Free kids computer programs

15+ Totally FREE Coding for Kids Websites & Apps for 5-15 Years (2021)

Looking for quality, totally free coding websites and apps for kids to use in your classroom or home? We’ve collected together a list of fifteen that suit children from age 5 to 15 years (at least!) These resources were all available free for use at the time of publication.

And, if by chance you don’t happen to find what you’re looking for here, many of the paid coding for kids resources included in our Best Coding Websites for Kids and Best Coding for Kids Apps posts offer a free trial period – from 7- up to 30- days in some cases. They are certainly worth a look.

1. Code.Org

Format: Online, game   Ages: 5+ years    Cost: Free

The home of Hour of Code, Code.org incudes interactive tutorials and projects for grades K-5 and 6-12, staring off with block coding before moving into Javascript, HTML and CSS.

It’s a comprehensive resource, perfect for learning to code in the classroom or at home.

Click through to learn more about code.org.

2. Scratch & Scratch Jr

Format: Online, app   Ages: 5/8+ years    Cost: Free

For kids aged 8-16 years, Scratch provides a fabulous, intuitive platform where kids can program interactive stories, games, and animations using block programming — and share their creations with others in a supportive online community.

Younger children can learn too with Scratch Jr, created for 5-7 year olds.

Scratch is free to use for all coders, and schools can access the tools license-free.

Click through to get started with Scratch.

3. Blockly

Format: Online   Ages: 8+ years    Cost: Free

Blockly teaches kids to code through a series of block programming puzzles. For each puzzle, kids drag and drop blocks of code to solve a specific challenge. Blockly is a simple tool created for children who have not had any prior experience with computer programming. Children need to be able to read independently to progress through the puzzles without adult assistance. 

Click through to give Blockly a go.

4. Code for Life

Format: Online, lessons    Ages: 6+ years    Cost: Free

Designed for use with students in elementary/primary school through to high school, Code for Life teaches everything from basic coding principles through to coding through game play using Blockly and later, Python. A library of comprehensive lesson plans offers a great resource for teachers.

Learn more at Code for Life.

5. Gamestar Mechanic

Format: Online, learn coding through game play   Ages: 8+ years    Cost: Free

Gamester Mechanic uses fun, game based quests to help coders learn game design, with the goal to code and share their own video games. Free to play and learn at home and school, it’s a popular choice in Information & Computer Technology classrooms.

Check out Gamestar Mechanic here.

6. Code Monster by Crunchzilla

Format: Online, lessons   Ages: 8+ years    Cost: Free

Code Monster teaches kids Javascript programming through fun, interactive sessions with a cute, blue monster. The simple screen presents two boxes side-by-side – children code in one box and the result of their code is displayed in the other box.  Includes 59 progressive lessons. Children will need to be able to read independently to progress through the lessons without adult assistance.

Have some coding fun with Code Monster now.

7. Khan Academy

Format: Online, coding lessons   Ages: 9+ years    Cost: Free

Khan Academy offers a clear instructive stream for kids wanting to learn how to code. Lessons are suitable for kids in the elementary/middle school grades, using Javascript language, they are quite detailed and a little technical. The site utilizes talk-throughs that kids can follow as they create their own programs in the site’s editor panel.

All together there are 40 talk-throughs, 35 challenges and 9 projects, that could take anywhere from 15 to 40 hours to complete.

Find out more at Khan Academy.

8. CodinGame

Format: Online, game and puzzle based coding   Ages: 11+ years    Cost: Free

CodinGame allows high schoolers to improve existing coding skills by exploring game play and creation. This free coding website helps students practice by solving puzzles, competing in coding battles, contributing to multi-player games, and learning coding in a variety of languages including C++, HTML, Java, Python, Ruby and Swift.

Even professional coders and adults enjoy this site with the free tutorials making it easy to get started with any coding task.

Get gaming at CodinGame.

9. Code Maven by Crunchzilla

Format: Online    Ages: 12+ years    Cost: Free

A sister site to Code Monster, Code Maven teaches teens and adults about Javascript through 59 interactive lessons – coders follow the instructions, typing the code as they go, with the results presented live on the screen in front of them.

Lessons are introduced at a faster pace and with more demanding challenges than Code Monster, introducing advanced concepts such as animating objects and creating a scoring system.

Get creating with Code Maven.

