Coding Robots for Kids

Botley is the screen-free coding robot that helps your child learn early STEM skills while playing and having fun. Botley is ready to teach coding for kids right out of the box with minimal setup. Botley is the perfect robot toy for children aged 5 and above, and he grows with your kids’ skill level.

To use Botley, children will work with the remote control to enter a code, and then have Botley execute it. The initial activity kit does come with everything you need to get started, but there are even more lessons and activities you can find online. Botley can be programmed to do anything from following a line to working through an obstacle course. 

We ended up donating a Botley to my eldest son’s kindergarten class, and the teacher loved it! The computational thinking and learning that can happen without a screen is incredible. This little bot would be a wonderful addition to any K, 1st, or 2nd-grade classroom.

Read our full review of the Botley Coding Robot.

Edison is one of the most affordable and versatile robot toys of its kind. It’s commonly used in classrooms across the country to teach kids coding. From drag-and-drop block-based coding to text-based coding with Python, one of the biggest benefits of Edison is the diverse robot programming skills available. Edison can be programmed using any of the robot programming languages.

One of the best things about Edison is that it can be programmed right out of the box it comes in. When you unwrap your bot, the cardboard packing is actually your first code! Edison can scan barcodes as well as be programmed online with a device.

All of the Edison learning documents are free and available online. This is one of the big reasons schools are making Edison a priority - free resources that cover learning from simply scanning codes to Python. 

Edison does require a screen to really dive into the coding opportunities, but everything is online - no apps to worry about updating (Yet)! The robot itself is coded via an audio cord - something mostly new to the robotics world. Students would need a laptop or tablet with a headphone jack to be able to get the most of this little bot.

Read our full Edison Coding Robot review!

mTiny has become an absolute favorite in our household, and I'm genuinely excited to share our experience with this remarkable screen-free coding robot, designed for kids aged 3 to 5. Much like Botley, mTiny brilliantly blends play and learning, making it a fantastic addition to our family.

Interactive Learning with a Magical 'tap' Twist:

One of the standout features we adore is the tap pen controller, which pairs effortlessly with mTiny. What I particularly love is how it models block coding in a screen-free way that even the youngest kids can grasp. It's like introducing the concept of coding in a language specifically tailored to their age, making the transition to block coding down the road so much smoother.

A World of Education Through Play:

mTiny arrives with 36 code cards and a storybook that covers an impressive range of skills, from reading and math to music and logical thinking. The magic happens when these programming/command cards are combined to create sequences, teaching my child essential concepts like control and directional language. It's like building a foundation for future coding adventures, all while having a blast.

No-Fuss Setup and Tons of Fun:

As a parent, I appreciate the fact that mTiny requires zero assembly. The moment it came out of the box, my child was ready to embark on a coding journey. Plus, mTiny comes with a built-in battery, saving us the hassle of constantly replacing them – a win for both kids and the environment.

Read my full review of the mTiny here.

Robobloq is another fun and affordable coding toy for preschool and kindergarten age children. My 3 and 6-year-old sons LOVED this toy and I loved that this is one of the most intuitive coding toys on the market. Even my 3-year-old was able to figure out how to perform a basic algorithm with this coding toy within minutes.

Robobloq performs your basic actions such as turning and moving forward and also has some fun commands such as dancing and eating a banana or an apple. Robobloq does an awesome job with teaching if/then statements in a creative and innovative way.

The learn and go robot mouse set features Colby the light-up mouse robot. This is one of the best robot toys for little kids. My son has one in his kindergarten class! This little robot has colorful programming buttons that are simple to use and straightforward.

This coding set includes 16 maze grids, 22 maze walls, 3 tunnels, 30 double-sided coding cards, 10 double-sided activity cards, cheese wedge, and activity guide to provide a hands-on introduction to coding concepts.

If you think back to the years of the game “Mousetrap”, this would be a very familiar concept. The coding cards give the students a layout to set up. After the layout or “Maze” is constructed, students begin discussing how to get Colby from start to finish. 

Once a route is decided upon, students program Colby by pushing the buttons on his back. If they push the correct buttons in the correct sequence (and remember that whichever way Colby is facing is now considered straight) Colby gets his cheese! If not, they go back, figure out what went wrong, and try again!

