Teaching your kids to code can seem intimidating, especially if you’re not familiar with coding yourself.
But don’t worry—robot kits make it easy!
My son and I have put together and tested about a dozen coding robots. So, we know which one are worth putting time and money into.
These coding robots offer a fun learning experience for kids to help improve their STEM skills. Even if you’re a complete beginner. Your kids can master the basics of computer science through interactive play with these robot toys.
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Learning to Code – Not as Difficult as You Think!
There’s a tendency for parents to delay teaching their kids coding concepts, especially if they’re unfamiliar with computer science. You kids might be critical thinkers, and children’s interest change all the time but coding grows with them. Coding seems complex at first.
However, coding isn’t as complex as it seems, especially when you start with the right tools. A robot kit and other educational tools provide a hands-on learning experience, making coding accessible and enjoyable for kids.
Learning to code doesn’t mean spending hours at a computer. Many kids’ coding apps use drag-and-drop interfaces, which are great for younger kids still developing their typing skills.
While learning the basics of coding, kids can also nurture their creativity and problem-solving skills—essential tools for any future in computer science that will match their current learning level.
The best thing for you kid might be to get inthere and learn, in a fun way!
STEM Education Guide Pro-Tip: Sphero is a great robot toy for older children (8+) with countless activities! Sphero also creates more affordable “mini” versions of their bot. Botley is the best coding robot for young learners (ages 6 to 8) who are just getting started.
Best Programmable Robots to Teach Kids Code
There are plenty of robot toys designed to teach kids how to code in a fun and creative way!
Many of these toys integrate with apps that interact directly with the robot, making the learning experience intuitive and engaging.
These robot kits offer a variety of activities that challenge kids to solve problems while learning the fundamentals of coding. Engaging with these kits helps children grasp the basic process of critical thinking, which is crucial for solving complex problems.
Here are just a few of our recommendations for the robots you can code.
1. mBot Neo
mBot Neo is a DIY coding robot kit that offers a complete learning experience. When my son and I put mBot together we had so much fun! We got mBot about a year ago and even a year old he still using it.
Kids will assemble the robot themselves and then use an app to code it, making it move, dance, light up, and perform other fun activities.
It’s a robust kit made from durable materials, perfect for kids who love building and coding.
You can check the availability of mBot Neo here. If you have Prime, then you also have free shipping.
I also have a full review of mBot Neo if you’d like a closer look at it.
2. Sphero SPRK+
Sphero’s are my top recommendation for a robot toy to teach a young kid to code! You can go from beginner to advanced with just this single toy; perfect for high school students who are interested in advancing their coding skills.
Start with draw programming then blocks, and ultimately even write Javascript directly to program your Sphero!
I hope you’re ready to learn advanced computer science concepts!
Sphero is powered by the Sphero Edu Coding App. You can program Sphero across several programs including JavaScript.
The best part is all the different codeable aspects of this bot. You can program Sphero’s sensors (including a gyroscope, accelerometer, motor encoders) and Sphero’s LED lights. This means that a creative kid can have tons of fun unlocking Sphero’s potential. Basically, you tell this little bot exactly what you want it to do.
You’ll never get bored with a Sphero. Activities with Sphero are endless! Spero has an internet connection, as well as connecting to the Spero Edu app on your phone.
Plus, they’re waterproof and shockproof.
If you’re just getting one toy focused on programming, you can’t go wrong with Sphero. They have multiple models – the mini, BOLT, and SPRK+. Any of these models would be a great choice and all are programmable. My top recommendation is SPRK+ robotic kits since it is one I have experience with, and I can speak to its quality. It’s great for STEM teaching!
Recommended Ages: 5-14
You can see the current price of the Sphero SPRK+ here.
You can find our full review here.
Recommended Ages: 8+
3. Wonder Workshop Dash
Dash is another cute robot with a lot of personality and potential. While I haven’t used this one before myself, I researched it heavily to understand what are the main selling points for Dash! Dash is an excellent robot toy for younger learners interested in both coding and robotics.
The recommended manufacturer age is 8+, but they have multiple apps available depending on what you want to do. Some of the apps are really well suited for 5-6 year-olds too, making this a great bot choice for younger learners.
Ages: 6+
You can check the availability of the Wonder Workshop Dash here.
4. Ozobot
Ozobot offers two bots: Evo and Bit. Evo is for older kids ages 9+ while Bit is for ages 6-9.
This bot is the smallest of the bunch. You could fit it in your pocket! For programming you also have two options. You can use the OzoBlockly app to program your bot from an iPad or computer. However, the other option is really unique! You can program Ozobot off-screen with markers and papers.
If you’re looking for a programming option that also includes off-screen play, especially for younger kids, this is a great option! Additionally, the inclusion of artificial intelligence in some activities makes this robotics kit even more impressive as an educational tool.
Ages: 6+
Check the current price of Ozobot here.
5. LEGO Boost
If your kids love building too, LEGO offers their own robotics kit. There are two lines of LEGO’s programable toys: LEGO Boost and LEGO Mindstorm.
LEGO Boost is the much more affordable one of the two. First, you build your robot. You can build 5 different models: robot, cat, guitar, rover, and an auto builder. Next, you start programming by downloading the free app. The one downside to LEGO Boost is that it’s not as robust of a programming app.
If you want something where you can really develop programming skills, choose Lego Mindstorm. If you want to get the basic logic and syntax, plus build your own robot, then Boost is a good choice!
Ages: 7-12
You can check the availability of this LEGO Mindstorm here.
6. Botley Coding Robot
The above bots are focused on older students who are learning the syntax and structure of programming. These next few are awesome coding robots for toddlers!
