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J.C. could hardly wait to get the box open when it arrived in the mail. It didn’t take long before he was programming Cubetto, our new coding robot, to make its way around its big, colorful map. And it didn’t take long before his two older siblings were gathered around begging to help code Cubetto, too!
They loved using the interface board and little blocks to program Cubetto to move from space to space to get to their chosen destination. And I loved seeing them engaged in a fun coding activity and learning valuable programming skills.
So Many Fun Coding Activities for Kids — of All Ages!
The kids’ excitement got me searching for more fun coding activities for kids. I learned there’s no shortage of creative ways to teach kids to code. Whether you’re a mom looking for screen-free activities for home or a preschool or grade school teacher seeking resources for your classroom, there are plenty of fun coding activities for you. Check ’em out…
8 Easy and Fun Coding Activities for Kids
1. Cubetto: The Coding Robot Toy
First, let me tell you about the new coding toy that inspired my kids’ coding adventures. Cubetto is a screenless coding toy ideal for preschoolers. But, all three of my kids love it and they’re ages 6, 9, and 11. He’s a friendly wooden robot who makes learning computer programming easy and fun.
With the Cubetto Playset, kids use the included interface board and kid-friendly coding blocks to program Cubetto’s imaginative journey around his big, colorful world map. I was especially impressed with the coordinating storybook that helps kids take Cubetto on a fun adventure and integrates literacy into their tech learning. And, it was awesome to see all three of my kids engaged in cooperative play and learning.
2. Simple Dot Sticker Coding for Preschoolers
All you need is a muffin pan, dot stickers, and pom poms for this simple but fun coding activity for preschoolers.
3. Superhero Coding Game
This clever coding game makes use of your child’s superhero toys. But, you could actually switch them out for any toy figures to better suit your child’s interests.
4. Code Your Name Bracelets Craft
Perfect for crafty kids, this easy coding craft teaches kids about basic binary code, a two symbol system, usually 0s and 1s, most computers use to encode instructions and data.
5. Pi Necklace Coding for Kindergarten
Or, grab the free printable, some string and beads for this hands-on coding craft that provides excellent fine motor practice, too.
6. Unicorn Magic Screen-Free Coding Game
This printable coding game makes teaching preschoolers to code easy peasy! Simply print it, cut out the pieces, and watch the kids learn basic coding skills like sequence and series while practicing cooperative play.
7. Bitmap Art Coding Activity
Invite your kids to use plain old Post It Notes to make their own bitmap art while learning how to code at the same time!
8. Mapping a Route Coding Game for Kids
This easy coding activity gets kids up and moving, with one child blindfolded, leading another around obstacles. On top of coding skills, kids practice critical thinking skill, logic and cooperation, too.
9. How to Make Oobleck Algorithm Activity
Give elementary school or even middle school students a real world lesson on algorithms by having them follow one with step-by-step instructions for making their own oobleck!
10. Are You My Mother? Coding Activity for Preschoolers
Inspired by the children’s book, Are You My Mother?, preschoolers learn basic coding while moving their bodies and practicing problem-solving skills, too.
11. We’re Going On a Bear Hunt Algorithm Activity
The rhythm and repetition of the popular book We’re Going On a Bear Hunt makes it perfect for teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten students about algorithms.
12. Coding a LEGO Maze
Have a LEGO fan in your house? Spark their interest in learning to code with this LEGO coding activity! There are even four levels of play for kids of all ages to enjoy.
13. If-Then Backyard Coding Game for Kids
Try this no-prep coding activity with a group of kids as a fun way of teaching them about “if-then”, a conditional statement used in programming.
14. Design a Rollercoaster Coding Game
With just some crayons, graph paper, and dice, kids can design their own rollercoaster inspired by the children’s book, How to Code a Rollercoaster.
15. JR Engineer Code Your Name in Binary Worksheet
Introduce your little learner to the basic concept of computer coding with this printable coding activity inspired by famous computer scientist, Margaret Hamilton.
16. Cup Stacking Algorithms Activity
Grab the free algorithm printable and some everyday plastic cups for a simple coding activity that gets kids creating with plastic cups and recording their design in the form of an algorithm.
17. Fitness Coding Card Game
This printable coding card game teaches little coders basic programming language and concepts, including conditionals and variables, using fun large motor movements.
18. Dance Like a Bee Coding for Preschoolers
Read the book Bee Dance with your preschooler to learn how bees use dance for coding. Then, invite them to create your own coded dance.
19. Printable Halloween Coding Activity Sheets
Grab this Halloween-themed coding printable for an instant screen-free coding activity that introduces kids to linear sequencing.
Fun Coding Toys and Coding Activity Kits on Amazon:
Don’t want to bother with the coding activities above? Then, check out these fun coding games, puzzles, activity kits, and toys you can purchase right from Amazon…
Cubetto Educational Coding RobotLearning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity SetWonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot for KidsCoding Games in Scratch: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Building Your Own Computer GamesLearning Resources Coding Critters Ranger & ZipMatatalab TaleBot Pro Coding Robot for KidsMatatalab Coding Robot Set for KidsPlayz My First Coding & Computer Science KitLearning Resources Coding Critters MagiCoders: Skye the UnicornLEGO Education DUPLO Coding ExpressLearning Resources Botley The Coding Robot 2.0 Activity SetLearning Resources Code & Go Robot MouseOsmo – Coding Starter Kit for iPhone & iPadRobobloq Qobo Coding Robot for KidsCode Rocket Coding Toy for KidsMakeblock mBot Robot KitLearning Resources STEM Explorers Pixel Art ChallengeCoding Concepts for Kids: Learn to Code Without a ComputerNintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit – Starter Set + Blaster
Find more science and technology toys and games in B-Inspired Mama’s Amazon Shop: Fun Finds for STEM Learning
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More Fun Learning Activities You Might Like:
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- An Easy At-Home Way to Teach Kids to Code with Minecraft
- How to Make a Simple DIY Playmat for Kids Robot Toys
TechyKids Canada says
It’s important to spark the interest of coding for kids with right activities. The list which you have shared is great and very useful. Thanks for sharing it with us!
TechyKids says
Really liked all the fun activities which you have shared to teach coding for kids. The most difficult part before teaching kids about coding is to develop their interest to learn this skill. With the help of such interesting activities we can definitely generate curiosity among kids towards coding. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful blog with such great activities to make coding little exciting for kids.
Amy Anderson says
This would be awesome for my niece! Also – I’m thinking I need one too LOL
Krissy of B-Inspired Mama says
Yeah, I definitely played a little, too! 😉