This year, Computer Science Education Week is taking place on December 9-15, 2024. Now is the time to celebrate! Break out the laptops, mechanical keyboards, iPads, or even pencils – whatever you’re coding with for these free Hour of Code activities.

What is Computer Science Education Week?

Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.

What is Hour of Code?

The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify “code”, to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts. This grassroots campaign is supported by over 400 partners and 200,000 educators worldwide.

For organizations that are dedicated to coding and STEM education, this week is a time for us to introduce more kids to coding in a simple and fun way.

One of the best ways to participate is through Hour of Code. Spend one hour this week coding and see if coding is right for you. If you’re a teacher, organize an Hour of Code for your class. You can start with the activities below or get creative and create your own.

We’ve compiled some of our favorite free games and Hour of Code activities here for you. We have over 25+ Hour of Code activities, games, and tutorials for kids and teens of all ages. It’s never too late or too early to learn computer science and we encourage every child to try. These activities are beginner-friendly and easy to complete.

Free Hour of Code Activities for Kids

Here are some of the best Hour of Code games, tutorials, and activities for all ages.

1. Hour of Code Tutorials

Grades K – 12

Fun and easy tutorials in Scratch, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Python that kids can do in just one hour. They’ll get step-by-step instructions on how to build an Hour of Code game or app. These are fun coding activities for beginners and students practicing their coding skills.

2. Tynker Hour of Code

Grades K – 12

For students and teachers, Tynker has over 500 challenges in 14 coding puzzles and 40+ tutorials. You can check out these Hour of Code activities by grade or topic that feature themes like Barbie and Hot Wheels. If you’re looking for inspiration, the gallery is full of fun examples from other kids.

3. Virtual Robotics Competition

Grades 1 – 12

Tech Point Youth is celebrating in Indiana with a robotics coding challenge. Students will code their way through one of the activities using VEXcode VR for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Play with a team, even if you can’t meet, and complete this Hour of Code robotics activity from the comfort of your own home.

4. Unplugged Coding Activities

Grades K – 5

Go sans screen time with Kodable’s coding unplugged collection of Hour of Code games and lessons. No computer? No problem! Learn basic programming skills and practice using core coding commands without the use of a device.  Students will watch a video about programming (optional), then complete self-guided worksheets about coding basics. All worksheets will include instructions and examples so you can get started right away.

5. Hour of Drawing with Code

Grades 3+

Learn how to draw and color with code. Draw a snowman, wild animal, and even a self-portrait using JavaScript. You can also choose the hour of webpages or the hour of databases track. You won’t need to download anything because the coding editor is embedded in the website.

6. AI Lessons Unplugged

Grades K – 5

Free unplugged lessons about Artificial Intelligence and machine learning from Edsquare. It’s available in 2 versions: online (Google Slides) and printables. You get 5 activities for elementary school learning activities that make AI simple and fun for kids.

7. Code with Ana and Elsa

Grades K – 5

Use these Hour of Code activities to join Anna and Elsa as they explore the magic and beauty of ice. You will create snowflakes and patterns as you ice-skate and make a winter wonderland that you can then share with your friends. Watch the video for hints and a walkthrough of the code in Blockly.

8. Digital Escape Room

Grades K – 5

Your class is ready to code when a firewall goes up and no one can get online! In this Hour of Code activity, your teacher needs you to use logic and reasoning to break through and save the day in this digital escape room. Clues are all around and might even be hidden in the Blockly maze game.

9. Generation AI

Grades 2 – 12

Venture through time to create AI-powered inventions in the new Minecraft Hour of Code: Generation AI. Kids use problem-solving, creativity, and computational thinking with the principles of Responsible AI. Code in blocks or Python to learn the basics of coding and how to build a better AI for all.

10. Code Combat Hour of Code

Grades 6+

Embark on an epic quest to learn coding. You will take control of the games using your programming skills. Learn JavaScript and Python by completing these activities complete with video and lesson plans.

11. Minecraft Hour of Code

Grades 2+

Minecraft has teamed up with Code.org for a new Minecraft Hour of Code activity: Minecraft Generation AI. This year’s lesson is offered in both Blocks and Python. The free lesson is available to all users, even those who don’t currently have a Minecraft: Education Edition license. 

Recommended: Summer Minecraft camps

12. Lego Plants and Pollinators

Grades 6+

Using a LEGO representation, you will model the relationship between a pollinator and flower during the reproduction phase. This Hour of Code activity includes lessons and materials for both teachers and students. 