10. Code Wars

Format: Online   Ages: 13+ years    Cost: Free

Designed for high school age coders with experience, this website provides a platform with real coding problem solving challenges.

There is a wide variety of text based programming languages to choose from.

Start coding with Code Wars.

RELATED: Teaching coding? Check out this big collection of Picture Books about Coding for Kids and Picture Books About Digital Citizenship.

1. Daisy the Dinosaur

Format: App    Ages: K+    Cost: Free

Coders make Daisy the Dinosaur dance with simple drag and drop blocks that makes coding easy and fun for first timers. Your child can find solutions to a range of fun challenges while learning coding basics about sequencing, loops, and events – all for free!

You’ll find this fun coding app for kids in K-3 in the iTunes store.

2. Spritebox

Format: App    Ages: K+    Cost: Free

This free kids coding app is great for young learners. Spritebox helps children learn how to code first visually, and then manually. Coders embark on a journey to find the pieces of a broken rocket, exploring different worlds, meeting new characters, solving puzzles and unlocking cool outfits.

This app is free and can be downloaded via Google Play or iTunes.

3. Code Karts

Format: App    Ages: K+    Cost: Free

Code Karts is a pre-coding app that teaches younger coders that coding can be fun! Through the use of race cars, it visually shows children how coding works as they create the track for the car to race on. Not only are they coding, but they get to race in fun car races as well.

Free to download on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon.

4. Hopster Coding Safari

Format: Online, app, video lessons, game play    Ages: K+     Cost: Free/Paid

This animal themed, pre-coding logic game helps kids to learn four fundamentals of computational thinking – decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithms through solving a series of puzzles.

Free to download on on iTunes.

5. Cargo-Bot

Format: App    Ages: 10+ years    Cost: Free

Cargo-bot requires students to write programs to control a robotic arm to move a series of crates into position (to match the configuration provided). While the concept is simple, the game is challenging, requiring students to really think and problem solve to get the best score for each level. Students need to be able to read the instructions to use the app independently.

Available via iTunes.

6. Grasshopper

Format: App    Ages: 10+ years    Cost: Free

A Google project, the Grasshopper app introduces JavaScript coding to beginners (there is the ability to skip ahead for those with some experience). The app includes four courses – What is Code?, Fundamentals, and two sections on Animations. The levels include short quizzes to assess understanding. The included challenges to solve are interesting and well designed. A solid app for older students.

Available for both Android and iOS users.

5. Swift Playgrounds

Format: App     Ages: 12+ years    Cost: Free

Swift Playgrounds uses step-by-step lessons and puzzles featuring a cute alien to consecutively build coding knowledge and skills. The program uses Swift, a highly simplified programming language created by Apple for the creation of apps for use on their operating systems. Swift Playgrounds is highly engaging for students and offers teachers a comprehensive library of support material.

Get coding with Swift Playgrounds.

Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.

Top 10 Free Coding Programs for Kids

In today's world of rapidly developing technology, programming is no longer a science for the elite. It has become a vital skill for everyone to learn, adults and kids alike. 

Teaching children basic programming, especially from a young age, opens up an entire world of opportunities for them to thrive and succeed.  Learning how to code engages kids’ minds in critical thinking and prepares them for an increasingly tech-driven world. At Coder Kids, we believe all kids should have this opportunity, so we’ve partnered with schools to provide courses that teach kids how to code in fun and practical ways.

Why Should Kids Learn Coding?

It's not just about the growing demand for programmers worldwide. The benefits of coding knowledge affect the very personality and mental state of children. Some of these advantages include:

• Boosting creativity - coding demands repeated experimentation. The process of trial and error encourages children to use creativity.

• Better math skills - coding mainly involves visualizing abstract concepts that can be applied to mathematical problem-solving. This, in turn, helps kids improve their math skills and use them in real-life situations.

• Builds confidence in problem-solving - since coding often involves making mistakes until you can get it right, children will learn that there's always more than one way to complete any task.

• Enhances academic writing performance - coding supports planning and organizing skills,. Kids will be able to put their thoughts in order and can improve their writing skills.

Top 10 Free Coding Programs and Websites for Kids

Let’s get started! If you are looking for more support and instruction in your child’s coding journey, checkout our blogpost, “The Best Summer Coding Camps for Kids.” You can also find a list of our Top 10 Free Coding Apps for Kids here.