With toddlers, coding robots will generally involve less screen time and have much simpler patterns that you’re building. Kids can learn the basic fundamentals, but it’s geared at a level that is suitable for their developing brains.
Botley is 100% screen-free and ready to go straight out of the box – no apps or downloads necessary. He comes with a total of 77 pieces, including your programmable remote control.
The rest of the pieces are mostly obstacles for you to create your own course for Botley to navigate. You program his moves, and he makes them. It’s a great choice for young kids, and there are tons of activities that can keep kids occupied!
Ages: 4-6
See the current price of this Botley Coding Robot here.
7. Clicbot
Clicbot can really be on the top of this list because it is the best coding robot I’ve found. The only downside is the price, it’s on the high side but it’s worth every penny.
ClicBot is an intelligent coding robot suitable for both education and entertainment. Unlike most robots made that only have one function, Clicbot is modular. Meaning just a simple “click” will change Clicbot to a different configuration. No wires or screws are required.
You can configure Clicbot in a ton of ways, it’s up to your imagination.
Ages: 10+
You can find all the information about Clicbot and see the current price here.
8. Code & Go Robot Mouse
Code & Go Robot Mouse is similar to Botley. But instead of a separate remote where you’ll enter the commands, you control your Robot Mouse directly from his back!
Enter in the commands he’ll need to navigate the maze! There are also action cards included to give you inspiration about new maze setups for Robot Mouse to solve.
These toys are great for establishing problem-solving and pattern skills. But if you’re choosing one of the above two for a toddler, we recommend Botley. Code & Go Robot has been known to not always accurately follow the inputs (like faulty turns) which is quite unhelpful for learning and understanding the patterns.
Ages: 4-6
Click here to see the current price of Code & Go Robot here.
9. Code-A-Pillar
This one is for the youngest programmers out there! Code-a-pillar is less of a robot, but he teaches similar problem solving and sequence skills. You create the pattern to code where Code-a-pillar will go! It’s a great toy for toddlers to start developing the fundamental skills to start to code.
With toddlers, it is all about teaching them the basics in a fun way. If it’s not fun, they’ll probably lose interest! Toys like the Code-A-Pillar do a great job of teaching logical thinking skills involved in coding in a way that just feels like
play! These skills will be fundamental when the children start to apply themselves to actual coding concepts and programs later on.
Ages: 3-6
Check the current price of the Code-a-pillar robot here.
10. Elenco Tech “Mech-5” Programmable Robot Coding Kit
The Mech-5 is for young engineers who want the experience of building and coding their own robot.
The Mech-5 is designed as an entry-level coding bot, and an advanced building bot. The coding involves snapping the coding buttons onto the coding wheel in the center of the robot. By manipulating the coding wheel effectively, the robot can kick, draw, lift, throw, and more!
Elenco products are based on a “learn by doing” philosophy. The robot has detailed instructions for not only building the bot itself but for how to manipulate the bot with the coding wheel.
Ages: 10+
Check to see if Mech-5 is still available here.
11. UBTECH JIMU Dragon
Here’s another really fun option that kids can build and code themselves. The JIMU Mythical Series is designed for kids to grow their passion for robotics and STEM.
These toys utilize Blockly coding, which uses visual blocks to make coding easier for kids. It is a great way for kids to learn the fundamentals of programming by dragging the “blocks” to create a program. It’s similar to the “drag & drop” controls seen in other toys above, such as the Cozmo.
The dragon’s LED mouth can be programmed to illuminate, and kids can also program various movements into its wings.
The JIMU app also contains many tutorials to help kids with the coding part, as well as the construction of the dragon itself.
Ages: 8+
See the current price of JIMU Dragon here.
Buyer’s Guide
When choosing the best coding robot for your child, consider their skill level and interests.
Robot kits like Sphero and mBot Neo offer a rich learning experience, perfect for kids who are just starting or looking to advance their problem-solving skills. Whether they’re in elementary school or high school, there’s a coding robot out there that will make learning both fun and educational.
Skill Level
First up, one of the most important considerations in picking a coding robot is the skill level required. It goes without saying that your child’s knowledge of coding will have a big impact on how much they will enjoy the toy. In this article, we focused primarily on robots for beginners.
But even within the beginner category, there is a lot of variances. Consider whether your child already has any fundamental coding skills, and buy a toy that is matched with their current level of coding competence. Kids want a toy to challenge them, but not one so far out of their skill range that they become frustrated.
The “age limit” is a good place to start, but remember that these are just general guidelines! You need to match it with your child’s unique skill set.
The Toy
Sometimes, purchasers get so swept up in the “coding” aspects of these toys that they forget what they are actually buying – a toy! At the end of the day, if you want your child to benefit from the coding aspects, it has to be a toy that will actually hold their interest.
Luckily, these toys come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Robots, dragons, Legos, cars – our list shows the true versatility of this product category. Focus on getting a toy that your child will have fun with, and the coding skills will naturally flow from there.
Get Them Involved
If you don’t know which toy is right for your child, just ask them! Kids are a lot more engaged in a process if they are involved from the start. Ask them which toy seems coolest, and let them know about the coding options as well. Go with a robot that piques their curiosity, and you’ll find that they will actually be excited to learn the coding aspect.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading our guide to coding robots for kids. With so many great robot kits available, the best choice is the one that fits your child’s interests and skill level.
Remember, the key to teaching kids to code is making it fun—find a robot toy they love, and watch as their problem-solving skills and computer science knowledge grow naturally!
Whether they’re using the Sphero Edu app or learning about artificial intelligence, these tools can set the stage for a future in computer science.
Remember, there are many ways to teach kids to code. The most effective method might just be to pick something they enjoy!
Have you tried any of these coding robots with your kids? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!
