Best CODING Game Apps and Websites!
Discover Interactive Platforms Designed To Teach Coding Through Exciting Games, Puzzles, Challenges, Projects And So Much More!
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Introduction
Since coding is an essential skill in today’s digital world, fortunately there are numerous platforms designed to make learning fun and accessible.
From simple block-based interfaces to advanced challenges for seasoned coders, these platforms offer a wide range of options to mastering programming.
Specifically, this blog explores some of the most popular coding games and platforms, comparing their features, target audiences, unique features and much more to help you find the perfect fit for your coding journey.
Quick Comparison of Coding Platforms
Top Coding Platforms
1. ScratchJr
ScratchJr is an introductory programming language for kids to create interactive stories and games using a simple building blocks interface.
Subjects: Coding, storytelling, and game design
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop block programming interface snaps colorful blocks together to control characters, adding actions like movement, sound, and animation.
- Character creation and customization tools allow kids to modify characters, add their own sounds and voices, and even insert photos of themselves.
- Multi-Page Projects can create stories or games with multiple scenes
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Mobile apps for iOS, Android and Chromebook devices
Target Audience: Children aged 5 to 7
Notable Fact: ScratchJr has been translated into more than twelve different languages.
Additional Resources:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scratchjr.android&hl=en_US
2. Scratch
Scratch is a free online platform that teaches young learners coding through a block-based programming language to create digital stories, games, and animations.
Subjects: Coding, creativity, collaboration, and computational thinking
Key Features:
- Utilizes a drag-and-drop interface with colorful blocks representing different code commands.
- Large collection of sprites (characters), sounds, and backgrounds for project customization
- Supports creation of games, animations, interactive stories, and simulations
- Vibrant online community for sharing projects and feedback
- Includes the ability to embed Scratch projects into websites or create interactive experiences within other platforms like Roblox.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Web-based, mobile apps for iOS and Android devices
Target Audience: Ages 8 and older
Interesting Stats: Scratch is the largest free coding community for kids globally and available in over 70 languages.
Additional Resources:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scratch&hl=en_US
3. CodeCombat
CodeCombat is a game-based learning platform that aims to make coding engaging and accessible for all skill levels.
Subjects: Computer Science, coding, problem-solving, game design
Key Features:
- Exciting game levels that make the learning process enjoyable and motivating.
- Structured learning path introduces progressively complex coding concepts
- Teaches real-world applicable coding skills
- Customizable gameplay options
- Strong community focus with online forums and leaderboards
- Resources, training, and tools to effectively implement CodeCombat in the classroom.
Cost: Free for individuals, paid for classroom features and services
Accessibility: Web-based platform
Target Audience: Students, educators, parents, libraries, and business partners
Interesting Fact: Over 20 million students have used CodeCombat
4. CodeMonkey
CodeMonkey is an online platform teaching children coding and programming concepts through interactive games.
Subjects: Coding, computer science, and programming
Key Features:
- Courses tailored for different age groups from preschoolers to teenagers
- Puzzle-solving and game creation to learn coding
- Progression from block-based to text-based languages
- Resources for educators to implement coding in classrooms
- Curriculum aligned with educational standards
Cost: Paid Plans
- Individual: Starting at $7/month
- Family: Starting at $12/month
- Homeschool: Starting at $20/month
Accessibility: Web-based platform
Target Audience: Children and teenagers aged 5–14
Game Example: Banana Tales is a game where students guide a monkey using Python programming concepts to collect bananas while overcoming obstacles.
5. Kodable
Kodable is a subscription game based learning platform teaching foundational coding concepts to kids aged 5 to 11 (K-5).
Subjects: Coding, Robotics, Math, and English Language Arts (ELA)
Key Features:
- Engaging games for developing problem-solving and creativity skills
- Kid Optimized Developer Environment (KODE) for reading, writing, and understanding real code
- Teaches new coding skills to design characters, solve puzzles, and even create their own games.
- Offers separate apps (Kodable Basics & Kodable Creator) catering to different age groups and learning stages.
- Progress tracking for teachers and alignment with CS standards
Cost: Plans range from $8.33/month (yearly) to $199.99 (lifetime access)
Accessibility: Web-based platform and iOS mobile apps
Target Audience: Children aged 5 to 11 (K-5), parents and teachers
Interesting Fact: Kodable offers over 70 lesson plans covering topics from basic sequencing to advanced Javascript.
Additional Resources:
6. Code.org
Code.org is a non-profit organization that provides a free and engaging computer science curriculum for various age groups and experience levels.
Subjects: Computer science
Key Features:
- The curriculum aligns with various national standards and covers topics like AI and game development.
- Offers engaging videos, self-paced tutorials, creating games, and an “Hour of Code” introduction.
- Integrates with popular learning platforms (Clever, Google Classroom, etc.) for easy management and access
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Web-based platform
Target Audience: K-12 students and teachers
Interesting Fact: All Code.org resources are free to use and can be repurposed for educational and non-commercial purposes.
7. Tynker
Tynker is a leading coding platform designed to teach coding to students of all ages through interactive lessons, games, and projects.
Subjects: Computer Science, and Coding
Key Features:
- Students start with visual blocks and gradually transition to languages like JavaScript and Python.
- Large library of coding courses for different age groups and skill levels
- Interactive narratives, puzzles, challenges, and projects to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Built-in tutorials, assessments, and progress tracking
- Fosters a collaborative learning environment through a global community of young coders.
