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Parents' Guide to

Hopscotch-Programming for Kids

By Amanda Bindel, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Easy-to-use visual tool makes coding fun and social.

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Free to try Education
Hopscotch-Programming for Kids Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this app.

  • Hopscotch App: Screenshot #1
  • Hopscotch App: Screenshot #2
  • Hopscotch App: Screenshot #3
  • Hopscotch App: Screenshot #4
  • Hopscotch App: Screenshot #5

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 8 parent reviews

Tim C.
Tim C. Adult
February 25, 2023
age 15+

Do not buy!!!

I hated this! I mean, I am just trying to get my son to code, and this thing wants me to pay to make a project!!! And I heard that it had sexual content! Do not get this for a child!
ireviewgamesandiamakid
ireviewgamesandiamakid Adult
December 7, 2018
age 5+

Just why

You have to pay to make projects
See all 8 parent reviews

Privacy Rating Warning

  • Personal information is not sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is not shared for third-party marketing.
  • Unclear whether this product displays personalised advertising.
  • Unclear whether data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • Unclear whether this product uses a user's information to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Unclear whether this product creates and uses data profiles for personalised advertisements.
Learn more about our privacy ratings

What’s It About?

Kids create games and animations with HOPSCOTCH-PROGRAMMING FOR KIDS by dragging and dropping commands and instructions into a script. Kids choose characters — like colorful monsters — and customize commands to make the characters move where they want or do what they want. They can start from a blank project or build on a starter game. Kids can share their programs, and kids can play remix, or comment on projects created by other users.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8 ):
Kids say (5 ):

This basic programming platform is a great way to introduce kids to coding and computational thinking. With fun characters and easy-to-use visual blocks for commands, Hopscotch-Programming for kids lets users explore the fundamental concepts of computer programming without worrying about the minute details of more sophisticated programming languages just yet. They'll think like programmers, from coming up with their own idea to implementing it and troubleshooting it. While it's is a good starting point for learning about computer programming, kids may get frustrated with the limits of the app and their abilities. This tool won't help them create the next Minecraft, so you may want to set realistic expectations and show some examples of what kids can do. The community features some great examples of what kids can create, and is curated by moderators. Overall, this app is a solid choice for introducing mobile device users to the world of coding, and it works best with thoughtful guidance and scaffolding from parents.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Talk about coding: What are the benefits of learning the basics of coding with apps like Hopscotch-Programming for kids? Beyond games, how is coding used in the world?

  • Talk to kids about being safe in online communities by not sharing personal details.

  • Start kids off with step-by-step logic apps such as Kodable Pro or Tynker and then move them to Hopscotch: Learn to Code Through Creativity to create their own programs.

App Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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