coding apps Archives - CodeWizardsHQ The leading online coding academy for kids and teens ages 8-18 Thu, 26 Jun 2025 05:39:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.codewizardshq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/cropped-cropped-blueHorizontal-32x32.png coding apps Archives - CodeWizardsHQ 32 32 Hour of Code: Coding Activities for Kids and Teens https://www.codewizardshq.com/hour-of-code-2019/ Fri, 06 Dec 2019 20:35:02 +0000 https://www.codewizardshq.com/?p=21511 Online coding academy for kids and teens ages 8-18. Enroll to learn real-world programming languages like Python, Java, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and more!

Every year Hour of Code aims to bring coding to kids all around the world. Students spend one hour on any coding related activity during Computer Science Education Week Dec 9-15, which is an impetus to introduce students around the world to computer science in a fun way.  1-Hour Coding Activities for Kids and Teens […]

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Online coding academy for kids and teens ages 8-18. Enroll to learn real-world programming languages like Python, Java, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and more!

Every year Hour of Code aims to bring coding to kids all around the world. Students spend one hour on any coding related activity during Computer Science Education Week Dec 9-15, which is an impetus to introduce students around the world to computer science in a fun way. 

1-Hour Coding Activities for Kids and Teens

If your child has an interest in coding, or you just want them to try it out, Hour of Code is the time to do it! 

Here is a compilation of amazing resources your child can use to participate in Hour of Code 2019! Try one (or all) of these and share your Hour of Code experience with us on Facebook or Twitter.

  1. Read a Coding Book for Kids
  2. Try a Coding App for Kids
  3. Take a Free Video Led Class

1. Read a Coding Book for Kids

Kids who want to learn to code have more options than ever to get started. If your child learns best through reading and writing, a book may be the first place you start. Coding books for kids are not one size fits all. Below, you’ll learn how to spot a good coding book and how to differentiate between the multitude of current programming languages. Then, you can pick the right book for your child’s experience level and interest. 

Here are a few of our top picks:

Hour of code, scratch book
The Official ScratchJr Book: Help Your Kids Learn to Code

Age Range: 5-9

For kids who are still a bit too young to learn Scratch, there’s ScratchJr, an even-simpler block programming language. This short guide gets kids acquainted with ScratchJr, walks them through several fun projects and establishes a firm grasp of programming they’ll use in all their future programming endeavors.

Hour of code, scratch for kids
Scratch for Kids, for Dummies

Age Range: 10-14

To establish a solid foundation in Scratch and general programming knowledge, readers learn to design and animate their own characters in Scratch for Kids. They’ll learn about variables, if/then statements, loops, and basic programming logic while building 16 projects.

Hour of code, coding projects in python
Coding Projects in Python

Age Range: 9-12

Whether they’ve learned a block language such as Scratch or haven’t done any programming at all, kids will find everything they need to build software in this slick volume. The first chapter covers downloading and installing Python, writing and saving programs. The glossary and reference section in the back of this book are helpful should be useful to kids even after they’ve finished the book and want to build new projects.

Hour of code, easy python
Python in Easy Steps

Age Range: 11+

Mike McGrath, the author of Python in Easy Steps, has written several programming books for the In Easy Steps series and does a fantastic job of presenting coding concepts in small, digestible chunks. This book isn’t specifically for kids, but it’s so well organized that middle schoolers, especially those with some experience in Scratch or another language, can easily understand it.

By the end of this book, readers will be able to build simple web pages and write desktop applications in Python.

Hour of code, build your own website
Build Your Own Website: A Comic Guide to HTML, CSS, and WordPress

Age Range: 11+

In this comic book style guide to building websites, kids learn the HTML markup language. They also get familiar with CSS, the language that controls the styling of web pages. Kids learn about WordPress, a content management system used for a huge percentage of current websites. WordPress makes building a website easy with templates and pre-written code for a huge array of functions. It’s possible to build and maintain a WordPress website without any coding, but tweaking the code offers infinitely more options for display, interaction, and functionality.

You will see more books in 40 Best Coding Books for Kids and Coding Books for Girls.

