Free Coding Classes for Kids in Minnesota
Code Explorers is a free Code Savvy program for students ages 8 and up. Explore programming, build projects, and learn with experienced industry mentors.
Technovation Minnesota teams: get programming, debugging, and app-development help.
Next session · Free registration
October 24, 2026
1:30–2:30 PM Central Time
Dayton’s Bluff Library
645 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55106
Technovation Minnesota Teams: Get Help on Your Project
Code Explorers is a place for your team to get programming, debugging, and app-development help.
During the Technovation season, teams are welcome to attend Code Explorers sessions to work on their apps, troubleshoot technical challenges, and get guidance from experienced mentors. Whether you need help with programming, debugging, design ideas, or preparing your project for submission, mentors are available to support you.
2026–2027 Event Schedule
Choose an in-person session at Dayton’s Bluff Library or Arlington Hills Library, or join a virtual session over Zoom from anywhere. All times are Central Time.
More dates may be added throughout the year.
In person · Dayton’s Bluff Library
1:30–2:30 PM Central Time
Dayton’s Bluff Library
645 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55106
In person · Dayton’s Bluff Library
1:30–2:30 PM Central Time
Dayton’s Bluff Library
645 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55106
Virtual · Zoom
10:00 AM–12:00 noon Central Time
Virtual (Zoom)
Join online
In person · Arlington Hills Library
1:30–2:30 PM Central Time
Arlington Hills Library
1200 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130
In person · Dayton’s Bluff Library
1:30–2:30 PM Central Time
Dayton’s Bluff Library
645 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55106
Virtual · Zoom
10:00 AM–12:00 noon Central Time
Virtual (Zoom)
Join online
In person · Arlington Hills Library
1:30–2:30 PM Central Time
Arlington Hills Library
1200 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130
In person · Arlington Hills Library
1:30–2:30 PM Central Time
Arlington Hills Library
1200 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130
Virtual · Zoom
10:00 AM–12:00 noon Central Time
Virtual (Zoom)
Join online
In person · Arlington Hills Library
1:30–2:30 PM Central Time
Arlington Hills Library
1200 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130
In person · Arlington Hills Library
1:30–2:30 PM Central Time
Arlington Hills Library
1200 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130
Explore at Your Own Pace
While we sometimes describe Code Explorers as “coding classes” to help families find us online, the experience is much more flexible. Students can attend sessions that fit their schedule, explore projects, experiment with technology, and learn alongside mentors at their own pace. There’s no requirement to attend every session — students are welcome to drop in, explore their interests, and continue building skills over time.
No Experience Required
No prior coding experience is needed! Code Explorers welcomes curious students who want to learn how technology works and build creative projects in a supportive environment.
This program helps young learners connect with mentors, gain real-world experience, and build confidence in technology.
What Kids Learn in Code Explorers
Students participating in Code Explorers may explore:
- Scratch – A visual programming tool perfect for beginners
- Python – Learn coding for problem-solving and logical thinking
- Thunkable – Build simple mobile apps using block-based coding
- Java – Create larger projects using object-oriented programming
- Web Development – Learn the basics of websites and design
- Physical Computing – Program micro:bits and Edison robots to bring code to life
- Personal Projects – Build your own ideas with support from mentors
Not Sure Where to Start?
If your student is new to coding, we recommend starting with Scratch.
Scratch is a beginner-friendly coding platform for kids that helps students learn programming concepts through creative projects like games, animations, and interactive stories. It’s a welcoming place to start and a great way to build confidence.
As students gain experience, many move on to Python and later explore other interests like web design, app development, and personal projects. During registration, students can choose the areas they’re most interested in, and mentors help support them as they learn.
Planning to try Scratch? Creating a free Scratch account at scratch.mit.edu ahead of time can help students get started more quickly. Please make sure your student knows their username and password so they can log in during the session!
For in-person sessions, wired headphones and a USB flash drive are helpful but not required. Many students enjoy experimenting with music and sounds in Scratch. For students working with Python or other tools, a flash drive makes it easy to save projects to take home.
Looking for CoderDojo Twin Cities?
You’re in the right place! CoderDojo Twin Cities (CoderDojo TC) is now Code Explorers, a free youth coding program run by Code Savvy in Minnesota.
While the name has changed, the heart of the program remains the same. Code Explorers continues the welcoming, hands-on Saturday coding sessions that CoderDojo Twin Cities families know and love!
Code Explorers builds on the community originally created through CoderDojo Twin Cities, co-founded by Rebecca Schatz and Matt Gray, and continues to provide free opportunities for students to learn programming, explore technology, and build creative projects.
If you attended CoderDojo TC, volunteered with CoderDojo Twin Cities, or searched for CoderDojo Minnesota, welcome back! The program lives on through Code Explorers and Code Savvy, continuing to help students across the Twin Cities build confidence, creativity, and community through computer science.
Volunteer for Code Explorers
Because we work directly with youth, every mentor must complete a background check before joining us at a session. Once a spot opens up, we’ll reach out to get you started, and after your background check is complete, we’ll send you what you need to register for a session. Interested in volunteering as a Code Explorers mentor? Sign up here:
Become a Volunteer!