But let’s be honest; staring at a blank document practicing “ASDF” isn’t exactly thrilling. That is where typing games come in. They turn the repetitive task of building muscle memory into an adventure.
I’ve rounded up 17 of the best interactive games and alphabet exercises for kids of all ages. From racing cars to popping balloons, these picks make learning to type genuinely fun. Here is everything you need to know to get them started.
Fun Typing Games for Kids
- Jungle Junior: A comprehensive, video-based course perfect for beginners and kindergarteners.
- Keyboard Jump: A vertical platformer where correct spelling fuels your jump.
- Space Typing Junior: A classic arcade-style shooter fueled by keystrokes.
- Keyboard Ninja: A “Fruit Ninja” style game that tests reflex and accuracy.
- Type a Balloon: A stress-free option for popping letter balloons.
- Farm Typing Game: Help a rooster collect corn by typing words correctly.
- Keyman: A Pac-Man inspired maze game requiring directional typing.
- Keyboarding Zoo: Hand-coded visual guides help young learners place their fingers.
17 Fun Typing Games for Kids To Boost Keyboarding Skills
Ready to ditch the boring drills? I love the idea of slipping these games into your child’s weekly screen time routine. It feels like play, but they are secretly mastering a skill that will help them breeze through school assignments and future careers.
1. Jungle Junior | Free
Jungle Junior is my absolute favorite resource for teaching the fundamentals. It doesn’t just throw kids into the deep end; it focuses heavily on finger placement.
Have you ever noticed the little bumps on the F and J keys? This program teaches kids why those exist. It uses color-coded visual cues to show exactly which finger should press which key, helping to break the “hunt and peck” habit before it starts.
The curriculum is robust. It starts with letter recognition videos and moves into interactive exercises. Every few lessons, there is a mini-game to test what they have learned so far.
How To Play
- Get started: Launch the course at the beginning. There are roughly 250 exercises, so treat this like a semester-long adventure.
- Watch and learn: Don’t skip the videos! They explain the core concepts of posture and hand position.
- Follow the guides: The screen shows an animated hand. If it highlights the left pinky for ‘A’, encourage your child to use that specific finger.
- Pace yourself: Some kids binge the course; others do one lesson a day. Consistency is better than speed here.
Where To Play
You can access the full course at TypingClub.com. It saves progress, so creating an account is recommended.
2. Keyboard Jump | Free
This platformer is all about speed and verticality. You play as a character (like a potted plant) trying to jump higher and higher by typing the words that appear on platforms.
I love the customization here. You can toggle the difficulty from “Easy” to “Insane” and focus on specific problem areas, like the number row or just home row keys. It is great for a quick 5-minute warm-up.
How To Play
- Customize: Select your difficulty and word bank. If your child is struggling with numbers, select the number row option.
- Jump: Type the word displayed on the platform above you. Get it right, and your character hops up.
- Stay alive: You have three lives. Typing a letter wrong usually costs a life or slows you down.
- Beat the score: The game ends when you run out of lives. Aim for a new height record each time.
Where To Play
Jump into the action at typing.com.
3. Space Typing Junior | Free
For the sci-fi fans, Space Typing Junior offers classic arcade vibes. Your ship sits at the bottom, and enemy ships or asteroids (represented by words) fall from the top.
The goal is simple: type to shoot. This game introduces a bit of pressure, which is excellent for building typing fluency under stress. You have to finish the word you started before switching to another target.
How To Play
- Select a level: Beginners should start with single letters. Advanced players can choose longer words.
- Defend the ship: Type the falling words to blast them out of the sky.
- Prioritize: Focus on the words closest to your ship. If an enemy reaches the bottom, you lose a life.
Where To Play
Blast off for free at Kidz Type.
4. Keyboard Ninja | Free
If your kids loved Fruit Ninja, they will immediately grasp this concept. Fruit flies onto the screen with letters attached. Your job is to slice the fruit by typing the corresponding letter.
It gets tricky because bombs also fly onto the screen. If you type the letter attached to a bomb, it explodes, and it is game over. This forces kids to process visual information quickly and hesitate before striking keys blindly.
How To Play
- Set the rules: Choose to practice all letters, just numbers, or specific rows.
- Slice and dice: Type the letter on the fruit to slice it and score points.
- Watch for bombs: Do not type the letter attached to a bomb.
- Survival mode: The game ends if you hit a bomb or miss three pieces of fruit.
Where To Play
Sharpen your skills at Typing.com.
5. Type a Balloon | Free
This is a relaxed, colorful game suitable for younger children. Balloons float up from the bottom of the screen, and kids must type the letter inside to pop them.
It is less chaotic than the ninja or space games, making it a good entry point for children who get stressed by “Game Over” screens. It focuses purely on letter recognition and response time.
How To Play
- Pick a mode: Select a difficulty level (Easy/Hard) and the lesson type (Home Row, Top Row, etc.).
