When you hear 'coding,' you probably picture kids simply sitting at a laptop. But did you know that coding concepts - like problem-solving, sequencing, and logic - can actually be explored through hands-on play and creative projects, without a screen requirement?
Here are 11 awesome hands-on coding activities that bring coding to life—no laptop necessary (devices optional).
Totally Screen-Free Coding Activities
For parents and educators who want absolutely zero devices involved, here are some hands-on, no-tech activities that teach the same core coding concepts like sequencing, loops, and debugging.
1. Algorithm Dance Party
Write a sequence of dance moves on index cards (like "jump," "spin," "clap"), and then have kids follow the "program" exactly, acting like human robots. Afterward, have them review the sequence to see if any commands were unclear and "debug" by rewriting the program. It’s a great way to introduce algorithms while keeping kids moving and laughing.
2. Cup Stacking Code
Similarly, create "command cards" with simple instructions like "move left," "stack," and "unstack." Kids follow the cards to build a specific tower shape. This activity highlights sequencing and the importance of order of operations, teaching kids that changing even one step in the code can completely alter the final product. (Bonus: it’s also great for fine motor skills!)
3. Binary Bracelets
Introduce kids to binary code (the language computers use to communicate; learn more coding terminology here). They can encode their initials into a bracelet using two bead colors (one for 0, one for 1). This makes the abstract idea of binary data concrete, while giving them a cool keepsake they can wear.
As a bonus, think about adding a decoding challenge so kids can read each other’s bracelets like secret messages.
4. Coding Obstacle Course
Set up a maze in your living room, yard, or classroom, and have one child become the "robot" while another writes step-by-step code (walk forward, turn right, jump) to guide them through. Kids experience debugging firsthand when they hit obstacles, and you can increase the challenge by adding "loop" cards for repeated actions, simulating real coding structures like for loops.
5. Story Sequencing Cards
Give kids a set of story cards (like "wake up," "eat breakfast," "go to school") and challenge them to put the story in order. This, again, introduces sequencing logic—the backbone of all programming. You can add "if-then" cards (if it’s raining, grab an umbrella) to layer in the concept of conditional logic, which helps build more complex thinking.
Now, if the above sound fun, you can dig deeper into these resources which elaborate on these activities and offer additional experiences, printable materials, and educator guides:
CS Unplugged: A treasure trove of free, hands-on computer science activities designed specifically for learning without devices. Developed by computer science educators and used globally.
Code.org Unplugged Activities: Code.org is a leader in K-12 computer science education, and their unplugged section offers printable games, puzzles, and group activities that teach core coding concepts.
Barefoot Computing: This UK-based program offers fantastic unplugged coding challenges designed for primary school students, with free downloads for parents and teachers.
Tinkergarten (Logic & Sequencing Play): While not coding-specific, Tinkergarten offers wonderful hands-on nature activities that support the same problem-solving and logic skills coding requires.
From there, once kids have had fun learning coding logic, sequencing, and problem-solving through screen-free activities, they might be ready to take the next step—using hands-on tools like robots, microcontrollers, and DIY circuits to see their code come to life.
Build and Program a Robot
6. Build with Sphero Bolt
With Sphero, kids now have a visual representation of what it’s like to teach a robot how to think. The Bolt itself is a programmable robotic ball—built to function as if it has a mind of its own, but is driven by code from your kids; code that tells it to “rock” and “roll,” and zip its way through mazes and around obstacles.
Equipped with two types of visual coding - draw mode and code blocks mode - Bolt can react to movement, move quickly with sharp directions, and detect surrounding objects. It also has an LED matrix display that supports text, shapes, and games.
In terms of coding, everything this device is capable of has been condensed to drag-and-drop blocks (“block-based coding") that can be strung together.
7. Build with Sphero RVR
For a little off-roading, kids can again “drive” their coding adventure, only this time with the Sphero RVR, an autonomous robot car ready to traverse the world in front of it.
With programming basics, kids can create several programs to make their RVR drive, spin, turn, and change the color of its lights.
And in the accompanying Sphero EDU app, there are two different programming languages: block-based coding and text-based coding. Block-based coding was explained above, and text coding uses letters, numbers, and punctuation to create lines of codes and programs. (Kids will perform the majority of their text coding in JavaScript.)
8. Build with LEGO Robotics
If your kids thought building their own LEGOs was fun, imagine the entertainment in physically controlling them. And if they thought controlling LEGOs was cool, then programming them and their robotic movements just simply can’t be beat!
For instance, kids can learn to teach a robot how to think thanks to sensors that can see light, react to sounds and movement, follow a set line on the floor, and even back up and turn around if the robot bumps into a wall.
With mechanical creation and drag-and-drop visual coding capabilities, LEGO building systems allow kids to get hands-on in the worlds of robotics and coding...all of course with the familiar piece-by-piece connectivity kids have grown to love.
Check out LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 or LEGO Education SPIKE Prime Set, and learn more about the benefits of robotics for kids.
9. Build with VEX Robotics
Above with LEGO, we mentioned the thrill for kids of playing with, then controlling, then programming their own robots...but let’s add another wrinkle—how about a little competition?
VEX is used in robotics competitions all over the world! One competition idea could have kids building a robot to navigate an obstacle course, while another may have them building a robot to sort colored rings!
So, kids can design the robot and program it with the commands the robot will need to complete its tasks.
Specifically, VEX Robots are programmed using C++, which is one great option when it comes to kids coding languages. Programming is done through an IDE called VEX Coding Studio, which has special tools for kids to upload programs to their robots.
Create a DIY Circuit Project
10. Create with Pi-top
What do you get when you take a Raspberry Pi microcontroller and combine it with a laptop? A Pi-Top, which is a laptop designed to be built and used by STEM enthusiasts.
Meaning, kids can actually put together their own laptop, learning about both hardware and software, along with troubleshooting and engineering for an extremely hands-on approach to coding.
Pi-top can be used for a number of things, including:
- Playing games (like Minecraft)
- Browsing the internet
- Making music
- Writing code
- Building circuits
Think of it as a regular laptop, except one kids will build themselves! The main component is the Raspberry Pi microcontroller, which can be thought of as an affordable, lightweight motherboard (or, central computer hub).
11. Create with Micro:bit
You can’t get more “hands-on” than with a “handy” programmable computer known as the micro:bit! Even though it’s smaller than a credit card, the micro:bit does a ton in the way of bringing imagination to life.
So, where does coding come in? First of all, the micro:bit comes pre-loaded with a program already on it, which is a bit of a tutorial to give kids a taste of what's possible.
But from there, kids can utilize the MakeCode website to write and store code, and then upload their programs to get the party started!
Some example projects for kids include being able to draw their own pixel art and animated light shows in the form of hearts, smiley faces, and more.
Or, the micro:bit can function as a night light, thanks to its built-in sensors used to detect how much light is present around it. It can also be a random number generator, score keeper, rock, paper, scissors player and a whole lot more!
Coding next steps
If anything, the above examples are great reminders that coding isn’t always what kids think it to be. While there is still plenty of “on-computer” activity, and different coding languages to learn, the first step can be a little softer.
Either way, when teaching kids to code, the goal is to keep them engaged, and one very good way of doing that is connecting coding to existing interests, and reminding young minds that the world runs on code...from their video games, apps, social media, robotics, and more.
As your next step, iD Tech offers online coding courses for kids in the form of Virtual Tech Camps (small groups) and private coding lessons.