2. Try a Coding App for Kids

There has been a recent surge in coding apps for kids that introduce children as young as three to the basics of coding. Although some of these apps teach a specific language, most focus more on introducing the logic of coding. Kids learn fundamental concepts like loops, “if-then” statements, variables, and conditionals with the help of fun characters and bright colors,

What’s great about apps: they are conveniently located wherever your phone or tablet is. Through riddles, puzzles, and free play, kids also learn “soft” skills, like resilience, problem-solving, and patience. These coding apps help kids gain confidence by empowering them with positivity and fun.

There are so many coding apps for kids to choose from!

Daisy the Dinosaur game
Daisy the Dinosaur

Age Range: 5-7

Daisy the Dinosaur is a great coding app for kids from the creators of Hopscotch (also on this list). Kids drag-and-drop commands in a simple interface to make an adorable dinosaur move, jump, and dance. The cute female dinosaur appeals to both girls and boys.

Move the Turtle
Move the Turtle

Age Range: 6-12

Move The Turtle is an educational app for the iPhone and iPad that teaches children the basics of creating computer programs through the use of a friendly Turtle.

By completing tasks, your child will learn how to plan complex activities made of simple elements, how to reuse previously completed work, and how to use graphics and sound within programming. Your child will also become familiar with the concepts of loops, procedures, variables, and conditional instructions while playing an engaging and interactive game.

Minecraft logo
Minecraft

Age Range: 7-13

Minecraft is one of the most popular programming games for kids out there, with currently over 100 million registered users. At its core, Minecraft is a game about placing blocks to make objects and going on adventures. But in reality, it is so much more than that.

Code Monkey, coding website for kids
CodeMonkey

Age Range: 8+

Originally designed as a classroom resource for teachers, CodeMonkey has expanded beyond the school walls and is available for anyone looking to learn coding skills.

Although you may be using it at home, CodeMonkey provides various insights for you that will help you monitor your child’s progress as well as assess their learning, even if you are completely unfamiliar with computer science. Another benefit? Learning how to code not only teaches children about IT, but it also nurtures logic, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills needed to be successful now and in the future.

LEGO Mindstorms
LEGO Mindstorms

Age Range: 10+

Brought to you by the entertainment and toy giant, LEGO Mindstorms: Fix the Factory is an addictive puzzle game full of unexpected obstacles and unique challenges, pushing kids to expand their logical thinking skills, spatial intelligence, and their robot commanding skills.
Faced with the task of helping a robot make his way through a factory, your child will learn all of the basics of how programming works while trying to beat the clock. There are also incentives for completing the mission with the highest score, making it an exciting game more than an educational tool.

code combat logo
Code Combat

Age Range: 9+

Built for high school students, CodeCombat is a platform for students to learn computer science and programming skills while playing through a stimulating and real game.

Transforming the way kids learn computer science, CodeCombat is an excellent resource for kids and parents alike who have little to no coding experience, providing a medium that rewards productive struggle which results in successful learning.

Proven as a gaming challenge that encourages interaction, discovery, and trial-and-error, kids are sure to have hours of fun while figuring this one out.

See more Coding Apps for Kids

3. Take a Free Video Led Class 

Video led classes are great starting points to conceptualizing a new task! You can watch them a few times until you are confident you are able to practice the new skill. It can be the beginning of a journey to learning how to code. We recommend trying out the following to get basic knowledge of coding languages. 

Minecraft

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/digital-skills/hour-of-code

Khan Academy

https://www.khanacademy.org/hourofcode

Code.org

https://code.org/learn

From our partners, you can also check your WordPress website and server speed at Bitcatcha.

More activity ideas in 25+ Free Hour of Code Activities & Games for Kids.

Hour of Code With CodeWizardsHQ

Once your child gives it a try and loves it, keep going! We offer classes for elementary, middle, and high school students that are structured, comprehensive and fun! They keep kids learning and engaged and our Five Star Reviews prove it. 

You can even enroll in a 1-hour introductory class and support your school’s PTA or ChickTech. When you enroll in our $20 1-hour coding class for kids, we’ll donate $10 to the organization of your choice. 

CELEBRATE HOUR OF CODE WITH CODEWIZARDSHQ 

Schedule a 1-hour HTML or 1-Hour Python Class Today!

