Best website for kids to learn coding

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timmmay

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#324813 29-May-2026 15:22

My 9 year son has learned to do block based coding with scratch, including controlling a little robot we got him, it's time to move on to Python or similar. We had a look at code.org and he did some of their basic courses, but they recommend block based for kids up to 11. They don't seem to want kids to try something real like Python until they're 13, and it looks like they give you an online Python IDE rather taking you through lessons how to learn to code. I think there are more resources that teachers can give to kids, but aren't generally available.

I've found other sites like CodeCombat and Tynker, but they're all subscription based - one is about NZ$30 per month which seems a bit much for a kid to play with once or twice a week for an hour. I was hoping to find something free to get him started, if he enjoys it then we could look at paid resources.

Has anyone found any good ideally free resources to help kids learn to code?

CokemonZ

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#3496553 29-May-2026 16:52

Following.

Though compared to going to a coding after school activity $30 is a steal.

SepticSceptic

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#3496621 29-May-2026 22:22

I know you mentioned Python, but perhaps consider the Arduino learning kits from the likes of Jarcar, etc?

Different programming languages but concepts and structure would be pretty close

roobarb

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#3496625 30-May-2026 00:20

timmmay:

They don't seem to want kids to try something real like Python until they're 13,

Have they been formally taught algebra in school?

I would recommend that as a base level using standard techniques and notations before launching into any flavour of the month programming language.

timmmay

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#3498980 31-May-2026 16:17

I don't know anything about Arduino so wouldn't be able to help much. Python seems like a pretty common language and one I use occasionally so I can help there.

I don't think they've been taught algebra at this age, but he's fine with the concepts in the visual programming languages, and doing this might help him get ahead. The trick is finding decent resources. I don't mind paying for them but I don't want to pay a monthly subscription, some months he won't do anything and I just don't like subscription based pricing.

roobarb

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#3498981 31-May-2026 16:36

timmmay:

I don't think they've been taught algebra at this age, but he's fine with the concepts in the visual programming languages.

The reason I mention it is that the human brain is wired to learn from first exposure and it is really hard to unlearn bad habits. We really don't like being told we are wrong and cling to the earlier memories.

While statements in a programming language may look like mathematical expressions on a piece of paper, they are completely different beasts, even the word statement is misleading, it is more like instruction or command.

Mathematics all the way to degree level and beyond, whether in engineering, science and economics build on the concepts traditionally taught at school. I would be careful about upsetting that delicate edifice.