Free coding for kids: Scratch, ScratchJr and more

Kids can learn to code free with tools from MIT and nonprofits: ScratchJr for ages 5–7, Scratch for 8 and up, and free courses from CodeAI and Khan Academy.

⏱ About 10 minutes · 5 steps
What you'll need
  • A tablet or computer with a web browser
  • A parent's email address (for kids under 13 who want a Scratch account)
  • About 10 minutes

  1. Pick by age

    ToolBest agesRuns onCost
    ScratchJr5–7iPad, Android tablets, ChromebooksFree app
    Scratch8–16 (anyone can use it)Web browser, or the free Scratch appFree
    CodeAI (formerly Code.org)K–12Web browserFree courses and Hour of AI activities
    Khan Academy ComputingTeens and adultsWeb browserFree (nonprofit)

    Code.org renamed itself CodeAI in June 2026. The web address is still code.org.

  2. Start with ScratchJr (ages 5–7)

    Install ScratchJr from your tablet's app store (from the official ScratchJr site). Kids snap picture blocks together to make characters move, talk and jump. No reading needed to start.

    ScratchJr website showing a child using the app on a tablet
    ScratchJr is free from the official site. Screenshot of the official page, October 2026. It may look a little different now.

  3. Move up to Scratch (8 and up)

    1. Go to scratch.mit.edu and click Start Creating. Kids can make games without an account.
    2. To save and share projects online, choose Join Scratch. Kids under 13 need a parent's email to confirm the account.
    3. Read Scratch's page for parents about the online community and safety.
    Scratch home page with Start Creating and Join buttons
    Scratch is free for everyone. Screenshot of the official page, October 2026. It may look a little different now.

  4. Try a free course

    Older kids and teens can follow step-by-step lessons on CodeAI or Khan Academy Computing. Both are free and from nonprofits.

  5. Keep it safe and free

    ⚠️ Watch out: Scratch's community is moderated, but remind kids never to share their full name, school, address or photos. Paid "coding academy" ads and look-alike apps are not Scratch. The real ones are free and come from scratch.mit.edu and scratchjr.org.

🎉 All done! Your child is building things with code, free. After the free part: nothing to pay. Paid coding camps exist, but you don't need them to start.

Related game: Tech Term Match. Related explainer: What is AI, and how do I actually use it? .

Official help pages

Steps checked against these pages in October 2026. If a button looks different, look for a similar label.