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25 Best Coding Apps for Kids to Learn Programming https://www.codewizardshq.com/coding-apps-for-kids/ Mon, 16 Apr 2018 16:02:13 +0000 http://www.codewizardshq.com/?page_id=5537 Online coding academy for kids and teens ages 8-18. Enroll to learn real-world programming languages like Python, Java, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and more!

Coding apps for kids are a fun and convenient way to learn how to code and develop important skills like problem-solving and critical thinking.  These kids coding apps focus on introducing coding languages and logic in an engaging way. Apps are great because they’re located wherever they are, so kids can learn to code with […]

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Online coding academy for kids and teens ages 8-18. Enroll to learn real-world programming languages like Python, Java, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and more!

Coding apps for kids are a fun and convenient way to learn how to code and develop important skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. 

These kids coding apps focus on introducing coding languages and logic in an engaging way.

💻 Prepare your child for success: If you are looking for your child to learn to code, explore our live, teacher-led coding classes. View Programs.

Apps are great because they’re located wherever they are, so kids can learn to code with puzzles, games, and challenges, even on the go. 

This handy resource compiles 25+ of the best coding apps for kids including free and paid apps. Use this guide to select a coding app for your child in Elementary School, Middle School, and High School.

For personalized learning, kids can also join our top-rated online coding classes.

Coding Apps for Kids in Elementary School (Ages 5-10)

1. Code Karts

code carts game

Platform: iOS & Android
Pricing: Free + In-app purchase of $2.99
Ages: 3-5, PreSchool – KG
Skills: Pattern recognition, sequencing

If your child loves race cars, then Code Karts is the game for them. Kids guide colorful race cars around a track with drag-and-drop code. Meant for preschoolers, this game does not require any reading skills. The first 10 levels, which are free, can be beaten with simple color matching. You can unlock 60 more levels that increase in difficulty and require progressively more coding knowledge. This game also offers a racing mode where players can test their coding speed by racing another car around the track.

Code Karts App 1
Code Karts App 2

Pros: 

  • Engaging theme and design
  • Challenging and fun

Cons: 

  • Technical difficulties with the app
  • First levels are color matching

Learn more about Code Karts

2. Code Land

Codeland logo

Platform: iOS & Android
Cost: Free, Monthly Subscription ($6.99)
Ages: 6-8, 1st – 3rd Grade
Skills: Pattern recognition, sequencing, loops, functions, conditionals, events

Code Land is an educational app that teaches coding to children by playing games. It has everything from visual games to multiplayer games that teach advanced programming concepts. Kids practice how to think, act, observe, ask, and find answers through positive rewards and motivational challenges. Code Land doesn’t teach a specific language but does provide a foundation of coding logic for younger students.

Codeland app 1
Codeland app 2

Pros: 

  • New games monthly
  • Variety of games for different ages and abilities

Cons: 

  • Subscription model
  • Some games require reading comprehension

Learn more about CodeLand

3. Daisy the Dinosaur

coding apps for kids, Daisy the Dinosaur

Platform: iPad
Cost: Free
Ages: 6-8, 1st – 3rd Grade
Skills: Objects, sequencing, loops, and events

Daisy the Dinosaur is a great coding app for kids from the creators of Hopscotch (also on this list). Kids drag-and-drop commands in a simple interface to make an adorable dinosaur move, jump, and dance. The cute female dinosaur appeals to both girls and boys.

Daisy the Dinosaur teaches basic coding concepts like sequencing and conditionals in the form of fun little challenges. It also offers a “free play” mode. The app is targeted to kids too young for the Hopscotch app. 4-year-olds can understand it, but the instructions are written and not spoken, so reading assistance from parents may be needed. Meanwhile, older kids may find it too easy and beat the game in 10 minutes.

