Coding apps for kids are the topic of our blog post today!
There’s a a wide variety of apps designed to introduce kids to the world of programming in the most engaging, playful ways imaginable. From apps that let kids command alien explorers to those that turn them into mini-game developers, we’re about to dive into a realm where screen time becomes not just fun but educational and empowering.
So if you’ve been hunting for ways to make your child’s iPad time more constructive or are an educator looking for fresh resources, you’re in for a treat. Let’s explore some of the coolest coding apps that are turning tiny tappers into budding programmers.
Coding Apps for Kids
Here are our top picks for coding apps for kids:
1- Tynker
Tynker is a versatile coding app designed to make programming accessible and engaging for kids. The app offers a wide range of activities, from building games and writing interactive stories to programming drones and even modifying Minecraft. It’s also geared towards Hour of Code initiatives, making it a perfect fit for introducing youngsters to the world of STEM. Essentially, Tynker provides a comprehensive introduction to coding while making sure the learning journey is fun and captivating.
2- GoldieBlox: Adventures in Coding
GoldieBlox: Adventures in Coding offers a delightful twist to learning programming by taking kids on a grocery-shopping adventure that involves coding a skateboard’s path. The app not only teaches coding concepts but also incorporates mini-games and rewards like stickers to keep things fresh and entertaining. As the game progresses, the coding challenges become more intricate, ensuring that learners are continually stretched and engaged.
3- Kodable
Kodable introduces kids to coding through a captivating narrative involving furry aliens called Fuzzes, who have crash-landed on a maze-filled planet. The app teaches the basics of modern programming languages in an inviting manner, as kids are tasked with programming these adorable Fuzzes to navigate mazes. With its vibrant design and interactive challenges, Kodable provides an enjoyable way for kids to grasp the fundamentals of coding.
4- Osmo Coding Awbie
Osmo Coding Awbie takes a tactile approach to coding education by using physical blocks as coding commands. Children direct Awbie, a fun-loving character, on a quest for strawberries by placing these physical blocks in certain arrangements. This hands-on method adds a tangible dimension to coding, making it an immersive experience. Awbie’s adventures serve as an innovative platform for learning coding concepts while offering a tactile, interactive experience.
5- CodeSpark Academy
CodeSpark Academy employs a unique “no words” interface to teach children the essentials of coding. The app is packed with a variety of interactive activities, from puzzles and games to creative projects, all designed to instill the basics of computer programming. What’s more, parents can monitor their child’s progress, making it a family-friendly learning experience. The app’s silent interface removes language barriers, making coding accessible to even the youngest learners.
6- Coda Game
Coda Game empowers kids to become their own game developers using a drag-and-drop visual coding interface. Whether it’s creating an Air Hockey game, a Flappy Bird clone, or something entirely new, the app makes game design a straightforward, fun process. It’s a fantastic way to engage kids in coding, allowing them to see the immediate results of their work as playable games. With Coda Game, the only limit is one’s imagination.
7- Box Island
Box Island offers a narrative-driven coding adventure that’s both educational and thrilling. Designed with beautiful 3D graphics and 100 challenging levels, the app teaches key coding concepts like loops and conditionals through gameplay. The first 10 levels are free, offering a no-risk introduction to the world of coding. Box Island succeeds in keeping kids engaged by weaving coding lessons into an adventurous story, making the learning process feel more like play than work.
8- Tinkerblocks
Tinkerblocks offers a language-free digital playground aimed at kids aged six and up. This inclusive app allows children to create various projects like a “Magic Eight” or a “Fun Alarm System,” teaching them coding concepts in the process. Because it’s language-free, it removes linguistic barriers, making it accessible to a broader range of kids. The focus here is on creative freedom, giving children the tools they need to bring their imaginative ideas to life through coding.
9- Hopscotch
Hopscotch provides a versatile platform for kids to learn coding while creating their own games, art, or stories. The app offers kid-friendly programming tools that make it easy to publish creations to a fully moderated community. This means not only do kids get to learn how to code, but they also get the joy of sharing their creations and learning from others. It’s a fantastic ecosystem for fostering both coding skills and digital citizenship.
10- Move The Turtle
Move The Turtle is designed for iPhone and iPad users and focuses on teaching children the basics of programming through intuitive graphical commands. Unlike traditional coding apps that may require typing or advanced logic, Move The Turtle makes it easy for young learners to understand coding fundamentals by using simple, drag-and-drop commands. It’s a great starter app for kids who are new to the coding world and offers a gentle introduction to the basics of computer programming.
11- Scratch Jr
ScratchJr is designed for young learners, specifically those aged 5-7. The app teaches vital skills through the creation of interactive stories and games. Children use graphical programming blocks to make characters engage in various activities like moving, jumping, and singing. Along the way, kids learn essential skills like problem-solving, project design, and creative expression. ScratchJr makes learning coding an intuitive and imaginative endeavor, creating a strong foundation for future computer literacy.
12– PBS KIDS ScratchJr
PBS KIDS ScratchJr takes the basic premise of ScratchJr and adds a layer of familiarity by incorporating characters from popular PBS KIDS shows like Odd Squad and Wild Kratts. Aimed at children ages 5-8, the app allows for the creation of interactive stories and games, serving both as a tool for learning coding and as a medium for storytelling. With these well-loved characters, the app provides a more relatable and engaging coding experience for young learners, making it an ideal stepping stone into the world of programming.
Final thoughts
The apps we’ve delved into are more than just child’s play; they’re foundational tools that equip the next generation with skills they’ll use for a lifetime. From solving complex problems to thinking logically and even working collaboratively, the advantages go beyond just understanding what’s behind the screen. It’s about making our kids creators in a world teeming with consumers.
