tynker is simple: provide every child with solid foundations in Computer Science, programming, and critical thinking skills so they can be prepared to build a better future world.
The Tynker coding curriculum is presented in a carefully designed program of 300 lessons in six levels to take your child from a novice to an expert coder. The learning paths are self-paced, so kids can learn at their own speed and go as deep into the material as they want. There are also occasional competitions open to all Tynker users for a chance to win prizes.
With Tynker any age or skill level can learn to code starting with simple block coding courses and progressing to a variety of popular text-based languages, including Python, Javascript, HTML/CSS, and more. The easy-to-understand teaching methodologies and fun coding activities are exactly what make Tynker our top pick!
One of the best things about Tynker is that it offers a flexible pricing plan for families with multiple kids who want to learn to code. You can either pay a one-time fee for lifetime access or choose a quarterly or annual subscription plan that’s more affordable.
Key Features
- Award-winning curriculum in 6 levels with 300 lessons
- Designed by coding experts
- 5,000 interactive, game-like learning modules
- Fun, proven way for kids to learn how to code
- Mastery of key coding concepts like loops, conditional logic, and sequencing
- Progression to real languages like JavaScript and Python
- Code Data Science, AI, and Web Dev
- Explore Art and Image Processing
- Earn CS mastery certifications
Click here to try Tynker free today.
2. codeSpark Academy
Pricing Plans
codeSpark pricing and plans are as follows:
- 7-day free trial
- $15 a month
- $90 for one year (works out to $7.50/month)
Click here to try codeSpark free for 7 days.
Recommended Age
The codeSpark app is great for kids ages 5 to 10.
When it comes to introducing children to coding, it’s important to find a platform that will really engage their interest and imagination right from the start. And that’s where codeSpark comes in – this award-winning coding app has been designed with kids in mind, with an interface that feels more like a game than a dry educational tool.
Children are naturally drawn to excitement and challenges, and with codeSpark, they can learn the basics of coding while having fun and feeling like they’re playing a game.
Whether your child is new to the world of programming or just looking for a more engaging way to learn, codeSpark is definitely one of the best options out there.
With interactive games and activities, kids can learn how to code without even realizing that’s what they’re doing.
The platform’s word-free interface is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing even the youngest children to create games in a matter of minutes.
Whether they’re solving puzzles, creating characters, or programming a virtual world, kids are simply having fun – and they’ll keep playing for hours on end. CodeSpark is a fantastic tool for young learners looking to step into the world of coding.
Key Features
- Self-paced lessons and activities
- Interactive games to make learning coding fun
- Hundreds of puzzles to teach kids the basics of coding
- Kids learn to code their own games in just a week
- Available on iOS and Android
Click here to try codeSpark free for 7 days.
3. CodeWizards HQ
Pricing Plans
This program is available at the cost of $447 per course.
Recommended Age
This course has an age range of 8-18 years.
Have a hard-to-control teenager at home? Have him enrolled in a CodeWizards course, and you’ll finally be able to rest! This portal offers courses for young adults aiming to make it big in the world of programming.
Since CodeWizards is more inclined towards older kids, it has a very traditional classroom environment. The lessons are conducted over Zoom, and children are expected to actively participate with their peers. This ensures effective learning because if your child gets confused or has difficulty understanding, he or she can directly approach the instructor.
Such direct interactions are hardly found in other programs, so if your child is used to receiving exclusive attention, CodeWizards is a good choice. Also, project-based learning ensures that your child is up to date with his skills!
The best thing about CodeWizards is that they don’t stop at the basics. After the introductory classes, children are introduced to advanced concepts and how they can build on their skills even after completing the course.
Key Features
- Learning different coding languages, including Scratch, HTML/CSS, Python, and Javascript.
- Understanding the dynamics of web and app development
- Learning Animation and Games with Scratch
- Intro to Real World Programming
4. Scratch
Pricing Plans
Free
Recommended Age
This course has an age range of 8-16 years.
Scratch has been a customer favorite for quite a while, particularly for training elementary school kids. So if you have an 8 to 16-year-old, check out this program!
Scratch has an online community where children can discuss their ideas and learn in an interactive environment. Children can present their projects, ask other students for help, or make life-long friends.
Scratch is recommended for parents who want programming classes for their children without spending hefty amounts. You’d also have access to programming books authored by Scratch which are quite informative. Children can refer to these books whenever they need help with a concept.
Key Features
- Teaches how to cultivate problem-solving abilities
- Helps develop communication skills
- Teaches logic related to programming
- Shows how to build on Google’s Blockly technology
- Use Scratch books to build on programming concepts
- Teaches both horizontal and vertical concepts
5. CodaKid
Pricing Plans
This program has two pricing plans:
- Monthly Plan: $29/month
- Yearly Plan: $199/year
Recommended Age
This course has an age range of 6-18 years.