Daisy app 1
Daisy app 2

Pros: 

  • Easy to use
  • Drag-and-drop interface

Cons: 

  • Not enough instruction
  • Some games require reading comprehension

Learn more about Daisy the Dinosaur

4. Kodable

coding apps for kids, kodable

Platform: iPad
Cost: Free, Monthly Subscription ($24.99)
Ages: 4-10, KG – 5th Grade
Skills: Sequencing, algorithms, conditional logic, syntax, variables

A family of aliens, that look like multicolored pom-pom-balls with faces, crash land on a mysterious maze-covered planet. The object is to help them explore using commands to guide them through the mazes one by one.Unlike most other coding apps for kids, Kodable teaches an actual coding language, JavaScript, in addition to coding logic concepts. Kodable is designed to guide kids through coding from kindergarten to fifth grade. It is popular among teachers and parents alike because transitions kids from learning how to think like a programmer all the way to writing real code

Kodable kids app 1
Kodable kids app 2

Pros: 

  • Text-based coding
  • Teaches JavaScript syntax

Cons: 

  • Subscription model
  • Not available for Android

Learn more about Kodable

Recommended: Ultimate Guide to JavaScript Game Development

5. Scratch Jr.

coding apps for kids, scratch jr.

Platform: iPad & Android tablet
Cost: Free
Ages: 5-7, KG – 2nd Grade
Skills: Sequencing

ScratchJr is a version of the Scratch programming language for younger students. It is an open world where kids can create their own designs and use drag-and-drop code to create games and animations. Kids can start with ScratchJr and work their way to programming in Scratch. 

It has semi-customizable characters can be programmed to move, jump, dance, and sing. Kids can even record their own voices to use in the animation. ScratchJr allows young children to be creative and artistic while also learning about sequences and problem-solving.

Scratch jr kids coding 1
Scratch jr kids coding 2

Pros: 

  • Easy to use
  • Drag-and-drop interface

Cons: 

  • Limited options in the interface
  • Can’t remix projects

Learn more about Scratch Jr.

6. Spritebox

coding apps for kids, Spritebox

Platform: iOS & Android
Cost: $4.99
Ages: 5-7+, KG – 2nd Grade +
Skills: Sequencing, parameters, loops, procedures, Swift, Java

Spritebox, from the makers of Lightbot is a 2D Super Mario-esque game that gradually teaches kids actual code. It comes with 70 puzzles to solve. Kids switch from drag-and-drop pictures to real programming syntax over many levels and challenges, while completing a narrative adventure. 

Spritebox is beautifully designed with soft colors, watercolor-like landscapes, and a customizable avatar. It uses short video instructions to guide students.  Kids can start off with the free trial version, Code Hour. The challenges are doable for young kids, but also difficult enough to stump adults.

spritebox app 1
spritebox app 2

Pros: 

  • Text-based coding
  • Teaches basic Swift and Java syntax

Cons: 

  • Limited in-game help
  • High difficulty level

Learn more about Spritebox

7. Codespark Academy

coding apps for kids, CodeSpark Academy

Platform: iOS & Android
Cost:  Free, Monthly Subscription ($7.99)
Ages: 5-10, KG – 5th Grade
Skills: Pattern recognition, sequencing, loops, events, conditionals

Codespark is a coding app for kids similar in design to Super Mario World’s colorful 2d landscapes. Kids use drag-and-drop code blocks to move cute characters, known as “The Foos”, through their world in pursuit of different prizes. Kids can eventually create their own games.

Each level in CodeSpark is different from the last. It features hundreds of puzzles and there’s often new content to keep things interesting. In CodeSpark, kids are rewarded extra gold stars for being maximally efficient in their code writing, an important skill that many coding games gloss over.

Codespark kids coding 1
Codespark kids coding 2

Pros: 

  • Completely word-free
  • New content weekly

Cons: 

  • Limited in-game help
  • Subscription model

Learn more about Codespark Academy

Recommended: Coding Toys for Kids

8. Tynker

coding apps for kids, Tynker

Platform: iPad & Android tablet
Cost: Free, In-App Purchases, Monthly Subscription ($24.99)
Ages: 6-10, 1st Grade – 5th Grade
Skills: Sequencing, pattern recognition, loops, conditional statements, functions, and subroutines

The Tynker app is part of a larger web-based learning system and elementary school curriculum. Kids can do everything from building digital games to programming robots, solving puzzles, modding Minecraft, and even coding with Barbie™. Like others, this app teaches kids coding concepts through drag-and-drop puzzles. It’s a carefully designed program of 300 lessons in six levels to take kids from novice to expert coder.

