For a lot of kids, the idea of eventually being able to build their own video game sounds like a dream come true. Learning to code a game is an awesome goal, but it is hard to know where to start. With so many different coding languages and development platforms, learning the basics of game development can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. 

[Download] Printable Scratch Coding Tutorials Get 2 printable Scratch tutorials, Rocket Landing and Flying Space Cat, to code your own games step by step. Download Now

There’s a way to make game development easy. Kids and professional developers alike have gotten their start with a simple drag and drop, using Scratch. If you’re a beginner who’s not familiar with writing code, build a Scratch game as a fun and easy way to start coding games.

• What is a Scratch Game?
• Types of Scratch Games for Kids
• How to make a game in Scratch
• Best Scratch Games for Kids
• Play Scratch Games for Kids
• Easy Scratch Games for Kids
• Free Scratch Tutorials

What is a Scratch Game?

At this point, you’re probably wondering “Just what is a Scratch game?” That’s simple! 

A Scratch game is any game that is built using the Scratch platform, created by MIT in order to help kids get started with coding. Scratch is a super flexible block-based programming language that allows kids to code in an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface. 

Essentially, bits of code are embedded in pre-made blocks. These blocks fit together in any number of ways to build a program or game. Scratch uses real code to make programs do what you want, but simplifies the process for coders who are just getting started.  

The simplest blocks do little more than move pictures across a screen, but those blocks of code can be combined to allow for a game with player interaction. You can keep adding blocks and the game gets more complex, but the system used to build it stays just as simple. With a little time and perseverance, anybody can create awesome Scratch games to play with their friends!

Recommended: Scratch Coding: Benefits, Tips, and Resources

Types of Scratch Games for Kids

Before we go into how to make Scratch games we should talk a bit about the different types of games that you can code in Scratch. Each kind of game has its own mechanics that make it distinct, but many games combine elements from multiple games to add to the fun!

Scroller

A Scroller is a 2D game where the background moves, or scrolls, behind the player while they try to achieve some task. Often this task is fighting through waves of enemies, jumping from platform to platform, or dodging obstacles. Scrollers can typically be divided further into side-scrollers and vertical-scrollers.

Popular examples of Scratch scrollers are Game – Undercover Sabotage and Bug Game.

Platformer

Platformers are a kind of game where the player jumps from platform to platform to achieve their tasks. Many platformer games are also scroller games, but not all. Alongside 3D platformers, there are also some platform games where the background doesn’t move behind the player.

Popular examples of Scratch platformers are Chilean Miner’s Escape 2 and Egg.

RPG

RPG stands for Role-Playing Game. In an RPG, the player takes control of a character or a group of characters and moves them through a story. Typically RPGs allow the player to make improvements to their characters, like teaching them new skills or increasing their strength, but the main focus of the game is the story. 

Popular examples of Scratch RPGs are SIMPLE RPG 3 and Funkemon – Groova Region.

Tycoon

Tycoon games are all about the money. The goal of a tycoon game is to increase profits by designing the best… whatever. While the relative lack of moving parts means that some players may overlook Tycoon games, the depth of strategy and systems building in them brings other players back again and again. 

Popular examples of Scratch tycoon games are Investment_Chart_Game_2.0.2 and Lemonade Stand.

Maze

Mazes got their start way back in the good ol’ days of pencil and paper, but they’re still going strong today. They are one of the easier Scratch games to code and can be an excellent choice for your first time coding games in Scratch. 

Popular examples of Scratch mazes are mirrored maze and Random Maze Generator.

Pong

Pong! Pong was one of the very first video games to be developed and was an absolute hit when it debuted in 1972. It is a game where players use a paddle to keep a ball from going through their goal. It is best described as a sort of virtual air hockey.

Popular examples of Scratch pong games are Pong Starter and Ping pong game.

Dress Up Games

Dress Up games revolve around dressing up a character in different outfits. They often focus more on imaginative play and can be a great starting point for coding a Scratch game. It’s like the stand-alone version of a character customization screen found in many other video games.

Popular examples of Scratch dress up games are Dress Up and Mabel’s Dress Up.

Online Multiplayer Games (Cloud)

Online Multiplayer Games are games that invite players to play together over the internet. While Cloud games actually can be made in Scratch, there are a number of restrictions on who can join in on the fun.

Popular examples of Scratch online multiplayer games are Math Racers and The Elves of Fitzgerald Online!

Cat and Mouse

Cat and Mouse games are all about keeping the mouse away from the cat that’s chasing it. This is another very simple game type and a great choice for those just starting out with Scratch.

Popular examples of Scratch cat and mouse games are Cat and Mouse and A Game of Cat and Mouse

Collecting games

Collecting games can have a variety of mechanics, but the main point of the game is always about collecting things. Whether that’s food, coins, or whatever else all depends on the game! 

