Daisy the Dinosaur
Cost
Free
Available on
Why we like it
Simple and accessible for young children, Daisy the Dinosaur is one of the best coding apps for kids because of how easy it introduces them to computer programming.
Using this app, kids can make Daisy roll, spin, jump, grow, and even shrink by inputting basic sequences of instructions. Plus, an easy drag and drop interface lets children animate Daisy and make her dance on-screen!
Despite being an App store exclusive, iPhone and iPad users will be able to enjoy Daisy all day long with their children - especially when they have a fun dinosaur friend to help them learn how to code.
Hopster Coding Safari
Cost
Free
Available on
Why we like it
An animal-themed pre-coding logic game, Hopster Coding Safari is a great app to help kids learn basic coding without overcomplicating things.
Ideally suited to kids aged 4+, the objective is to get different animals to where they need to be - it really is as simple as that! Besides coding, kids who use this app are also taught problem solving and planning skills, so they really do get an all-round learning experience.
Whether it’s helping a mother tiger find her den or assisting a penguin back to its Antarctic ice hole, if your tech-savvy child is also an animal lover, they’ll love this app just as much!
ScratchJr
Cost
Free
Available on
Why we like it
Designed to introduce programming to 5-7-year-olds, ScratchJr combines the thrill of coding with the joy of adventure.
Available on both iOS and Android devices, this app lets kids build their own interactive stories and games. Children can snap together graphical programming blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, and even sing!
They can modify characters in the paint editor, too, as well as adding their own voices and sounds. There’s even the option for them to insert photos of themselves - before using the programming blocks to make their characters come to life.
If this app doesn’t get kids excited about coding, we don’t know what will!
codeSpark Academy
Cost
Free (with in-app purchases)
Available on
Why we like it
Developed for kids aged 7-9, codeSpark Academy has enough cool features to equip the children of today with the skills of tomorrow!
Imagine hundreds of activities and games teaching kids the fundamentals of computer science and getting them excited about STEM learning. Plus, every story on the app is monitored by codeSpark’s own moderators before being published, giving kid coders the safety and privacy they deserve.
Want your kids to learn coding in a fun, secure setting? codeSpark Academy can give you that!
Tynker
Cost
Free (with in-app purchases)
Available on
Why we like it
One of the best coding apps for kids and teens alike, Tynker offers an interactive learning experience that introduces children to coding and all its wonders.
Expert guidance from live coaches makes coding fun and ensures success. Perfect for kids age 7 and above, this app delivers self-paced learning that your little ones can enjoy no matter what their abilities are.
Everywhere you look on Tynker, you’ll find immersive game-like courses and exciting puzzles - your kids are going to love it!
Code Land
Cost
Free (with in-app purchases)
Available on
Why we like it
Helping kids aged 4-10 learn how to code, Code Land is an educational app designed to peak their interest in programming every time they open it.
With Code Land, kids can learn some of the most important skills for the 21st century - science, programming, logic, algorithms, etc. - by playing fun, visually engaging games.
Ready to take your child from code novice to expert developer? There’s puzzles for all abilities at Code Land!
Algorithm City
Cost
Free
Available on
Why we like it
Available as an Android exclusive app, Algorithm City is a coding metropolis your kids won’t be able to resist exploring!
Featuring 51 levels across 4 chapters, players guide their characters through various puzzles, collecting golds along the way. On their journey, they’ll get to grips with the fundamentals of coding - such as command sequences, functions and loops - as well as encountering various whimsical animal characters to keep them entertained.
Whether your child has just begun coding or wants a refresher of basic principles, there’s a virtual home for them in Algorithm City.
Mimo
Cost
Free (with in-app purchases)
Available on
Why we like it
By the time kids reach their teenage (or even pre-teen) years, they want coding apps with more maturity.
Enter Mimo.
Used by children and adults around the world, Mimo builds coding practice around free, bite-sized lessons. You can learn Python, JavaScript, HTML and other programming languages in your own time, at your own pace.
Just make sure your kids finish their homework before firing up the app - who knows, maybe their next assignment will require Mimo anyway!
Sololearn
Cost
Free (with in-app purchases)
Available on
Why we like it
Whether you’re completely new to coding or a budding young developer in your free time, level up like a boss with Sololearn!
Access over 20 different programming languages on this app, including Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, C++, and more.
Expert developers have created this app’s core, easy-to-complete lessons and tailored them specifically to individual skill levels. You get to program and build to your heart’s content, practising and improving your coding abilities all the time.
We can’t think of a better app to help kids prepare for an adulthood of coding than Sololearn!
Get the right device for your kids coding apps
No matter what apps you download to help your kids on their coding journey, make sure to equip them with the best devices as well, whether that be a new smartphone or an iOS or Android tablet.
Think the smartphone route is best? Check out the best SIM cards for kids and the best phones for teens with Asda mobile.
Also, don’t forget to learn how to set up parental controls so your little ones can discover code safely on their devices.
Other helpful guide for parents include:
