Coding for Kids
This review aims to assist you in identifying the most suitable online coding program for kids by comparing Tynker and codeSpark. We’ll start with a quick overview of both, then give a side-by-side comparison of major features and curriculum, followed by a pricing analysis and final recommendations.
Tynker Coding for Kids Overview
Tynker is an online coding platform that offers an extensive curriculum covering a wide range of subjects, including Python, JavaScript, Game Design, AI/ML, and Minecraft Modding. Tynker caters to children of different ages and skill levels – from pre-readers through text-based coding for high schoolers, making it an ideal platform for young coders who want to start learning at any skill level, and grow all the way through advanced, text-based coding with real world applications.
What sets Tynker apart is its emphasis on live instructor-led sessions, two of which are included in all of its paid plans. This feature provides young coders with a confident start and gives parents the support they need. Tynker’s courses are designed to be immersive and user-friendly, with block coding that makes it easy for young learners to create their projects. Block coding sets a foundation for later skills development as the child progresses.
Tynker’s extensive collection of coding activities is curated based on feedback from millions of children, ensuring that the content is engaging and relevant. This makes it an ideal platform for self-paced learning, allowing children to learn at their own pace and level based on what they find fun and interesting. Additionally, Tynker provides a range of tools and resources, such as coding courses, projects, and games, to support children’s learning.
Tynker is an excellent platform for kids of all ages and skill levels who want to learn coding. With its comprehensive curriculum, live instructor-led sessions, and user-friendly interface, Tynker provides young coders with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the digital world.
CodeSpark Coding for Kids Overview
CodeSpark is an educational technology company that provides coding games and STEM-focused curriculum to teach young children the basics of computer programming. The company’s goal is to prepare children for the digital future by equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed in a technology-driven world. CodeSpark’s platform, “The Foos,” features an intuitive word-free interface that teaches problem-solving, critical thinking, and sequencing skills to children even before they can read (similar to Tynker Jr, which is aimed at pre-readers).
CodeSpark vs Tynker: Quick Comparison
Both Tynker and CodeSpark have web-based and mobile platforms that can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. While CodeSpark’s wordless interface is excellent at introducing coding to younger kids through its own games, Tynker offers more in-depth courses that extend into older age groups for continued development. Additionally, Tynker teaches coding through its own games and well-known games like Minecraft.
CodeSpark vs Tynker: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Topics | Tynker | codeSpark |
| Appropriate for Grades | K-12 | K-5 |
| Offers Live Instruction | Included with Paid Plans (two sessions); optional live instruction available for purchase | ⛔ |
| Curriculum Overview | 300 lessons in six progressive levels covering block coding and text coding. 33 electives including Minecraft Modding, game design and AI. 5,000+ coding activities, puzzles, and games; all skill levels. | Over 1,000 activities with new challenges added every month. Activities aligned with Math, Science, and Computer Science standards. Curriculum developed at MIT and UCLA. |
| Pricing | Free + Paid plans available | Free for schools + Paid plans available for at home play |
| Progress Tracking & Reporting | ✅ | ✅ |
| Used in Schools | Yes, 100,000+ schools | Yes, 35,000 schools worldwide |
| Peer Support / Community | Kid-Safe community, summer camps, competitions like CodeJam, etc. | Code Ninjas Hour of Code and Teacher Professional Development opportunities |
| Trusted by Leading Brands | Apple, Google Education, NASA, Microsoft, BBC Learning, Lego, Mattel, Minecraft, Hot Wheels, Barbi, SMART, etc. | Apple, The Breteau Foundation, Peanuts Worldwide LLC., CSforAll Consortium, ISTE, UCLA CRESST, STEAM CODERS, Girl Scouts, csta member, Plan Cibal, NYC Department of Education, CODE, |
| Mobile Apps | Three available:Tynker: available for iOS and AndroidTynker Junior for ages 5-7: available for iOS and AndroidMod Creator: available on iOS | iOS 11 or higher with 2 GB of RAM or moreAndroid 4.4 KitKat or higher with 1 GB of RAM or moreAmazon FireOS with 1 GB of RAM or more |