1- Coder Kids

Coder Kids is a great company that offers online, in-person and on-demand coding classes and camps for kids of all ages. Their free on-demand class, Introduction to Scratch Coding, is the perfect way for kids to begin their coding journey!

They offer a free on-demand class called Introduction to Scratch Coding. In the class, Coder Kids will walk kids through setting up their Scratch account and learn the basics of Scratch. They’ll also learn how to express themselves on Scratch in fun and sometimes silly ways.

Once students are familiar with the basics and the Scratch interface, then the kids will move on to start learning how to code. This course goes over the basics of Scratch coding in a fun way so that kids will have a solid foundation. To finish it off, they’ll get to complete the Pokemon in Space project!

Coder Kids offers other on-demand classes at a reasonable price, as well as online and in-person private tutoring lessons. Check out all of there camps and classes here.

2- Code.org - Learn to Code

Currently one of the most popular websites that provides free coding classes for children is Code.org. 

This platform is known for its intuitive search engine that enables you to search for relevant courses from all over the world. It also offers comprehensive online tutorials, averaging at 15 to 20 hours.

Code.org adopts interactive teaching methods, such as maze games, to engage kids in the material at hand. It also presents a number of exclusive videos featuring individuals of high caliber including Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.

Once you log in, you can find courses on building websites and games. The content includes the basics of programming as well as classes on coding actual apps and websites using various programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Code.org also offers Hour-of-code lessons that are particularly useful for kids looking for a quick class. They can learn to program Minecraft animals and Star Wars droids, or code their own adventure with Frozen characters.

Code.org is suitable for kids aged 4 years and older, with lessons arranged according to grade so that children can choose levels that aren't too easy or too complicated for them.

3- ScratchJr.org and Scratch

ScratchJr and Scratch are widely popular platforms used mainly by children. This website was developed by MIT students, aimed at kids from 6 to 16 years old.

It features one of the easiest user interface designs, adopting visual code blocks that are very simple to follow. Instead of actually typing code, you can drag and drop blocks of code to program different stories and games. Kids can create all types of different projects on Scratch and ScratchJr.

You can find descriptions of the blocks on the website, along with an interface guide and a guide for paint editor to help produce graphics.

Scratchjr doesn't only offer coding lessons for children, but also curriculum, activities, and assessment exercises for teachers to apply in class.

It has a huge community with more than 15 million registered members who also happen to be incredibly active. It's available for anyone to join, as long as they respect the rules and engage in friendly communication with other users.

Besides their web version, you can download the Scratchjr app on your iOS, Android, or Kindle device. There's also a handy Scratchjr extension that you can add to your Google Chrome browser for quick access.

4- Codecombat.com

Combining the world of text-based coding and RPG gaming, Code Combat offers a highly immersive learning experience via a fun game that's accessible through any browser.

The idea here is to give your character the correct set of commands to complete missions by solving an assortment of mazes, puzzles, and other tasks.

The free version of Code Combat provides an in-depth introduction to computer coding science. It consists of 39 levels, teaching kids basic syntax, parameters, strings, arguments, loops, and variables.

After that, you can move onto more advanced modules, such as web development and game development, by gaining access to their paid version.

Code Combat applies actual coding syntax using a text editor, allowing kids to get familiar with languages such as HTML, CDS, JavaScript, and Python.

5- LightBot

If you're looking for a fun but simple approach to get your kids into coding while being as flexible as possible, then LightBot might just be what you need.

It's an app-based experience that works for seemingly all ages thanks to its interactive and enjoyable concept. It was designed by actual coders who know what aspects of coding are suitable for every age group to learn.

LightBot is basically a puzzle game that requires coding knowledge to advance, which further promotes the problem-solving skills of children. The beauty of this engaging logic game is that you can forget it's meant as an educational platform.

LightBot offers a range of lessons that includes sequencing, procedures, overloading, conditionals, and recursive loops. It's available to download from Google Play Store, the App Store, and Amazon Apps.

You can get free content through its demo version, and when you're ready, you can upgrade to unlock the full materials for a couple of bucks. Check out our LIghtbot Cheats here.

6- Khanacademy.com

Khan Academy is one of the highest praised free coding websites for kids. It's an extremely popular choice when it comes to e-learning thanks to its extensive library of subjects that allow users to search and learn just about anything for free! 

Khan Academy provides lessons on a wide range of topics from maths, chemistry, and biology, all the way to history, finance, and engineering. 