13. Google CS First

Grades 4 – 8

Explore computer science without a computer. CS First includes a free printable booklet for coding unplugged that contains three computational thinking activities in which students learn about how computer science helps us communicate and stay connected with people around the world. You get a print-friendly booklet and other materials that don’t require any technology.

14. Code Your Hero

Grades 3 – 5

Choose an everyday hero from their own lives and build a story or game using code that gives their hero superpowers. You can read over the free lesson plan and watch videos. Follow along to learn about computer science and Scratch, and turn an everyday hero into a superhero.

15. CodeHS

Grades 9+

High school students have a host of Hour of Code tutorials with CodeHS. Use react native to code a mobile app, do web design and digital art, or learn the basics of Java. They even have something for advanced topics like cryptocurrency and data visualization. 

16. CodeBytes Daily Live Mini-Lessons

Grades K – 12

Interactive mini-lessons from CodeBytes are fun and simple, only 20 minutes each. Train a computer for AI, simulate a virus outbreak, or take a journey with Minecraft in these fun Hour of Code activities.

Recommended: 7 Free Printable Coding Worksheets

17. Building a Galaxy With Code

Grades 1+

The force is strong with this Hour of Code activity! Code.org challenges you to build a galaxy with code. You can use drag-drop blocks in the Blocky platform or combine that with JavaScript to move your droid and collect the pieces needed to accomplish your mission.

18. Monkeying Around

Grades Pre-K – 6

Non-readers can start learning coding fundamentals with CodeMonkey Jr. while older students can start playing with CodeMonkey. Use these mini lessons to learn block programming using sequencing, loops, logic, and more. Teachers can get access to solutions and lesson plans with a free account.

19. Tinkercad 3D

Grades 3+

Tinkercad is a free online collection of software tools that help students create in 3D. Interactive learning activities help beginners take their first steps in computational design and modeling. They also feature 28 interactive lessons on exploring physical computing and coding with Arduino, which is a great learning tool for kids interested in coding and hardware.

20. Moana Hour of Code

Grades 3+

Disney princess Moana takes you on a quest wayfinding with code. Join Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of Disney’s Moana, and get involved with Hour of Code! Team up with a virtual village of coders to stop the Kakamora coconut pirates from wrecking the internet. Complete 19 lessons to defeat the Kakamora and earn your badge.

21. Coral Reef Cleanup

Grades 3+

This aquatic challenge is a great place to learn, whether you’re a beginning block coder or have experience. Vex Robotics gives you different levels based on experience. In the Coral Reef Cleanup activity, you are equipped with a VR Ocean Cleaning Robot to help clean the Mangrove Reef. Collect as much trash as you can before the solar-powered batteries on your robot run down. 

22. Hour of Code Dance Party

Grades K – 12

One of my favorite things to do with my students, host a dance party! This was a popular new activity from last year and it includes popular songs from your favorite artists that you can’t help but dance to. Complete the free hour and try the extended project to keep dancing. 

23. Crack a Caesar Cipher!

Grades 9+

Learn about simple encryption in this lesson. You will be introduced to why we need encryption and simple techniques for breaking (or cracking) secret messages. 

24. Hour of Code with Your Besties!

Grades 3+

Vidcode teamed up with Girl Scouts of Greater New York for a series of free coding activities centered on a shared commitment to give teen girls leadership and STEM opportunities. Vidcode teaches teens computer programming through one of their favorite hobbies: video-making. Try these collaborative, social, and creative coding activities.

25. Khan Academy

Grades 6+

Use HTML/CSS and JavaScript SQL to draw with code, build websites, or play with data in these Hour of Code activities. The coding editor is built into the website so there’s no setup and you learn using talk-throughs, challenges, and projects designed to teach all of the basics.

Don’t be intimidated, try coding for just one hour.

Code builds the world around us and digital literacy can help kids find success in college, career, and beyond.

Hopefully, these activities inspire and educate you. You can also take your coding skills to the next level with live, online coding classes at CodeWizardsHQ. They’re the most fun and effective coding classes for kids ages 8-18. Enroll today.

Thanks for celebrating Computer Science Education Week with us! 

The post 25+ Free Hour of Code Activities & Games for Kids appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

The post Hour of Code: Coding Activities for Kids and Teens appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.