You know what they say – learning through play is one of the best ways, especially for young kids! So, if you’re considering introducing your children to coding, why not start with coding games for kids? From Scratch to Minecraft, we’ve compiled a list of top contenders vying for the role of your child’s coding instructor! Let the fun and learning begin!

So What Is Coding?

By now, you’ve probably come across the idea that coding is a fantastic fit for kids and their early education. We couldn’t agree more! Coding is a 21st-century skill that creates a whole new empowering relationship with technology while nurturing various essential skills like logical thinking, communication, creativity, and even math proficiency. We’ve already established why coding is a wonderful use of your children’s time. The earlier they start grasping the basics of coding (just like learning any language), the better their chances of learning it quickly and adopting it naturally.

If you are still not sure what coding is and how it works, I highly suggest you to head over here to read our other article about coding, but if you’re question is to how your child can begin coding and get started and you’re not an expert at coding I have a fantastic suggestion for you – coding games for kids! Why coding games, you ask? Well, these games make the learning process fun, engaging, and interactive, providing a delightful way for your kids to delve into the world of coding with enthusiasm. It’s an exciting journey that sparks creativity and sets them up for success in the digital age!

Coding games for kids – why they’re good educational resources

To sum it up, learning through play comes naturally to children. They instinctively experiment, tinker, observe, conceptualize, and build on their previous experiences without even realizing they’re learning. It’s like real-life problem-solving for them, making the learning process smoother and more enjoyable than traditional methods like sitting behind a desk and listening to lectures.

Now, let’s talk about coding games for kids, which is a fantastic idea for several reasons. First, these games incorporate storytelling, and children love immersing themselves in stories. At Genius Camp, for instance, all our coding lessons are built around creative stories that engage young minds and humanize learning. Through captivating narratives, children are drawn into exciting plots and connect with the characters. These stories not only entertain but also promote understanding, creating a relaxed and curious environment where kids are open to new information. It’s a fantastic way to make learning engaging, memorable, and full of fun!

Top 10 coding games for kids to try out

So, which coding games for kids meet the criteria of captivating storytelling and well-structured play-based education? We’ve curated a list of 10 amazing games that are definitely worth considering. Let’s explore their benefits and age-appropriateness, so you can easily find the perfect match for your child or students. Get ready to embark on a fun and educational coding journey!

Minecraft

Minecraft is a popular game that adapts to the skills of its users, making it suitable for players of all levels. Whether your child is just starting or already has some experience, they can find something appropriate to create, from simple structures to intricate worlds. Children can begin by building basic objects and gradually advance to creating games within the game. The best part is that Minecraft is available on various operating systems, and its price ranges from 7 to 27 dollars, depending on the version’s complexity. So, it’s a versatile and engaging option that fits different budgets.

CodeMonkey

Code Monkey is an awesome programming platform that offers a fantastic starting point for kids who want to learn coding without any prior experience. It’s designed to be user-friendly and provides several programming languages to explore. Whether your child is a beginner or has some coding knowledge, Code Monkey is perfect for them. The platform not only offers coding courses but also provides full-fledged curricula, making it an excellent teaching tool for educators in classrooms. Of course, it’s equally great for parents and students too!

The best part is that you can customize your price plan based on your classroom size and specific needs. Plus, there’s a 14-day trial, so you can try it out risk-free to see if it’s the right fit for your young coders. Give it a go, and watch your kids become coding whizzes in no time!

Tynker

Tynker coding is a fantastic resource that offers coding challenges suited for kids of various ages, typically starting around 6-7 years old. It’s a visually engaging platform that makes learning coding a fun experience! With multiple difficulty levels, your child can start at an appropriate level and progress as they gain confidence.

The best part is that Tynker works on a subscription basis, but you can test it out with the first 10 levels and 20 activities for free. This way, you can see if it’s the right fit for your child without any commitment.

As your young coder becomes more proficient, Tynker even offers the opportunity to explore complex coding languages like Python and JavaScript. It’s an exciting journey of learning and creativity that your child will thoroughly enjoy! So, why wait? Give Tynker a try and watch your child’s coding skills soar to new heights!

Scratch + Scratch Jr.

Let me introduce you to an amazing free online app game called Scratch, developed in an MIT lab. It’s not just a game; it offers interactive storytelling and even allows you to join an online coding community. Scratch uses a coding language that’s mostly visual and graphic, making it perfect for beginners like you!

At first, you might feel a little overwhelmed, but trust me, learning to work with Scratch is easy and fun. Just like Minecraft, Scratch empowers you to create your own games instead of just playing others’ games, and that’s a fantastic motivator for your coding journey.

If you have younger siblings or friends aged 5-7, they can also enjoy the world of coding with Scratch Jr., a simplified version of the app. Both Scratch and Scratch Jr. are available for iOS and Android devices, so you can explore coding anytime, anywhere.

Moreover, we’ve integrated Scratch into our latest and most advanced coding app called Robo Blockly, designed for kids aged 8-16. Robo Blockly teaches you advanced coding concepts, such as variables, functions, operators, and input-output mapping, through coding games and exciting challenges.