Popular examples of Scratch collecting games are Snake and Pixel Snake

Dodging games

Dodging games are essentially the opposite of collecting games. Instead of getting your character to touch something, the main goal is getting them to avoid touching something. They are typically a test of reflexes with objects falling from above or coming in from the sides that the player must dodge. If they fail to do so, it’s game over.

Popular examples of Scratch dodging games are -Dodge- and Frogger

Question games

Question games often take the form of trivia games and quizzes. The player gets asked questions and they have to either choose a correct answer or simply the answer that best fits them. At the end, the scores are tallied and the results are given.

Popular examples of Scratch question games are Trivia a Speedrun #games and Minecraft Quiz

How to make a game in Scratch

Creating a Scratch game can be fun and super rewarding, but especially when you’re just starting out it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t worry! We’re here to help.

The basic steps of how to make a Scratch game are:

1. Decide on the mechanics of your game
2. Choose the visual design and theme
3. Add your sprites
4. Add code to each sprite using code blocks
5. Add game logic using code blocks
6. Test your game and share it with friends!

If you’d like more details on how each step works and free game tutorials, check out our step-by-step guide on how to make a game on Scratch!

Recommended: Coding Classes for Elementary School Students

Best Scratch Games for Kids

If you’re still in need of some inspiration for what kind of game to build, it is a great idea to check out what others are doing. One of the best ways to find great examples of what can be done with Scratch is to look for the games that are popular. 

Check out these popular options in the 25 best Scratch games!

Recommended: Free Coding Programs for Kids

Play Scratch Games for Kids

Build and then play! Take a look at these amazing examples of what can be made in Scratch.  Afterwards, you can even take a look under the hood to see the underlying code by hitting the “See Inside” button at the top right of each page.

The Dark Cave (a platformer sequel)

The Dark Cave is a great example of a platformer created in Scratch. The controls are simple to grasp, the theme is consistent, and the gameplay is fun. 

ᴍᴊᴍ3 ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ: ᴀ ʙᴏᴀʀᴅ ɢᴀᴍᴇ! 

If you’ve ever played Mario Party, you will feel right at home in this amazing example of a video board game. A lot of code went into this one, and it definitely leaves me feeling impressed. 

Flower Run 

Flower Run is a popular kind of side-scrolling game called an endless runner. It uses both collection and avoidance mechanics combined with a fast pace to make a game that is both challenging and fun! Grab as many flowers as you can while dodging the cactus! 

Make Your Own Animal Crossing Villager 

If you’re interested in a dress-up game, give this one a try. It gives you a ton of customization options so you can make your villager look just how you want!

Dungeon Crawler

Dungeon Crawler is just a demo, not a full game, but it is a great example of what can be possible with Scratch! It has a great visual design and theme and feels like it could become a really fun full game. 

PO!NG on Scratch (mit.edu)

This is a fun take on the classic, Pong! I love how it allows for two local players to compete against each other by using different sets of buttons for controls. 

Recommended: Coding Classes for Middle School Students

Easy Scratch Games for Kids

Need something a bit easier to start with? We’ve got you. Check out some of these easy-to-play games on Scratch! Make sure to take a look inside when you finish so you can see how it’s done!

Fruit Salad

Fruit Salad is a classic example of a collection and avoidance game. Move left and right to collect as many fruits as you can, but avoid the bombs. It’s simple gameplay and a lot of fun!

Ski 3D

This is another simple to play avoidance game. Move left and right to stay on the path. The game creator put a lot of work into this one, and it looks great! It’s easy to play, but there’s a lot of underlying code that can be intimidating at first. Don’t worry if you can’t understand everything that’s happening, yet. You’ll get there! 

Maze Game

Use the arrow keys to navigate the maze. One of the colored blocks lets you move on, but be careful. Choosing wrong or hitting the walls will send you back to the beginning of the level.

Free Scratch Game Tutorials

Download Free Printable Scratch Coding Tutorials PDF

Get the Rocketship Landing game and Flying Space Cat Scratch tutorials in a printable format.

Scratch games are fun and easy for kids!

Coding games in Scratch is one of the easiest ways to jump into making your own games. The simple drag-and-drop interface, combined with the power of real code means that even beginners can build something really cool. Scratch is an amazing resource for learning to code and is easy for kids as young as 8 years old. 

If you’d like to learn in a fun and interactive setting, CodeWizardsHQ coding classes for kids can help with that. We have live Scratch coding classes with teachers that will walk beside you to take you from a Scratch newb to a coding wizard. Start building your game and share your project with us!

Ready to level up your child’s learning experience? Take a coding class with CodeWizardsHQ:

• Elementary School Coding Classes
• Middle School Coding Classes
• High School Coding Classes

The post Simple Scratch Tutorial for Kids: Code a Rocket Landing Game appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

So shall we create our way…

Caretaker and rainmaker we must be…

So shall our fears and some tears fade away…

Keep up…keeping up…the rainbow trail is around the corner

It is beautiful to hope…to hope…to hope…

Segment from Rainbows trails provide hope.

by M.W. Hardwick

With all of the changes happening around us due to COVID-19, it feels like we’re all grasping for human connection and contact, but from a distance.