Tynker allows kids to create their own apps and animations and share them with an online community. The app mimics actual code a little more than most. The learning system eventually teaches kids JavaScript, Swift, and Python. You can play some levels for free, purchase additional levels, or purchase the whole package.

Tynker coding app 1
Tynker coding app 2

Pros: 

  • Engaging theme and design
  • Challenging and fun

Cons: 

  • Limited in-game help
  • Faulty reporting system

Learn more about Tynker

9. Nancy Drew Codes and Clues

coding apps for kids, Nancy Drew Codes and Clues

Platform: Amazon
Cost: Free, In-app purchase of $3.99
Ages:  6-10, 1st Grade – 5th Grade
Skills: Loops, pattern recognition, sequences

Nancy Drew Codes and Clues is a female-driven coding app aimed at engaging young girls in coding and STEM. It’s a fun game with a clever storyline. The mystery adventure story also builds critical thinking and reading skills as kids read along with story dialogue.

It may serve as a great stepping stone into coding for any child (male or female) who is resistant to the more techcentric apps on this list, especially if they already like Nancy Drew or want to play a game with a robot puppy as a main character.

Nancydrew app 2
Nancydrew app 1

Pros: 

  • Engaging story
  • Female-driven coding app

Cons: 

  • Minimal connection to real-world coding
  • Limited game levels

Learn more about Nancy Drew Codes and Clues.

10. Coda Game

coda game app for kids

Platform: iOS & Android
Cost: $2.99
Ages: 9+
Skills: Pattern Recognition, logic

Coda Game is the gift that keeps on giving. Using Coda Game kids can take control of their gaming experience by developing their own games using the easy-to-use built-in drag-and-drop language the app provides! 

Kids can make games like air hockey, flappy bird, and a variety of platform games all while learning programming fundamentals! They are able to create games from scratch or use a template. There is also a new 2 player mode. Unlike a lot of other drag and drop languages, this app uses mostly visual drag and drop components to make the experience a little bit easier for beginners.

Codagame app 1
Codagame app 2

Pros: 

  • Engaging theme and design
  • Drag-and-drop interface

Cons: 

  • Minimal customization
  • No text-based coding

Learn more about Coda Game

Recommended: Free Coding for Kids Resources

11. Move the Turtle

move the turtle icon

Platform: iOS
Cost: $3.99
Ages: 4+
Skills: Loops, procedures, variables, and conditionals

Move the Turtle is a slow and easy introduction to programming and complex coding concepts. This app comes highly recommended from a variety of news outlets including Wired and The Guardian.

With a cute intelligent turtle as a teacher, students will learn how to think like a programmer by creating algorithms to complete tasks. By completing the tasks, one after another, kids learn how to plan complex operations using simple & intuitive commands. This teaches kids to break down big problems into smaller, programmable steps and learn what tools they need to execute them.

Movetheturtle kids coding 1
Movetheturtle kids coding 2

Pros: 

  • Easy to use
  • Create their own programs

Cons: 

  • Requires reading comprehension
  • Limited instructions

Learn more about Move the Turtle

Coding Apps for Kids in Middle School (Ages 11-13)

12. Lightbot

coding games for kids, lightbot

Platform: iOS, Android, Amazon
Cost: $2.99
Ages: 4-13, KG to 9th Grade  
Skills: Sequencing, Overloading, Procedures, Loops, Conditionals

Help a cute animated robot light up cubes in Lightbot. Lightbot features 50 levels and offers three games: Programming Puzzles, Code Hour, and JR.

]Programming Puzzles is the main game. Code Hour is the hour-long trial game, which is free. JR is for younger kids, ages 4 to 8. Lightbot JR is simple and age-appropriate, but Programming Puzzles and Code Hour are notoriously challenging. It’s easy to get stuck on the puzzles, even for adults. So if your child is breezing through the other apps, this one is bound to give their brain a workout.

