Is Starstep Island free?

Yes. It is free to play in the browser, with no sign-up and no ads.

Children aged 6 to 8. Instructions are short and every one can be read aloud, so early readers can play on their own.

Yes. The blocks turn into real Python 3, which runs right in the browser. Children see the Python next to their blocks.

Does it collect any data about my child?

No. There are no accounts or ads, and we never ask for personal information. Progress is saved only in the browser on your device. We count visits anonymously, without cookies, to see how families find us.

Which devices does it work on?

Computers and Chromebooks with a modern browser, and tablets such as the iPad. Nothing to install.

For parents & teachers

A free Python coding game for kids aged 6–8

Children snap blocks together, see the real Python those blocks make, and press Run to watch Pebblebot the robot act it out. It plays in the browser. No sign-up, no ads, no cookies.

Start playing

How it works

1. Snap blocks.
Move, turn, jump, repeat, and if.
2. See the Python.
Every block becomes a line of real Python 3, shown right next to the blocks.
3. Press Run.
The Python really runs, and Pebblebot walks the island to reach the star.

What children learn

Sequencing: putting steps in the right order.
Loops: doing something again and again with a for loop, and counting the rounds so Pebblebot stops exactly on the star.
Decisions: using if to choose what to do, so one program works on different islands.
Debugging: "Fix it" levels where children find and mend a broken program.

Short animated lessons explain loops and if when they first appear, and children earn stars to dress Pebblebot in costumes, hats and colours.

Made for young children

Few words, and every instruction can be read aloud.
Big buttons that are easy for small hands.
No timers, no lives, no "wrong". Pebblebot gives a friendly hint and the child tries again.
Works on computers, Chromebooks and tablets such as the iPad.

Safe by design

No accounts, no ads, no cookies. Only anonymous, cookie-free visit counts from our host, which a grown-up can turn off.
Progress is saved only in the browser on your device.
A progress code on the For grown-ups page lets you back up and restore.

Read our Privacy Policy.

For teachers

Starstep Island is free for classrooms, with nothing for pupils to sign up for. Open starstepisland.com on each device and children start straight away, which makes it a good fit for an Hour of Code or a first lesson on algorithms and loops.

Questions

Is Starstep Island free?: Yes. It is free to play in the browser, with no sign-up and no ads.
What age is it for?: Children aged 6 to 8. Instructions are short and every one can be read aloud, so early readers can play on their own.
Is it real Python?: Yes. The blocks turn into real Python 3, which runs right in the browser. Children see the Python next to their blocks.
Does it collect any data about my child?: No. There are no accounts or ads, and we never ask for personal information. Progress is saved only in the browser on your device. We count visits anonymously, without cookies, to see how families find us.
Which devices does it work on?: Computers and Chromebooks with a modern browser, and tablets such as the iPad. Nothing to install.

Play Starstep Island

Questions or feedback: feedback@starstepisland.com