Learning computer programming can enable kids to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It also motivates them to not only be the consumers of technology but be creators as well. Here is a list of free, fun and best coding apps for your kids.
1. The Foos – Coding App For Kids
Age: 5+
Available Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Fire phone, Kindle Fire, Windows Phone
Kids learn to code via a series of exciting adventures. The word-free interface allows anyone, anywhere to play. They’ll track down a sneaky donut thief, rescue puppies lost in space and serve up gourmet meals while mastering core computer science concepts.
Website: codespark.com
2. Kodable – Kids Coding App
Age: 5+
Available Platforms: iPad
Kodable takes students from learning to think like a programmer in Kindergarten to writing REAL JavaScript by 5th grade. Even before your kids can pronounce the word “algorithm” they have an astounding ability to learn how to use them. Understanding computer science empowers your kids for the jobs of tomorrow and expands your kid’s mind to solve problems today in more intelligent ways.
Website: kodable.com
3. Lightbot Jr – Interactive App
Age: 6+
Available Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
Lightbot Junior is an easier version of the popular Lightbot: featuring a gentler learning curve and not-as-complex puzzles. Kids can play as Boybot or Girlbot as they solve puzzles that use game mechanics that are based on Computer Science ideas. It cultivates a real understanding of sequencing instructions, debugging problems, creating reusable procedures and executing loops.
Website: lightbot.com
4. ScratchJr
Age: 6+
Available Platforms: iPad, Android
Scratch aims at younger people to help them learn important concepts behind programming languages. It lets them design characters that can dance, sing and interact with one another, among other neat actions. It is essentially a graphical programming language where coding is much easier than in traditional programming languages.
Website: scratchjr.org
5. Daisy the Dinosaur
Age: 7+
Available Platforms: iPad, Android
Daisy the dinosaur helps your kids to learn the basics of computer programming. It has an easy drag and drop interface that kids of all ages can use to animate Daisy to dance across the screen. Kids will intuitively grasp the basics of objects, sequencing, loops and events by solving this app’s challenges. After playing Daisy, kids can choose to download a kit to program their own computer games.
Website: daisythedinosaur.com
6. Tynker
Age: 7+
Available Platforms: iPad, Android
Tynker is the easiest way for kids to learn programming. Play fun puzzles to learn the basics and then create your own amazing games using over 100 step-by-step coding tutorials. Great for Hour of Code! Additional puzzle sets available as in-app purchases.
Website: tynker.com
7. Cato’s Hike: A Programming and Logic Odyssey
Age: 8+
Available Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Cato’s Hike: A Programming and Logic Odyssey takes kids on a story-based adventure through mazes to collect hearts and stars and find friends, using the logic of computer programming to guide their character.
Website: hwahba.com
8. My Robot Friend
Age: 9+
Available Platforms: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
My Robot Friend is a fun, easy way for kids to start thinking and acting like programmers. Quick challenges keep kids engaged while building the logical thinking skills needed for programming.
Website: myrobotfriend.com
9. Cargo-bot
Age: 10+
Available Platforms: iPad
Cargo-bot is a fun puzzle game that challenges your brain and helps you learn programming concepts. It is the first game programmed entirely on iPad using Codea.
Website: cargobot.com
10. Hopscotch
Age: 9+
Available Platforms: iPad
Hopscotch lets your kids make their own games and publish them instantly for anyone to play! There are super easy-to-follow videos to make games like Angry Birds, create pixel art, or build something brand new. Sidenote, you can only make games on the iPad version of Hopscotch, you can’t make games on the iPhone version.
Website: gethopscotch.com