CodaKid is another great option if you want your child to learn programming in a stress-free environment. The instructors follow an interactive study approach. This helps children identify their interests and choose Python, JavaScript, or Java.
Your child will be familiar with digital tools used by tech giants, such as Google and Facebook. Such a diversified curriculum allows children to upskill and understand the functionality of the software.
Moreover, CodaKid doesn’t just give children textual knowledge or lengthy concepts. Instead, instructors allow your child to practice his/her computational skills to create real-time video games and software. This adds to your child’s portfolio and prepares them to become future leaders!
Key Features
- Learning Mod creation essentials
- Understanding Java code and implementing it to create video games
- Learning how to use Minecraft and Roblox
- A brief introduction to Python
6. Kodable
Pricing Plans
This program has three pricing plans:
- Monthly. $9.99/month. Billed Monthly.
- Yearly. $79.99/year. Billed Annually.
- Lifetime. $149.99. Billed Once.
Recommended Age
This course has an age range of 4-11 years.
Suitable for children of all age groups, Kodable is another great choice for learning online programming. The activities and teaching methodologies are designed to cater to both children and teenagers.
The kid-friendly lessons are super easy to understand so kids can help themselves without any external help. This does not only contribute to the development of skills but also makes them self-sufficient.
Kodable is also a good choice for people who want to start from the basics and upskill gradually. This coding course allows you limited access to the course content without charging anything. You can skim through the topics and invest in the platform only when you’re sure that it’s helpful for you.
Your children will be fully immersed in the Kodable program because there are many fun characters to guide them through!
Key Features
- Understanding the basic concepts in computer fundamentals
- Playing coding games to understand how programming languages impact their creation.
- Unplugged activities in each class related to the topic studied.
- Â Javascript, HTML, Python, Java, and CSS.
- Studying the dynamics of Block Programming
- How to transition to real code.
7. Code Monkey
Pricing Plans
This program has three pricing plans:
- Individual: Starting at $6/month.
- Family: Starting at $12/month.
- Home school: Starting at $20/month.
Recommended Age
This course has an age range of 4-14 years.
If you have a fidgety child who refuses to sit in one place, introduce him to Code Monkey, and you won’t regret it! This online program is all about learning coding by catching as many bananas as you can. Sounds crazy, right? Have your child play the game, and your opinion will change forever!
Instructors at Code Monkey aim to teach concepts through games, particularly the monkey game. Students are shown the nooks and crannies involved in creating games through programming languages.
Once students get the hang of the game, you know they’ve understood the dynamics of programming languages pretty well. The program is mostly meant for 1-2 graders, but the catchy game often appeals to younger children too.
Code Monkey helps your child identify their programming potential without getting bored. The program is also famous for being extremely economical compared to other options.
Key Features
- How to write code
- How to create your own game using code
- How to use text-based editors to write code
- Learn CoffeeScript, JavaScript, and Python
- How to get through all kinds of coding challenges
- Polishing your programming skills using the practice exercises
8. Lightbot
Pricing Plans
This program has two pricing plans
- Android version: $2.99
- iOS version: $3.20
Recommended Age
This course has an age range of 4-13 years.
LightBot takes learning a step further by being very inclusive about age. You can buy a single subscription, and it can be used by your teenager and toddler. The platform uses numerous puzzles to explain programming basics to children. If your child is starting, LightBot will be a good choice because its user-friendly layout is ideal for beginners.
LightBot is available as an app on both android and iPhones. You don’t need any extensive gear or PCs if you want your child to learn to code. Just give them an hour on your phone, and you’d be surprised to see how they’re hooked to the information till the end!
Moreover, LightBot has a puzzle that gets complex with each level. The aim is to allow children to use their natural problem-solving skills to crack the puzzle. At the beginning of the game, briefs are issued, which are referred back each time the child gets stuck on any level.
Key Features
- Understanding different types of programming logic
- What is sequencing and how to put it to good use?
- Understanding the properties and dynamics of Recursive Loops
- How to work with conditionals
- Understanding various game mechanics involved in making puzzles of the kind displayed
- Studying methods, loops, return statements, and debugging
9. Stencyl
Pricing Plans
This program has two pricing plans:
Indie: $99/year
Studio: $199/year
Recommended Age
This course has an age range of 8-12 years.
If your kid is growing up and is now more inquisitive than ever, get him to take the programming course on Stencyl! Not only does this platform open the creativity doors for your child, but it also prepares them to seek a professional career in the digital world.
The most unique feature is that Stencyl allows children to publish iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, HTML5 & Flash games without any code.
Since it’s meant for kids of growing minds, Stencyl has an intuitive approach when it comes to teaching programming knowledge. The basic aim of the platform is to allow a child to be proficient enough in languages to customize a game according to his preference.
Any child emerging out of Stencyl can publish his projects anywhere because of the unique skill set. If your child wants to pursue programming as a career, Stencyl is your answer!
Key Features
- Using graphic editors like Photoshop and Illustrator to punctuate your game design
- Learning how to craft complex worlds out of Actors, Tiles, and Terrain.
- How to make your game according to the standard of other market products
- Learning how to write code in detail
10. CodeCombat
Price
$9.99 per month
Recommended Age
8-18 years.
CodeCombat will engage your children in a fun game where they can shift roles once they’re bored. This program is based on two interactive games which help the child grasp coding concepts. Once you get through both the games, you’d be able to perform accurate guesswork when solving coding problems.
CodeCombat usually makes the kids proficient in JavaScript and Python. The languages may be limited, but the skills taught in the program enable the child to excel quickly. The best part is that over the years, CodeCombat has collaborated with many schools. This makes its interface readable for children. CodeCombat also teaches coding in a more academic way as compared to others.
You can also opt for the free version, which introduces children to the basics of coding science. Upgrade to the fantasy games once you’re sure your child will have a good time playing them!
Key Features:
- Parental controls ensure regulated learning
- Numerous learning levels keep children engaged for long
- Step-by-step progress prevents children from getting overwhelmed by the information
- Teaches how to give characters the correct set of commands
- Understanding basic syntax, parameters, strings, arguments, loops, and variables.
11. Crunchzilla
Price
Free
Recommended Age
11-18
Crunchzilla targets teenage kids. This program is super easy for learners and inculcates coding concepts. It’s always hard to keep tweens and teens in one place for online learning. Crunchzilla’s interactive games, though, are guaranteed to hold their attention for a long time.
Additionally, there’s a wide range of learning levels available. This means a child can keep progressing and adding to his skills development. The interface consists of a monster graphic that guides children through the challenges.
Crunchzilla’s main focus is to teach coding basics through JavaScript. If your child has little to no coding knowledge, this program can help in going over the basic concepts and some advanced shortcuts. If you’re looking for a cheap solution for your child’s coding classes, Crunchzilla is your best bet!
Key Features:
- Immediate visual output
- Step-by-step tutorials to solve the confusion
- Covers a wide range of audiences, including children and adults
- Projects can be exported
- Many slideshows which explain different processes
- Understanding the JavaScript game development process
- Learning the statistics of coding
Key Features To Look For When Choosing The Best Coding Program For Kids
There’s no one-size-fits-all kids coding program, but there are some things you can look for to make sure you’re choosing the best one for your child:
- Price: Be sure to choose a course that offers value for money. You wouldn’t want to invest huge sums of money in a course that does not add much to your child’s knowledge. Also, make sure that you choose a pricing plan which is within your budget. Annual plans are a lot cheaper than per-month plans.
- Age Range: Age groups are an important factor to consider when choosing a program that teaches coding for kids. If you choose an advanced-level course meant for older students, your child will be sitting aloof in front of the screen. Coding programs for young children are designed to be engaging, so make sure you double-check the recommended age group.
- Programming Languages: Many coding programs claim to be the best option out there but only teach one or two programming languages. It’s not fruitful for your child to spend hours on a course and not learn at least 3-4 programming languages. Computational fields require proficiency in multiple programming languages, so remember to choose a coding program that teaches more than just Java.
- Teaching Methodologies: When choosing a coding program, it becomes extremely important to get a basic insight into the teaching methods. If your child has a history of not being engaged in educational activities, then you need to choose a program that teaches programming using fun and interactive methods. Similarly, if your child is a computer geek and wants to excel in programming, choose a course with an advanced curriculum.
- Length: The total duration of the coding program needs to align with your child’s current routine. Lengthy courses often fail to keep the child engaged, but it all depends on your requirements. For example, home-schoolers will require coding programs which can take up a considerable amount of their daytime.
A Final Word on the Best Coding Programs for Kids
If you’ve been thinking about enrolling your child in a coding program but are unsure of which one to choose, we hope this article helped.
There are so many great benefits of coding for kids at a young age. Not only does it prepare them for future jobs in the tech industry, but it also helps them develop important skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.
The most important thing is to find a coding program that’s right for your child’s individual needs and interests.
Our favorite is Tynker due to its wide range of fun, interactive lessons for kids of all ages. But ultimately, the best coding program for your child is the one that they enjoy most and can learn from.
Have any questions about the best coding programs for kids? Let us know by commenting below.