Lightbot kids coding 1
Lightbot kids coding 2

Pros: 

  • Simplifies advanced concepts
  • Multiple player save slots

Cons: 

  • Gets difficult quickly
  • No text-based coding

Learn more about Lightbot

13. Sphero Edu

coding apps for kids, Sphero Edu

Platform: iOS & Android
Cost: Free + $129.99 for Sphero robot, prices vary for other robots
Ages: 5-13+, KG – 9th Grade +
Skills: Robotics, JavaScript

Kids can control a host of Sphero robots with the coding app Sphero Edu, including mini versions of Star Wars droids like BB-8 and R2-D2. Sphero robots include balls and capsules that autonomously roll. They are impressively durable, waterproof, and agile. Sphero robots also have built-in features that can be programmed, such as an LED matrix that displays animations and messages,

With options for all levels of coding ability, beginner kids can draw paths or use drag-and-drop code blocks. As they progress, they learn to write text-based code in JavaScript. There are preset activities in the app and a digital community.

Sphero robotics app 1
Sphero robotics app 2

Pros: 

  • Includes text-based coding
  • Fun and challenging

Cons: 

  • Requires hardware
  • Steep learning curve

Learn more about Sphero Edu

14. Cozmo Code Labs

coding aps for kids, Cozmo Code Labs

Platform: iOS & Android
Cost: Free + $149.99 for Cozmo the robot
Ages: 6-17+, 1st Grade – 9th Grade +
Skills: Robotics, sequencing, conditions, loops

Cozmo is an unfathomably adorable little robot that moves, picks up blocks, looks around, detects objects, speaks short sentences, and more. Cozmo is controlled with the Code Lab app where programs are written using Scratch blocks. Using the app, kids access Cozmo’s core functionality and real robotics technology. They create their own content for Cozmo while learning the basics of coding.

Although you can create mazes and obstacle courses for Cozmo in your home, the free play may be too open-ended to keep the attention of some kids. Still, Cozmo’s charming personality is pretty irresistible. Beginners start with Sandbox, then create more complex projects with Constructor, and can eventually use the Python SDK to tap into Cozmo’s full capacity.

Cozmo robotics 1
Cozmo robotics 2

Pros: 

  • Create their own programs
  • Easy to use

Cons: 

  • No text-based coding
  • No structured lessons or games

Learn more about Cozmo Code Labs

15. Hopscotch

coding apps for kids, Hopscotch

Platform: iOS
Cost: Free, Monthly Subscription ($7.99)
Ages: 10-16, 5th Grade – 10th Grade +
Skills: Loops, conditionals, operations, variables, and rules

Hopscotch is the “open world” of coding apps for kids and is most popular for teaching both STEM and artistic skills at the same time. Kids are given ample tools to control and command virtually limitless characters, designs, and illustrations. Using play-along video tutorials, Hopscotch challenges kids to create increasingly advanced games and apps.

Kids can share their games with an online community and view other student projects. Hopscotch rewards kids for learning the logic of coding with immediate results. It uses a drag-and-drop interface that leaves the boring syntax for later. This app is ideal for creative types but, for kids that like a little more structure, it may be too open-ended.

Hopscotch kids app 1
Hopscotch kids app 2

Pros: 

  • Easy to use
  • Active online community

Cons: 

  • No text-based coding
  • Limited tutorials

Learn more about Hopscotch

16. Swift Playgrounds

coding apps for kids, Swift Playgrounds

Platform: iPad
Cost: Free
Ages: 10-13+, 5th Grade – 9th Grade +
Skills: Commands, sequences, functions, loops, algorithms, Swift

Swift Playgrounds is a collection of coding games for kids, created by Apple, that teach Swift, a programming language used to build apps. Swift is Apple’s coding language and is used by professionals to create many of today’s most popular apps.In the main game, players guide a cute character through challenges in a colorful 3D world. The coding app for kids also offers other coding games. The game integrates with other apps, and even controls non-Apple robots and drones like Lego, and even Sphero and Dash (also on this list). This is a great way to ease your kids or teens into app development, without completely foregoing the cute characters and games.