- Pop them: Type the key shown on the balloon. Pop them before they float off the top of the screen.
- Track progress: The game tracks missed balloons. Try to keep a perfect streak!
Where To Play
Pop some balloons over at Typing.com.
6. Farm Typing Game | Free
In this rural adventure, you help a rooster collect his dinner. Corn is trapped inside floating bubbles, and the only way to release the food is by typing the words correctly.
The levels scale by word length. Level 1 might use simple words like “cat,” while Level 5 throws five-letter words like “green” at you. It is a satisfying loop of typing and reward.
How To Play
- Start small: Begin at Level 1 to get a feel for the speed.
- Type to pop: Enter the words inside the bubbles to drop the corn to the rooster.
- Advance: Successfully harvest 10 ears of corn to unlock the next level.
Where To Play
Get farming at Turtle Diary.
7. Keyman | Free
Think Pac-Man, but with a keyboard twist. You control a scuba diver navigating an underwater maze to find treasure chests and keys.
Instead of using arrow keys, you change direction by typing the letters that appear on the path. This builds cognitive flexibility because you have to look ahead and plan your keystrokes to navigate corners. It is challenging and best for kids aged 8+.
How To Play
- Scout the path: Look at the maze layout to locate keys and chests.
- Navigate: Type the letter shown in the lane you want to turn into.
- Avoid enemies: Stay away from the piranhas! They will reset your progress.
- Bonus round: After unlocking the chest, grab as many coins as you can in the time limit.
Where To Play
Dive in at TypingGames.Zone.
8. Keyboarding Zoo | Free
Keyboarding Zoo is designed specifically for early learners (Pre-K to Grade 2). It focuses heavily on the mechanics of typing.
The on-screen keyboard is color-coded: blue keys for the left hand and pink keys for the right hand. This visual aid is brilliant for teaching the concept of the “home row” without overwhelming kids with complex words.
How To Play
- Listen: The narrator calls out a letter or sound.
- Locate: Find the letter on the screen and match it to your physical keyboard.
- Repetition: Type the letter multiple times to lock it into memory before the animal friends introduce the next one.
Where To Play
Visit the zoo at ABCYA.com.
9. Cup Stacking Typing | Free
Cup stacking is a sport in real life, and this digital version captures that frantic energy. The goal is to stack and unstack cups as fast as possible by hitting the highlighted keys.
It is a fantastic drill for “burst” speed. Kids want to beat their previous time, leading to rapid-fire practice sessions that improve Words Per Minute (WPM).
How To Play
- Stack up: Type the letters on the cups to build a pyramid.
- Stack down: Once built, type the letters again to collapse the stack.
- Race the clock: Complete four rounds and check your final time.
Where To Play
Start stacking at ABCYA.com.
10. Dance Mat Typing
Brought to you by the BBC, this is a classic. It features a cast of singing animals, including a very funny goat, who guide kids through four levels of touch typing.
It is structured, high-quality, and completely free. The game starts with the basics (f, d, s, j, k, l) and slowly introduces punctuation and capital letters. It is widely used in schools because it actually works.
How To Play
- Start at Level 1: Even if your child knows the basics, the refresher is helpful.
- Follow the animals: The characters explain where to rest your fingers.
- Practice: Complete the typing bars at the bottom. If you make a mistake, the game visually shows you the correct finger to use.
Where To Play
Get groovy at BBC.CO.UK.
11. Tommy Q: Zombie Defender | Free
Zombies are approaching, and the only weapon you have is a baseball bat and a keyboard. In this game, you control Tommy Q, moving him up and down lanes to intercept zombies.
To swing your bat, you must type the word floating above the zombie’s head. It combines strategy (which zombie is closest?) with typing accuracy.
How To Play
- Setup: Choose your difficulty and which keys you want to practice (Top Row, Home Row, etc.).
- Position: Use arrow keys to move Tommy into the correct lane.
- Strike: Type the word quickly to launch a baseball.
- Survive: Don’t let the zombies breach your defenses.
Where To Play
Defend the yard at Typing.com.
12. Whack a Mole | Free
This is a digital twist on the carnival classic. Moles pop out of holes, and you have to whack them. But instead of a mallet, you use your keystrokes.
It is slower-paced than the zombie or space games, making it ideal for beginners who need time to look at the keyboard. The game also highlights the correct finger to use, reinforcing good habits.
How To Play
- Choose settings: Select lowercase, uppercase, or numbers.
- Whack: A mole appears with a letter. Type it within 5 seconds to score a hit.
- Keep the streak: If you miss a mole, it’s game over.
Where To Play
Whack some moles at KidzType.com.
13. Amazing Inventions Surfing | Free
For older kids (grades 3-5) who can already type sentences, this surfing game is a great challenge. You control a dog on a surfboard by typing facts about famous inventors.