Coding mouse is a great screen-free activity for little coders, and has optional accessory packs to expand on the learning already taking place. This is one type of mouse you will be excited to have in your house!

I recently introduced my child to the Makeblock mBot Neo, and I must say, it's been an absolute delight for us. Here's why I think it's a fantastic STEM kit:

Effortless Assembly with Learning:

One of the standout features I appreciated is how easy it is to assemble. Not only is it user-friendly, but the assembly process also introduces kids to the basics of robotics. The whole experience was educational, and the quality of the build was top-notch. When it was complete, I was genuinely impressed with the craftsmanship.

Fun with the Makeblock App:

Kids can have a blast with the Makeblock app, which allows them to control the robot car using the remote control features. It's a great way to keep them engaged and entertained while exploring the world of robotics.

Coding Made Easy with mBlock:

For those looking to dip their toes into coding, mBlock is a fantastic block-based app that makes learning the basics of coding a breeze. It's an ideal starting point for young learners who are new to programming.

Compatible with Scratch and Python:

What's even more exciting is that the mBot Neo is compatible with Scratch and Python. This means that kids who are eager to take their coding skills to the next level have the option to do so. It's a versatile platform that grows with your child's interests and abilities.

Read my full review here.

I recently had the pleasure of introducing my child to the Sphero Mini Coding Robot, and it's safe to say that we've both been thoroughly impressed. Here's what I loved about this tiny but mighty robot:

Ready-to-Go Fun:

Right out of the box, the Sphero Mini was ready to roll, making it incredibly accessible and hassle-free for us. It's rechargeable via a simple USB cable. There's no need for complicated setup or hours of frustration—it's a delightful instant start to our coding adventure.

Abundance of Educational Content:

The Sphero Edu app truly elevates the learning experience. We found a treasure trove of content and lesson plans that are not only educational but also engaging. It's a valuable resource for parents and teachers alike.

The app offers fun activities like 'Red Light Green Light,' adding an extra layer of excitement to our playtime. It's incredible how it seamlessly combines learning with play, making coding concepts more accessible and enjoyable.

Block-Based Coding:

Introducing kids to coding through block-based programming is a brilliant choice. It simplifies complex coding concepts into manageable blocks, making it easy for kids to grasp the basics of coding while having a blast.

Sphero Mini Coding Robot has been a delightful addition to our learning journey. It's user-friendly, packed with educational content, and makes coding fun through playful activities. Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your coding skills, the Sphero Mini is a fantastic choice for kids and parents alike.

Wonder Workshops Dash is a great option for a Coding Robot for Kids 6+ years old. Dash helps to make tech knowledge accessible for all ages and provides expander packs to help Dash grow with your child’s skill level. Dash is voice-activated and navigates objects. Dash helps to create confident digital competencies in kids with their 5 Free Programming STEM Apps.

One of the optional accessory packs is a “Challenge Card” kit. If you have a little one who gets bored easily, I would highly suggest making this purchase! These little challenges are fun and keep kids engaged far longer than Dash would on its own.

Another family favorite around here is the xylophone pack. With eight different accessory packs to choose from, you really can’t go wrong. The xylophone just happens to make the most noise, so that is what gets played with the most. #boymom

Dash and its suite of apps are great alone, or with some of the optional accessory packs. There are also standards-based lesson plans educators who use Dash can take advantage of. If you have a 6 to 9-year-old, they will love this fun, engaging, talkative little robot!

The Snap Circuits Teach Tech Mech 5 Coding Robot is a captivating journey into the world of algorithms and mechanics, tailor-made for curious minds aged 10 and above. Here's why I absolutely love it:

Mechanical Marvel, Screen-Free:

In a digital age, the Mech 5 stands out as a screen-free mechanical wonder. It offers a refreshing break from screens while opening doors to the captivating world of coding and algorithms.

Unique 'Coding Wheel':

What sets Mech 5 apart is its ingenious 'coding wheel.' It's a hands-on tool that teaches students the fundamental principles of algorithms in a fun gamified way.

