In today’s world where everything is digital, it’s important to help our kids stay ahead of the curve, especially if they’re showing an interest in computer programming, Are you looking for ways to foster your young techie’s interest? An extracurricular coding class in Boston could be just the thing your child needs to advance in the ever-changing world of computers and, fortunately, there are a number of programs available throughout Massachusetts.  If your child has a great sense of creativity and dreams of creating computer programs, get them into a local coding class for kids! These are so much more than the dreaded “screen time.” They sharpen design and problem-solving skills while allowing your kid to get use his or her imagination. Check out the list below of local computer coding classes and camps.

COMPUTER CODING CLASS IN AMESBURY

 Code & Circuit

36 Main St.

978-386-3800

codeandcircuit.org/classes

Code & Circuit has many different classes for kids from Intro to Computer Science to Lego Robotics. Kids can start some courses as early as second grade and the small class sizes ensure your child will get plenty of instructor attention.

One of their classes is Introduction to Programming, designed for grades 5-8, which runs for six weeks. They will write computer programs using one of the world’s most popular programming languages and turn their ideas into a working computer program.

COMPUTER CODING CLASS IN CAMBRIDGE

 DMA Technology Summer Camps at Harvard University

866-656-3342

digitalmediaacademy.org/massachusetts-tech-camps/harvard-university/

Is there a place more exciting to attend a tech camp than at Harvard University? The week-long camps run from June 29th to August 21st and offer an incredible array of coursework like Adventures in 3D Game Design with Minecraft and Programming & App Development for iPhone & iPad. There are camps available for children ages 6-8, 8-12, 10-12 and 12-17.

iD Tech Camps

77 Massachusetts Ave.

408-871-2227

idtech.com/locations/massachusetts-summer-camps/cambridge/id-tech-mit/

Computer camps at MIT? Yes, please! Kids ages 7-18 can enjoy learning on the world-renowned campus, with both day and overnight camp options.  Here you’ll find a project-based curriculum where each student is extremely hands-on while learning. By the end of each session, children will boast an online portfolio they created during their time at iD Tech. They will learn all about essential cutting edge technology as well as play sports and creative games.

Charles River CoderDojo

Microsoft NERD Center

1 Memorial Drive

zen.coderdojo.com/dojo/776?utm_source=codedotorg&utm_medium=listing

This weekend code club is great for kids 7 to 17 years old. It’s a free coding class that is taught on Saturday afternoons, but keep in mind a parent or guardian is required to stay with each child during the session. Additionally, each student will need to bring a laptop to participate. If you don’t have one available to you, call ahead. The program usually has three to four spares available but they are on a first-come, first-served basis.

COMPUTER CODING CLASS IN LEXINGTON

Empow Studio

1776 Massachusetts Ave.

617-395-7527

empow.me

Empow Studio has everything from camps, classes, workshops, birthday parties and more. They teach programming, robotics, video game design, animation, design, audio engineering and more. Even better, their camps are located around the state so you should be able to find one close to your neighborhood.

COMPUTER CODING CLASS IN NEWTON CENTRE

 Emagination Computer Camps

885 Centre St.

877-248-0206

computercamps.com/tech-camps/computer-camps-for-kids-and-teens/program-overview/

For each two-week session, campers get to choose three different workshops to participate in, meaning students gain a great range of knowledge in areas they’re really interested in. With 25 different workshops to choose from, there’s truly something for every computer-loving kid. They have another campus at 140 Commonwealth Avenue in Chestnut Hill and offer day, extended day and overnight computer programs.

For online coding programs for kids, go to page 2.

ONLINE CODING PROGRAMS FOR KIDS

Prefer to stay in the comfort of your own home? These web-based programs are great educational tools for learning computer coding in your own abode.

Lego Learn to Program

800-835-4386

lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/learn-to-program

In this program, you will discover how to build a robot and make it come to life. After you have successfully built your creation, you can complete 25 missions using their free EV3 programming software. There isn’t a child around who will be able to say learning isn’t fun after completing this coding program.

Studio Code

studio.code.org/

No matter what your child’s interest, Studio Code has a theme that will draw them into the world of computer coding. Kids choose from games featuring popular characters from Frozen or Angry Birds to learn the ins and outs of computer coding and creating programs of their own.