You’re watching your child spend hours on games and videos, and a question keeps nagging at you: “What if this screen time could actually build something?”
You’ve heard about coding for kids. You know it’s important. But when you look at programming languages and development environments, it feels overwhelming. Where do you even start?
Here’s the good news: Scratch 3.0 makes it simple. This free, visual programming platform lets children as young as 8 create games, animations, and interactive stories without typing complex code. And you can have it running on your computer in less time than it takes to make dinner.
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to set up Scratch 3.0 for your child. By the end, they’ll be ready to build their first project, and you’ll feel confident supporting their coding experience. No technical background needed.
What Scratch 3.0 Is: A free, block-based programming language where kids drag and snap together colorful code blocks to create interactive projects. Think of it like digital LEGO for coding.
What Scratch 3.0 Is NOT:
Who It’s For:
Developed by MIT, Scratch teaches computational thinking through creativity. Your child learns logic, problem-solving, and sequencing while making something they’re genuinely excited about.
If you’re curious about the broader benefits of coding education, our guide on why coding is important for kids explores how these skills shape future success.
Before we set anything up, you need to choose between two options:
Best for: Families with reliable internet, kids who want to share projects, beginners
How it works: Your child accesses Scratch through any web browser at scratch.mit.edu. Projects save to the cloud automatically.
Timeline: 5 minutes to create account and start coding Requirements: Internet connection, modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
Best for: Limited internet access, younger children needing supervision, travel situations
How it works: Download and install Scratch software directly on your computer. Projects save locally.
Timeline: 10 minutes to download, install, and launch Requirements: Windows 10+, macOS 10.13+, or ChromeOS
Our recommendation: Start with the online version. It’s faster to set up, updates automatically, and lets your child join the global Scratch community where they can explore 100+ million projects for inspiration.
Let’s get your child coding as quickly as possible. Grab a device, open a browser, and follow along.
Open your web browser and go to scratch.mit.edu
What to do: Navigate directly to the homepage. You’ll see a colorful interface with featured projects and a “Create” button.
Why it matters: This is MIT’s official platform, completely free and safe for children.
Parent tip: Bookmark this page. Your child will visit it frequently as they explore coding projects.
Click “Join Scratch” in the top-right corner.
Account setup requires:
What to do: Help your child choose a username that doesn’t reveal their real name or location. Something like “RobotBuilder3000” works better than “SarahFromBoston.”
Why it matters: An account saves your child’s projects automatically and lets them share creations with the community (with your permission).
Parent tip: Use your real email address. Scratch sends a verification link, and you’ll want to receive notifications about your child’s account activity.
According to research on online safety for kids learning to code, creating accounts together builds healthy digital habits from the start.
Check your email inbox for a message from Scratch. Click the verification link inside.
What to do: Open the email from scratch-accounts@scratch.mit.edu and click “Confirm my email address.”
Why it matters: Email verification unlocks full community features and helps recover accounts if passwords are forgotten.
Timeline: The email usually arrives within 2 minutes. Check spam folders if it doesn’t appear.
Click the “Create” button to open the Scratch editor.
What you’ll see:
What to do: Spend 3-5 minutes clicking around. Drag a few blocks into the scripts area. Click the green flag to run your “program.”
Why it matters: Familiarity breeds confidence. Let your child explore without pressure to create something perfect.
Parent tip: Resist the urge to teach right now. Let discovery happen naturally. Your child’s curiosity is the best teacher at this stage.
For kids ready to dive deeper, our Scratch programming course offers structured lessons that build on this foundation.
Click “Tutorials” in the top menu. Choose “Make It Fly” or “Animate Your Name.”
What to do: Follow the step-by-step instructions together. These guided tutorials show how to drag blocks, change values, and see results immediately.
Why it matters: Success in the first 10 minutes hooks kids on coding. These quick wins build the confidence to tackle bigger projects.
Timeline: Each tutorial takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
Parent tip: Celebrate the completed project. Take a screenshot. Ask your child to explain what they created. This reinforces learning and builds pride in their work.
If your child thrives on structured learning, explore our robotics courses for kids that combine Scratch programming with hands-on building.
Some families need or prefer the offline version. Here’s how to install it.
Go to scratch.mit.edu/download
What to do: Click the download button for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS).
File size: Approximately 170-200 MB
Why it matters: The offline editor works without internet, perfect for travel, areas with limited connectivity, or younger children who need focused learning time without online distractions.
For Windows:
For macOS:
Timeline: Installation takes 2-3 minutes depending on your computer speed.
Why it matters: Proper installation ensures Scratch runs smoothly and saves projects correctly.
Parent tip: You may need to grant permission for the app to run (especially on macOS). This is normal for new software installations.