Social networks are promoting the hashtag #stayhome to encourage social distancing and avoid the spread of COVID-19. Many families around the globe are also adopting an initiative that was born in Italy under the name “Tutto andrà bene” meaning “everything will be ok”. 

This campaign has filled windows and doors of houses in many cities in Italy with drawings made by children who cannot go outside and choose to write positive messages instead. The initiative started with a few mothers in Bari, Puglia using Facebook, and then picked up across the country. Now, it has spread to Spain, England, and now the USA. 

The viral #rainbowtrail initiative aims to spread hope and positivity, as well as give children something to look out for on walks or through their windows. All kids have to do to participate is draw a picture of a rainbow accompanied by an encouraging phrase, “Tutto andrà bene” in Italian or “Jiayou” in Chinese. They then hang these signs outside or in windows to spread the uplifting messages.

While kids are not able to go outside, when they look through the windows they are able to see “solidarity” with their neighbors’ rainbows in the windows. It reiterates how we are together in this journey and underlines the community’s pledge supporting staying inside during the corona pandemic. 

Today, CodeWizardsHQ wants to participate in this initiative by transforming this activity into a reason for kids to learn a little about coding. We believe that coding can unite people throughout the world and we know that together we are stronger. 

We invite you to hang your finished #rainbowtrail project, snap a picture, and tag us on social media @CodeWizardsHQ! Download the free printable #RainbowTrail coding activity instructions and the drawing page here.

 Are you looking for other printable activities? Check out 7 Free Printable Coding Activities for Kids that teaches concepts like binary code, algorithms, and ASCII symbols. [Read More]

Did your kids enjoy the activities? Would they like to continue learning to code? CodeWizardsHQ delivers the most fun and effective live, online coding classes for kids and teens ages 8-18. We offer coding classes to elementary, middle, and high school students. 

You can also enroll your child in a special daytime or accelerated class during school closures.

The post #RainbowTrail: Free Coding & Coloring Activity for Kids appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Happy holidays to all of our students and friends. Instead of buying a card this year, use our HTML and CSS tutorial for kids and your programming skills to code a personalized holiday card for your friends and family.

It’s not the same boring card everyone else is buying, you can personalize this card with your style or match the recipient’s. This is an easy HTML and CSS tutorial for kids or anyone starting to learn. We’ll be building this simple holiday card that opens when you hover over it.

This tutorial assumes you understand basic HTML and CSS. Let’s get started!

• Step 1: Add a background image to the page
• Step 2: Add an image to the front of the card
• Step 3: Add a message to the cover of your card
• Step 4: Style the message on the cover of your card
• Step 5: Add a message on the back of your card
• Step 6: Style the message on the back of your card
• Step 7: Add your picture or logo to the inside page
• Finished card!

What you need:

1. Text editor

You can use a simple text editor like Notepad, TextEdit, Sublime Text, etc.  You may also use an online text editor like Codepen. Please use the link to set up your account.

2. Base HTML/CSS file.

Download the base folder and open the holiday_card.html file. This folder contains all the images and files you will need to complete your card.

Edit the holiday_card.html file inside of any text editor: for example, Notepad on Windows, TextEdit on Mac, or Sublime Text. You can also use an online text editor like Codepen to edit and run this code. The base files will set up a blank card that opens when you hover over it.

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.

Recommended: HTML and CSS for Kids

Step 1: Add a background image to the page

Add a background image property to the <body> element and cover the entire page. By default, the background is repeated.

Add this code:

body {
      background-image: url('bg.jpg');
      background-size: cover;
}

Output:

Hint: To change the background, use a different JPEG or PNG image file in place of ‘bg.png’.

Step 2: Add an image to the front of the card

Add a background image property and a background-size to .front. This adds a nice image to the front of our card.

Add this code:

.front {
      background: url('winter_scene.jpg') 
no-repeat center darkred;
      background-size: cover;
    }

Output:

We also want the same image on the inside front of the card. Instead of creating a separate style for .page, we will add it to the styles for .front.

Add this code:

.front, .page {
      background: url('winter_scene.jpg') 
no-repeat center darkred;
      background-size: cover;
    }

Output:

Hint: To change the cover image, use a different JPEG or PNG image file in place of ‘winter_scene.jpg’.

Step 3: Add a message to the cover of your card

Add a message on the cover using an H1 element inside .front. Include your own holiday message.

Add this code:

<div class="front">
 <h1>Happy Holidays!</h1>
</div>

Output:

Hint: To change the message, replace ‘Happy Holidays’ with a personalized message.

Step 4: Style the message on the cover of your card

Style your <h1> element. We’ve added the Google font “Cookie” in our <head> element. 

Add this code:

h1 {
 font-family: 'Cookie', serif;
 font-size: 40px;
 margin-top: 40px;
 color: white; 
}

Output:

Hint: To change the font, replace ‘Cookie’ in the font-family property. Select from these web safe fonts.

