Coding is the new literacy. Here are the best apps to teach your child programming—from visual blocks to real Python and JavaScript.
SpellingJoy Team
•Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Every parent wonders: Should my child learn to code? The answer is increasingly yes—coding teaches problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity, regardless of whether your child becomes a programmer.
The good news: The best coding apps are free. Scratch (from MIT) and Code.org are world-class and cost nothing. Paid apps offer extras, but free options cover the fundamentals brilliantly.
🎯 Quick Pick by Age
Ages 5-7: ScratchJr (free) - Visual coding without reading
Ages 8-12: Scratch or Code.org (both free) - Block-based coding
Ages 10+: CodeCombat or Tynker - Transition to real code
Apple users: Swift Playgrounds (free) - Build real iOS apps
Block Coding vs Text Coding
🧱 Block Coding (Ages 5-12)
Drag-and-drop visual blocks. No typing or syntax errors. Focus on logic.
• Scratch, ScratchJr
• Code.org activities
• Tynker (beginner mode)
💻 Text Coding (Ages 10+)
Real programming languages like Python and JavaScript. Career-ready skills.
Scratch is MIT's free visual programming language where kids drag and drop code blocks to create animations, games, and stories. The most popular coding platform for kids worldwide.
Code.org is a nonprofit with a full K-12 computer science curriculum. Famous for Hour of Code activities featuring Minecraft, Star Wars, and Disney characters.
Best for - K-12: Structured lessons with popular themes
Price - Free
Grades - K-12
Platforms - Web
Pros
✓ Completely free
✓ Full K-12 curriculum
✓ Licensed themes (Minecraft, Star Wars, Frozen)
Cons
✗ Can feel school-like
✗ Some content is dated
✗ Progression to text coding can be abrupt
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ScratchJr
ScratchJr is a simplified version of Scratch designed for children ages 5-7. Kids snap together graphical programming blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, and sing.
Tynker teaches coding through game-like puzzles and lets kids create Minecraft mods, games, and apps. Progresses from visual blocks to Python and JavaScript.
Swift Playgrounds is Apple's free app for learning Swift programming. Kids solve puzzles and eventually build real apps that can run on iPhone and iPad.
Kodable teaches coding fundamentals to elementary students through engaging games and activities. Starts with drag-and-drop and progresses to real code.
Scratch (MIT) and Code.org are both 100% free and offer excellent coding education. Scratch is more creative and open-ended; Code.org has more structured lessons. Both are used in schools worldwide.
Our Verdict
Best free option: Scratch is the gold standard—100 million users, from MIT, endlessly creative. Code.org offers more structure with popular themes like Minecraft and Star Wars.
For young kids (5-7): ScratchJr is perfect—no reading required, tablet-friendly, genuinely engaging.
For real programming: CodeCombat makes learning Python/JavaScript fun through an RPG game. Swift Playgrounds is excellent if you have Apple devices.
Bottom line: Start with Scratch or Code.org (both free). If your child loves it, explore paid options like Tynker for Minecraft modding or CodeCombat for real code.
The SpellingJoy team is dedicated to creating free, high-quality spelling resources for K-6 students and their families. We test every app we review and provide honest assessments to help parents make informed decisions.
