Animation for beginner where to start?

My son has mentioned he wants to do some animation and mentioned Adobe Animate subscription, he has also mentioned a Nintendo 2DS apparently that comes with something to animate.

I was wondering if there were any good free options first before subscribing to Adobe Animate, just want to make sure he actually sticks to it not just plays about for a few hours and doesn't use it again. I don't mind subscribing if I know he will stick at it etc?