Step 5: Add a message on the back of your card

Inside of .back, add a <div> element with class ‘message’ to hold your headings and paragraph.

Add this code:

<div class="back">
    <div class="message">
    </div>
</div>

Output:

Inside of .message, add a personalized message to your friend or family member with <h5> and <p> elements.

Add this code:

<div class="message">
   <h5>Dear Friends,</h5>
   <p>'Tis the season of giving and
 gratitude. Thank you for your continued 
support. We wish you and your family a
 joyous and happy holiday season. </p>
   <h5>CodeWizardsHQ Team</h5>
</div>

Output:

Hint: To change the message, replace the content inside your H5 and p elements.

Step 6: Style the message on the back of your card

Add the following styles to .message and text elements.

Add this code:

.message {
  margin-top: 30px;
  color: #900909;
}

h5 {
  font-family: 'Cookie', serif;
}

p {
   font-size: 10px;
}

Output:

Hint: You can change the color of the font by changing the color name or hex property of .message (List of colors)

Step 7: Add your picture or logo to the inside page

Add an <img> element inside of .page

Add this code:

<div class="page">
   <img src="cwhq_logo.png">
</div>

Output:

Style your <img> element by decreasing the size and flipping it.

Add this code:

img{
   margin-top: 60px;
   width: 90px;
   transform: scaleX(-1);
}

Output:

Hint: You can change the image by linking a different JPG or PNG file in the src attribute of the element.

Your card is complete!

Check out the finished product.

Download the completed HTML and CSS code and open the i_holiday_card.html for the final card project.

Customize this code to create your own holiday card! It’s that easy. Now you can dazzle your friends and family with your coding skills and a thoughtful card too. 

Did you code your own card? Share a picture or link and use #CodeWizardsHQ or tag us to be featured on social media.

Learn more about building games and websites in our live HTML coding classes for kids.

Ready to level up your child’s learning experience? See our coding programs for kids ages 8-18:

• Elementary School Coding Program
• Middle School Coding Program
• High School Coding Program

The post HTML and CSS Tutorial for Kids: Holiday Card appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Kids who want to learn coding have more options than ever to get started. Whatever type of programming they’re interested in, there is an abundance of coding books for kids, apps, games, and websites to get them up and running quickly. Adding fun to the task is always the best way to make magic happen and these Halloween coding activities for kids and teens do just that! 

Your child can learn to build video games, create animations, develop mobile apps, and launch websites. Whether your child is starting his journey or well on her way to becoming a developer, these 3 fun Halloween coding activities for kids and teens are sure to please.

We hope you enjoy them and have a BOOTastic Halloween!!!! 

Do you have a fun Halloween coding activity? Don’t be shy! Email us to add it to our list.

Free Halloween Coding Activities – STEM / STEAM

Whether you’re looking for Halloween coding activities for second grade, third grade, sixth grade, or high school, Heather Monthie recommends sites you may want to use! This is a great resource that has specific coding activities divided by grades, K-8 & 9-12. Visit the blog post here.

Recommended: Free & Paid Coding Websites for Kids

Halloween Apps and Websites for Kids – Fun, Educational, Free

Great collection of educational Halloween apps and sites that are FREE! Steam Powered Family if run by Shelley. This post is divided into activities on tablets and computers and goes beyond coding introducing other fun Halloween inspired games! 

Recommended: Coding Games for Kids

Halloween Coding Unplugged

Do you have $3.00 to spare? Visit this Halloween Coding Unplugged 

Get kids coding with these unplugged coding programs with a Halloween theme! This block style coding resource is a great introduction to coding without computers. Students will learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills!

The post 3 Fun Halloween Coding Activities for Kids and Teens appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Coding has become an important and relevant skill for kids today. Whether you want to help your child become a computer programmer or simply expand their computer science knowledge, you probably know there any many benefits to coding for kids. While the benefits are exciting, learning how to actually code may seem like more of a chore to kids than a great opportunity. 

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.

That’s where coding games come in. In our coding classes for kids, our philosophy is to help kids learn to code in a fun way. Kids play and build games in every class which keeps them engaged and learning.

To get your child excited about coding, we’ve put together a list of the best coding games for kids. These games teach programming skills and make it fun too. They’re organized by grade and age level, so your child is sure to find the perfect game for them.

Best Coding Games for Kids in Preschool

1. Code Karts

Platforms: iOS, Android

Pricing: Free

Ages: 4+

Best Because: Code Karts introduces coding concepts to young children through the use of logical puzzles in the form of a fun racetrack. With over 70 different levels and two different game modes, kids will have no shortage of entertainment or variety when it comes to this app.

The objective of this coding game is to use directional bricks to get their race car to the finish line, providing a stimulating coding environment.

Code Karts also comes in more than 20 different languages, bringing the fun to a wide audience, and young children will easily learn the fundamentals of code as well as directions and logic.

