6 websites, apps, and games to help kids learn how to type
Expert reviewed by Jamie Martin
If your child struggles with poor handwriting or writing challenges like dysgraphia, using a keyboard may help. But learning to type can be a hard. Use these websites, apps, and programs to teach your child how to type.
Price and availability may vary but were accurate at the time of publication, on November 21, 2017. Understood does not endorse or receive financial compensation for the sale of any of these products.
TypingClub
TypingClub is a simple website that helps kids learn how to type. The site focuses on touch-typing (using all of your fingers on a keyboard, without looking at the keys). There are over 600 lessons on TypingClub, along with many games and videos. The site covers everything from basic to more advanced skills. Kids of all ages can use TypingClub. The site has a minimalist look, though, so it may not be as engaging for younger kids. But kids with attention issues like may actually prefer the site’s simple design.
Price: Free
Available for: Any device with a web browser and internet connection
TapTyping – Typing Trainer
Today, many kids use touchscreen devices like digital tablets and smartphones to type. TapTyping – Typing Trainer is an app that teaches kids these touchscreen typing skills. It offers lessons and lets kids view stats on how fast and accurately they type. One interesting feature of TapTyping is a heat map, which shows kids where their fingers are touching the screen. This can help kids recognize when they aren’t hitting the right buttons.
Price: Free to try ($3.99 for all features)
Available for: iOS
Epistory – Typing Chronicles
For kids who like video games, Epistory – Typing Chronicles may be a great way to learn typing. Epistory is an adventure game. In it, kids play the role of a girl who rides a magical fox as she tries to rid an imaginary land of evil insects. To make progress in the game, kids have to type words. On-screen text is not read aloud, though, which may be challenging for kids who have with trouble with reading. However, the game’s exciting story and stunning visuals may push kids to stick around and learn to type.
Price: $14.99
Available for: Desktop computers (Mac, Windows)
Typing.com
Typing.com is a comprehensive website for learning how to type. It has a number of tests kids can take to evaluate their typing skills. There are also lessons that span basic to advanced typing drills. Where Typing.com shines, though, is with several arcade-like typing games for kids. These games are fun and educational. One big drawback to Typing.com is that there are a lot of ads throughout the site. The ads may be distracting to some kids, but can be removed by paying a one-time fee.
Price: Free ($34.95 to remove all ads)
Available for: Any device with a web browser and internet connection
ABCya
ABCya is a website with educational games for young grade-schoolers. It has several free keyboarding games, like Keyboarding Zoo. These games are less challenging than games on other sites and easy to use for kids who are just beginning to type. That’s why ABCya is good for introducing younger kids to keyboarding. Plus older kids may be put off by the cartoon imagery on the site. The typing games are mixed in with other games, so you may need to hunt around to find the right game for your child.
Price: Free ($6.99 per month for full access to all games)
Available for: Any device with a web browser and internet connection
Typing Pal Online
Kids of all ages can learn typing skills with Typing Pal Online. Kids choose one of four environments geared toward kids of different ages. Then they work through exercises to practice correct finger placement on the keyboard. Each exercise includes an engaging animation, like a lion parachuting from the sky. After completing all of the exercises, kids can take typing tests and earn certificates of achievement.
Price: $23.22 per year (individual subscription)
Available for: Any device with a web browser and internet connection
