Coding robots are toys for kids that can be programmed to perform fun functions and often have to be assembled as part of the process.
These neat robots encourage the development of a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills while keeping kids engaged and entertained. Critical thinking skills are encouraged through both the construction and programming processes.
There are a variety of robot toys for kids to choose from based on a child's age, abilities, and interests. Some robots introduce very young kids to coding by having them press buttons to make the toy carry out commands and there are more challenging coding robots that introduce advanced coding concepts and new programming languages.
Below is a list of 15 of the best coding robots for kids of all ages and abilities.
The Sphero Mini is a tiny app-enabled coding robot for kids that is lots of fun.
With this neat robot kids of all skill levels learn important coding skills while programming the robot to do cool things like roll into tunnels and power through traffic cones and bowling pins. (Included in kit.)
It comes with features like a joystick module and a slingshot mode.
After kids learn the basics of coding, they can move onto more advanced projects like working with block-based coding and Java Script.
The Sphero Mini runs for one full hour on a single charge, too. So, your child stays engaged and learning without needing to constantly charge it.
Check it out: Sphero Mini (Green) App-Enabled Programmable Robot Ball
The ClicBot Coding Robot is a super fun STEM toy that comes with a wide range of fun games.
This robot kit can perform over 200 unique commands, which makes it a lot of fun for kids. The games and various antics that can be programmed get kids interested in developing their coding abilities.
It can easily be constructed in a variety of fun ways. The drag and drop interface is also very user-friendly, which lets kids easily program it for fun activities.
This coding robot toy is serious fun that will keep kids busy and having fun for hours on end, all while helping them develop important STEM skills.
Check it out: ClicBot Coding Robot
If your child has tinkered with Arduino circuit boards before, they will flip over the ELEGOO Penguin Bot. This robotics toy is based on Arduino circuit board concepts.
This cool-looking educational robot has lots of neat features your child is going to love. It can be programmed to follow you and even to avoid bumping into things.
Another cool feature of this robot is that it is assembly-required and comes with step-by-step instructions. This helps kids develop basic skills like fine motor and critical thinking.
This is a fun coding kit that will keep your child busy and your whole family having fun.
Check it out: ELEGOO Penguin Bot
The TOYTRON Coding Pet Milky is a fun and cute way to enhance your child's STEM skills while having them engage in some really fun activities in coding.
This robot toy comes with dozens of fun coding cards, several coding boards, and a free coding app.
The TOYTRON is the perfect introduction to coding for kids ages 5 and up, as it's easy to use, fun, and has kid-friendly coding activities.
Kids develop STEM skills and problem-solving skills with this toy while they engage with this friendly robot in actual coding activities - very cool.
Check it out: TOYTRON Coding Pet Milky
The Educational Insights Artie 3000 is a cute robot that helps get kids familiar with coding games.
This coding robot for kids gives kids a creative coding experience through programming the Artie 3000 to draw cool art projects. Kids can program anything from simple designs to more advanced art projects.
It comes with markers, an application, activity cards, and an easy-to-understand guide.
This is a great STEM toy for beginners, as it is easy to use and comes with pre-programmed activities.
Check it out: Educational Insights Artie 3000
Makeblock makes the most awesome STEM toys. The mTiny Coding Robot is no exception.
This is one of those toys for kids that will delight your child while teaching them important skills like critical thinking, fine motor, and problem-solving.
It comes with fun accessories like double-sided map blocks and game cards.
Kids ages 4 and older will enjoy the learning process the robot toy provides and their programming skills will flourish with all the fun activities they will be able to do.
It's also no assembly required, so kids can start having fun as soon as they open the box.
Check it out: Makeblock mTiny Coding Robot
This is a really cool remote control coding robot kit for kids.
With the PAI Technology Botzees kit, kids can combine the blocks, motors, and sensors to make all sorts of fun robots, then program them to do even more fun things. Kids can program their robots to dance, light up, make sounds, and more!
This coding robot toy is similar to the Lego education robot building sets older kids to play with, but the blocks are designed for even the youngest child to build with.
Kids as young as 4 years old can build and code with this cool robot.
Check it out: PAI TECHNOLOGY BOTZEES
Coding robots are not just for older kids. In fact, there are some great coding robots for kids preschool age.
The Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar is a cute and fun introduction to coding for very young learners. It has over 1,000 different combinations for young kids to tinker with.
This coding robot is great for young children because it is programmed using easy-to-grip dials instead of apps and switches. The segments of this coding robot are also permanently attached to one another so the toy is not easily broken.
This toy provides a great introduction to robot coding.
Check it out: Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar
The Fisher-Price Code n' Learn Kinderbot is another awesome coding robot for kids ages 6 and under.
With this robot, kids learn about coding and other important STEM skills like math, shapes, problem-solving, critical thinking, and fine motor skills. These are all skills that will benefit them as they head into the elementary years.
There is also a secret code booklet included in the set, which kids find really fun.
This is a really neat way to introduce younger kids to coding concepts.
Check it out: Fisher-Price Code 'n Learn Kinderbot
The Matatalab Lite is a unique coding robot for kids because it gives kids the experience of hands-on, screen-free coding. (It does come with an application, but its use is totally optional!)
Kids will program races, music, and even send the robot on missions with this fun robot toy.
It comes with neat extras like stickers and a map for the robot's missions.
This is a great way for kids to have fun while they learn important coding skills. Kids 4 years and will really enjoy this coding robot.
Check it out: Matatalab Lite a Remote Control Coding Robot
The Miko 2 is the type of robot we all dreamed about as kids. It responds to moods and can carry on conversations.
This neat robot plays music, dancing, and even has a screen to display videos.
Not only is this robot STEM toy a great, simple introduction to the concept of coding, but it also has a lot of other neat features that both kids and parents love, like educational apps and age-appropriate games.
This toy is kind of like a Siri or Alexa, but for kids!
Your child will enjoy hour after hour of STEM fun with this neat coding robot.
Check it out: Miko 2
The Scout AI Smart Coding Robot is unbelievably cool. There is so much to learn with this coding robot - and so many fun activities!
Kids will learn about computer programming, artificial intelligence, and robotics, all while making up their own games and having a blast.
Kids can also play with this cool coding robot independently or in teams, using the awesome games that are included in the kit. It can even be programmed to be a self-driving car that actually follows traffic signs and avoids collisions!
This is really a cool educational toy.
Check it out: Scout AI - Smart Coding Robot
The WowWee MiP Arcade Robot is an award-winning STEM toy that your child is sure to enjoy.
This cool coding robot has tons of interactive, screen-free games that will keep your child engaged and off their tablet. The activities include memory games, fun dance moves, witty responses, and fun brain training games.
It also comes with some neat attachments like a hoop and a carrying tray. It is also self-balancing, which kids find really fun. It can even carry a plate of snacks - super cool!
Check it out: WowWee MiP Arcade - Interactive Self-Balancing Robot
The Makeblock mBot Mega Robot is a fun build-from-scratch programmable robot that kids will have a blast tinkering with.
This is a great robotics kit for kids who have already been introduced to basic coding concepts and worked with Arduino systems. The coding projects that come with this robot are for kids who are ready to advance their technical knowledge and coding skills.
Though the projects are intermediate to advanced, the step-by-step instructions are easy for kids to follow, allowing them to complete them successfully.
This is a coding robot that's seriously challenging and seriously fun.
Check it out: Makeblock mBot Mega Robot
The Lego Education WeDo 2.0 Core Set gives kids the challenge of opening a box of Legos and turning the pieces into a working robot toy.
With this coding robot, kids learn engineering skills and Scratch Programming through multiple building configurations and endless coding options.
The WeDo 2.0 Core Set is great for group use, but can also promote STEM and coding skills through individual use.
This coding kit is durable and easy to organize for storage, too. It's no wonder this coding robot can be found in classrooms all over the world.
Check it out: LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 Core Set
These are some of the best coding robots for kids on the market. Whichever one you choose, you are on the right path to giving your child's STEM skills a boost, which will benefit them throughout their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What robots can you code?
The list above has some great coding robot options. The Lego WeDo 2.0 Core Set is a popular robot you can code that's used in classroom settings.
What is robotics coding for kids?
Robotics coding is giving a robot instructions on commands to perform. Kids input the instructions, or code, into an operating system, and the robot carries out the task.
Is there a coding game for kids?
There are so many great coding games available for kids. Coding games for kids range from completely hands-on to completely computer-based. You just have to choose the right one for your child's abilities and knowledge level.
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