Fortunately, the platform recently added coding and programming courses for kids aged 12 and older to its menu, becoming a reliable resource for such education on a global scale.

Khan Academy provides computer science courses discussing the basics of programming, which includes internet 101, algorithms, cryptography, information, and theory. 

Its coding lessons also cover HTML/CSS for building websites, HTML/JS for creating interactive web pages, SQL for managing data and querying, as well as JavaScript for animation, games, drawing, and natural simulation.

Khan Academy offers its materials in a laid back yet entertaining way to make sure that kids remain hooked while watching the videos. It's also accessible to anyone in the world, without even requiring an account to log in. 

To learn about more online coding classes for kids, click here.

7- Codemonkey.com

Another excellent platform that offers free coding lessons for kids is Code Monkey. 

Besides having a fun name, this web-based service adopts the idea of teaching coding to children through the interactive environment of online gaming.

The general objective of Code Monkey is to have the user help a monkey obtain bananas. To make this happen, the user has to work through a series of tasks and challenges to correctly code the monkey towards the bananas.

By the time the players complete the game, they should possess the skills needed to get into game development and start making their own.

Code Monkey uses a text-based editor that enables players to code and build games using CoffeeScript. This language also makes it easier for children to learn JavaScript later on when they become more invested in the world of coding.

The Code Monkey website offers 250 free challenges to cover the basics and test the waters. After that, you can upgrade to the paid version to unlock all 400 challenges.

8- Crunchzilla.com - Code Monster

Crunchzilla is one of the simplest teaching platforms when it comes to boosting your kids' knowledge of coding. It delivers information in an engaging manner that's perfect for educating young minds.

Once you open Crunchzilla, you'll need to pick one of its 4 levels of coding lessons to proceed. These levels are: Code Monster for preteens (or younger under supervision), Code Maven for teens and adults, Game Maven for ages 16+, and Data Maven which is statistics for ages 12+.

Obviously, we'll be focusing on Code Monster since it's directed towards younger kids, but it's good to know there are higher levels to move on to after completing each stage.

Basically, Code Monster provides interactive coding practice using JavaScript. The layout consists of a friendly monster graphic with a chat bubble that displays questions and step by step guides.

Below, there are 2 boxes, one for text-based coding and the other shows the results of input codes. Of course, you'll have to type in the right code so you can advance to the next level.

The fact that you can instantly see what your code creates, makes it easy for this website to grab the attention of young students.

9- Blockly.games

Looking for a fun and interactive way to get your kid started with coding? Then you may want to consider Blockly. 

This is a super entertaining platform that integrates coding into gaming to produce a programming experience that's both engaging and beneficial.

Blocky offers a variety of games adopting the approach of teaching kids how to code using interactive challenges. These games include puzzles, mazes, birds, music, movies, and more. The idea is to get the kids to type in or drag-and-drop code blocks in order to solve a puzzle, create a story, or hit targets.

Children will be able to see the results of their coding text on the spot, which helps them fully realize and visualize what they can build.

10- Stencyl.com

Last but not least, Stencyl is a fantastic gateway for beginners to get into coding. It's inspired by Scratch, so it pretty much applies the same code blocking system.

Kids will learn to code through creating games, which they can then publish on most platforms such as iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, HTML5, Linux, and Flash.

Stencyl also offers the option of typing code to allow your kids to further practice their skills. Additionally, the website has a curriculum for teachers to use in classrooms.

Besides the free version of Stencyl that supports web publishing, there are paid pro plans for publishing to other platforms if your kid is serious about it.

There you have it! Our Top 10 free coding programs for kids!

While all the options mentioned above are excellent pathways to get involved in the world of coding on their own, it can be a good idea to use more than one program at the same time to avoid creating a routine. You can find our favorite coding sites for kids here.  It can also be a good idea to incoporate Coder Kids After School Programs, Summer Camps or Private Lessons to help your young coder continue to grow!

Inluding several ways to learn can help kids stay focused and improve their skills. For a list of The Best Coding Resources for Kids, click here. There are also several offline ways you can teach kids how to code. Variety in activites, classes, camps and self-directed learning provides children with the opporutnities they need to explore the world of coding!

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Guest UserJanuary 24, 2020

10 applications that will teach children to program

Bubble

April 28, 2022, 09:42

? - it's time to do something about it. We have collected 10 useful games for children of different ages that will help you learn programming.

