[psadri]

I agree. I recently started exposing my kids to programming and I chose a C64 emulator. The BASIC REPL is so simple/limited that it doesn’t overwhelm the kids with irrelevant syntax (those can come later, if they are interested). The fact that a 1..100 loop can introduce a noticeable delay. You can literally see the computer working. Primitive graphics and sound provide immediate feedback which makes learning engaging and fun.

[rcarmo]

We used PICO-8. Worked great for that purpose.

[derstander]

Picotron (also by Lexaloffle) might be an even better match for those wanting a retro workstation as opposed to a retro game console.

https://www.lexaloffle.com/picotron.php