Find Scratch in your Applications folder (Mac) or Start Menu (Windows). Double-click to open.
What you’ll see: The same Scratch interface as the online version, but running locally on your computer.
Why it matters: Your child can now code anytime, anywhere, without needing internet access.
Click File > Save to your computer. Choose a location (like Documents > Scratch Projects) and name your file.
What to do: Create a dedicated folder for Scratch projects. This keeps everything organized as your child builds more creations.
Why it matters: Offline projects don’t automatically save to the cloud. You need to manually save work to avoid losing progress.
Parent tip: Set a reminder to back up Scratch projects to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) monthly. Kids invest hours in their creations.
For children interested in more advanced project-based learning, our AI and machine learning courses build on Scratch fundamentals.
Why it’s problematic: Your child feels overwhelmed and decides “coding isn’t for me” before discovering the fun parts.
Instead: Start with Scratch’s built-in tutorials. Celebrate small wins. Let your child’s interests guide project choices, not what seems “educational.”
Why it’s problematic: Online safety matters. Usernames shouldn’t reveal identities or locations.
Instead: Choose creative, anonymous usernames. Use nicknames or interests (RobotFan, StoryCrafter, MusicMaker) instead of real names.
Why it’s problematic: Scratch has a large online community. Without proper settings, younger children might interact with strangers inappropriately.
Instead: Review Scratch’s community guidelines together. Adjust profile settings to limit who can comment on projects. Monitor your child’s activity initially.
For comprehensive guidance on keeping kids safe while learning online, read our parents’ guide to online safety in coding.
Why it’s problematic: Scratch 3.0 uses modern web technologies. Older systems may run slowly or not support all features, leading to frustration.
Instead: Check system requirements before downloading. Update browsers to the latest versions. Consider using a newer device if available.
Why it’s problematic: Your child misses the bonding opportunity and you can’t provide support when they get stuck.
Instead: Spend the first 15-20 minutes exploring Scratch together. Ask questions. Make a silly project. Show genuine interest in what they’re creating.
Why it’s problematic: Coding is a skill that develops over time. Pressure to “get it right” kills creativity and experimentation.
Instead: Focus on the process, not perfection. Encourage trying, failing, and trying again. Every bug is a learning opportunity.
Our beginner coding courses for children are designed around this philosophy: learning through exploration and play.
Setting up Scratch is just the beginning. Here’s what typically happens in the first seven days:
Days 1-2: Exploration Phase
Days 3-4: Imitation Phase
Days 5-7: Creation Phase
Parent tip: Don’t worry if progress seems slow. Some kids need weeks to feel comfortable, while others create immediately. Both paths are normal.
If your child shows strong interest, consider our online coding classes where expert mentors guide them through increasingly complex projects.
Solution:
Why this happens: Scratch 3.0 uses modern web technologies that older browsers don’t support fully.
Solution:
Why this happens: Email services sometimes flag automated messages or experience delivery delays.
Solution:
Why this happens: Security software or system limitations can block new installations.
Solution:
Why this happens: Connection issues or browser storage limits prevent proper saving.
Solution:
Parent tip: Keep a secure record of your child’s Scratch credentials in a password manager.
For more technical support or questions about integrating Scratch with physical robotics kits, explore our robotics for kids resource page.
Your child’s Scratch environment is ready. Now what?
Work through tutorials together:
Why it matters: These tutorials teach core programming concepts without feeling like lessons.
Explore projects created by other kids. Search by interest: “space game,” “dance animation,” “dinosaur story.”
What to do: Click “See inside” to view how projects work. Discuss what makes certain projects engaging. Remix projects to practice editing code.
Why it matters: Learning from others accelerates skill development. Your child sees what’s possible and gets inspired.
Parent tip: Review community guidelines together first. Discuss appropriate comments and interactions.
Help your child choose a project based on their interests:
Why it matters: Original projects develop problem-solving skills and creative confidence.
Parent tip: Break big projects into smaller steps. “First, let’s make the character move. Then we’ll add obstacles.”
Our project-based coding curriculum provides structured paths for children ready to tackle bigger challenges.
Consider joining:
Why it matters: Collaboration teaches teamwork and exposes your child to diverse problem-solving approaches.
For families wanting more structured learning, ItsMyBot offers live online coding classes where kids collaborate on projects with peers from around the world.
You don’t need to be a programmer to help your child succeed with Scratch. These resources make supporting their learning easier:
Parent tip: Your role isn’t to know all the answers. It’s to encourage experimentation, celebrate efforts, and show genuine interest in what your child creates.
Setting up Scratch 3.0 takes 10 minutes. The skills your child develops will last a lifetime.
Here’s what you’ve accomplished:
The next step is simple: hand the computer to your child and say, “Let’s see what you can create.”