Accuracy is key here. If you make too many typos, the dog wipes out. It is a dual-purpose game: they practice typing and learn a bit of history at the same time.
How To Play
- Login: You’ll need a free account to play.
- Type the facts: Replicate the sentence on the screen, paying close attention to capitalization and punctuation.
- Balance: Typos make the wave unstable. Correct your mistakes quickly to save the pup!
Where To Play
Catch a wave at Education.com.
14. Type Rush | Free
Type Rush is a favorite because it brings multiplayer competition into the mix. It plays like a drag racing game where your typing speed fuels the car.
It’s similar to popular titles like Nitro Type. Kids can customize their cars and race against other real players online. The “brake” penalty for typos teaches them that accuracy is just as important as speed.
How To Play
- The light turns green: As soon as the race starts, begin typing the paragraph provided.
- Watch for errors: If you type a wrong letter, your car screeches to a halt. Backspace and fix it to accelerate again.
- Check your stats: At the finish line, you get a breakdown of your WPM (Words Per Minute) and accuracy percentage.
Where To Play
Start your engines at TypeRush.com.
15. QwertyTown | Paid
Kids create an avatar, earn coins for lessons, and can use those coins to buy cool accessories. It also has safe social features, allowing students to challenge friends to typing battles. It’s a paid resource, but the production value is high.
How To Play
- Demo mode: Try the intro lessons to see if the style clicks with your child.
- Guided path: Follow the curriculum map to unlock new keyboard keys.
- Socialize: Use the “Head-to-Head” feature to race friends.
Where To Play
Check out the subscription options at the QwertyTown website.
16. Key Maze | Free
Key Maze is a brain teaser. You control a ladybug trying to navigate a maze, but the controls constantly change.
One moment “T” moves you up; the next moment “4” moves you up. It forces the brain to dissociate the letter from the direction, which is a surprisingly intense mental workout. It’s great for breaking the monotony of standard typing drills.
How To Play
- Read the legend: Check the sidebar to see which key moves the bug in which direction.
- Hunt: Collect the stones scattered around the maze.
- Evade: Avoid the spider chasing you. Three strikes and you are out.
Where To Play
Get lost in the maze at TurtleDiary.com.
17. TypeTastic! | Free
TypeTastic is a massive library of games sorted by grade level. Whether you have a kindergartner who needs to learn mouse skills or a high schooler working on fluency, there is a unit for them.
It covers everything from motor skills to full touch typing. Educators love it because it builds skills logically, starting with using just one finger and graduating to using all ten.
How To Play
- Select grade: Choose K-2, Upper Elementary, or Middle/High School.
- Pick a unit: The units are numbered progressively. Start at Unit 1 for your level.
- Practice: Complete the mixed bag of games and timed tests to unlock the next block.
Where To Play
Access the free library at TypeTastic.com.
FAQs About Typing and Typing Games
How Can I Improve My Kids’ Typing Skills?
Consistency is key. I recommend using a structured program like Jungle Junior or TypeTastic to learn the basics of finger placement first. Once they know where their fingers go, let them play games like Type Rush to build speed.
Sit with them initially to correct “hunting and pecking” (using just two fingers). Encouraging them to use all ten fingers early on, even if it feels slower at first, will pay off huge dividends later. Aim for short, daily practice sessions rather than one long weekly marathon.
What Are the Benefits of Typing Games for Kids?
Games trick the brain into learning. They turn a boring, repetitive motor skill into an engaging challenge. Games provide instant feedback on accuracy and speed, motivating kids to beat their high scores.
Beyond just typing speed, these games improve hand-eye coordination, reading comprehension, and focus. When kids can type fluently (touch typing), they can get their ideas onto the screen as fast as they can think them, which is a massive advantage for creative writing and schoolwork.
What Is the Best Age To Start Typing Practice?
You can introduce keyboard familiarity as early as age 6 or 7 (1st grade). At this stage, focus on locating letters and simple games like Keyboarding Zoo.
Serious touch typing instruction generally starts around age 8 or 9 (3rd grade). This is when hands are large enough to comfortably span the keyboard, and fine motor skills are developed enough to manipulate the keys without frustration.
How Long Should Kids Practice Typing Each Day?
Short bursts are best to prevent burnout and repetitive strain. Aim for 15 to 20 minutes a day. This is enough time to complete a lesson and play a few rounds of a game.
If you force them to practice for an hour, they will likely get bored and sloppy. Frequent, short practice sessions reinforce muscle memory much faster than occasional long sessions.
What’s Your Type?
Typing is a fundamental life skill. Whether your child grows up to be a coder, a novelist, or an accountant, they are going to spend a lot of time at a keyboard.
The days of boring, repetitive drills are over. With these 17 games, you can turn screen time into skill-building time. From the structure of Dance Mat Typing to the chaos of Keyboard Ninja, there is something here for every personality.
Pick a game, set a timer for 15 minutes, and watch those Words Per Minute soar!
