Top 8 Free Coding Games For Kids
Computer programming is an in-demand and valuable skill many parents aspire for their kids to learn. That is why over 90% of parents in the US want coding for children to be included in school curricula.
Coding games are an excellent option if you’re interested in teaching your children how to code. However, some parents, particularly those with limited incomes, may be unable to pay for subscription-based coding games.
This is where free coding games become invaluable. If you’re seeking free coding games, this article will assist you in discovering the best options for your child. We will explore eight free coding games that cater to various age groups. Most games discussed in this article suit kids between 4 and 15. Let’s dive right in!
1. Code.org
With over 80 million students, Code.org is arguably the most popular free coding platform for kids. Code.org is an online game and educational platform that offers interactive tutorials and projects for children aged five and above. The leading tech companies fund this platform, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.
It provides comprehensive resources and challenges to help kids at different levels, including elementary, middle, and high school, learn how to code. The platform is suitable for both classroom and home use. Code.org starts with block coding, allowing young learners to grasp the basics before progressing to more advanced concepts in popular programming languages, including JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
With its age-appropriate content and engaging interface, Code.org offers an ideal environment for children to explore and develop coding skills. Users can access this free platform through a web browser on their computer, tablet, or phone.
2. Scratch Jr
Scratch Jr is an online platform and mobile app that introduces children to coding and programming. ScratchJr is for kids between five to seven years. However, the developer of this game also has another version (Scratch) of the app for kids above seven years. ScratchJr provides games with an intuitive UI to enable kids to create interactive stories, games, and animations using block programming.
This platform encourages creativity and enables young coders to share their projects within a supportive online community. Scratch and Scratch Jr are free, making them accessible to many learners, and schools can access the tools license-free. This coding game also has mobile apps on the Apple Store, Google Play Store, and Amazon App Store.
3. Blockly
Blockly is a web-based online coding game that teaches kids coding through a series of block programming puzzles. This game is ideal for kids aged eight and above, allowing them to solve challenges by dragging and dropping code blocks. It is a simple tool for children without programming experience, helping them develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
As children progress through the puzzles independently, they enhance their ability to read and understand instructions without adult assistance. The lack of mobile apps could be a downside of this game. So, it would help if you got your kid a computer or tablet for the best experience when playing this game. The good news is that it is free.
4. Gamestar Mechanic
This popular coding platform helps kids learn how to code simple games. Gamestar Mechanic combines game-based quests and coding to teach kids game design. The game is designed for kids aged eight and above, allowing them to create and share their video games with the community.
The game emphasizes enabling kids to learn coding fundamentals through play. The platform is free to use and provides an enjoyable and educational experience for children interested in game design and coding.
However, please note that Gamestar Mechanic is no longer available as a web-based game. To play it, you must download it on your PC or Mac. Additionally, there is no mobile version of the game. Fortunately, it is also completely free to download and play.
5. CodinGame
With over 2 million users, CodinGame is among the most popular free games your kids should try. It is a web-based game that offers fun and puzzle-based coding for high schoolers and beyond. The game is ideal for kids above ten years. It is a free coding website where students can improve their coding skills by solving puzzles, participating in coding battles, and contributing to multiplayer games.
This platform will enable your kid or kids to learn the basics of computer programming in popular languages, including C++, HTML, Java, Python, Ruby, Swift, and more. The game also has tutorials that make it easy to get started with any coding task, and it has become popular among kids and adults. The platform provides a challenging and immersive environment for honing coding skills. It is also entirely free.
6. Swift Playgrounds
With millions of users, Swift Playground is still the best popular platform for learning Apple’s Swift programming languages. This platform takes a unique approach to coding education by focusing entirely on the Swift programming language developed by Apple. However, it also enables students to learn programming fundamentals relevant to other programming languages.
This platform is for beginners, including kids; Swift Playgrounds offers straightforward lessons and presentations to help learners progress through the complexities of Swift. Kids can use the platform for eight years. As Swift continues to gain popularity as a language for app development, Swift Playgrounds provides an accessible platform for kids to learn and practice coding. It caters to various skill levels and encourages children to explore and develop their coding abilities. Swift Playground is entirely free and available for Mac and iPad.
7. Mimo
With over 20 million students and 500,000 positive reviews on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, Mimo is a top-rated and popular coding game. Mimo is a coding platform designed for kids aged 12 and above. One of the unique features of this platform is that it breaks down coding lessons into bite-sized chunks, making the learning process more manageable and less intimidating.
It provides engaging and approachable lessons through games, allowing kids to learn at their own pace and gradually build their coding skills. The platform also enables students to develop real-world projects that can be published and shared with friends, promoting creativity and collaboration.
Mimo also offers a user-friendly environment for older kids to delve deeper into coding and explore its practical applications. It is mainly geared towards web development, helping kids to learn programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and more. It is also a web-based platform and is entirely free.
8. Spritebox
Spritebox has over 20 million users, making it one of the most-played coding games. It is a free coding app for young learners aged four and above. It provides a fun and engaging platform for children to learn coding visually and manually. In the app, coders embark on an exciting journey to find the pieces of a broken rocket.
The game allows them to explore different worlds, encounter new characters, solve puzzles, and unlock cool outfits. Spritebox offers an interactive and enjoyable experience for kids to develop coding skills while immersing themselves in a captivating storyline. This game is also free; users can access it on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Summary
This article has covered the top eight free coding games your kids can try. These games provide an accessible and engaging way for kids, who are future programmers, to explore the world of coding and develop valuable skills. Most games also offer interactive platforms, tutorials, and puzzles catering to different age groups and skill levels.
These games enable kids to learn the basics of various programming languages, such as JavaScript, Java, C++, and Swift. Depending on your child’s age and the preferred platforms for learning to code, you can choose any of these eight games.
If you have a PC or Mac, opting for web-based games would be the best choice. However, if you have a tablet, you may want to consider games with mobile versions.
