I am getting ready to do a presentation at the Upstate Technology Conference on coding off and online. Today I want to share with you some online programming games I have found. There are a number of programming games and activities online for kids available online. Guess what!? Some of them are free and amazing! Here are some of the free programming games and activities I found.
Amazing Programming Games and Activities
Code.org
This program was designed to be used by children age 4 and up. I have used it with children 6 and up.
Do you have to create a login?
Children can explore the activities in four courses and the Hours of Code without logging into the site. (The Hour of Code is an annual event that children participate in the early winter. There is a number of Hour of Codes you can explore.) The Hour of Code activities feature popular themes like Angry Birds, Frozen and Star Wars.
Why log in?
Teachers and parents can set up logins for their children. When children do activities after logging in, their progress is recorded and they can work toward the end of course certificates.
How will you program?
Puzzle pieces with coding words or symbols on them are put together to create the path or algorithm need to complete a puzzle or maze.
Scratch
This site was designed for children ages 8-16. They can use puzzle command pieces to create animated scenes, music, stories, and activities. There is a Scratch Jr. app you can download for free that looks easy for young children to use.
Do you have to create a login?
No, you don’t have to log in. You can download it to your computer or explore it online without logging in.
Why log in?
You can save your creations and interact on discussion boards. When you log in can see other people’s creations.
Code Academy
Code Academy has coding and programming activities. It really isn’t a programming game site per se, but its exercises feel like games. It is a great way for older children to learn to write code.
Do you have to create a login?
Yes, you do have to create a log in.
Why log in?
It offers courses on a variety of different codes. Each contains lessons, projects, and challenges.
Crunchzilla
Cruchzilla has programming games and activities for tweens and adults. It invites visitors to explore its four tutorial areas using live code. Kids will change the existing code to move objects around on the screen.
Do you have to create a login?
No, you don’t have to create a login.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy has an array of programming tutorials and games. It is definitely for kids older than 8. The site mentions it can teach kids to code in an hour.
Do you have to create a login?
No, you don’t have to create a login.
Why log in?
You can save your progress.
Code Combat
Children play a series of programming games while learning how to code. It appears to be geared toward children age 9 and up. The games are interactive and have fun graphics. Children have a choice of coding in one of four languages.
_620x310r.jpg)
Do you have to create a login?
No, you don’t have to.
Why login in?
You can save your progress if you log in and you can interact with others in your clan. Teachers can set up logins for their students or students can set up their own logins. You can access teacher guides.
Other Sites You May Want to Explore
Made with Code– This site has several projects to explore like Wonder Woman and Garden Robot.
Kids Ruby– This is a program you can download
Here are some of the offline activities I will be sharing at the conference:
Cup Stacking Algorithm Activity with Printable
ABC’s of How to Read Binary with Printable
Amazing Coding Games and Activities to Try Right Now