2. CodeMonkey Jr.

Platforms: Browser

Pricing: Free trial ($7/month)

Ages: 4-8

Best Because: CodeMonkey Jr. is a block-based coding game for kids in Pre-K and Kindergarten. Drag and drop coding is perfect for kids at this age to learn the basics of programming. In this game, they’ll join a monkey on a mission to collect bananas in a world of fun colors and characters. Kids can start with no experience, they don’t even need to know their ABC’s. The challenges progress as they learn about logic, loops, sequencing, algorithms, and more!

3. Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set

Platforms: Board game

Pricing: $98.95

Ages: 4+

Best Because: Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set is a screen-free way to teach foundational coding skills to even the youngest of programmers. It includes double-sided coding cards, a Programmable Robot Mouse, cheese wedge, and a special Activity Guide that allows kids to create endless maze paths for their mouse.

Once their specific maze is created, kids set up the coding cards to instruct their mouse where to go. The mouse can even light up, make sounds, and features two different speeds, keeping the game interactive and engaging.

Recommended: Ultimate Guide to JavaScript Game Development

4. Bee-Bot

Platforms: iOS

Pricing: $74.95

Ages: 3+

Best Because: The Bee Bot app was designed specifically to help young children grow their programming skills and sequencing abilities through the use of a fun and interactive game. Based on the lovable floor robot, the app features 12 different levels which progressively get harder as the user advances. Each level is timed and gives exciting rewards, providing incentives for even the youngest of coders.

Kids can also enhance their directional language as Bee Bot moves forwards, backwards, left, and right. Set in a relaxing garden setting, this will be the perfect game for young ones ages four and up.

5. Cubetto

Platforms: Wooden robot

Pricing: $227.64

Ages: 3-9

Best Because: In a world full of technology and screens, finding a game that is free of these yet still teaches your child the basics of coding may seem like an impossible task. That’s where Cubetto stands apart. Cubetto is a friendly wooden robot that teaches children the basics of computer programming through a real-world, tangible object.

Through adventure and hands-on play, Cubetto allows kids to manipulate and touch its blocks in order to tell the robot where to go. It can also be used with special books and maps, providing a positive and all-encompassing experience without the need for an app or device.

6. Osmo Coding Jam

Platforms: iOS + board game

Pricing: $49.60

Ages: 5-12

Best Because: There is no shortage of research that proves music is beneficial for a child’s development. Combine that with the advantages of programming and you are sure to have a unique and positive game on your hands.

Osmo Coding Jam is an engaging board game that connects to an iOS app and allows kids to create their own music with hands-on coding blocks. By being able to physically change the coding blocks on the board game, even the youngest coders are learning how to sequence and problem-solve. Through the use of music, kids can also develop rhythm, melody, and harmony.

Recommended: Python for Kids

Best Coding Games for Kids in Kindergarten

7. CodeSpark Academy

Platforms: iOS/Android/ Kindle Fire/ Windows

Pricing: Free Trial, $15/mo

Ages: 5-9

Best Because: CodeSpark Academy is an award-winning app that has introduced the concepts of coding to over 20 million children in more than 200 different countries. Using a “no words” interface, this app teaches all of the fundamentals of computer programming for kids through puzzles, games, printables, and even projects, bringing the fun from the screen to life.

With personalized daily activities based on your child’s progress, engaging curriculum developed by research from MIT, Princeton, and Carnegie Mellon, and new subscription app content every month, your child will have a hard time putting this one down.

8. Kodable

Platforms: Browser, iOS

Pricing: Free Trial ($24.99/mo)

Ages: 4-10

Best Because: Kodable is an online resource utilized by parents and educators all over the globe. The lessons combine both on-screen and off-screen components. Kodable breaks down computer science topics into basic concepts that kids can use for life including JavaScript and robotics.

Through interactive games, your child can foster a love of learning, and through carefully crafted standards, you can ensure their fun will help them be prepared for higher educational concepts. It also connects with an app that has custom-built games. 

9. Cork the Volcano

Platforms: PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Steam 

Pricing: $8.99

Ages: 6-10

Best Because: Cork the Volcano teaches kids to code through programming puzzlets. Set up sequences of actions for the characters to reach the Puzzlet Piece, collect raindrops along the way for bonuses, and avoid dangers from the island along the way through this programming puzzle platformer. Kids can practice computational and algorithmic thinking with each challenge. They’ll learn to come up with logical steps and strategies to win the game.

10. Robot Turtles

Platforms: Board game

Pricing: $43.48

Ages: 4+

Best Because: Robot Turtles is a STEM board game for preschoolers. While providing a fun and engaging hands-on game for them to play, your kids will feel in control and get to learn all of the basic concepts of programming at the same time. Through simple commands that are used to program the Robot Turtle, your little one will learn what it means to write code, debug, and use basic functions. As they play, they unlock new challenges, giving the game new life and growing with them. It’s a time for the whole family to be silly and play together, spending meaningful time away from the screen.

