Free coding platforms for kids

One of the best things about learning to code in 2026 is that you don't have to spend a penny to get started. There are excellent free platforms for every age and skill level. But with so many options, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

This guide covers the most popular free coding platforms for kids, what each one does best, and how to choose the right one for your child or classroom.

Block-based platforms (ages 5-12)

These platforms use drag-and-drop blocks instead of typed code. They're ideal for younger kids who are learning computational thinking for the first time.

Scratch (scratch.mit.edu)

Best for: Ages 8-12, creative projects, first-time coders

Scratch is the gold standard of block-based coding. Developed by MIT, it lets kids create animations, stories, and games by snapping together colorful blocks. The community is massive — millions of shared projects that kids can explore and remix.

Strengths:

  • Huge community with millions of projects to explore
  • Excellent sprite and sound library
  • Strong classroom support
  • Works in the browser

Limitations:

  • Block-based only — no path to text-based coding within the platform
  • Can feel limiting for older or advanced students
  • Projects can become unwieldy as complexity increases

ScratchJr (scratchjr.org)

Best for: Ages 5-7, absolute beginners

A simplified version of Scratch designed for younger children. Uses larger blocks, simpler concepts, and a more intuitive interface. Available as a tablet app.

Strengths:

  • Perfect for pre-readers and early readers
  • Very simple and approachable

Limitations:

  • Very limited in scope — kids outgrow it quickly
  • Tablet-only (iPad, Android, Chromebook)

Code.org (code.org)

Best for: Ages 6-16, structured classroom learning

Code.org offers a comprehensive K-12 curriculum with both block-based and text-based courses. The block-based courses are excellent for elementary and early middle school. The platform includes teacher dashboards, progress tracking, and lesson plans.

Strengths:

  • Structured, standards-aligned curriculum
  • Excellent teacher tools and classroom management
  • Progression from blocks to text (via Game Lab and App Lab)
  • Well-known and widely adopted

Limitations:

  • Game Lab uses a custom JavaScript API that doesn't transfer outside Code.org
  • 400x400 pixel canvas limits creative projects
  • Can feel rigid for students who want open-ended exploration
  • Limited built-in sprites and assets

Text-based platforms (ages 10+)

These platforms use real programming languages with typed code. They're for students who are ready to move beyond blocks.

codeguppy.com

Best for: Ages 10-18, creative coding, transition from blocks to text, game development

codeguppy.com is a free JavaScript coding platform built on the modern p5.js library. It's specifically designed for students transitioning from block-based coding to text-based coding, with a focus on creative, visual projects.

Strengths:

  • 100% free with no feature restrictions
  • 800x600 canvas — three times larger than Game Lab or Khan Academy
  • Built-in sprites, characters, backgrounds, and tiles
  • Modern JavaScript on p5.js — skills transfer to the real world
  • Multi-scene support for building complete games with showScene()
  • Animation with loop() and clear() teaches proper game-loop patterns
  • Built-in example projects to study and remix
  • Zero installation — works in any browser, including Chromebooks
  • Gentle learning curve: start with drawing shapes, progress to animations and games
  • Optional illustrated curriculum available (23 lessons, 700+ slides, 300+ mini-projects)

Limitations:

  • No built-in teacher dashboard or LMS
  • Educators build their own curriculum (or purchase the optional one)

Khan Academy (khanacademy.org/computing)

Best for: Ages 12+, self-paced learners, individual study

Khan Academy's computer programming section teaches JavaScript through video tutorials and interactive challenges, using the ProcessingJS library.

Strengths:

  • Excellent self-paced video instruction
  • Instant visual feedback as you type
  • Strong fundamentals coverage

Limitations:

  • Built on ProcessingJS, which is no longer maintained
  • 400x400 pixel canvas
  • No sprite library — game development is difficult
  • No teacher tools or classroom features
  • Teaches outdated JavaScript patterns

Replit (replit.com)

Best for: Ages 13+, students ready for a professional-style environment

Replit is an online IDE that supports dozens of programming languages. It's powerful and flexible, but it's designed as a general-purpose development environment, not specifically for kids.

Strengths:

  • Supports many languages (Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, etc.)
  • Collaborative editing features
  • Close to a professional development environment

Limitations:

  • Not designed for kids — the interface can be overwhelming
  • No built-in creative coding canvas or sprite library
  • Requires understanding of project structure, files, and dependencies
  • Some features require a paid plan

Trinket (trinket.io)

Best for: Ages 12+, Python learners, classroom use

Trinket is a browser-based platform that supports Python (with Turtle graphics), HTML/CSS, and some JavaScript. It's popular in classrooms teaching Python.

Strengths:

  • Good Python support with Turtle graphics
  • Embeddable in websites and curricula
  • Simple interface

Limitations:

  • Limited JavaScript support
  • Small canvas for graphics
  • Less engaging visual output than canvas-based platforms

Comparison at a glance

Platform Ages Language Visual output Sprites Canvas size Cost
Scratch 8-12 Blocks Yes Yes 480x360 Free
Code.org Game Lab 10-16 JavaScript (custom) Yes Yes 400x400 Free
codeguppy.com 10-18 JavaScript (p5.js) Yes Built-in 800x600 Free
Khan Academy 12+ JavaScript (ProcessingJS) Yes No 400x400 Free
Replit 13+ Many Varies No Varies Free/Paid
Trinket 12+ Python, HTML Limited No Small Free/Paid

How to choose

Your child is under 10 and has never coded: Start with Scratch. It's the best introduction to computational thinking for young kids.

Your child is 10-13 and ready to move beyond blocks: codeguppy.com is the ideal next step. It keeps the visual, creative approach that makes coding fun while teaching real JavaScript. The built-in sprites and large canvas keep motivation high.

Your child is a self-directed learner who prefers videos: Khan Academy's tutorials are well-made and work great for independent study. Just be aware that the platform uses an older library.

You're a teacher looking for structured curriculum with classroom tools: Code.org has the strongest teacher dashboard and pre-built lessons. For more creative freedom on a modern platform, pair Code.org's introductory courses with codeguppy.com for project-based work.

Your child is 14+ and wants to learn professional tools: Replit provides a professional-style environment. But consider having them start on codeguppy.com first to build confidence with visual projects before moving to a more complex IDE.

The bottom line

The best coding platform is the one your child will actually use and enjoy. For most kids transitioning from blocks to text, a platform that combines real code with visual, creative output makes the biggest difference. codeguppy.com hits that sweet spot — it's free, runs in any browser, and makes coding feel like creating art and games rather than solving abstract puzzles.

Start free, start visual, and let curiosity lead the way.

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About codeguppy

CodeGuppy is a FREE coding platform for schools and independent learners. If you don't have yet an account with codeguppy.com, you can start by visiting the registration page and sign-up for a free account. Registered users can access tons of fun projects!

Follow @codeguppy on Twitter for coding tips and news about codeguppy platform. For more information, please feel free to contact us.