Kids today spend a lot of time on mobile devices, so why not turn that screen time into something productive? With best + free coding apps for kids, they can learn programming in a fun and engaging way directly from their phones or tablets. Coding not only entertains but also builds essential skills like problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity.

To make it easier for you, we’ve carefully selected apps with ratings of 4.0 and above to ensure your child gets the best learning experience. This guide highlights the top coding apps for kids, featuring interactive games, puzzles, and storytelling. And if you’re looking for even more resources, check out our guide on 10 Best Free Coding Websites for Kids to Learn Programming for a wider range of coding tools to explore.

Prepare Your Kids for the Future with These Coding Apps that help them dive into the programming world.

Explore Best + Free Coding Apps for Kids

1. Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids is one of the best free coding apps for kids ( 100% FREE! No ads, no subscriptions ) filled with fun games and activities to help kids learn subjects like math and reading. It uses colorful cartoons and characters to make learning enjoyable and also teaches important social skills.

2. CodeSpark Academy

CodeSpark Academy is a free app that teaches kids the fundamentals of coding through fun, game-like puzzles and activities. It uses a no-words interface and is designed for kids aged 5 to 9, making it perfect even for pre-readers. Kids can solve coding challenges, create games, and learn logic and problem-solving skills in a playful environment.

3. Tynker Junior

Tynker Junior is a free app that introduces young kids to coding through interactive puzzles and adventures. With colorful characters and drag-and-drop blocks, kids learn sequencing, loops, and conditions in a game-based setting. Tynker Junior is tailored for kids aged 5 to 7 and provides a smooth transition into more advanced coding as they progress.

4. LightBot: Code Hour

LightBot is a fun and engaging puzzle game that teaches coding logic and problem-solving skills. Kids control a robot by instructing it to light up tiles and introducing them to concepts like sequencing, loops, and conditionals. This app is free and designed for children aged 8 and above, making it a great introduction to coding fundamentals.

5. Hopscotch

Hopscotch is a free coding app that allows kids to create games, animations, and stories using a simple drag-and-drop interface. It’s designed for children aged 9 and up and provides a platform for them to learn coding by experimenting and building their interactive projects. While the app offers paid features, its free version provides plenty of resources for beginner coders.

6. Kodable

Kodable is a fun coding app that teaches kids programming fundamentals through interactive lessons and games. The free version covers critical concepts such as sequences, loops, and functions, making it suitable for kids aged 5 to 10. Kodable offers paid options for more advanced lessons, but the free content is ideal for beginners.

7. Blockly for Dash & Dot Robots

Blockly Games offers free educational games designed to teach kids coding concepts through block-based programming. As kids progress through the puzzles, they gradually transition from blocks to actual code, making it an ideal stepping stone to more complex languages. Suitable for kids aged 8 and older, Blockly Games covers fundamental coding principles in a visual, easy-to-understand format.

8. SoloLearn

SoloLearn is a free coding app offering courses in various programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, HTML, and more. While it’s more suited for older kids and teens, SoloLearn is an excellent resource for children ready to dive into text-based coding. It’s available on mobile and web, allowing kids to learn coding on the go.

Coding for kids

10. ScratchJr

ScratchJr is an introductory programming app for young children. It allows them to create interactive stories and games by dragging and dropping visual code blocks. Developed by MIT, ScratchJr is designed for kids aged 5 to 7. It offers a playful and simple interface that introduces the basics of programming in an easy-to-grasp way.

11. Code Land: Coding for Kids

Code Land is an interactive app designed to introduce young children (ages 4-8) to the world of coding. Through engaging games, kids learn basic coding concepts such as sequencing, patterns, and logic. The app uses a colorful, user-friendly interface with fun characters that guide children through puzzles and challenges, making it an ideal starting point for early learners.

12. Coding Games for Kids

Coding Games for Kids is an app that teaches children how to code through various coding-based mini-games. It is designed for kids ages 6 and up and covers fundamental coding concepts, such as loops, variables, and conditionals, in a game-based environment. The app is a fun and engaging way for children to develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills while learning basic programming techniques.