11. ScratchJr Coding Cards: Creative Coding Activities

Platforms: Card Game

Pricing: $24.99

Ages: 5-9

Best Because: ScratchJr Coding cards are an easy and fun way to introduce young kids to programming concepts and the Scratch language. It gives step-by-step instructions on how to use the programming blocks. They can create their own games, stories, and animations as they work through each card in ScratchJr. This collection of coding activity cards is perfect for working one-on-one with your child or sharing among small groups.

12. ScratchJr.

Platforms: iOS/Android/Kindle Fire/ Chromebook

Pricing: Free

Ages: 5-7

Best Because: Scratch, Jr. teaches young children important new skills as they begin to program their own interactive games and stories. This novice version of Scratch allows younger children to snap together programming blocks in order to make their characters move, jump, sing, and dance.This app was designed by leading experts to better fit younger children’s cognitive, personal, social, and emotional development, so you can feel confident it is appropriate for your little one.

13. CoderBunnyz

Platforms: Board game

Pricing: $29.78

Ages: 4+

Best Because: Designed and created by a 9-year-old, CoderBunnyz is a unique board game that teaches a range of coding topics. It’s a highly interactive way to introduce coding, with 13 levels of kinesthetic learning that grows with your child and their skill levels.

The game involves programming robot bunny game tokens with code cards. The goal is to eat the carrot and reach the destination before others do! CoderBunnyz covers a variety of basic and advanced programming concepts, including sequencing, looping, functions, branches, debugging, and inheritance.

14. Dash Robot

Platforms: Robot and app

Pricing: $179.99

Ages: 6+

Best Because: Dash Robot is a real robot that is charged and ready to play with right out of the box. Through the use of a connected app, your child is able to help Dash perform new behaviors, like dancing and singing, as well as move and navigate around objects. What makes Dash stand out from other games is that there are multiple apps available that align with various age groups, learning levels, and play styles. You can tailor the program to your specific child’s needs, giving them fun that is made for them.

15. Move the Turtle

Platforms: iOS

Pricing: $3.99

Ages: 5+

Best Because: 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.

Recommended: How to Make a Game on Scratch

Best Coding Games for Kids in Elementary School

16. Algorithm City

Platforms: Android

Pricing: Free

Ages: All ages

Best Because: Algorithm city teaches the basics of programming and algorithms. It has a fun, simple interface that young students can easily navigate. Using symbols, kids code functions that guide their character. Kkids learn command sequencing, functions and loops, by guiding the character by collecting golds and solving levels.

17. Tynker

Platforms: iOS/Android/Chromebook

Pricing: Free Trial ($12/mo)

Ages: 5+

Best Because: Winner of a large variety of awards, including Parents’ Choice Gold Award for coding games for kids, Tynker is an interactive game that makes programming accessible and fun for kids, regardless of their prior experience with the content. Using intuitive visual blocks to create games, kids have the ability to also write interactive stories, modify Minecraft, program drones, and explore other STEM topics.

Tynker also can be played offline without internet connectivity, and with your permission, your child could share their creations with the Tynker community and explore projects made by other kids, as well.

18. BitsBox

Platforms: Subscription box

Pricing: $16.95 per month

Ages: 6-12

Best Because: BitsBox stands apart from the other games on the list as it is a monthly subscription box that includes unique materials on different computer science topics. Each month, your child receives a box that contains various coding projects, ranging from simple to advanced. With the materials, they type the given code into the connected app and then revise it to make it their own.

The apps and materials change each month, so there is always something new and exciting. BitsBox runs on any computer, phone, or tablet with a web browser.

19. Scratch

Platforms: Browser, Windows, Mac, Android

Pricing: Free

Ages: 8-16

Best Because: Designed by educators at MIT, Scratch is based on a programming language and an online community where children can learn the basics of coding as well as move on to more advanced topics and concepts.

Through the use of interactive games, stories, and animations, children are able to not only enhance their skills for programming, but they are also increasing their creativity, reasoning skills, and learning how to successfully collaborate on projects- all essential skills for 21st-century workers.

Recommended: Scratch Games for Kids

20. Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set

Platforms: Robot

Pricing: $50.56

Ages: 5-8

Best Because: Brought to you from educational leader Learning Resources, Botley is an interactive robot that introduces coding to young kids in a friendly, easy, and fun way. Without requiring a computer or tablet, children are able to program Botley for up to 80 steps, including more advanced programming commands like looping.

With advanced features and steps as well, Botley can grow with your child, becoming more challenging as it goes. Botley also includes black line follow mode where users can draw a line with any type of marker and he will follow along the path.

21. Code Master

Platforms: Board Game

Pricing: $22.08

Ages: 8+

Best Because: Code Master is a programming logic game that teaches kids the basics of coding- all without a computer! In the game, the player gets an Avatar that they have to navigate around the board.

The goal of the game is to help the Avatar travel around the exotic world in search of power Crystals, leading them to collect them all and land at the Portal. Code Master features 60 different levels, so the fun is never the same! It teaches programming basics as well as planning, sequential reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

22. CodeMonkey

Platforms: Browser

Pricing: Free Trial ($7/mo )

Ages: 5-14

Best Because: 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.