| Awards | Common Sense Media LearningNational Parenting AwardsParents ChoiceSmart MediaDigital Education AwardBrain ChildMom’s ChoiceParent’s Pick | The LEGO FoundationChildren’s Technology ReviewTech With KidsParent’s Choice AwardKAPi AwardKidscreen AwardsTillywig Toy AwardsAmerican Association of School LibrariansGSV Venture AwardSOCAPSerious Play AwardsVerizon FoundationAcademics’ Choice AwardTeachers with AppsSocEnt ChallengeSVIEF Innovation AwardsAssociation of American PublishersAppleIndie Prize AwardsPedi AwardUSA TodayDigital Ehon AwardISTE PitchFestEdTech Awards |
CodeSpark vs Tynker: Curriculum Comparison
| Topics | Tynker | codeSpark | Comments |
| Support for Pre-Readers | ✅ | ✅ | Appropriate for introducing very young children to coding concepts and computational thinking. |
| Digital Literacy | ✅ | ✅ | An essential skill for any child growing up in today’s digital world. |
| Block coding | ✅ | ✅ | A good starting point for young children learning coding concepts and a foundation for more advanced coding concepts. |
| Creativing coding, music and animation | ✅ | ✅ | Allows children to express their creativity while learning coding concepts and building practical skills. |
| Minecraft modding, mobs and skins | ✅ | ⛔ | A popular application of coding concepts, but may be of less interest to children who are not already Minecraft fans. |
| Game Design | ✅ | ✅ | A popular and engaging way for children to learn coding and a practical application of coding concepts. |
| STEM | ✅ | ⛔ | Encourages children to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on coding projects. |
| Web Development / HTML | ✅ | ⛔ | A practical skill for children interested in creating websites or web-based applications. |
| Python | ✅ | ⛔ | A widely-used programming language with many practical applications, including data science and machine learning. |
| Data Science | ✅ | ⛔ | A growing field with many practical applications, including business, healthcare, and scientific research. |
| AI/ML | ✅ | ⛔ | A rapidly growing field with many practical applications, but may be more appropriate for older children with a stronger coding foundation. |
| Robotics and IoT | ✅ | ⛔ | A specialized area that may be of interest to children with a particular interest in these fields, but may require additional equipment and support. |
| AP Computer Science Courses | ✅ | ⛔ | AP Computer Science courses are designed to be equivalent to college-level computer science courses, providing students with a challenging and rewarding educational experience that can earn them college credit and demonstrate their readiness for higher education. |
| Pricing | Tynker | codeSpark |
| Option 1 Short term plan | $20 per month billed quarterly | $59.95 for 6 months |
| Option 2 Annual plan | $16 per month and $192 billed annually | $99.99 for 12 months |
| Option 3 Lifetime plan | $360 as one time payment | $199.99 as one time payment |
CodeSpark vs Tynker: Which one should you choose for your child?
Tynker and codeSpark are great ways for kids who want to learn coding. CodeSpark is a solid choice for younger kids who are just starting out, with its wordless games that introduce the basics of coding in a game-based format. But Tynker also offers a highly rated coding app for pre-readers (Tynker Jr.), and offers a much broader curriculum aimed at guiding a child’s progression from block-coding basics all the way through advanced Python coding, AI, data science, web development, and more.
This makes Tynker the better choice for kids of all ages, since it provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers various programming languages and includes exercises that integrate with well-known games like Minecraft. With its optional coaching included with all paid plans, along with a vibrant user community, Tynker offers a better long-term option for kids who want to have fun while learning and developing their coding skills. Ultimately, the best choice between Tynker and codeSpark will depend on your child’s age and learning preferences.
More Coding for Kids Reviews & Comparisons
We hope you found our head-to-head software reviews helpful in your search to discover the best coding education resource for your child. If you’re eager to dive deeper, don’t miss out on our other insightful comparisons that can help you make a well-informed decision. Check out our head-to-head review of Tynker vs. CodeWizard, a look at how Tynker compares to IDTech, comparing Tynker with CodeMonkey, and we take a look at how Tynker stacks up against Code.org. Still curious? You can check out our head-to-head review of Tynker vs. Kodable. We want every child to learn how to code before they graduate high school, so we welcome you on this journey and hope you find the ideal coding education platform for your child. Happy coding!
