Join us as we introduce ten free coding games for kids!
According to a recent study, the average child between 7 and 16 typically spends 6.5 hours per day in front of a screen.
While this may be something you hope to reduce, computer science plays a pivotal role in our day-to-day lives. As such, the more comfortable they are using technology, the better prepared they are for what lies ahead.
Furthermore, there are plenty of ways to ensure that they are spending their screen time wisely. For example, you could encourage them to play games that help them develop useful skills, such as coding.
What are the benefits of coding games for children?
Various studies have found that computer games can help children develop a wide range of useful skills. This is because games often present information in a way that is much more fun and digestible than textbooks.
More specifically, there are many benefits associated with coding games. For example, they can help children and young people improve their problem-solving and logical reasoning skills. These traits will help them succeed at school and professionally in the future.
In addition, coding is a rapidly sought-after skill. So, while they have fun while playing, they also develop a skill that will serve them well later in life.
Coding games also allow children to tap into their creativity and imagination.
10 Best Free Coding Games For Kids
- Scratch Junior
- Dance Party
- Tynker (Minecraft Mod)
- Cargo-Bot
- RoboBlocky
- Kodu Game Lab.
- Code Karts
- Code Combat
- Daisy The Dinosaur
- Algorithm City
Scratch Junior
Scratch Jr. is a coding game designed to introduce coding to younger children. They can use this platform to build their own interactive stories and games. Scratch Jr. is available through the Apple, Google, or Amazon App Store!
Pros of Scratch Junior:
- User-friendly and designed specifically for younger children
- Serves as a great introduction to coding while also remaining fun and accessible
Cons of Scratch Junior
- May not be suitable for older children or those who have played similar coding games before and are looking for a challenge.
- Some reviewers would prefer stronger parental controls to be in place
Dance Party
Developed by Code.org, Dance Party is a game that allows K-12 students to code a dance party. It features fun, brightly colored characters and players’ favorite songs. There are four Dance Party variations available.
- AI Edition (Grades 3-12)
- Dance Party (Grades 2-12)
- Keep on Dancing (Grades 2-12)
- Dance Party Unplugged (Grades 2-8)
Dance Party is an entirely free game accessible via a web browser
Pros of Dance Party
- Designed to introduce kids of all ages to the wonder of coding in a light-hearted and accessible way
- Features music kids will now recognize, including songs from Miley Cyrus and Harry Styles
- With four variations available, students can find a game that matches their skill level while also challenging themselves
Cons of Dance Party
- It features less of a narrative than other coding games, which means kids may find it less engaging overall.
Tynker (Minecraft Mod)
With over 166 monthly active players, Minecraft remains a popular game among kids of all ages. As such, they will surely enjoy the Tynker coding game, which allows them to modify Minecraft in fun and creative ways. For example, they can learn to create skins, blocks, and more.
The Minecraft Mod games are part of Tykner’s introduction to coding programs for kids. They are available for free on their website.
Pros of Tykner (Minecraft Mod)
- This game is built around Minecraft, so children are already interested in getting involved.
Cons of Tynker:
- To access Tykner games and activities, users must sign up for an account
Cargo-Bot
Cargo-Bot is a simple game that teaches players the basics of coding as they control a virtual cargo center. This can help players understand how coding and programming work.
You can play it entirely free by accessing it through a web browser.
Pros of Cargo-Bot
- Cargo-Bot is an excellent introduction to coding. Numerous tutorials are available before kids code alone.
- Players can choose between a wide range of coding tasks, separated by difficulty level
Cons of Cargo-Bot
- While a great introduction to coding, the concept behind the game is less interesting than some of the other games on this list. As such, it may not hold children’s attention for the same amount of time
RoboBlocky
RoboBlocky is an online platform designed for use in schools and educational facilities. It features a wide range of coding-based activities.
You can play RoboBlocky for free and access it on a web browser.
Pros of RoboBlocky
- RoboBlocky features perhaps the most challenging games on this list. Making it the perfect choice for older kids or those with more developed coding skills
Cons of RoboBlocky
- RoboBlocky does not provide users with many instructions. Therefore, it isn’t a great choice for younger players or those just beginning to code.
Kodu Game Lab
Kodu Game Lab teaches kids the basics of programming, including coding. Players build a fun 3D world, complete with characters and props.
Kodu Game Lab is a mobile or web application that is free to download on Google Play and the Apple Store.
Pros of Kodu Game Lab:
- Players can build their own interactive world and customize character behaviors
- Kodu Game Lab teaches players the basics of computer programming in a way that is both fun and accessible
Cons of Kodu Game Lab:
- Kodu Game Lab is designed with younger users in mind, which means it may not be the game of choice for older kids
Code Karts
Code Karts is designed with young coders in mind. This mobile app teaches players the basics of coding through a series of logic-based puzzles set on a racing track. Code Karts is suitable for ages four and above.
Code Karts is a mobile or web application that is free to download on Google Play and the Apple Store.
Benefits of Code Karts:
- Code Kart is easy to use, making it suitable for younger players
- With over 70 levels to play through, kids can develop their skills steadily over time when playing Code Karts
Cons of Code Kart
- While many of the levels can be accessed for free, some are behind a paywall
Code Combat
Code Combat is a text-based adventure game that allows children and young people to learn more about coding by deciding what happens next. Multiple variations of Code Combat are available. Code Combat Junior is for younger players.
You can play Code Combat for free and access it through a web browser.
Pros of Code Combat:
- Over 20 million students have tried out code combat, developing a range of useful skills while doing so
- Code Combat allows players to put their creativity to the test through imaginative play and world-building
- Code Combat teaches players basic coding languages, including Python, JavaScript, C++, Java, and Lua.
- Age-appropriate games are easy to find, and a wide variety of games are available.
Cons of Code Combat
- While players can create a free account, some coding classes are pay-walled.
Daisy The Dinosaur
Daisy The Dinosaur is the perfect way to introduce younger children to the basics of coding. They develop their coding skills by animating Daisy, the dinosaur, and making her dance across their screen.
Daisy The Dinosaur is a mobile or web application that is free to download on Google Play and the Apple Store.
Pros of Daisy The Dinosaur
- Daisy The Dinosaur is a great beginner game, perfect for those who are coding for the first time
- Daisy the Dinosaur is easy to use, with a bright, user-friendly interface
Cons of Daisy The Dinosaur
- Daisy The Dinosaur is strictly for beginners and younger players aged between 4-8. Older players may prefer more challenging variations of this game
Algorithm City
When playing Algorithm City, players learn the basics of coding, such as, command sequencing, by guiding their viewer’s character through the different (and increasingly challenging) levels.
Algorithm City is a free mobile or web application on Google Play and the Apple Store.
Pros of Algorithm City
- Teaches the fundamentals of coding in a straightforward yet engaging way
- Algorithm City is entirely free to play, with no in-app purchases
Cons of Algorithm City
- Algorithm City is for players of all ages. However, it may be difficult for younger players to get the hang of
More Coding for Kids
Coding games and programming concepts are a fun way for teachers and parents to help children develop various skills. Children will learn programming language and skills and be better suited to take on our technological world.
For Learn Bright approved coding games and resources click here! Happy Coding!
