At CodaKid, kids as young as 6 start by typing real JavaScript to beat candy-stealing aliens, and older kids build complete games like an infinite runner and a tower defense game.
Learn at your own pace with self-paced courses (first 14 days free), or with a private instructor (first session free).
What Kids Build with JavaScript at CodaKid
| Course | What they build | Level | Time | Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candy Thieves 101 | Type JavaScript commands to defeat candy-stealing aliens, with 17 coding challenges | Intro | 2 hours | 6 to 9 |
| Candy Thieves 202 | Power up and fight through the swamp to the Candy Throne | Intro | 1 hour | 6 to 9 |
| Return of the Candy Thieves 303 | New obstacles, new objects, and a laser through the wall | Intro | 1 hour | 6 to 9 |
| Game Programming 1: Infinite Runner | A mobile-style infinite runner with enemies, power-ups and menus, 36 challenges | Intermediate | 15 hours | 10+ |
| Game Programming 2: Tower Defense | A tower defense game with your own stages, towers and enemies, 51 challenges | Intermediate | 25 hours | 10+ |
Kids who want to code with AI can also try AI RPG Adventure and AI Space Attack, where they build JavaScript games with an AI coding partner.
The Private JavaScript Track
In JavaScript App Development: Special Ops (ages 10+), a private CodaKid certified instructor guides your child through building web games from the ground up, including a tower defense game, an infinite runner and a 2D platformer, covering loops, conditionals, variables and more. The games can later be added to your child's own website. Private lessons are $249 a month for four 50-minute lessons, first session free.
Is JavaScript a Good First Language for Kids?
It can be. JavaScript runs in any web browser, so there is nothing to install for the beginner courses, and kids see results right away. The Candy Thieves courses let 6- to 9-year-olds type real code in short, game-like steps.
For most kids 10 and up, Python is a slightly gentler first typed language, and JavaScript is a natural second one, especially for kids who want to make browser games or websites. Kids who want websites should pair JavaScript with HTML and CSS in Web Development.
JavaScript is not Java. The names are similar, but they are different languages. Java is used for Minecraft mods and Android apps; JavaScript runs websites and browser games. See Java vs. JavaScript.
What Computer Does My Child Need?
The Candy Thieves courses run in a web browser: Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari. Game Programming 2: Tower Defense needs a 64-bit Windows 10 (or later) computer or a Mac on macOS 11 or later. Check each course page before you start.
JavaScript for Kids: FAQ
What age can kids start learning JavaScript?
CodaKid's Candy Thieves courses are made for ages 7+, so kids can start typing simple JavaScript as early as 6 or 7. The full game programming courses start at 10.
Is JavaScript hard for kids?
The beginner courses break it into small steps inside a game, so young kids can do it. Full game programming is more demanding, with classes, functions and many moving parts, which is why those courses start at 10.
JavaScript or Python first?
For most kids 10 and up, Python is a little easier to start with. JavaScript is a great choice for kids who want browser games and websites, and it is easy to learn second.
What will my child learn?
Programming logic, variables, functions, conditional statements and classes, by building games they can play: an alien battle, an infinite runner and a tower defense game.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. Self-paced courses, including every JavaScript course, are free for the first 14 days. Private lessons start with a free first session.
What Parents Are Saying About Our Coding Classes
Jo Warn, Grandparent
We love everything about CodaKid! The customer service is great. They’re flexible and easy to work with. Our... 7 year old grandson has been working with his tutor for over a year and it’s exciting to watch him learn and grow. Ethan has an incredible way of communicating and interacting with Jonathan which makes every coding class so beneficial and an exciting part of Jonathan’s education. What great instructors CodaKid choose. I highly recommend CodaKid!Show more- Tomáš Baránek, ParentWe are very happy with CodaKid Coding Academy. Our son is learning Java and Minecraft modding. He enjoys... it a lot and made a huge leap in his skills.Show more
- Terrence Masson, ParentI've tried several online 1-on-1 coding classes for my son (starting at age 7, he's now 9) and... CodaKid is outstanding in the quality of its instructors and ease of operation; he's doing Java coding for Minecraft mods and LOVES it. Highly recommended.Show more
- Ci Tro, ParentMy 12 year old loved their Minecraft programming course. It kick-started his interest in computer science. A huge... plus for busy parents is the outstanding and swift support from CodaKid. No frustrating long deadlock, but friendly, competent help to keep the kids going and exploring. Brilliant!Show more
- Jennifer H., ParentWe LOVE CodaKid. We couldn’t even imagine a better experience. People are amazing -- very warm, supportive and... enthusiastic. And the program that they have designed is fabulous. My kids have attended several other programs and say Codakid is far surpasses the others .Show more
- Christy Lynn, ParentThis has been a great addition to our home school curriculum! My son loves spending time in the... program and even jumps back in after school when he's finished his other work. The response to help requests is always immediate and they do a great job finding and explaining the issues he may be having.Show more