How to teach a child to code? You can probably try to leave it alone with a thick programming textbook, but the result is unlikely to be successful. And certainly not fast. A more effective way is to maintain interest and offer to comprehend the basics with the help of exciting app games.

Contents

🎯 the most useful life hacks in mini-format live in our telegram. We post once a day, short and to the point.

Games for teaching kids to code

Applications for the youngest programmers are extremely simple to operate: the buttons are labeled with familiar symbols, so you don't even need to be able to read. A child will not learn to program in the usual sense, but will definitely develop logical and algorithmic thinking. By the way, not only developers need them. You can start playing from 4-5 years old, but often parents also get stuck in applications.

LightBot

This puzzle contains the basics of programming for kids and has been played by over 20 million kids around the world. Teachers use it to explain what procedures and cycles are. The child will control a cute robot whose task is to turn on light bulbs on a 3D platform. At the first levels it is easy, but then you have to think. To solve the puzzle, the child will have to write cycles and it is desirable that they have a minimum of actions.

The child sees the code from the blocks on the right side of the screen. When the robot executes the program, each block is highlighted so that the error can be tracked.

Game features:

• 50 levels available;
• has Russian localization;
• teaches children how to plan, test and debug a program.

Where to download: on the App Store. There is a browser version that you can play for free for an hour.

Price: $2.99.

Piktomir

A game in Russian to learn programming from scratch for kids who don't know how to write yet or don't really like to do it. The principle is the same as in LightBot. The child writes a program for different robots. One must fix all the tiles on the platform, the second must move the boxes and barrels, and the third must light the lanterns so that the astronauts can rest in the garden.

The game is colorful, bright - it will definitely attract the attention of a five-year-old child. The code is displayed on the right. The main part of the blocks is intuitive, but the child may have difficulty with the meaning of some. So adults need to be ready to prompt.

Game features:

• there are levels for teaching programming to preschoolers and primary school students;
• if the child is learning English, you can switch to this language and consolidate knowledge;
• The game introduces children to different types of algorithms: linear, if-then, loop with repetition, while loop.

Where to download: App Store, Google Play. You can play in a browser or install the game on a computer - versions for Windows, Linux, MacOS are available.

How much: free.

Useful video courses and master classes for children from 5 to 16 years old with a 50% discount - the DIY.org platform offers an annual subscription for half the price with promo code EARTHDAY50 . Only until April 30th inclusive.

Scratch Junior

This game has been downloaded over 5 million times from Google Play. Scratch Junior is especially interesting because it is a real development environment. There are no specific tasks here as in the previous applications. The child acts as a director and screenwriter who will write his own cartoon or game. To do this, there are many blocks that need to be assembled like LEGO.

The main character is a red cat. He can be accompanied by a crab, a starfish or a polar bear. For each character, you can write your own code, make an exciting cartoon and share it with other guys.

Features of the game:

• introduces children to linear algorithms, cycles;
• you can draw your character in a graphic editor - the scope for creativity is very large;
• you can watch the games of other children and evaluate their code;
• clear controls, although the game is mostly in English.

Where to download: App Store, Google Play.

How much: free.

Cargo-Bot

The developers of this puzzle decided to move away from programming robots. Instead, they offer to move multi-colored containers around the sample using a manipulator. But this must be done in the minimum number of actions, if you want to get three stars.

In Cargo-Bot, the child will learn how to write cycles and optimize the code. The number of actions available for each cycle is limited. For example, the first cycle may contain 8 actions, and the fourth one may contain five. This serves as a hint for the child and forces him to look for more optimal solutions at each level.

Features of the game:

• there are six levels of difficulty, the last one is called "impossible", which already awakens excitement;
• has hints, but to use them, you need to know English.

Where to download: App Store. There is a web version - you do not need to register.

How much: free.

Applications for teaching programming to younger students

In these games, the programs that children will write will not be displayed as a sequence of blocks, but will look like a real script, and in English. Therefore, it is necessary to know the simple words step, left, right.

CodeMonkey

CodeMonkey is an educational platform with cartoon characters. It is used by teachers in Great Britain, China, and the USA. And in Israel, CodeMonkey games are included in programming competitions for elementary grades.

In CodeMonkey, a child takes courses. In the free trial version, which lasts 14 days, 10 courses are available, in the paid one - 20. The developers suggest starting by studying the sequences and cycles that are available in the basic course. And then you can move on to a more difficult level and learn the basics of Python, CoffeeScript, and game design.

