Top 7 Coding For Kids Games
Coding is a computer skill anyone can learn, regardless of age. Thanks to coding games, even children as young as four can start learning how to code.
Numerous coding games are available that cater to kids ranging from 4 to 18 years old, allowing them to master both the basics and advanced principles of computer programming.
However, with such a wide variety of coding games, it can sometimes be challenging for parents and educators to select the most suitable one for their children or learners.
The purpose of this article is to simplify this decision-making process for you. We will explore some of the best “coding for kids” games across different age groups. Read until the end to discover the most appropriate option for your child. Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
1. CodeMonkey
Ages: six to fourteen years old
Price: varies based on the plan ($6 / month for one child account)
Features: a game builder/game design tool, cross-curricular coding courses, block-based courses for younger kids, a coding Android and IOS app.
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CodeMonkey is an award-winning coding game with over 10 million users worldwide. This game was initially developed as a classroom resource for teachers, but it is now accessible to anyone interested in learning coding skills. It is web-based so you can access it through any of your favorite browsers, including Safari, Chrome, Edge, and more.
This game also has a parent’s dashboard, which allows them to monitor their child’s progress and assess their learning resources. CodeMonkey teaches children about coding and nurtures essential skills such as logic, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
The game has a free trial and paid version that costs $4.95 to $9.95/month, depending on how long you intend to subscribe. It is mainly ideal for kids ranging from five to fourteen years.
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2. Cork the Volcano
Cork the Volcano is a newer coding game for kids that has gradually gained popularity in the last couple of years. It is a programming puzzle platformer that introduces coding to kids through engaging puzzles.
Players of this game have to set up sequences of actions for the characters to navigate through the game, collecting bonuses and avoiding island dangers along the way.
The game’s primary goal is to help kids develop computational and algorithmic thinking skills as children strategize and come up with logical steps to solve each challenge. By providing a fun and interactive gameplay experience, Cork the Volcano effectively teaches kids the foundations of coding.
The game is designed for kids between 6 and 10 years. It costs $8.99 and is available on all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Steam.
3. Robot Turtles
Unlike most games on this list, Robot Turtles is a board game designed to help kids learn coding by offering a hands-on experience. This game is for preschoolers to learn programming concepts in an enjoyable and hands-on manner. It allows kids to feel in control as they learn the basics of programming by giving commands to the Robot Turtle.
Children learn about coding, debugging, and using basic functions through simple commands when controlling the robot. As they progress through the game, new challenges are unlocked, providing a sense of growth and adapting to their developing skills.
Robot Turtles encourages family or team participation, offering an opportunity for meaningful interaction away from screens. This game is for kids with at least four years. You can purchase it for $24.99 from the company’s website or a popular retail store like Amazon.
4. Algorithm City
Algorithm City is another popular coding game to help kids learn the basics of programming. With thousands of positive reviews on the Google Play Store, this game stands out as one of the most reliable coding games for kids. The main focus of this game is to teach the basics and slightly advanced topics of programming and algorithms to kids of all ages.
The game has a fun and intuitive interface that allows young learners to navigate it easily. Using symbols and children’s code functions to guide their character through the levels, collecting gold, and solving challenges.
The core coding principles that Algorithm City focuses on include sequencing, functions, and loops. The game is free and available for only Android devices, including phones and tablets.
5. On The Brink
On the Brink is one of Thinkfun’s products that helps kids learn the fundamentals of coding. It is a board game and part of a series of games designed to help kids build essential coding skills and understand more advanced programming concepts. This screen-free game challenges players to guide their robot along colored paths using the “procedures” they program.
This game aims to promote critical thinking and logical reasoning in a fun and engaging way. It is ideal for kids who do not have access to computers or tablets, as it is entirely a hands-on game.
The game also comes with a pdf with instructions on playing it. It comes with up to 40 challenges that kids can complete to enhance skills such as sequencing, problem-solving, and planning. This game costs $15.99 and is for kids above eight years.
Related: Fun 10 Free Coding Games Online: Get Your Coding Fix On!
6. Tynker
Tynker is one of the most widely played coding games, with over 100 million users and thousands of schools worldwide. It is an award-winning interactive coding game that makes programming accessible and enjoyable for kids, regardless of their age and past schooling experience. One of the notable accolades that this game has received includes the Parents’ Choice Gold Award for coding games for kids.
This game is popular because of its intuitive UI, which has visual blocks that enable the creation of games, writing interactive stories, modifying Minecraft, programming drones, and exploring various STEM topics.
One of the standout features of Tynker is its offline playability, allowing kids to continue coding even without an internet connection. This feature can come in handy, especially for kids in regions with unreliable internet access.
Additionally, with parental permission, children can share their creations with the Tynker community and explore other kids’ projects, fostering collaboration and learning. This community also allows their parents to monitor their kids’ progress and guide them accordingly.
This game is for kids with five or more years. Fortunately, it is a free game on all major platforms, including iOS, Android, and ChromeOS.
7. Swift Playgrounds
If you want your kid to code apps for the iPhone, Mac, or iPad, Swift Playgrounds is an excellent place to start from. It is an innovative game designed for the iPad and Mac.
This game helps children with at least ten years to learn and experiment with code through interactive puzzles. The platform has an intuitive and easy-to-get-started UI, allowing kids to learn the basic definitions, terms, functions, and coding directions.
One of the unique features of Swift Playgrounds is that it allows players to incorporate their photos, images, sounds, and files, allowing for a personalized coding experience. With regularly released coding challenges, Swift Playgrounds continues to evolve and provide ongoing learning opportunities. It is a free game and is only available for iPad and macOS.
8. CoderBunnyz
CoderBunnyz is one of the top-rated board games on Amazon. This game introduces young children to coding concepts playfully and interactively.
It has several challenges, allowing the players to utilize coding logic and programming concepts such as loops, conditional statements, and functions to complete tasks. The game is for kids (at least four years) and adults.
Besides learning the fundamentals of coding, this game also teaches kids problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and collaboration. You can buy CoderBunnyz from Amazon at $34.85 or on the company’s official website.
Summary
This article has explored 8 of the most popular and reliable coding for kids’ games. We have covered a variety of games, including those designed for full-size computers, mobile devices, and board games that don’t require any computing device to play.
Your choice will depend on the kind of experience you would like your kid to have and your budget. Regardless of the game you choose, your kid will undoubtedly gain valuable skills and knowledge in computer programming.