23. CODE: On The Brink

Platforms: Board game

Pricing: $16.99

Ages: 8+

Best Because: On the Brink is part of a series of games that were designed to help kids build all of the skills necessary to be successful coders and understand even more advanced programming concepts down the line. Without the use of a screen, kids will be able to guide their robot along a path from start to finish, programming “procedures” which help it move along colored paths.

There are 40 different challenges that kids will come across, and their goal is to find the correct sequence of moves for each colored path. The board game teaches a variety of skills, including sequencing, problem-solving, and planning.

24. Goldieblox: Adventures in Coding

Platforms: iOS

Pricing: Free

Ages: 4+

Best Because: Recognized with The Toy Industry Association’s Toy of the Year and Apple’s iOS App of the Year awards, Goldieblox is shaking up the industry and challenging gender stereotypes with the world’s first girl engineer character. In this game, Goldie and her friend Ruby are trying to deliver cupcakes, but they need help getting directions for where to go.

Kids will have a blast programming the characters throughout town, and will learn all the basics of coding in the process. This game is inspiring for girls and shows them they truly can be anything they dream.

25. PlayShifu Tacto Coding Kit

Platform: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire

Price: $49.99

Ages: 4-10

Best Because: The TacoTo coding kit for young learners does more than direction-based coding. It teaches fundamental concepts of coding – inputs-output, loops, sequencing, decomposition, and branching. The kit comes with a silicone attachment and figurines that combine tactile play with programming in the app. As kids move their characters, they follow along on screen. There are over 200 levels of games, stories, and adventures that kids can try.

26. Osmo Coding

Platforms: iOS, Fire tablet + game system

Pricing: $49.60

Ages: 5-10

Best Because: Winner of both the Parent’s Choice Gold Award and the Oppenheim Best Toy Platinum Award, Osmo Coding is a hands-on game that connects the screen to real-life coding blocks. Through the use of the interactive gaming system, children can put their iPad in the Osmo base which senses what is placed in front of it.

They then use the coding blocks to map out commands, bringing the playful characters in the app on a fun adventure. Teaching logic and problem-solving skills as well as programming, Osmo Coding is an easy and engaging way to learn the basics.

27. LEGO Mindstorms

Platforms: iOS, Android

Pricing: Free

Ages: 7+

Best Because: 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 its 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.

Best Coding Games for Kids in Middle School

28. Minecraft

Platforms: PC, Android, iOS, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation, Wii, Amazon Fire, Oculus

Pricing: $6.99 (Android & iOS), $29.99 (PC and Mac)

Ages: 10+

Best Because: 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.

Although the game’s visuals may look dated to us adults, children are drawn to its simple looks and unique graphics.

The beauty of Minecraft is that it truly gives children the freedom to create and explore almost limitlessly, while also giving them missions and goals, inspiring their problem-solving, creativity, and logical thinking at the same time.

29. Swift Playgrounds

Platforms: iOS

Pricing: Free

Ages: 11+

Best Because: Swift Playgrounds is an innovative game for the iPad that helps children learn and experiment with code through interactive puzzles. Based on the powerful programming language created by Apple and used by most professionals to create mobile applications, Swift Playgrounds provides a platform for experimentation and creativity while teaching the basic definitions, terms, functions, and directions of coding.

Players can use their own photos, images, sounds, and files within the program to make it uniquely theirs, while new coding challenges are regularly released to keep it evolving and changing.

30. Hopscotch

Platforms: iOS

Pricing: Free

Ages: 9-15

Best Because: With over 10 million downloads and more than 26 million games created and counting, Hopscotch is a platform for kids to explore projects and learn how to code and make their own games. Users also have the ability to access other people’s projects and play, tweak, or remix it, providing inspiration and collaboration through Hopscotch’s fully moderated community.

The app also has detailed video tutorials that teach them how to make popular games, increasing in difficulty as they become a better programmer.

31. Code Car

Platforms: Mac, Windows

Pricing: $48.99

Ages: 8-12

Best Because: Shaped like a car, Code Car is actually a computer that allows kids to program and control it. Whether it be turning on the headlights and taillights, or sounding the siren and brakes, all functions of the car can be programmed to perform in a certain way.

There is even a speaker in the middle of the car that can be coded to play horn sounds, car alarms, or ice cream truck songs. As these tasks are added to the Code Car, kids will be learning the real, typed coding language C++. The kit connects to a simple coding editor which works on Mac, Windows, or Chromebook.

32. Mimo

Platforms: Android, iOS

Pricing: Free

Ages: 11+

Best Because: Mimo is a convenient platform that provides bite-sized coding lessons, projects, and challenges in an engaging and interesting way. With Mimo, your child can learn to code, build websites, automate tasks, make apps, and more.

With daily goals, streaks, and achievement badges, kids will feel like they are playing a game more than taking an educational lesson. Mimo also features continuous extensions and updates, giving it a fresh face as your child progresses.

