Attend a hackathon
Attend a kid-friendly hackathon to brainstorm, design, and build a simple app, game, or invention with a small team together.
Step-by-step guide to attend a kid-friendly hackathon to brainstorm, design, and build a simple app, game, or invention
What is a Hackathon? Simple Explanation In 1 Minute
Step 1
Check in at the registration desk.
Step 2
Go to the team meeting area.
Step 3
Join a team of 3 to 5 kids.
Step 4
Introduce yourself to your teammates.
Step 5
Brainstorm ideas together for 10 minutes.
Step 6
Vote and pick one idea to build.
Step 7
Draw a simple plan or sketch that shows how your idea will work.
Step 8
Assign one role to each teammate.
Step 9
Start building your app game or invention following your plan.
Step 10
Test your creation and write down one problem to fix.
Step 11
Make one improvement to your creation based on the test.
Step 12
Practice a 1-2 minute demo of your project with your team.
Step 13
Present your project at the hackathon showcase.
Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a laptop or coding tools to start building the app, game, or invention?
If you don't have a laptop or tablet for step 8 (start building your app game or invention), use paper-and-pencil prototyping, a smartphone with a free maker app, or craft materials like cardboard and markers to build a physical mockup.
What should we do if the team can't agree on an idea during the 10-minute brainstorm and vote?
If the team can't agree during the 10-minute brainstorm and vote (steps 5–6), try a quick dot-vote, pick the idea that matches your teammates' skills and time limit, or choose the simplest idea to prototype first.
How can we adapt the hackathon steps for younger kids or older kids?
For younger kids, simplify step 4–8 with guided sketch templates, role cards, and an adult helper, while older kids can assign specific roles (coder/designer/tester) and aim to build a working app to share on DIY.org.
What's a simple way to improve or personalize our project before presenting and sharing on DIY.org?
After step 11 test and record one problem, make one clear improvement (step 12), practice a polished 1–2 minute demo, and add photos and a short description when you share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to attend a kid-friendly hackathon to brainstorm, design, and build a simple app or game
What's a Hackathon? (Beginner's Guide to Hackathons) - Part 1
4 Videos
What's a Hackathon? (Beginner's Guide to Hackathons) - Part 1
Code.org Hackathon App - Complete Project Tutorial - All Parts | Unit 6 CSP
Code.org Hackathon Tips and Tricks Tutorials - How to Get Started - CS Principles
How to participate and win any hackathon | A complete guide
Facts about coding and teamwork for kids
🕒 Kid-friendly hackathons usually run 3–8 hours so teams stay energized and creative.
👥 Most hackathon teams are small (2–5 people) — that means everyone gets a fun role like coder, designer, or presenter.
🧱 Many kids’ hackathons use block-based tools like Scratch or MIT App Inventor so beginners can build apps quickly.
🎮 Game jams and hackathons often include a surprise theme to spark wild, creative ideas.
🏆 Small prizes, badges, or mentorship are common — and some hackathon projects keep growing into real apps after the event.
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