Cost: Paid plans range from $12/month to $312 (one time purchase for lifetime access) and free mobile apps with in app purchases
Accessibility: Web-based, mobile apps for iOS and Android devices
Target Audience: K-12 students, teachers and parents
Interesting Stats: Tynker has been used by one in three K-8 schools in the U.S. and over 100 million kids worldwide.
Additional Resources:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Tynker&hl=en_US
8. Cody
Cody is a free online community platform where users can learn and practice MATLAB coding through solving interactive problems.
Subjects: MATLAB programming
Key Features:
- Users can solve coding problems individually or collaboratively within problem groups.
- Coding challenges for all skill levels
- Users can review others’ solutions, create and share their own problems, and participate in discussions
- Leaderboards for tracking progress and comparing scores
- Access a repository of solutions submitted by other users
- Users can contribute to the platform by creating and sharing original coding challenges.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Web-based platform
Target Audience: Highschool students and older
Interesting Stats: Cody hosts a large number of problems and has attracted a significant user base.
Example Problem: Basics on Vectors is a problem that tests fundamental vector processing skills, including vector creation, manipulation, and operations.
Additional Resources:
9. Codecademy
Codecademy is an interactive online platform that offers various courses, projects, and tools to help learners progress from beginner to a job-ready developer.
Subjects: Coding and programming, covering a wide range of languages and development areas.
Key Features:
- AI-powered learning assistants provide personalized feedback, helping learners understand and correct errors.
- Real-world projects allow learners to apply their knowledge and build a portfolio.
- Job-readiness checker tool assesses learner’s skills and provides guidance on career paths and skill improvement.
- Interview simulator to practice coding interviews with AI-generated feedback to enhance job readiness.
- Regular assessments help track progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Articles and cheat sheets for in-depth explanations and quick reference guides.
- Code challenges allow users to practice coding problems to solidify learning and prepare for technical interviews.
- Community-driven documentation for a shared knowledge base of code documentation.
- Built-in code editor for practicing and sharing projects.
Cost: Free and paid plans
- Basic: Free, offering core learning features.
- Plus: $14.99/month to $29.99/month
- Pro: $19.99/month to $39.99/month
Accessibility: Web-based platform and mobile apps
Target Audience: Beginners to experienced developers seeking career advancement
Unique Aspect: Codecademy covers 16 programming languages and 17 in-demand development domains.
Additional Resources:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ryzac.codecademygo&pli=1
10. Sololearn
Sololearn is a mobile-friendly platform that offers interactive courses, quizzes, and a community to support learners of all skill levels.
Subjects: Programming and Coding
Key Features:
- Bite-sized lessons and hands-on exercises
- In-lesson quizzes for progress measurement
- Digital certificates to validate acquired skills and boost credibility.
- User-friendly mobile app for on-the-go learning
- Wide range of courses covering popular programming languages and development areas
- A platform for learners to interact, share knowledge, and get support.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Web-based platform and mobile app
Target Audience: Beginner to intermediate programmers, students, and professionals looking to upskill
Interesting Stat: Sololearn’s community size is over 73 million learners.
Additional Resources:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sololearn&hl=en_US&pli=1
11. CodinGame
CodinGame is a gamified platform designed to enhance coding skills through interactive challenges, competitions, and learning resources.
Subjects: Programming, coding, and career development.
Key Features:
- Variety of coding challenges such as puzzles, games, and virtual escape rooms.
- Supports over 25 programming languages
- Provides both solo and competitive modes, including leaderboards and multiplayer contests.
- Offers certification tests to assess coding proficiency.
- Incorporates a strong community aspect with forums, Discord, and live streams.
- Offers a platform for companies to conduct technical assessments for potential candidates.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Web-based platform
Target Audience: Developers looking to improve their coding abilities and career prospects, beginners interested in learning to code.
Unique Aspect: If you’re a Twitch streamer, you can include ‘CodinGame’ in your stream title to showcase your CodinGame gameplay on their website.
Additional Resources:
12. Codewars
Codewars is a collaborative coding platform where users tackle coding challenges (kata) created by the community, receive real-time feedback, and progress through different ranks as their abilities improve.
Subjects: Coding and programming
Key Features:
- Users can directly write and execute code within the platform
- Katas are challenges that cover various programming concepts, difficulty levels, and languages
- A gamified system allows users to track their improvement through rankings, honor points, and profile development.
- Supports a wide range of programming languages
- Users can tailor their learning experience by filtering challenges based on specific subjects or creating personalized collections.
- Users can view others’ solutions to katas, providing feedback, and participating in discussions
- Built-in forum for knowledge sharing and seeking help from other community members.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Web-based platform
Target Audience: Highschool and college students, software developers
Interesting Stat: Codewars vast community of users complete over 1 million coding challenges every month.
FAQs
What coding games are free?
ScratchJr, Scratch, and Code.org are totally free options. These platforms offer a ton of fun without purchasing a subscription plan and are great places to start your coding journey.
What coding games are for kids?
- ScratchJr is designed for kids aged 5–7.
- Scratch caters to kids 8 and up.
- Tynker and CodeMonkey are also great options for kids.
What coding games are for beginners?
- Codecademy and Sololearn are super beginner-friendly. They break everything down into bite-sized pieces.
- Code.org’s “Hour of Code” is another great starting point.
What coding games are for adults?
- Codewars and CodeCombat offer more advanced challenges that’ll keep adult brains buzzing.
- Codecademy is also great for adults looking to level up their skills or switch careers.
Coding games to learn Python?
- CodeCombat has several Python courses that feel more like gaming than learning.
- Codecademy offers in-depth Python tracks too.
- CodeMonkey’s “Banana Tales” is another game to learn Python.