33. Lightbot

Platforms: iOS, Android, Kindle Fire

Pricing: $2.99 (iOS/Android)

Ages: All ages

Best Because: Featured by Apple in over 100 countries and winner of multiple awards, Lightbot is an exciting game that gets kids hooked on coding within minutes.

Categorized as a programming puzzle game, Lightbot requires the user to guide a robot to light up tiles and solve different levels using commands, all while cultivating a real understanding of basic programming concepts like procedures, loops, and conditionals. With 50 levels and 20 challenge stars to collect, kids will have a blast competing and learning in this game.

34. CodeMancer

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iPad, and Kindle

Pricing: Free

Ages: 6-12

Best Because: CodeMancer uses a fantasy theme to teach the magic of coding. Kids code their way through a world of sorcerers and their minions. While learning about loops, functions, algorithms, and debugging, kids solve ancient puzzles and explore the world of magic! Kids will never experience syntax errors and they don’t have to read to play. This game has over 50 levels to keep the learning going.

35. Code Combat

Platforms: Browser

Pricing: Free

Ages: 9+

Best Because: 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. It’s an excellent coding game 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, teens are sure to have hours of fun while figuring this one out.

36. Cargo-Bot

Platforms: iPad

Pricing: Free

Ages: 9-11

Best Because: This puzzle app requires teens to “be logical.” The game features a programmable robot and 36 puzzles. Teens must program the robot to move crates within each puzzle, with the puzzles ranging from easy to difficult. By playing the game, teens learn how to approach problems in order to solve them quickly and efficiently.

Recommended: Python Games Development for Kids

Best Coding Games for Teens (High School & Up)

37. CodeWars

Platform: Browser

Pricing: Free

Ages: 14+

Best Because: CodeWars uses the idea of small coding exercises called “kata”. Each kata is crafted by the community to help you strengthen different coding skills. Kids can master a current language of choice, or learn any of the 55+ programming languages supported.You can earn ranks and honors to level up and be seen on the leaderboards. It’s a great way to see new coding perspectives, learn new language, and challenge your peers.

38. Check Io

Platforms: Browser

Pricing: Free

Ages: 14+

Best Because: CheckiO games for beginners and advanced programmers where you can improve your coding skills by solving engaging challenges and fun task using Python and TypeScript. This game is played in the browser and organically integrates coding and learning as you complete missions. You can learn from other developers by seeing clear solutions to the same problem. This game does require solid reading and typing skills, so I recommend it for older students.

39. CodinGame

Platforms: Browser

Pricing: Free

Ages: 14+

Best Because: CodinGame is a great place to practice, but doesn’t provide any tutorial to learn the basics of programming from scratch. You can play with friends or compete internally. Practice and learn coding by solving fun challenges in 25+ languages addressing all the hot programming topics. CodinGame also has recruiters to help users find a job and practice programming interviews. This is great for older students who are interested in an internship or career in coding.

40. Codea

Platforms: iOS

Pricing: $14.99

Ages: 14+

Best Because: Codea is a code editor that allows you to create games and engaging simulations, turning your thoughts into interactive creations. Designed to teach coding for teens and older students, Codea is a visual code editor that actually lets one touch the code to alter or edit it.

Built on the Lua programming language, kids can type their code, press play to watch it run, then interact with it to see what happens, including changing the colors, adding images, and adjusting the sounds. Codea also allows sharing code across the community, so they can see other kids’ projects and explore or get inspired by them.

41. Hack ‘n’ Slash

Platforms: iOS

Pricing: $13.37

Ages: 14+

Best Because: This fun coding game combines programming and puzzles, all set within an engaging story. A wizard, presumably evil, has ordered everyone to stay in the village. Teens act as the villagers in the game, looking for ways to escape and overcome the wizard by reprogramming objects, changing story variables and creature behaviors, and rewriting the game’s code.

42. SpaceChem

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Steam

Pricing: $9.99

Ages: 14+

Best Because: In this game, students act as a reactor engineer for SpaceChem, “the leading chemical synthesizer for frontier colonies.” This coding game employs puzzles and programming with an exciting story. The challenges vary, from constructing functional laboratories to meeting production quotas—all while surviving encounters with the “things” that haunt the SpaceChem facility.

Recommended: Coding for Kids, Free Resources

Kids Can Start Programming Games at Any Age

No matter what age your child or student is, coding is a skill that will benefit kids for the rest of their lives. Kids can even build and code their own games in our 12-week online coding classes. We teach coding for elementary school (grades 3-5), middle (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12) students and no experience is necessary. In the summer, take an accelerated version of our classes in 3-week summer coding classes. Kids learn to code fun games and projects in every class using real-world languages like Python, JavaScript, and more!

By introducing and practicing coding concepts through entertaining games, kids will view learning as a treat instead of homework. With our list of top coding games for kids, your young engineer is on his or her way to a lifetime of learning.

The post 39 Best Coding Games For Kids 2024 appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.