codeSpark - Coding for Kids

Game images by RAWG

codeSpark - Coding for Kids

codeSpark, Inc. (HomerLearning, Inc.)

iOS; Android; Web; Amazon FireFree-to-download with in‑app purchases; subscription (monthly/annual) for full access; no ads in gameplay

Health Score

GOOD

Official Website

About This Game

An award‑winning learn-to-code app for young children (pre-readers through elementary) that teaches core programming concepts through puzzles, creative 'Story Maker' and 'Game Maker' tools, and kid-friendly challenges. Content is largely word‑free, research‑backed, and designed to let kids create and share moderated projects in a safe environment.

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

5/5

Creativity

4/5

Pro-Social

3/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

2/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

1/5

Social Risk

1/5

Content Intensity

0/5

Negatives

•Most content is behind a subscription paywall
•Requires account and collects basic user data
•Some users report occasional crashes/bugs
•Limited depth for older teens seeking advanced coding

Positives

•Research‑backed curriculum teaching sequencing
•loops and conditionals
•Word‑free interface good for pre‑readers
•Creative Story Maker & Game Maker encourage original projects
•Moderated
•kid‑safe community
•No ads during play

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Official Ratings

Not Rated

ESRB

None

In‑App Purchases; User‑Generated Content; Account required

PEGI 3 (estimated)

PEGI

None

Age Recommendations

ℹ️Ages 3-5

Appropriate and engaging for preschoolers with parental guidance — use short sessions and explore the pre‑coding activities together.

ℹ️Ages 6-8

Highly recommended — strong mix of guided puzzles and creative tools; consider a subscription for full content if your child stays interested.

ℹ️Ages 9-12

Good for beginners; older kids who want deeper coding should transition to Scratch or block/text coding after mastering basics here.

ℹ️Ages 13-15

Generally too basic for this age as a primary resource; can serve as a gentle intro but supplement with intermediate/advanced coding platforms.

ℹ️Ages 16-18

Too elementary for serious learners — recommend dedicated courses, text‑based languages, or project‑based learning platforms instead.