Two versions are available for programming: block and text. In the second case, the child will see a text version of the code, the lines in which can be changed and the correctness of the script can be checked immediately.

Features of the game:

• gives a serious knowledge base - the child will learn the basics of programming, game design and improve mathematics;
• intuitive operation;
• you can create your own games, however, only in the paid version;
• has Russian localization, but the code will still be visible in English.

Where to download: web version only available. You need to register, but an eight-year-old cannot do this on his own - there are age restrictions.

Cost: free for the first two weeks. Then you need to buy a subscription.

If your young programmer decides to get acquainted with the Python language, it does not hurt to supplement the learning process with books:

• Bryson Payne "Python for kids and parents".
• Adriana Taquet “Programming with children. Create 50 awesome Python games."
• Schumann Hans-Georg "Python for children".

Popular books, available not only in Russian. The originals were published in English, but there are translations into many other languages.

Scratch

If Scratch Junior is designed mainly for preschoolers, then Scratch will simply be of interest to younger students and teenagers who are starting to learn programming.

Scratch is a development environment in which you can write games and create cartoons. To do this, the child needs to make a program of colored blocks: blocks of one color are responsible for movement, the other - for position in space. As a result, the program looks like a LEGO set assembled from many colorful pieces.

In addition to the building blocks, the child can create their own and give them the necessary functions. This is not an easy task and may require the help of an adult.

Game features:

• on YouTube - a huge number of Scratch lessons. For example, the child will be able to write the game "Snake", football or racing;
• has a forum where you can meet other young programmers and become part of a large community;
• you can share your games and watch someone else's code;
• there is a Russian version.

Where to download: you can play directly in your browser after registration, download the application on Google Play, and install it on your computer.

How much: free.

You can explore the world of Scratch from books:

• Majed Marji “Scratch for Children”.
• Aludden Johan, Vallasindi Federico “Video games on Scratch. Programming for children.
• Matthew Hyland “We program with children. Create 10 fun games with Scratch."

Available in English, Russian and other languages.

Gamefroot

This is a platform for those who want to create animations and games. Similar to Scratch in functionality: the child will also code using colored blocks, of which there are a lot. At the same time, the program for each element of the game opens in a separate window, which simplifies the work of young developers.

On the platform, a child can create a game from scratch or practice on a school project. The blank already has a background, layers and characters have been created. It remains to study how the code works, check its operation and make your own changes.

Game features:

• allows you to create complex logic, which means that the child can write an exciting game;
• has an animation editor in which you can set the desired movements for the character;
• you can upload ready-made scripts and upload your own;
• is available only in English, so that the child can improve their knowledge.

Where to download: platform is available in the browser. Registration required.

How much: free.

Programs for teaching coding to older students

This is almost a professional level - applications for teenagers who already know how to think logically, understand mathematics and are quite familiar with the English language.

Grasshopper

Project from Google for those who want to learn how to program in JavaScript. And although the web service is designed for beginners, a young developer will immediately have to dive into scripts.

Platform training is broken down into blocks. First, a teenager will learn the basics of JavaScript: various operators, working with lists and variables. Next - get acquainted with animation and task automation.

At first, programming is offered with the help of blocks, which are converted into lines of code. And then the child will write the scripts by hand - all in an adult way.

Application features:

• there is a gallery where you can experiment with the code: change it in the proposed projects or create your own from scratch;
• users immediately see the result of the program;
• is only available in English.

Where to download: has a web version that requires a Google account to sign up. Grasshopper can also be installed on a smartphone by downloading it from Google Play or the App Store.

How much: free.

Additional reading:

• Nick Morgan “JavaScript for kids. Programming Tutorial".
• David Whitney Programming for kids. Five of the coolest games on HTML and JavaScrip.
• Moritz Jeremy "Learning to code in JavaScript".

Swift Playgrounds

The app's developers call their product revolutionary. Compared to other games, Swift Playgrounds impresses with bright 3D graphics with an unusual character. I want to immediately run the program and start coding.

A Swift Playgrounds user will code in the popular Swift language, which is used for writing applications for Apple. It is proposed to get acquainted with the language by solving puzzles of different difficulty levels. Then you can move on to interactive lessons and dive deeper into development. The result of the code execution will be immediately shown on the screen - this makes learning more interesting and visual.

