Plan
Each kid writes their game in one sentence and draws their hero on paper. No screens yet.
Event guide
How to run a game jam for kids
A game jam is a short event where everyone makes a game on the same theme. Grown-up developers run them over a weekend. Kids can do a great one in an afternoon.
Pick a theme everyone can read their own way
Good themes are short and a little strange, so no two games end up alike. “Upside down” could be a world where gravity flips, a bat's day out, or a pancake that won't land. Spin the wheel above, or let kids vote. Announce it at the start, not before. That's half the fun.
Three rounds
Build
Build the core: a hero that moves and one goal. Then add the theme twist. Break for snacks halfway.
Polish and play
Add sound, a title screen and one fix from a play-tester. Then the arcade opens: everyone plays everyone's game.
Awards where everyone gets one
Skip the single winner. Make one award per game and let the group help match them up.
- Best sound
- Funniest hero
- Most surprising twist
- Prettiest level
- Best use of the theme
- Bravest bug fix
- Coziest game
- Hardest jump
Jam checklist
- A device and a browser for each kid, plus chargers
- Paper and pens for Round 1
- A big screen for the arcade at the end
- A theme kept secret until kick-off
- Printed award certificates with blank names
For weekly sessions, see coding club ideas.