Pros: 

  • Teaches Swift syntax
  • Wide range of challenges

Cons: 

  • Narrow focus on app development
  • Not available for Android
Swift kids coding app 1
Swift kids coding app 2

Learn more about Swift Playgrounds

17. Everything Machine

everything machine app for kids

Platform: iOS
Cost: $2.99
Ages: 9-11, 3rd – 5th grade
Skills: Sequencing, logic gates, routers

Everything Machine is a fun introduction to programming and engineering! If your kid is interested in learning how to code as well as what is possible with machines and hardware, they should check this app out. 

The app and guides show kids how to create cool contraptions like a stop-motion camera and a voice disguiser. However, the real beauty of this app is that the only real limit is your kids imagination! It uses

Everything Machine app 1
Everything Machine app 2

Pros: 

  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • Learn basic circuitry

Cons: 

  • Minimal connection to real-world coding
  • No structured learning

Learn more about Everything Machine

Coding Apps for Kids in High School (Ages 14-18)

18. Programming Hub

coding apps for kids, Programming Hub

Platform: iOS & Android
Cost: Free, Monthly Subscription ($9.99)
Ages: 13+, 9th Grade +
Skills: Conditionals, loops, variables, data structures, functions

If you have a teen who’s ready to get further into the nitty gritty of coding, Programming Hub is a great choice. With over 20 languages to choose from, this app teaches high schoolers and adults in an accessible and fun way. Learn to code with HTML, Javascript, C, C++, C#, Swift, Python, R Programming, Java, Artificial Intelligence, CSS, etc.

The pleasing design, byte-sized lessons, and mini challenges make coding approachable to anyone. However, this app does require some initiative on the part of the user.

Programming hub app 1
Programming hub app 2

Pros: 

  • Wide range of courses
  • Text-based coding

Cons: 

  • Self-paced courses
  • Subscription model

Learn more about Programming Hub

19. Robozzle

coding apps for kids, Robozzle

Platform: iOS & Android
Cost: Free + In-app purchases of $.99 to $1.99
Ages: 13+, 9th Grade +
Skills: Sequencing, conditionals, recursion

If your teenaged, or younger, son or daughter loves logic puzzles, Robozzle will not disappoint. This unapologetically no-frills design is reminiscent of early arcade games like Pac-Man. With very few variables, this simple game allows for well over a thousand levels.

It will exercise your understanding of conditionals and force you to think outside the box. The game’s forums provide supportive resources for Robozzle puzzlers. Throw your Sudoku away. You won’t need it after you’ve tried this.

robozzle app 2
robozzle app 1

Pros: 

  • A lot of levels
  • Fun and engaging puzzles

Cons: 

  • Limited in-game help
  • High difficulty level

Learn more about Robozzle

20. Codea

coding apps for kids, Codea

Platform: iPad
Cost: $14.99
Ages: 13+, 9th Grade +
Skills: Functions, variables, loops, Lua

Codea is another open-ended coding app for kids, like Hopscotch, Tynker, and Scratch JR. It doesn’t teach you how to code, it is instead a powerful code editor. The app allows you to create interactive games, visuals, and graphics using the programming language Lua.

Codea allows you to write code from various menus using simple touch commands. Kids can incorporate characters, sounds, images, and commands from the menus into your design. Codea has very impressive 2d and 3d graphics. The interface, however, is somewhat sophisticated. Younger children are likely to get bored quickly.

Codea 1
Codea 2

Pros: 

  • Text-based coding
  • Professional tool

Cons: 

  • No structured lessons or games
  • High difficulty level

Learn more about Codea

21. Mimo

mimo app icon

Platform: iOS & Android
Cost: Free
Ages: 13+
Skills: HTML/CSS, JavaScript, SQL

Mimo is a great way to sharpen your kid’s programming skills. It’s good for beginners who don’t know coding syntax or logic. Mimo will schedule daily practice to ensure that your kid remembers important concepts as well as adds to their coding toolbox. Additionally, Mimo has a variety of different options for practicing how to code, one of which includes small exercises that they can do from the comfort of their own phone. 

Mimo compiles and runs your child’s code in the app to see how they did and even gives real-time feedback. There are guided lessons and practice in a few different coding languages like JavaScript and Python. Once your child understands the basics, they can move onto projects. Have your kid join millions of other people on their quest to become amazing programmers, one exercise at a time!

