At Pueblo Science, we think learning how to code is one of the most useful skills you can obtain in today’s world. Teaching your kids coding can seem daunting at first, especially if you’re not a programmer yourself. However, it can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family with the right tools at hand. Underneath, we have compiled a list of high-quality resources that you can use together with your kids, regardless of age, to start mastering programming today!

Scratch Jr. (age 5-7)

Scratch Jr. is available as a free app and enables young children ages 5-7 to programme their own interactive stories and games. In the process, children learn how to solve problems, design projects, and express their creativity on the computer.

Code.org (age 4+)

Code.org is a non-profit foundation website is a great starting point for coding novices. It offers plenty of useful online resources, apps, and even local schools that teach coding. The site’s ‘Hour of code’ allows children to learn code with fun programming exercises involving Frozen and Minecraft. It even features video lectures from coding superstars like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.

Codable (age 4-10)

Kodable is an award-winning coding curriculum, which is designed to teach computer science to kids in the age 4 to 11. With Kodable, kids can learn the fundamentals of every modern programming language. During the process, kids will learn skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

Tynker (age 7+)

Tynker is a computing platform that inspires children to learn computer programming the fun way. With Tynker, kids can create games, apps, and interactive stories available for web and mobile platforms. Tynker has made it easy to get started with programming both at home and at school and empowers kids to become makers.

Codecombat (age 9+)

CodeCombat is a platform for students to learn computer science while playing through a real game. Students can see the progression of their character through levels as they write code. Courses are available in JavaScript and Python. Web Development courses utilize HTML, CSS, jQuery, and Bootstrap.

Jr. Code Avengers (age 5-16)

Jr. Code Avengers learn kids data representation, programming, and computational thinking in foundational, intermediate and advanced level. Their mission is to teach kids problem-solving, programming, computer and math skills that will prepare them for the future.

Scratch (age 8-16)

Scratch has guided thousands of kids to learn how to code. With the platform, you can program your own interactive stories, games, and animations, and share it with others online. Scratch helps young people in the age 8-16 to think creatively, reason systematically and collaborate with others.

Hopscotch (age 8+)

Hopscotch is an app where you can learn how to code in a fun and interactive way by making whatever you want on your iPad. Build and share games, drawings, websites and more with programming designed for ages 8+.

Swift Playgrounds (age 10+)

Swift Playgrounds is a revolutionary app for iPad that makes learning coding interactive and fun. It requires no coding knowledge, so it’s perfect for students just starting out. Solve puzzles to master the basics using Swift — a powerful programming language created by Apple and used by the pros to build today’s most popular apps. Then take on a series of challenges and step up to more advanced playgrounds designed by Apple and other leading developers.

Codecademy (age 13+)

Codecademy is the place to learn web development skills online. The courses are designed for absolute beginners, with “badges” and achievement points that help kids see the progress they’re making. Codeacademy offers free and paid courses in HTML, Java, Ruby on Rails, PHP, Python, Ruby, SQL, and Git. Your child can start learning these specific coding languages or go with broader learning concepts like making an interactive website.

Made w/Code (age 13+)

Made w/Code is Google’s project to encourage girls to pursue careers in computer science. Each coding challenge has a different purpose and topics range from the most basic ones suitable for complete beginners to advanced topics for those who already have some coding experience.

Techrocket (age 10-18)

Teck Rocket is an online learning platform, built by ID Tech, where kids and teens can learn valuable STEM skills. With Teck Rocket, kids and teens can learn different programming languages, game design, and app development.

Raspberry Pi (age 11+)

Makeuseof.com has compiled a list of good resources on how to teach your kids coding with Raspberry Pi. Raspberry Pi is a little computer to which you can attach electrical components, enabling your kids to build their own physical computing device. It comes in different versions, some priced as low as 7 dollars, making it an affordable option to get your kids started. It is available at Amazon or https://www.raspberrypi.org/