Remember, every programmer starts exactly where your child is now: curious, excited, and ready to experiment. The blocks they’re dragging today teach the same logic powering apps, games, and systems they’ll use tomorrow.
At ItsMyBot, we believe every child deserves to be a creator, not just a consumer of technology. Scratch is where that change begins.
Ready to take your child’s coding skills further? Explore our industry-level courses designed to turn screen time into skill time with personalized instruction, global collaboration opportunities, and projects that build real-world confidence.
Start your child’s coding adventure today. Open Scratch, click Create, and watch what happens.
What is Scratch 3.0 and how does it work?
Scratch 3.0 is a free, block-based programming language developed by MIT specifically for children ages 8-16. Instead of typing complex code, kids drag and connect colorful blocks that represent programming commands. These blocks snap together like puzzle pieces to create animations, games, stories, and interactive art. Each block performs a specific function (like “move 10 steps” or “play sound”), and kids learn computational thinking by arranging blocks in logical sequences.
Do I need to download anything to use Scratch with my child?
No, you don’t need to download anything to start using Scratch. The online version at scratch.mit.edu works directly in your web browser on any device with internet access. However, there is an optional offline desktop application available if you prefer working without an internet connection or want your child to focus without online distractions. Most families start with the online version because it’s faster to set up and allows access to the Scratch community.
Is Scratch 3.0 really free, or are there hidden costs?
Scratch 3.0 is completely free with no hidden costs, subscriptions, or in-app purchases. MIT created Scratch as an educational tool and maintains it through grants and donations. Your child can create unlimited projects, access all features, join the community, and share their work without ever paying anything. This makes it an excellent starting point for families exploring coding education on any budget.
What’s the minimum age for a child to start learning Scratch?
Scratch 3.0 is designed for children ages 8-16, though some mature 6-7 year olds can start with parental support. Kids need basic reading skills to follow instructions and understand block labels. For younger children (ages 5-7), MIT offers ScratchJr, a simplified version with picture-based blocks. By age 8, most children have the cognitive development needed to understand sequencing, cause-and-effect, and basic logic required for Scratch programming.
Can my child use Scratch on an iPad or tablet?
Yes, Scratch 3.0 works on iPads and tablets through a web browser. Visit scratch.mit.edu in Safari (iOS) or Chrome (Android). The interface adapts to touch screens, so your child can drag and drop blocks with their finger. However, some features work better with a mouse and keyboard, and typing code comments or project descriptions is easier on a computer. For the best experience, especially for younger children, we recommend using a laptop or desktop when possible.
How do I know if Scratch is right for my child?
Scratch is ideal if your child enjoys creating, problem-solving, or is curious about how games and apps work. Kids who love storytelling, art, music, or building things often thrive with Scratch because it combines creativity with logic. If your child asks questions like “How did they make that?” or enjoys experimenting with cause-and-effect (like marble runs or building blocks), Scratch will engage them. The best indicator: try it together for 20 minutes. If they want to continue, it’s a good fit.
What computer requirements does Scratch 3.0 need?
For the online version, you need a device with a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge), internet connection, and at least 2GB of RAM. For the offline desktop version, you need Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, or ChromeOS. Scratch works on most computers purchased in the last 5-7 years. Older devices may run slowly or have compatibility issues, particularly with animation-heavy projects.
How long does it take for kids to create their first Scratch project?
Most children complete their first working project within 30-60 minutes using Scratch’s built-in tutorials. These guided lessons walk through creating simple animations or games step-by-step. Without tutorials, a child might spend 1-2 hours exploring and experimenting before creating something functional. Remember, the goal isn’t immediate mastery—it’s building confidence and curiosity. Every minute spent exploring the interface contributes to understanding how coding works.
Is it safe for my child to share projects on Scratch?
Scratch has strong community guidelines and moderation, but parental involvement is essential. When setting up an account, help your child choose a username that doesn’t reveal personal information. Review Scratch’s community standards together. The platform allows commenting on projects, so monitor your child’s interactions initially. You can adjust privacy settings to limit who can comment. Teach your child never to share personal details (real name, school, address, phone) in projects, profiles, or comments. For more guidance, read our complete online safety guide for kids learning to code.
What should I do if my child gets frustrated or stuck with Scratch?
Frustration is a normal part of learning to code. When your child gets stuck, resist the urge to solve problems for them. Instead, ask guiding questions: “What did you expect to happen? What actually happened? What could you try differently?” Take breaks when frustration builds. Encourage them to explore similar projects others have made (click “See inside” to view code). Remind them that every programmer encounters bugs—problem-solving is the skill they’re building. If they need structured support, consider our online coding classes where experienced mentors guide children through challenges.