If you want to learn more about Scratch, read our other article here.

So, whether you’re a beginner or ready for more advanced coding adventures, Scratch and Robo Blockly have got you covered! Start your coding journey now and unleash your creativity with these fantastic apps!

Lightbot

Let me introduce you to this amazing app that’s similar to Minecraft in its block-building interface. But here’s the exciting part – it focuses on teaching the essential concepts of coding rather than diving straight into an actual coding language. So, if you already have some experience with playing coding games, this app is perfect for you!

In this app, you’ll explore concepts like sequencing, conditions, loops, and more – all in a fun and engaging way. Don’t worry if you’re new to coding; the app’s visual interface makes it super easy to grasp, and even younger kids can have a blast learning with it.

You’ll find this app to be a valuable addition to your coding journey, helping you build a strong foundation in coding concepts. Plus, it’s available for both iOS and Android devices, so you can carry your coding adventures with you wherever you go.

Give this awesome app a try and embark on a coding adventure full of fun and learning at only $2.99, and the knowledge you gain will be priceless.

CodeSpark Academy

Let me tell you about this fantastic coding platform and app designed specifically for kids aged 5 to 9. It’s got an awesome research-based curriculum and a wide range of activities that your little ones will love!

With this app, they can build their own games, just like in Minecraft and Tynker, or enjoy pre-programmed puzzles and challenges. It’s a super fun way for them to learn coding!

The best part is that the app works on all devices, so whether you have a tablet, smartphone, or computer, your kids can access it easily. And guess what? There’s a global community of young coders, teachers, and parents to support your child’s coding journey!

You can start with a 7-day free trial to see if it’s a good fit for your child. After that, it’s just $9.99 per month – a small investment for a big learning adventure!

Blockly Games

Exciting news for all the kids out there, as well as parents and educators who are new to coding! This website is specially designed for you. If you don’t have any prior coding experience, don’t worry, this is the perfect place to start!

Instead of diving into complex programming right away, the website focuses on teaching you the fundamental concepts of coding through fun puzzle-like assignments and coding games. It’s a playful and engaging way to learn!

The best part is that the concepts are introduced gradually, so you can take your time and enjoy each step of the learning journey. Don’t skip any lesson, as they all contribute to a deeper and more thorough understanding of coding.

Oh, and did I mention that playing all the levels is absolutely free? Yep, you can explore and learn to your heart’s content without any cost!

Codemoji

The app’s name already gives away one of its biggest charms – a delightful collection of emojis that kids absolutely adore! Its visual appeal is one of its strongest features, and what’s even better is that it combines both coding lessons and coding games.

With this app, children can have a blast playing while also learning the fundamentals of STEM. It’s a win-win! The lessons are designed to be self-paced, allowing every young learner to take their time and absorb the new information at their own speed.

The app is perfect for both parents and educators, and the good news is that you can start a 14-day free trial with access to over 500 lessons without any cost. After the trial, the programs are available starting at just 7 dollars a month.

The main goal of the app is to introduce children to the basics of computational thinking, and the coding itself is done using languages like JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and Java.

So, if you’re eager to embark on a fun-filled coding adventure with emojis and exciting games while also learning important STEM concepts, this app is the perfect choice for you! 

Kodable 

Kodable is another fantastic resource that both parents and educators will find extremely valuable. This platform offers lessons in both JavaScript and Swift programming languages, and it goes beyond coding to foster creativity and critical thinking in young minds.

The games cater to two different age groups – kids aged 4-7 and those aged 7-10. For the younger ones, the learning process involves a user-friendly drag-and-drop programming style. As they grow older, they advance to real coding languages and even get the opportunity to create their own games using object-oriented programming.

For educators, Kodable provides a comprehensive curriculum to facilitate teaching and learning. It’s a win-win for both teachers and students!

The best part is that you can start with a 7-day free trial to explore all that Kodable has to offer. After the trial, you have two subscription options: a monthly plan starting at just 7 dollars, or a lifelong subscription for 120 dollars. By subscribing, you also gain access to a vibrant coding community and shared resources, making the learning experience even more enriching.

So, whether you’re a parent or an educator, Kodable is the ideal platform to introduce young learners to the exciting world of coding while nurturing their creativity and critical thinking skills. 

Osmo

Osmo is a must-have when it comes to coding games for kids. This tablet game offers a unique blend of digital interactions and physical objects, following a Montessori-style approach that sets it apart. Whether you’re using it at home or in the classroom, all you need is the Osmo base, the app, and the tangible pieces that children interact with on the screen. Osmo is designed for kids aged 5-12, and the most basic pack starts at just 79 dollars (you pay for the physical product, while the app is free).

One of the best features of Osmo is its versatility. You can continually enhance your experience by purchasing new components to build upon the physical objects you already have. The system is easy to use and kid-friendly, yet it provides a healthy challenge at every step of the way. It’s no surprise that it was developed by former Google engineers. Osmo makes learning coding a fun and interactive journey for young minds!