Challenging Assembly perfect for Age 10+:

Assembling the Mech 5 can be a bit of a brain-teaser, and that's precisely why I adore it. It's a fantastic way for kids to develop problem-solving skills, patience, and a sense of accomplishment once they conquer the challenge.

Snap Circuits Teach Tech Mech 5 Coding Robot is a cool choice for budding engineers and young problem solvers. It's a mechanical, screen-free gem that introduces the fundamentals of algorithms in a unique and engaging way. If you're looking to challenge and inspire young minds, Mech 5 is an excellent place to start.

I recently embarked on an exciting journey with the Elegoo Smart Robot Car V4, and I'm here to share why it's an exceptional choice for budding roboticists aged 12 and above.

Challenging Assembly:

First and foremost, assembling this robot car proved to be an intellectually stimulating challenge. It's not your typical out-of-the-box experience, which is precisely what makes it perfect for learners looking to dive deep into robotics.

Live Feed and WiFi Magic:

One of the standout features is the built-in camera that sends a live feed over WiFi to the remote control app. It's like having a robot's-eye view of the world, adding an exciting layer to our robotics exploration.

Coding Basics and Beyond:

The Elegoo Smart Robot Car V4 offers an ideal starting point for learning the basics of coding. But what truly sets it apart is its compatibility with the Arduino IDE. It empowers learners to take their coding skills to the next level, venturing into the realm of advanced programming.

Check out my full review of the Elegoo Smart Robot Car Here.

With the LEGO boost creative toolbox, kids can build five different robots from one set. Each robot is progressively more challenging and teaches different skills. Kids can build and code interactive, motorized robots, models and creations with distance, color and tilt sensor technologies. This is one of the best robot kits for kids out there!

You can also download the free tablet app to follow the step-by-step instructions. This set includes a playmat for use with specific activities, and a LEGO Boost wall poster.

While the kit does give step-by-step instructions, it might be too frustrating for the younger end of the age-range. I could see this being a great option for 8-year-olds and up, depending on the amount of parental involvement. 

This kit does require a tablet or phone, but once you have it, you can combine this kit with other app-connected lego kits to build some really great things! The flexibility and options are wonderful with this kit, and the ability to talk about coding, engineering, structure, and so much else with just one build session is fabulous!

CUE Coding Robot is the perfect coding toy for kids 11 years and older. Unlike the other coding robots on this list (including Cue’s little brother - Dash) Cue is sophisticated enough for older kids and works to develop creative problem solving and computational thinking skills.

While it has something for newcomers to coding and advanced coders alike, this is the coding robot is for kids looking to take their skills to a more advanced level. Cue robot engages kids as they build coding proficiency by transitioning from Block-Based coding to text-based JavaScript.

Everything your child could need to program or work with Cue can be found in the Cue app. From avatars to JavaScript, this robot can take your child from playing to programming in record time. There are three accessory kits just for Cue, and one Lego-compatible kit that works with all of Wonder Workshops robots. There are also resources for educators - which are based on national computer-science standards. Even for the non-educator parent, these would be great guides to help you give your child direction as they explore the world of advanced coding and robotics!

JIMU robots are interactive codable bots that help kids learn hands-on engineering by programming JIMU using Blockly code. JIMU robots can be programmed to navigate obstacles, pick-up objects, and much more!

Kids can get creative and create new, custom actions with the PRP (Pose, Record, Play) function. This kit includes parts to build two construction-ready robots – GrabberBot or DigBot – or build your use your creativity to build your very own JIMU Robot creation. The recommended ages for this particular kit are 8 or older, and it does seem like it would get frustrating for children much younger than that.

Putting together your GrabberBot or DigBot is easier than you think, and all the pieces (357) simply snap together. The sensors and everything needed to charge the bot come in the kit as well, so you can literally build and go.

Some of the pieces and parts of this kit are proprietary and enhanced - which allows these bots to move more smoothly and sense things other bots on this list may not be able to. For the advanced builder/coder, this might be a very nice feature!

You will need access to an iOS or Android-based device for this kit. The app that can help you built the robot of your choice can also work as a block-based drang-and-drop coding platform. If you are looking for a robotic kit that combines creativity, functionality, and education, you have found it!