App features:

• code elements can be easily dragged and dropped, which simplifies development;
• created applications can be transferred to full screen mode and admire your work;
• Finished projects can be sent to friends if they also code in Swift Playgrounds;
• is only available in English.

Where to download: is available in the App Store for Mac and iPad.

How much: free.

More to read:

Matt McCarthy and Gloria Winquist wrote Swift for Kids. Tutorial on creating apps for iOS. For a young programmer, this book can become a desktop.

CodeCombat

This application is a godsend for parents whose children are ready to play computer games for hours. The environment for learning is the colorful worlds of the Middle Ages, hot deserts and majestic mountains. To lead the hero to their destination or defeat the enemy, you need to write a code that is displayed on the right side of the screen. If the code is wrong, a warning will appear.

CodeCombat introduces you to JavaScript and Python programming. Users get acquainted with the code elements gradually, immediately applying them in the game space.

App features:

• users immediately write text code, without the help of graphic blocks;
• you can edit levels and objects for your classmates and friends;
• app is available in more languages.

Where to download: game is available in web version.

How much: there are free levels and a paid subscription.

TL;DR

Apps that teach coding are often skeptical, but they help keep kids interested in coding. When you're six or eight, building a program out of colored blocks is much more fun and interesting than writing lines of code in C++ or Python.

Games provide an opportunity to explain complex terms in a language understandable to children. If a cycle is asked for in a block program that a child has compiled, you can tell what it is and offer to make the code simpler. And it's also a great opportunity to spend time with children.

Games and puzzles are the very first steps in teaching children to code. Do not put off getting to know them and offer your child suitable applications right now. And then you can move on to more serious training - courses for beginners. For older students, Coursera's Fundamentals of Python Programming, Envato's How to Become a Web Developer, or, for example, Introduction to JavaScript on edX, are suitable.

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😺 TOP 7 Free Programming Courses for Kids in Russian

The influence of technology and its ever-increasing importance in shaping our environment means that programming is a valuable skill for any child. Programming not only prepares children and teens for future careers in computer science, but also improves their problem-solving skills and logical thinking.

Coding is a creative way for children to express their ideas and thoughts.

Supporting and encouraging children to learn coding at an early age will help them develop this skill and lead to successful careers over time. This article provides a list of the best free online programming courses in Russian for kids.

Certificate: Yes

Number of lessons/hours: 11 lessons (~5 hours)

Course program:

1. Fundamentals of programming, terms and concepts.
2. Writing simple programs.
   
3. Acquaintance with various programming languages ​​and directions.
   

Certificate: Yes

Number of lessons/hours: 10 lessons with practical tasks

Program of the course:

1. Fundamentals of programming.
2. Fundamentals of the C language.
   
3. Solving simple algorithmic problems.
   

Certificate: no

Number of lessons/hours: 86 lessons of ~15 minutes

Course program:

1. Fundamentals of programming.
2. Fundamentals of Scratch Programming.
   
3. Game creation: tanks, flappy bird, space shooters, agar.io, cannon shooter, tanks, arkanoid, cat shooter, etc.
   

Certificate: no

Number of lessons/hours: 77 lessons of ~5-10 minutes each

Course program:

1. Basics of programming.
2. Fundamentals of the Python language.
   
3. Simple algorithmic problems.
   

Yandex Academy Lyceum offers schoolchildren in grades 8-10 to learn industrial programming in Python in 168 cities of Russia and Kazakhstan.

Training free . To enter the course, you must pass pre-selection , consisting of testing, filling out a questionnaire and an interview

The course lasts 2 years . Classes are held twice a week at the project's training grounds. The first year of study lasts from October to April, the second - from September to April.

Pixel Programming School has opened a free course for some courses:

1. Web programming lessons: HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
2. Unity 3D Tutorials - Game Development, Kodu Game Lab Tutorials.
3. Creating games, Programming lessons for children on Scratch.
4. Python Lessons in Minecraft - Making Games.
5. Games in Roblox Studio.

The following courses are available on the school's YouTube channel:

1. Web programming lessons.
2. Games on Scratch.
3. Roblox Studio Tutorials.
4. Lessons in Minecraft Education Edition.

Related content:

• Teaching kids to code with Scratch
• 10 Tips for Teaching Your Child to Program in Python
  

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Programming for children: what languages ​​are the most relevant?

Do you dream of introducing your child to the world of programming? We tell you where to start and how to proceed.

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