There is no better time than now to get your kids coding. It doesn’t matter if you’re coding for fun or professionally – coding can be a rewarding and lucrative career path. 

To help with this goal, we put together the top 10 kid-friendly coding resources. These range from programs that teach coding basics in a playful way to more advanced courses that will prepare them for an IT degree program or a career role in one of many areas such as game development or web development.

So without further adieu, let’s get to it.

Resource #1: iCode 

iCode is the leader in onsite STEM education classes for students in elementary through high school. 

As one of the few options that offer in-person classes, students will benefit from soft skills gained through the classroom setting. Students collaborate on projects and present their results to their classmates helping them to build important teamwork skills that will benefit them throughout life.

Classes range in topics from coding languages like Java and Python, to video game development, web development, robotics, drone programming, and even digital arts! 

Students can choose courses based on their interests and schedule and parents will appreciate the budget-friendly options, too!

iCode’s in-house curriculum development team ensures that your child is always being challenged with hands-on, project-based learning using the latest technology. 

Resource # 2: Code.org

Code.org is a online coding resource for kids. It offers resources such as coding projects for kids, coding challenges, and coding games. 

It’s a good place to start if you’re looking to introduce your kids to coding! With this coding platform, students will learn coding basics through simple games like Angry Birds or Plants vs. Zombies. 

Once they become more advanced coders – around the middle school age – Code.org offers more difficult coding challenges.

With Code.org, kids will get a chance to build their coding skills while playing computer games and solving puzzles. 

Resource #3: CodeMonkey 

CodeMonkey also offers online coding lessons that teach computer programming through playing video games. 

Several different online coding courses are available on the website with various themes, including space adventure, zombies, superheroes, and more. 

CodeMonkey is an excellent resource if you’re looking for an online, interactive way of teaching the basics of programming languages.

Resource #4: Code Avengers 

Code Avengers is another online option that teaches kids the principles behind coding and coding languages, markup, and scripts like Python, CSS/HTML, Java, and Javascript. 

They use fun, interactive courses, and the website has a real-time coding interface that empowers kids to see their coding in action as they’re building it. You can even save your work and come back to it later! 

Code Avengers also offers an Apple iPad mobile app so students can practice coding on the go. Additionally, it is good for kids that may be hesitant to learn a new concept as it creates a fun, video-game style of learning.

Resource #5: Treehouse Kids 

Treehouse Kids is another online resource where kids will enjoy learning basic programming through watching videos and answering quizzes about what they learned from each one. 

It’s a colorful site, great for early learners, using cute animal characters that help guide kids along their journey. The site offers coding courses that are beginner, intermediate, or advanced in difficulty. 

Resource #6: Google’s Code Studio

You might be surprised to know that Google also offers coding resources for kids. 

They’ve created a coding computer program called Code Studio to teach kids basic coding concepts through fun projects and lesson plans they can do on their own time from home. 

Google’s Code Studio can be set to beginner, intermediate, or advanced difficulty level. It is designed to help kids learn coding concepts while practicing other academic skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. 

Resource #7: Code Academy

This coding app is perfect for people who want to learn how to code in an online coding environment on your computer OR tablet.

Code Academy offers coding activities and tutorials that range from beginner to intermediate to advanced coding levels – perfect for kids looking to learn coding as a hobby or to potentially start building a career skill set.

Resource #8: ICT Club 

ICT Club is another coding program designed to give kids the opportunity to build their coding knowledge through game-based learning and fun projects. It offers both coding games and projects that teach the fundamentals in an enjoyable setting.

ICT Club is a great online coding platform designed with kids’ interests in mind.

Resource #9: CodeCombat 

CodeCombat is an online game that teaches players programming concepts in a fun and engaging way. It’s great for kids who are looking to learn coding concepts through a video game. 

The cool thing about CodeCombat is that it can be used as an educational resource by teachers, or students can play the game on their own time and practice coding at home.

Resource #10: Scratch Jr. 

Scratch Jr is another computer programming learning game created by MIT Media Lab – just like Code Monster. 

It’s aimed at early learners (elementary school age). It’s particularly helpful if you’re interested in using apps or iPad, Android, and iOS programs to introduce your child to coding education materials.

With ScratchJr, users can create games that they’ll love playing and sharing with friends. 

How to Choose the Right Coding Path for Your Child

As you can see, there are several options available to teach your child programming skills regardless of age.

However, we understand that it can be a little overwhelming to navigate all of the choices. You can narrow the options down with a few simple steps. 

• Start with free apps and sites to allow your child to try different options and get a feel for what learning styles they respond to best.
• Narrow down your options based on offerings that match your child’s learning style, interests, and age group. This is critical to ensuring they can keep pace with the curriculum yet remain challenged. 

 If you have questions or need a bit more guidance, we would love to chat with you and help you work through your options. 

 To get started, reach out today to discuss iCode offerings and determine the best path forward for your child.

 Happy coding!