Here’s our list of top-rated coding bootcamps for kids and teens to explore their interests in programming, animation, and gaming. These bootcamps are structured courses tailored to students by age that teach coding fundamentals with hands-on projects.
Coding has become an invaluable skill in the 21st century and kids benefit the most from learning to code. During bootcamp, students practice skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making while learning Scratch, Python, Java, and other popular languages. Coding bootcamps are an efficient use of your child’s summer or free time where they can learn how to code in a short amount of time.
Table of Contents
- What is a coding bootcamp for kids?
- Why attend a coding bootcamp?
- Coding Bootcamps for Elementary Kids
- Coding Bootcamps for Middle School Kids
- Coding Bootcamps for High School Teens
- Choose the Best Coding Bootcamp for Your Child
Explore the most fun and effective coding bootcamps for kids
CodeWizardsHQ has the most fun and effective coding classes for kids. We’ve developed a structured curriculum that teaches kids to code in Scratch, Python, Java, and more with engaging hands-on projects. Students who graduate the high school program are invited to join a real-world coding internship. Kids get the best curriculum, teachers, and tools to learn to code successfully.
We are Trustpilot’s top-rated summer camp with 3-week summer coding bootcamps for accelerated learning and 1-week bootcamps in Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite. We also offer 2-day AI bootcamps, where kids experiment with artificial intelligence and train their first AI models using Google’s Teachable machine.
What is a coding bootcamp for kids?
A coding bootcamp for kids is a short and intensive educational program designed to teach children the fundamentals of coding and computer programming in a hands-on and immersive environment.
Bootcamps are structured to provide a condensed and focused learning experience. They often emphasize hands-on learning through a variety of strategies and techniques designed to provide participants with practical, real-world coding experience. They will range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the specific program.
Why attend a coding bootcamp?
Coding bootcamps are a great option for kids who want to build a coding foundation or dive deeper into a specific language. You might choose a bootcamp over a self-taught course or weekly class because they can get results more quickly and effectively. Coding bootcamps are fast-paced and high-impact, they emphasize hands-on learning, and help kids learn to code faster.
Fast-paced and high-impact
Bootcamps offer an immersive and intensive learning experience. This is advantageous for students who want to dedicate a concentrated period to learning coding and are looking for a more accelerated pace compared to traditional classes or self-paced learning. They’re typically shorter in duration so kids can acquire coding skills in a more time-efficient manner. For kids, summer is a great time to participate in a coding bootcamp. They can focus on coding with minimal distractions.
Emphasis on Hands-On Learning
Coding bootcamps emphasize hands-on projects that simulate real-world scenarios. This practical experience allows students to build a portfolio of work that can be showcased to schools and employers. The portfolio of projects gives them a tangible demonstration of their skills. For example, in our Roblox bootcamps, kids build their own obstacle game and leave with the ability to enhance their games and build more complex games on their own. In the core track bootcamps, kids build a full portfolio of projects, one for each session. All of our coding bootcamps use a project-based curriculum where kids learn by solving real-world problems.
Learn Faster Than On Your Own
Self-taught courses take incredible self-discipline and extra work. When kids have a set schedule with classes that require attendance they can stay focused and they have the support needed. So if time is of the essence, bootcamp is the way to go. Teamwork is essential to success in the real world. You will work on teams to solve problems and build products. Good bootcamps have you work on team projects during camp. This helps develop communication, problem solving, and analytical skills.
Coding Bootcamps for Elementary Kids
These top-rated coding bootcamps are available for kids ages 8-10. At this age, kids focus on understanding programming concepts in a fun way while also learning problem solving and decision making.
Animation and Games with Scratch
Ages 8-10 | 3-week bootcamp
In Animations and Games with Scratch, students are introduced to block programming in Scratch and how to think like a programmer. They’ll get to build fun, interactive projects in every lesson. This unique bootcamp uses the Scratch platform to make learning complex concepts and advanced programming skills fun for younger students! 3-week bootcamps are an accelerated versions of our 12-week classes in the Elementary School Coding Program.
Intro to Roblox Game Development
Ages 8-10 | 1-week Bootcamp
Students experience Roblox game creation in Intro to Roblox Game Development! In one week, students learn to build their own obstacle course using Roblox Studio, a free Roblox game editing software, and Lua coding language. We’ll also touch on fundamental Lua programming concepts to enhance their game design. It’s Roblox game development, programming, and design through an exciting project-based curriculum. At the end, students will have a fully developed obstacle course project and the skills to create their own Roblox games.
Intro to Redstone Logic in Minecraft
Ages 8-10 | 1-week Bootcamp
In Intro to Redstone Logic in Minecraft, students take their Minecraft experience to the next level. They learn new technical concepts with redstone, an element used for mechanical and electrical programming in Minecraft logic. It’s a fun introduction to coding that will get them excited about programming. In one week, they will learn how redstone works and advance to build logic gates, similar to what electrical engineers create. At the end of camp, students will have the knowledge to build their own redstone projects in Minecraft.
