8 Computer Coding Games For Kids
If you want your kids to learn coding much faster, get them some computer coding games for young learners. These games make the learning experience intuitive and interesting for kids who may not have the mental capacity and patience to learn through traditional coding courses.
With many computer games, it can sometimes be confusing for parents, teachers, and guardians to know the right one for their kids. To make this choice easier, we have compiled a list of the top 8 computer coding games for kids.
All the games on this list are specifically designed for full-size computers, although some have mobile versions. Without any further ado, let’s dive into the list of the best computer coding games for kids.
1. CodeCombat
CodeCombat has enabled over 12 million people to learn to code, making it one of the most popular coding games. It is a visually impressive programming game that teaches typed code. It allows students to code in Python, JavaScript, CoffeeScript (a more user-friendly JavaScript syntax), or Lua.
While the game has a fantasy role-playing game atmosphere, players input code to guide their characters’ actions. As they progress through the different game levels, kids can master the various fundamentals of code. This game also provided great tutorials to assist in learning proper code syntax much easier and faster.
CodeCombat has a parent’s dashboard allowing them to monitor their child’s progress. Regarding pricing, this game has a free online trial class on the website. The premium version that gives access to all features costs $9.99/month. This game is ideal for kids who are nine and above.
2. RoboZZle
RoboZZle is one of the top-rated coding games for kids on both the Apple App Store and Android Play Store. The developers of this game describe it as a “social puzzle game.”
In this game, players solve puzzles by “programming” a robot to navigate various paths. Players can also create subroutines to enhance their strategies. This game is for kids who are eight and above.
The full version of the game is free to play online but requires the installation of Silverlight on your browser. However, there is also a lighter version available that runs on JavaScript.
It also has mobile apps on the Apple Play Store, Google Play Store, and Kindle Fire. Registered users who have completed 40 puzzles can create and submit their puzzles for other players to try. This game can be enjoyed by young children, older kids, and even adults.
3. Minecraft Education
Minecraft is a popular PC, Mac, and gaming console game. To help kids and beginners learn to code, Microsoft created a coding platform that mimics this game to help beginners learn coding concepts in a fun way.
Minecraft Education utilizes block-based games and activities to help kids learn to code. This game is for kids that are at least eight years.
The Education edition of Minecraft offers many features specifically designed for teachers and students. These features include over 600 premade standards-aligned lessons, and teachers can even create their coding lessons to share with others.
Minecraft Education provides support materials for integrating coding and programming across various subjects such as history, STEM, language arts, and space exploration.
It allows teachers to facilitate the “Hour of Code” in their classrooms by setting up the Minecraft Education edition and choosing a lesson plan from the library.
Minecraft Education offers some resources, but most of the features require you to subscribe to the premium version, which costs $5.04 per user per year if your kid is part of an eligible educational institution and $12 per user per year for those that are not part of an eligible educational institution.
4. Erase All Kittens
Erase All Kittens is a popular computer coding game for kids that is already being used by millions of students to learn the fundamentals of programming. It is an interactive coding game targeted at kids aged 7-13 years old. This web-based game aims to teach kids coding in popular programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
It doesn’t require any software download since it is a web-based game. This game can also be played at school in class or at home with the guidance of parents.
Erase All Kittens also provides over 5 hours of engaging lesson plans covering various topics such as computer science, cybersecurity, online behavior, fake news, the environment, and entrepreneurship.
Regarding pricing, this game provides free access to the first two levels. To unlock additional features and content, a premium subscription is required, which costs £12.49 per year and from £60 per year for their multiuser subscription.
5. Blockly Games
Blockly Games is a web-based coding game created by Google. This game introduces kids to coding and computer programming fundamentals through a series of games that they can play right from their browsers.
This game is ideal for kids aged five and above. It has different games, including puzzles, mazes, Birds, movies, and more, with each focusing on other coding concepts.
For example, the Puzzle game teaches kids about Blockly’s shapes and how they fit together, while the Maze game introduces concepts like loops and conditionals. Other games like Bird, Turtle, Movie, Music, Pond Tutor, and Pond provide in-depth learning experiences in conditionals, mathematical equations, functions, text-based programming languages (especially JavaScript), and block-based programming with JavaScript. Fortunately, Blockly is free, allowing kids to access all games without paying.
6. Codewars
This is another popular game for kids that allows them to learn coding principles and engage in challenges with their friends. Codewars approaches coding as an art form and emphasizes mastery through challenges.
This game-based platform encourages users to improve their coding skills through repetitive training and level up by completing challenges.
Users can complete “kata exercises” in their chosen programming language to sharpen their skills. The platform supports over 20 programming languages, including PHP, JavaScript, Python, SQL, and Ruby.
They can take on more challenging exercises suited to their level as they progress. Codewars also fosters a community where users can discuss their scripts, receive feedback, and collaborate.
Additionally, users have access to a resource library and interactive community for all languages. Regarding pricing, this game-based platform costs $35 per month or $150 billed annually. It is also ideal for kids between 13 to 18 years.
Related: Best Coding Games for Beginners: Level Up Your Coding Skills
7. Codemoji
Codemoji is another popular coding game designed for kids in 1st-8th grade. This game takes a unique approach to teaching STEM-focused computer programming to elementary school students.
Instead of using coding blocks or text-based programming languages, Codemoji teaches kids to code using emojis, which are widely used in communication among youth, making learning how to code straightforward.
By using emojis, this platform simplifies coding by eliminating concerns over typographical or syntax errors. The platform is ideal for kids between 5 to 8 years, allowing them to learn popular languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
The platform also provides a dashboard for parents, allowing them to follow their kids’ progress. Codemoji costs $15/month or $55/year. The teacher’s version costs $30/month or $100 for four months.
8. Codemancer
Codemancer is an award-winning educational fantasy game that offers a simpler way to introduce kids aged 6 to 12 to the world of computer programming. The game starts by teaching coding basics and gradually progresses to more advanced concepts such as variables, conditionals, and functions.
Players embark on a journey with the game’s main character, Aurora, a determined female protagonist who navigates a world filled with physical and moral challenges.
The game’s vibrant and colorful settings, along with the presence of rival sorcerers and minions, ensure entertaining and dynamic gameplay. Codemancer is free on Windows, Mac, Android, iPad, and Kindle.
Final Thoughts
This article has explored the top 8 computer games to consider this year if you want your child to learn programming in a fun and intuitive way. You can choose from any of these games depending on your child’s age, the programming languages you want them to learn, and the unique features each game offers.
