Best Coding Websites for Kids
Today, we're going to explore the best coding websites and platforms for kids!
From Scratch (the block-based visual programming language developed by the MIT Media Lab) to Python to Javascript, it's never been more engaging or accessible to learn the fundamentals of computer science.
Let's take a look at the top picks for kid coders!
Why Coding Websites?
Coding is a great way to introduce younger kids to the future. From coding games like Minecraft to creating mobile apps for Android to working with open-source web development via Linux, it helps prepare students for many exciting & innovative careers.
Through online learning, kids coding not only improves problem-solving and creative skills, but bolsters STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curriculum that will propel a student from elementary school to high school and beyond.
Coding skills are in high demand, and through handy online tutorials and instruction, computer programming is within reach of anybody with a device, internet connection, and the passion to go on a programming language adventure!
Programming Languages
Before we jump into sites, let's take a quick look at the best coding programs for kids.
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Scratch: This highly intuitive, visually based coding language is great for younger coders. With the use of coding blocks—you don't have to deal with complicated written code—kids 8+ can quickly & easily program their own games and basic coding concepts!
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Snap: Created at UC Berkeley, this is a variant of Scratch. It acts as a stepping stone to more advanced coding. Another big advantage? Snap apps allow for easy conversion to text-based programs like Python and Javascript.
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Python: This is the first text-based coding language on the list. Popular among beginners and pros alike, this is the top choice for getting into real-world programming. This prepares aspiring coders for more advanced languages like C++ and Java.
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HTML/CSS: Interested in design, namely web development and apps? HTML (which is the code used for building most web pages) and CSS (which is used for how a page looks) come together as the dynamic duo for learning how to make your own website!
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Javascript: Last but not least, we have Javascript. If you have an interest in web development, it pays to learn this coding language. Typically going hand in hand with CSS and HTML, Javascript is a cornerstone for development.
Want to learn more about the best programming languages for kids? From game development on Scratch to coding apps with Python, Juni Learning is here to help!
Through coding lessons for kids 8-18 and step-by-step tailored guidance, we teach kids all the tips & tricks to becoming well-versed and confident in computer programming.
Ready to dive into the top websites for kid coders? Let's go!
Best Coding Websites
Without further ado, here are the best platforms for kids of all ages!
Juni Learning
We'd be remissed to not call out ourselves! Although all the coding websites listed below are great resources to kids, we are partial to Juni Learning.
Started by Stanford grads and ex-googlers, Juni Learning teaches kids a range of coding languages and disciplines from Scratch to Web Development to C++ to Machine Learning and much more. We offer Private 1:1 tutoring that kids love.
We take a discovery and project-based approach to our expert-designed curriculum and couple our courses with highly-vetted and qualified instructors from top US universities.
To learn more check out junilearning.com or speak with an Advisor by emailing advisors@learnwithjuni.com.
On to the rest, listed in alphebetical order!
Blockly
Developed by Google, Blockly is a drag-and-drop, block-based programming language. Free and open-source, it's built as a pure Javascript library (while supporting 5 programming languages) and allows a user to create visual programming editors.
The website provides guides, references, samples, and more. It's completely client-side, meaning you don't have to rely on server-side. It's also highly customizable and works with every major browser.
CodeCombat
Want to have fun learning Python and Javascript? CodeCombat does just that through the use of a role-playing game (RPG). Essentially an educational video game, it helps teach languages like JavaScript, Python, HTML and CoffeeScrip.
As proclaimed on the site—"Learn to Code Through the Power of Play"—CodeCombat promotes active learning through gameplay and live online classes.
Codemoji
Looking for a great starting point to learn HTML, CSS, and Javascript? Codemoji, which is tailored for kids in the 1st grade up to 8th grade, helps kids build their skill sets in an entertaining yet challenging approach.
Created with schools in mind, Codemoji gets rid of the complication and replaces it with clean syntax and relatable emojis. It also allows users to grow at their own pace.
CodeMonkey
Another game-based platform, CodeMonkey prides itself on teaching kids with no previous coding experience. Students not only learn programming basics but also how to use real coding languages.
Along with game-based learning, CodeMonkey helps to instill the fundamentals of text-based languages. This encourages practice that is akin to real-world programming.
Code Monster
Part of the Crunchzilla educational projects, Code Monster is considered a great first step in learning to program. This interactive tutorial serves as an easy approach for younger kids to get their feet wet in the world of coding!
Though it's not meant to teach all aspects of computer science, it's geared to beginners so they can create and experiment with code in a fundamental & fun way.
Code.org
As a nonprofit, Code.org focuses on young women and students from marginalized racial and ethnic groups. They are considered the largest provider of computer science curriculum to schools in the United States.
Code.org is also the creator of Hour of Code, an annual campaign that has reached approximately 15% of the world's K-12 students.
Codecademy
Codecademy is an interactive platform that offers free lessons in 12 different languages. These include Python, Java, Go, JavaScript, Ruby, SQL, C++, C#, Swift, and Sass, HTML, and CSS. Their mission is to provide everyone with the skills needed in the 21st century.
From data science to front-end engineering, Codecademy offers a variety of courses for all ages. And if you're not sure where to start, they offer a free quiz to help out!
LightBot
If you're looking for a way to disguise programming logic with fun, LightBot is a great pick! It helps children learn coding through engaging puzzle games.
Played by more than 20 million kids, LightBot is a highly popular app designed specifically for first-time coders. The only problem is that it’s hard to put down!
Tynker
From intro computing to Python to advanced CSS, Tynker is one of the best educational programming platforms for kids.
Utilizing interactive story-based learning, the platform starts with block-based programming that then smoothly transitions into text-based languages like Python and JavaScript. Kids ages 5-18 can explore more than 4,100 learning modules.
Kodable
Trusted by many schools, Kodable helps children build a solid coding foundation. This platform specializes in two age groups: ages 4-7 (via drag-and-drop programming and more) and ages 7-10 (through Java and other object-oriented programming).
Touted as one of the best platforms for pre-reader coding, Kodable teaches programming through engaging games developed with teachers and kids.
Scratch
Teaching coding (and learning a language) can seem like a complicated, intimidating affair. That's not the case with Scratch! Developed at MIT, this free coding language & website is highly accessible to beginners and children of all ages.
This is a particularly great starting point to learn basic programming skills via block coding. All you need is a compatible device (desktop, laptop, iPad, and so on), internet connection, and a Scratch account to be part of the largest free coding community for kids!
Have a child age 5-7? ScratchJr was created with them just in mind! This is also a free website that encourages rich learning through fun games.
Swift
As an intuitive yet powerful programming language, Swift was developed for all things Apple (from Mac to iOS). Technically not a coding website, it nonetheless has to be mentioned as being a great first language for kids to learn.
Safe, robust, and open-source, Swift offers concise & fun syntax, removing a lot of the intimidating elements found in more traditional languages.
Next Steps
We hope you enjoyed our rundown of the best coding platforms for kids!
As you can see, there’s a wide range of resources available to parents and kids alike. It can be daunting to take it all in, but with the right assistance you’ll be on your way to a fun & rewarding journey of coding confidence!
Read about our online classes for kids, or contact our Advisors to learn which courses are best for your student’s coding journey by emailing advisors@learnwithjuni.com.
Juni Learning offers award-winning online courses for kids ages 7-18. Explore private courses in real world skills like coding, investing, communications and much more. We strive to empower students everywhere with passion, creativity, and excitement for hands-on learning.