13. Kids Coding Skills

Kids Coding Skills is an educational app that focuses on teaching programming through fun exercises. Suitable for kids aged 6 and older, it introduces them to key coding concepts such as sequencing, loops, and basic logic through interactive games and puzzles. The app provides a hands-on way to practice coding, making it a great tool for young learners to build their skills.

14. Coda Academy Go

Coda Academy Go is an app designed to teach kids how to code by guiding them through fun coding challenges and puzzles. It introduces them to programming concepts and helps improve their problem-solving skills in a game-like environment.

Free coding apps for kids

15. Lightbot

Lightbot is a puzzle game that uses coding logic to solve challenges. It helps kids understand sequencing, loops, and procedures while guiding a robot through a series of tasks.

16. SpriteBox Coding

SpriteBox is a mix of adventure and coding. Kids explore colorful levels while solving puzzles using block-based coding that transitions into text-based programming, helping them gradually learn real coding skills.

17. Programming Hero

Programming Hero turns coding lessons into interactive games. It teaches Python, web development, and other programming skills through fun challenges, making learning enjoyable for older kids and teens.

18. Sphero Edu

Sphero Edu is designed to work with Sphero robots, helping kids learn coding by creating programs to control their robots. It supports block-based coding, JavaScript, and text programming for hands-on learning.

19. Dodoo Adventure

Dodoo Adventure teaches problem-solving and logical thinking through fun coding challenges. Kids guide characters by solving puzzles, introducing them to programming concepts in a colorful environment.

20. Cato’s Hike

Cato’s Hike lets kids guide the character Cato through various worlds using simple programming. It teaches foundational concepts like loops and conditionals, making it a great introduction for young learners.

21. Code the Robot. Save the Cat

This app combines coding and storytelling as kids program a robot to rescue a cat. It teaches logical thinking and basic coding concepts like sequencing and patterns through fun adventures.

22. Booeys: A Ghost’s Code

Booeys: A Ghost’s Code is a spooky-themed puzzle game that teaches kids to think critically and solve problems using coding logic. Kids help ghost characters by creating step-by-step programs.

23. Lightbot Jr

Lightbot Jr introduces young children to coding basics like sequencing and loops. It features simpler levels and age-appropriate challenges compared to the original Lightbot app.

24. Code Adventures: Coding Puzzles

Code Adventures offers a visually stunning puzzle game that teaches coding concepts through interactive challenges. Kids explore different worlds and solve puzzles using loops, conditions, and sequencing.

25. Thinkrolls: Kings & Queens

Thinkrolls: Kings & Queens combines problem-solving and logic puzzles with a medieval adventure theme. It helps develop critical thinking and sequencing skills in a fun and engaging way.

26. Hopster Coding Safari for Kids

Hopster Coding Safari introduces toddlers to basic coding concepts through animal-themed puzzles. It’s designed to develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way for young children.

27. Robozzle

Robozzle is one of the free coding apps for kids that teaches programming logic through user-created puzzles. It’s suitable for children aged 6 and above, offering a fun way to learn sequencing, conditionals, and recursion.

28. Programming Hub

Programming Hub offers a wide range of coding courses in various programming languages. It’s suitable for older kids and teens, providing interactive lessons and examples to enhance learning.

29. Tynker

Tynker provides a comprehensive coding platform for kids, offering interactive courses and games that teach programming concepts. It’s designed to make learning code fun and accessible for children aged 7 to 13.

30. Human Resource Machine

Human Resource Machine is a puzzle game that teaches programming concepts through office-themed challenges. It’s suitable for older kids and teens, offering a unique and engaging way to learn coding .

In this guide, we introduced the best and free coding apps for kids that make learning programming fun and engaging. These apps offer flexibility, allowing children to learn at their own pace through fun games and activities.

They are designed for all skill levels, whether kids are starting with block-based coding or advancing to text-based coding like JavaScript.

By exploring these apps, kids can develop important skills like problem-solving, creativity, and logical thinking, all while having fun. Early exposure to coding sets them up for future success and sparks a lifelong interest in technology.

Looking to save on coding classes and programs for your child? Many of the top coding platforms offer discounts and promo codes throughout the year. Check out our Coupons & Discounts for Kids’ Coding Classes to grab great deals on coding bootcamps, courses, and more!