Mimo app 1
Mimo app 2

Pros: 

  • Text-based coding
  • Bite-sized lessons

Cons: 

  • In-app ads
  • Subscription model

Learn more about Mimo

Coding Apps and Tools for Teens

Streamline your teens’ search with the list found below. The apps featured on it are ideal for getting teens excited about coding, introducing them to coding principles, and, in some instances, teaching them how to use code to solve problems.

22. Khan Academy

Khan Academy Coding App Logo

Platform: iOS & Android
Cost: Free
Ages: 11+
Skills: Functions, operators, loops, JavaScript, Python

Khan Academy helps teens learn to code through interactive exercises, videos, and articles. Especially helpful is the instant feedback and step-by-step hints on each exercise. Students can follow along in the app with what they’re learning in school, or practice at their own pace. 

If your teen wants to study coding offline, they can bookmark and download their favorite content to watch course videos without an internet connection.

Khan app 1
Khan app 2

Pros: 

  • Adaptive lessons
  • Wide range of languages

Cons: 

  • Not focused on coding
  • Quality of classes varies

Learn more about Khan Academy

23. CodeCademy Go

CodeCademy

Platform: iOS & Android
Cost: Free
Ages: 13+
Skills: HTML/CSS, Python, JavaScript, SQL

CodeCademy Go is the mobile version of CodeCademy who is well known for teaching kids and adults to code. It’s perfect for beginners with free coding courses for languages including Python, JavaScript, Ruby, C++, and many more. Using CodeCademy Go, students can practice on the go wherever they are. Kids and teens can also practice their coding skills and syntax with daily flash cards. There are also helpful cheat sheets, videos, and projects to work on. It’s best used as a supplement to CodeCademy courses.

Codecademy app 1
Codecademy app 2

Pros: 

  • Wide range of languages
  • Bite-sized lessons

Cons: 

  • Subscription model
  • Lessons are not as structured as the desktop app

Learn more about CodeCademy Go

Recommended: Coding Toys for Kids

24. SoloLearn

SoloLearn Coding App Logo

Platform: iOS & Android
Cost: Free, Monthly Subscription ($6.99)
Ages: 13+
Skills: Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, C#, Swift

Sololearn gives teens different ways to practice and courses in languages like Python, C++, JavaScript, Java, machine learning, data science, and more. There is also a brand new Generative AI in Practice course to learn how to use tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Midjourney. Kids will learn by doing with bite-sized lessons, interactive quizzes, and practice.

They can earn a certification in each course completed with a guided lesson path. Teens can even challenge others with head-to-head coding competitions. New content is available daily and based on their progress and preferences.

Sololearn app 1
Sololearn app 2

Pros: 

  • Wide range of languages
  • Bite-sized lessons

Cons: 

  • Subscription model
  • In-app ads

Learn more about Sololearn

25. Encode

Encode logo

Platform: iOS & Android
Cost: Free, Monthly Subscription ($9.99)
Ages: 13+
Skills: Python, SQL, Java, Swift

Encode’s app self-paced lessons include bite-sized explanations, coding challenges and real-world examples to build up coding skills. Teens can learn Python, JavaScript, Swift, and more. Encode also teaches other skills like command-line, building websites, querying databases, and analyzing data.

They practice what they’ve learned with hands-on exercises, then prove their mastery by solving challenges. The skills path lets you easily monitor your progress toward meeting your coding goals.

Encode app 1
Encode app 2

Pros: 

  • Use Encode offline
  • Bite-sized lessons

Cons: 

  • Limited in-app help
  • Needs more detailed explanations

Learn more about Encode

Introducing your child to these coding apps for kids is a fantastic way to get them hooked on coding. Through these apps, they will begin to associate coding with fun, imagination, and possibility.

If your child wants a more personalized learning experience, join our top-rated kids coding classes

Students learn to code games, apps, and websites with a live instructor while building skills like critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity. Unlike the apps, students can ask questions, receive encouragement, and take advantage of our beyond-the-classroom support to ensure their success. View programs and enroll today!

The post 25 Best Coding Apps for Kids to Learn Programming appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

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