The 7 Best Coding Languages for Kids

Here's a list of coding languages that will get your kids excited about software engineering and unleash their creativity in new ways.

By Melissa Wickes March 23, 2021

Coding teaches kids creativity, analytical skills, logic, problem solving, and how to use the scientific method. Not to mention, it is considered it is one of the most valuable skills to have under your belt when it comes to future success. These coding languages for kids are a great place to get them started and interested in coding at any age—whether they’re aspiring software engineers, artists, teachers, lawyers, or magazine editors. Check out our list of coding languages in order of least difficult to most, compiled with the help of John Wanamaker, lead RA Unity instructor at ID Tech Camps.

Beginner Coding Languages for Kids

Scratch 3.0
Visual programming/ foundational

Scratch is a visual programming language which provides kids with a solid foundation of programming principles and is best recommended for kids who have no programming experience. It shows kids how fun coding can be by allowing them to drag and drop block codes to do cool things like animate characters, create games, build apps, and even make interactive stories, games, and animations.

Lua (used with Roblox and Pico-8)
Quick-to-learn/gaming

Lua is best for kids and teens who want to pick up a language quickly and/or have interest in game programming. Lua has a short learning curve and is easy to embed, so it's a good choice for learning how to code a game.

HTML/ CSS
Foundational

While HTML and CSS are not technically programming languages, they are an easy way for kids to learn text-based syntax and they provide a basic foundation for learning real programming languages.

Python
Versatile

Python is considered one of the easiest coding languages to learn because it uses fewer lines of code to get going. It is recommended for kids and teens who want to get started quickly and/or those interested in pursuing scientific fields like artificial intelligence.

C# (used with Unity)
Visual/gaming

This language is very popular and most often used for Windows applications, so students who are interested in working with Windows may pick this language to learn. It is similar to Java (below), so if your child already has Java knowledge, this may be a good next step.

Intermediate Coding Languages for Kids

Java (used on Minecraft)
Popular

Java is best for intermediate coders looking to strengthen their coding skill sets. You can utilize Java to play games like Minecraft or create apps. Java is recommended to teens who want to develop a strong understanding of programming and those who are patient enough to take time to learn the language’s syntax.

Javascript
Web design

This language is great for students interested in web development and design. It is also a fundamental language of programming. You can use it to create a web-based, 2D game.