Coding Bootcamps for Middle School Kids
These coding bootcamps are available for kids ages 11-13. They’ll dive into Python and text-based programming while coding robust games and apps.
Intro to Programming with Python
Ages 11-13 | 3-Week Bootcamp
In Intro to Programming with Python, Students learn fundamental programming concepts while building fun, interactive projects in Python. These bootcamps use our custom Python libraries to make programming easier and more enjoyable. Kids will study variables, data types, lists, loops, conditional logic, and functions, all while building a passion for programming. After this bootcamp, students can also continue coding with Beyond Basics with Python and Webpages with HTML & CSS.
Intro to Roblox Game Development
Ages 11-13 | 1-week Bootcamp
In Intro to Roblox Game Development, students learn Roblox game development, programming, and design through an exciting project-based curriculum. In one week, they’ll learn to build their own obstacle course using Roblox Studio, a free Roblox game editing software, and Lua coding language. We’ll also touch on fundamental Lua programming concepts, such as variables, loops, and function calls, to enhance their game design. At the end of camp, students will have a fully developed obstacle course project and the skills to create their own Roblox games.
Intro to Redstone Logic in Minecraft
Ages 11-13 | 1-week Bootcamp
In Intro to Redstone Logic in Minecraft, students take their Minecraft experience to the next level and learn new technical concepts with redstone, an element used for mechanical and electrical programming in Minecraft logic. In one week, they will learn how redstone works and advance to build logic gates, similar to what electrical engineers create. At the end of camp, students will be able to build their own redstone projects in Minecraft and understand how redstone logic can be applied to real world programming.
Game Development with Unreal Editor for Fortnite
Ages 11-13 | 1-week Bootcamp
Embark on an exciting adventure into the realm of Game Development with Unreal Editor for Fortnite. This bootcamp enables students to craft their own unique gaming experience using UEFN (Unreal Engine for Fortnite), a professional game engine. Students will learn how to integrate fundamental elements into their game, including buildings, vehicles, enemy characters, and beyond. At the end of camp, students will have completed their own unique Fortnite game and also possess the skills to independently create more Fortnite games in the future.
Coding Bootcamps for High School Teens
These coding bootcamps are available for teens ages 14-18. Teens can learn complex coding concepts and build a foundation in computer science using Python.
Intro to Python
Ages 14-18 | 3-Week Bootcamp
Students learn fundamental programming concepts while building fun, interactive projects in Intro to Python. This course uses a project-based approach to teach complex Python concepts like variables, loops, functions, modules, and more. After this bootcamp, students can also continue coding with Fundamentals of Web Development and User Interface Development.
Beginner Python
Ages 14-18 | 3-Week Bootcamp
Beginner Python is the first course in the Python Language Track. Students learn to work with variables, data types, lists, loops, conditional logic, and functions, all while building a passion for programming through our engaging project-based lessons. The fundamental programming skills they’ll learn in this course are transferrable between programming languages and problem domains. After this bootcamp, students can also continue coding with Intermediate Python and Advanced Python.
Introduction to Java
Ages 14-18 | 3-Week Bootcamp
In Introduction to Java, students learn fundamental programming concepts while building practical projects in the Java programming language. This bootcamp is a preparatory course for the high AP Computer Science A class. Students will tackle Object-Oriented Programmingm conditional logic, methods, and more in Java. The skills learned in this course will give students a leg-up upon entering a traditional APCS course. After this bootcamp, students can also continue coding with Java II.
Intro to Redstone Logic in Minecraft
Ages 14-18 | 1-week Bootcamp
Students take their Minecraft experience to the next level in Intro to Redstone Logic in Minecraft. They learn new technical concepts with redstone, an element used for mechanical and electrical programming in Minecraft logic. It’s a fun introduction to coding that will get them excited about programming. In 1-week, they will learn how redstone works and advance to build logic gates, similar to what electrical engineers create. At the end of camp, students will have the knowledge to build their own redstone projects in Minecraft.
Game Development with Unreal Editor for Fortnite
Ages 14-18 | 1-week Bootcamp
Embark on an exciting adventure into the realm of Game Development with Unreal Editor for Fortnite. This beginner-friendly camp enables students to craft their own unique gaming experience using UEFN (Unreal Engine for Fortnite), a professional game engine. Students will learn how to integrate fundamental elements into their game, including buildings, vehicles, enemy characters, and beyond. At the end of camp, students will have completed their own unique Fortnite game and also possess the skills to independently create more Fortnite games in the future.
Choose the Best Coding Bootcamp for Your Child
If you have limited time and want your child to learn in a focused and engaging way, choose one of our top-rated coding bootcamps for kids and teens. Bootcamps are offered during the summer coding program. We also have afterschool coding classes for kids and teens who want to code all year round. Your child can learn the skills to succeed in coding and beyond.
