Parents' Guide to

Swift Playgrounds

By Dana Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Learning feels like play in sleek, approachable coder.

App iPad Free Education
Swift Playgrounds Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (4):

This play-to-learn app is an engaging, eye-pleasing, and easy way for tweens, teens, and adults to learn the programming language Swift. There's lots of help through clear instructions and hints that are available when a user gets stuck on a puzzle. The glossary of common coding terms gets kids up to speed on the lingo. Also, the ability to tap on snippets of real code cuts down on typing. For kids who can read well (the vocabulary ramps up as lessons progress), Swift Playgrounds will feel much more like free-flow fun than a coding lesson. The only downside is that you need a new-ish iPad to use it, which may be a dealbreaker for those who can't afford to upgrade. Going beyond coding blocks, Swift Playgrounds is an exploratory, low-pressure way to learn Swift that feels like, well, a playground.

App Details

  • Device: iPad
  • Subjects: Language & Reading: following directions, vocabulary, Math: patterns
  • Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, decision-making, hypothesis-testing, part-whole relationships, problem solving, thinking critically, Self-Direction: work to achieve goals, Tech Skills: digital creation, using and applying technology
  • Pricing structure: Free
  • Release date: April 30, 2018
  • Category: Education
  • Topics: STEM
  • Publisher: Apple
  • Version: 2.1
  • Minimum software requirements: iOS 10.3 or later
  • Last updated: October 21, 2019

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.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate