Introducing the top 10 best kids coding toys for 2023! In this digital age, fostering a love for coding and technology from a young age has become crucial. These coding toys not only provide hours of entertainment but also imbue children with valuable problem-solving and critical thinking skills. From programmable robots to interactive coding games, these toys offer a fun and hands-on approach to learning coding concepts. With innovative features and age-appropriate challenges, these 10 coding toys will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of tech-savvy innovators.
Overall Score: 9/10
Botley The Coding Robot is an engaging screen-free STEM toy that helps kids learn early coding skills while having fun. With its smart logic, Botley can detect objects, follow looping commands, and navigate obstacle courses. It comes ready to code out of the box and includes a remote programmer and 42 coding cards. The 45-piece set is suitable for ages 5 and up, and it requires 5 AAA batteries. Botley makes the perfect gift for kids, whether it's for holidays, birthdays, or even homeschool. It is an excellent tool for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With its easy-to-use features and endless possibilities, Botley provides hours of educational fun.
Key Features
- Early STEM skills with screen-free coding
- Smart logic for object detection and obstacle courses
- Ready to code right out of the box
- 45-piece set with a remote programmer and coding cards
- Ideal gift for holidays, birthdays, or homeschool
Specifications
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimension: 8.10Lx6.20Wx6.20H
- Size: 45 Piece Set
Pros
- Helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Screen-free coding for active and engaging play
- Easy to set up and use
- Comes with a remote programmer and coding cards
- Suitable for gifting on various occasions
Cons
- Not suitable for multiple children playing at once
- No display on the remote to visualize the code
Learning Resources Botley The Coding Robot is a fantastic educational toy that introduces kids to coding in a fun and interactive way. With its screen-free design and easy-to-use features, kids can learn early STEM skills while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The smart logic allows Botley to navigate obstacles and follow commands, adding an element of challenge and excitement. The 45-piece set includes everything needed to start coding right away, and it makes a great gift for kids of various ages. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the inability for multiple children to play at once and the lack of a code display on the remote, Botley is still an excellent tool for learning and creativity. Overall, Botley The Coding Robot is a highly recommended STEM toy that provides hours of educational entertainment.
Overall Score: 8/10
Introducing the Learning Resources Botley The Coding Robot 2.0 Activity Set! This coding robot is perfect for kids aged 5 and above, providing them with a fun and interactive way to learn coding and STEM skills. With 78 pieces included in the set, kids can enjoy 16 different coding styles and transform Botley 2.0 into various forms such as a train, police car, and ghost. The best part is that this coding robot offers screen-free fun, allowing kids to learn coding without the need for a tablet or phone. Designed to foster critical thinking and other important skills, the Botley The Coding Robot 2.0 Activity Set makes for a great gift idea for any occasion, including back to school. With its bright colors and durable build quality, this coding robot is sure to provide hours of educational and entertaining fun!
Key Features
- Code right out of the box with the next generation of our Toy of the Year winning coding robot
- 16 fun interactions—transform Botley 2.0 into a train, police car, ghost, and more
- Features expanded coding styles—code through music, lights, and movements
- Coding helps kids learn coding and STEM skills without a tablet or phone
- From science and technology to engineering and math, STEM learning help kids build critical thinking and other skills they need for success
- Ideal gift for Halloween, Christmas, Stocking Stuffers, Easter Baskets Stuffers or even for Homeschool
- Make this the smartest back-to-school yet with toys and tools from Learning Resources trusted by teachers and parents alike since 1984
Specifications
- Color: Multi-color
- Dimension: 9.60Lx9.10Wx6.40H
Pros
- Provides a fun and interactive way for kids to learn coding and STEM skills
- Offers screen-free fun without the need for a tablet or phone
- Features a durable and colorful design
- Includes 78 pieces and 16 different coding styles for endless play possibilities
Cons
- Botley's turn angles are limited to 90 or 45 degrees, which may lead to programming errors
- Some users have reported quality issues with the communication between Botley and the remote programmer
- Limited accessories available for the robot
The Learning Resources Botley The Coding Robot 2.0 Activity Set is a fantastic educational toy that provides kids with an engaging way to learn coding and STEM skills. With its colorful design and 78 pieces, kids can enjoy transforming Botley 2.0 into various forms and exploring different coding styles. The screen-free nature of this toy allows kids to have fun while learning, and the durable build quality ensures it will last for years to come. While there may be some limitations in terms of turn angles and communication issues reported by some users, overall, this coding robot offers an excellent opportunity for kids to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The Learning Resources Botley The Coding Robot 2.0 Activity Set is a great gift idea for kids aged 5 and above, making learning both educational and fun!
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set is a screen-free early coding toy designed for kids ages 4 and up. This interactive STEM coding pet helps children develop critical thinking, coding skills, and problem-solving abilities. The set includes a robot mouse named Colby, which lights up, makes sounds, and features 2 speeds and colorful buttons for easy programming. With 16 maze grids, 22 maze walls, 3 tunnels, coding cards, and activity guides, kids can learn coding concepts through hands-on play. The Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set is a super STEM learning tool that helps kids build essential skills for success in school and beyond. It also makes for a great gift idea for various occasions, including back-to-school, holidays, birthdays, and more. Overall, this coding toy provides an engaging and educational experience for young learners.
Key Features
- Develops critical thinking, coding skills, and problem-solving
- Teaches coding fundamentals and programming concepts
- Robot mouse Colby with lights, sounds, and 2 speeds
- Includes maze grids, walls, tunnels, coding cards, and activity guide
- Promotes STEM learning and skill development
- Ideal gift for various occasions
Specifications
- Color: Multi-color
- Dimension: 16.30Lx12.60Wx3.10H
- Size: –
Pros
- Engaging and interactive learning experience
- High-quality and durable plastic pieces
- Simple setup and programming process
- Allows for creativity and customization
Cons
- Unclear instructions in non-English language
- Buttons on mouse not labeled
The Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set is a fantastic educational toy that introduces young kids to the world of coding in a fun and interactive way. With its engaging features, durable construction, and versatile gameplay, this coding pet provides an excellent opportunity for children to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and coding fundamentals. While the non-English instructions may cause some confusion, the overall experience and learning potential of this toy make it a worthwhile purchase. Whether as a back-to-school gift or for various other occasions, the Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set is sure to captivate young minds and inspire their interest in STEM subjects.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Snap Circuits Teach Tech Mech 5 is a mechanical coding robot that inspires young engineers to learn about mechanical engineering principles and coding basics. This STEM robot allows users to throw, lift, kick, draw, and more by snapping the coding buttons onto the coding wheel. Geared towards future engineers aged 10 and above, the Mech-5 is a mission-based, entry-level robot that promotes hands-on learning. With well-written and thorough instructions, it is fairly easy to assemble. However, some users have reported issues with the plastic quality of certain components. Overall, the Snap Circuits Teach Tech Mech 5 offers an engaging and educational experience that combines mechanical engineering and coding.
Key Features
- Mech-5 is a one-of-a-kind Mechanical Coding Robot
- Inspires young engineers to learn about mechanical engineering principles and coding basics
- Can throw, lift, kick, draw, and more with snap-on coding buttons
- Learn by doing and geared towards future engineers ages 10+
Specifications
- Color: Mech-5
- Dimension: 12.40Lx2.50Wx9.10H
Pros
- Engaging way to learn about mechanical engineering and coding
- Mission-based system encourages hands-on learning
- Well-written and thorough instructions for assembly
- Suitable for a wide age range of 10 and above
Cons
- Plastic quality of certain components could be improved
The Snap Circuits Teach Tech Mech 5 offers an innovative and interactive approach to learning mechanical engineering and coding. With its mission-based system and hands-on activities, it provides an engaging experience for young engineers. While the plastic quality of some components may be a concern, the well-written instructions and wide age range suitability make it a valuable educational tool. The robot’s ability to perform various actions by snapping on coding buttons adds a playful element to the learning process. Overall, the Snap Circuits Teach Tech Mech 5 is a recommended activity for kids interested in exploring the world of mechanical engineering and coding.
Overall Score: 7.8/10
Introduce your child to the world of coding with Scrambles the Fox, an interactive STEM coding toy. Scrambles comes with a 12-page full-color storybook adventure that presents coding challenges for kids to solve. The toy is screen-free, allowing children to develop coding skills without the need for technology. Kids can code Scrambles to follow black-line paths and reach the goal, promoting sequential and computational thinking. This toy makes a great gift for various occasions and is perfect for children aged 4 and above. However, some customers have experienced issues with the toy's functionality, such as wheels not spinning properly. Nevertheless, it remains a cute and enjoyable coding toy for preschool and kindergarten-aged children.
Key Features
- Meet a new coding friend: Scrambles the Fox
- Coding challenges keep kids engaged with a full-color storybook
- Teach Scrambles to follow paths with black-line tracks
- Build screen-free coding skills
- Ideal gift for various occasions
Specifications
- Color: Multi
- Dimension: 6.30Lx7.30Wx2.50H
Pros
- Engaging and interactive coding toy
- Promotes sequential and computational thinking
- Allows kids to create their own paths
- Perfect for teaching coding and storytelling
- Suitable for preschool and kindergarten-aged children
Cons
- Issues with functionality, such as wheels not spinning properly
Learning Resources Coding Critters Go Pets Scrambles the Fox is an adorable and engaging coding toy that introduces preschool and kindergarten-aged children to the basics of coding. With a fun storybook and the ability to teach Scrambles to follow paths, kids can develop their sequential and computational thinking skills while having a blast. It’s a great gift option for occasions like Halloween, Christmas, or birthdays. However, some customers have reported issues with the toy’s functionality, particularly with the wheels. Despite these concerns, the Coding Critters Go Pets Scrambles the Fox remains a valuable tool for screen-free coding education.
Overall Score: 8.2/10
The Buddlets-Bot Robot Toy Kit is an ideal STEM coding robotic toy car for kids ages 8-12. With the help of the mobile app, kids can build and code their own robot car, learning the basics of engineering and coding. The kit offers voice command mode for beginners and coding mode for more advanced play. There are three different play modes to choose from, allowing kids to maneuver the robot car in different directions. The lightweight and easy-to-carry robot can also transport lightweight objects to programmed destinations. Overall, the Buddlets-Bot Robot Toy Kit is a fun and educational way for kids to explore the science of robotics and develop their coding skills.
Key Features
- Build and code your own robot car
- Basic and Difficult level coding modes
- Three different play modes: voice, coding, and control
- Learn maneuvering techniques while coding
- Mobile app for futuristic skills
- Ability to name your robot
- Multifunctional robot can transport objects
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 6.20Lx5.10Wx2.75H
Pros
- Easy assembly and setup
- Suitable for beginners
- Promotes creativity and problem-solving
- Ideal gift for curious and tech-savvy kids
Cons
- Glitchy mobile app remote
- Voice commands require clear and slow speech
The Buddlets-Bot Robot Toy Kit offers an engaging and educational experience for kids interested in STEM and robotics. It provides a hands-on opportunity to learn coding and engineering principles while having fun. The kit’s versatility with voice commands and coding modes allows children to progress at their own pace. Although the mobile app remote may have some glitches, the overall play experience and ease of assembly make it a great toy for curious and tech-savvy kids. With its multifunctionality and transport capabilities, the Buddlets-Bot Robot Toy Kit sparks creativity and encourages young minds to design the future.
Overall Score: 9/10
ThinkFun Circuit Maze Electric Current Brain Game is a toy that provides a fun and educational experience for boys and girls age 8 and up. It teaches players about circuitry and electrical currents through gameplay while developing critical thinking and planning skills. The game comes with 60 challenges of increasing difficulty, providing hours of entertainment. With clear instructions and high-quality materials, players can start playing and solving right away. The game requires 3 AAA batteries, which are not included. Trusted by families worldwide, ThinkFun is the leading manufacturer of brain games and mind-challenging puzzles. Overall, this brain game is a great gift that combines fun and learning for children and even adults.
Key Features
- Trusted By Families Worldwide
- Develops Critical Skills
- Clear Instructions
- Increasing Challenge
Specifications
- Color: Multi
- Dimension: 11.00Lx9.50Wx2.50H
Pros
- Challenging puzzles
- Educational difficulty curve
- Quality materials
Cons
- Batteries not included
- Possibility of frying your pieces
- "Squishy" game board
ThinkFun Circuit Maze Electric Current Brain Game is an excellent toy that combines entertainment and learning. With its high-quality materials and increasing challenge, it provides hours of fun for players of all ages. The clear instructions and educational difficulty curve make it easy for anyone to start playing and developing critical thinking skills. The only drawbacks are that batteries are not included and there is a slight possibility of damaging the game pieces. Overall, this brain game offers a unique and engaging way to learn about circuitry and electrical currents, making it a great choice for both children and adults who enjoy puzzles and logical reasoning.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Code Rocket Coding Toy is a fantastic tool for kids aged 8 and above to learn block and typed programming with circuits. This coding toy is designed for both boys and girls with no coding experience, offering a hands-on learning experience that combines building real electronic circuits with immediate results. With over 20 projects and built-in LED lights, buttons, and speaker, it provides endless hours of fun and learning. Kids can start with block-based coding like Scratch or Hour of Code, and then progress to text-based code like the pros use. The Code Rocket Coding Toy is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chromebook computers, and comes with free online projects and helpful reference cards. It's a great way to inspire kids' future careers in coding!
Key Features
- Real coding projects with hands-on circuits
- All-inclusive kit with LED lights, buttons, and speaker
- Compatible with block and typed programming
- Designed for kids aged 8+
- Provides a fun and educational coding experience
- Free online projects with video tutorials
Specifications
- Dimension: 3.50Lx2.00Wx0.10H
Pros
- Suitable for beginners with no coding experience
- Inspires future career paths
- Highly awarded by parent review organizations
- Comes with all necessary components and reference cards
Cons
- Not compatible with tablets or smartphones
- Small size may disappoint some users
- Initial lack of explanation about coding concepts
The Code Rocket Coding Toy is a fantastic tool to introduce kids to the world of programming. It offers a hands-on learning experience that combines building circuits with coding, making it engaging and fun. The kit includes all the necessary components and reference cards, while the online projects provide step-by-step guidance with video tutorials. Although it may be small in size, it packs a punch in terms of learning opportunities. Overall, this coding toy is a great investment that can inspire and cultivate an interest in coding for young learners. Whether they are beginners or have dabbled in coding before, the Code Rocket Coding Toy offers a rich educational experience that can ignite a passion for programming in kids.
Overall Score: 8/10
Introduce young children to the world of computer science with the Playz My First Coding & Computer Science Kit. This exciting science kit provides a hands-on learning experience by allowing kids to engage in fun activities such as creating binary necklaces, sorting races, pixelated pictures, and more. Without the need for a computer, this kit offers an interactive and educational way for children to learn about binary codes, encryption, algorithms, and pixelation. With over 30 tools, ingredients, and parts, and a colorful lab guide filled with pictures and information, kids will have hours of educational fun at home or in the classroom. Perfect for boys, girls, kids, and teens ages 6 and up, this kit is an excellent gift for birthdays or Christmas. Let your child's mind be engaged and watch their knowledge thrive!
Key Features
- Fun and exciting way to learn about computer science
- Includes 30+ tools, ingredients, and parts
- Easy-to-use colorful lab guide
- Challenges the mind and improves test grades
- STEM educational set
Specifications
- Dimension: 12.20Lx10.10Wx2.80H
Pros
- Engaging and hands-on learning experience
- Loaded with value and educational content
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Improves understanding of coding concepts
- Encourages interest in computer science
Cons
- Lack of information about computer interaction
The Playz My First Coding & Computer Science Kit is an impressive educational tool for children and teenagers. With its interactive activities and colorful lab guide, it provides a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about computer science concepts. The kit is loaded with value and offers hours of educational fun at home or in the classroom. While it could provide more information on computer interaction, it still manages to improve understanding of coding and spark interest in computer science among young minds. Overall, this is a fantastic gift for any child or teen interested in exploring the world of computer science.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
The Learning Resources Coding Critters Ranger & Zip is a screen-free early coding toy that introduces children ages 4 and up to the world of coding. The toy comes with a 22-piece set and a storybook coding adventure, allowing kids to code along with their first coding friends. They can play fetch, hide and seek, and more with the brave Ranger and mischievous Zip. The pet playset allows kids to design their own coding challenges, and in play mode, they can feed, pet, and take care of their interactive pets. This interactive STEM coding toy helps children develop important STEM skills while having fun. It is an ideal gift for boys and girls, suitable for holidays, birthdays, and even as a back-to-school gift. The Coding Critters Ranger & Zip is a great tool for introducing coding concepts to young learners.
Key Features
- EARLY CODING SKILLS: Code along with your first coding friends and their screen-free storybook coding adventure
- PLAY MODE: Play fetch, hide and seek, and more with brave Ranger and mischievous Zip
- KID CODING ROBOT: Design your own endless coding challenges with the 22-piece pet Playset
- REAL PET PLAY: Feed, pet, and take care of your interactive pets in play mode
- Super STEM Skills: From science and technology to engineering and math, STEM learning help kids build critical thinking and other skills they need for success in school and beyond!
- GIVE THE GIFT OF LEARNING: Discover new learning fun every time you give a gift, ideal for holidays, birthdays, and back-to-school
- A Brighter Back to School: Make this the smartest back-to-school yet with toys and tools from Learning Resource trusted by teachers and parents alike since 1984!
Specifications
- Color: Multi
- Dimension: 10.00Lx5.00Wx9.25H
- Size: Osfa
Pros
- Screen-free coding toy for early learners
- Comes with a storybook coding adventure
- Allows design and customization of coding challenges
- Teaches STEM skills in a fun and interactive way
- Ideal gift for boys and girls
Cons
- Limited coding capabilities
- Lack of feedback on the entered commands
- Potentially overpriced for the functionality provided
The Learning Resources Coding Critters Ranger & Zip is a fun and engaging way to introduce young children to the world of coding. While it may lack some advanced features, it provides an excellent foundation for early coding skills. With its screen-free design and interactive playset, children can have hours of learning fun while developing important STEM skills. The toy’s durability and appealing design make it a great gift for boys and girls. However, it is worth noting that the coding capabilities of the toy are limited, and it may not provide a long-term challenge for more advanced learners. Overall, the Coding Critters Ranger & Zip is a valuable tool for early learners and a worthwhile addition to any child’s toy collection.
Buyer's Guide: Kids Coding Toys
Are you ready to unlock your child's potential in the world of coding and programming? Look no further than these incredible kids coding toys! At once educational and entertaining, these toys allow your little ones to develop essential coding skills while having a blast. To help you make an informed decision, we have curated a comprehensive buyer's guide featuring everything you need to know before purchasing a coding toy for your child. Let's dive right in!
Why invest in kids coding toys?
- Promote early STEM skills: Coding toys introduce children to the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at a young age, fostering problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and creativity.
- Encourage logical thinking: Coding requires understanding patterns, sequences, and cause-and-effect relationships. By engaging with coding toys, children sharpen their logical thinking skills.
- Boost computational thinking: Coding toys help kids develop computational thinking skills by breaking complex problems into smaller steps, promoting algorithmic thinking and problem-solving strategies.
- Foster creativity: Coding fosters creativity by allowing children to explore and create their own unique projects, encouraging independence and self-expression.
- Prepare for the future: In a world driven by technology, coding is becoming an essential skill. Early exposure to coding toys sets your child on the path to mastering this critical ability.
What to consider before purchasing a kids coding toy?
Before diving into the vast sea of kids coding toys, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you choose the right one for your child:
- Age appropriateness: Different coding toys cater to different age groups, so it's important to select one suitable for your child's age and developmental stage.
- Ease of use: Look for coding toys with intuitive interfaces that are easy for children to understand and navigate. Avoid toys that may become frustrating or overly complex for their skill level.
- Compatibility: Check the compatibility of the coding toy with the devices you have at home, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. Compatibility ensures a seamless coding experience.
- Variety of activities: Evaluate the range of coding activities offered by the toy. A toy that allows for diverse projects and challenges keeps children engaged and interested over time.
- Durability: Kids can sometimes be rough on their toys, so choose coding toys made from durable materials that can withstand a bit of wear and tear.
- Educational value: Consider the educational aspects of the coding toy, such as the programming languages it introduces, the skills it supports, and the concepts it teaches.
Frequently Asked Questions about 10 Best Kids Coding Toys for 2023
Coding toys are available for varying age ranges. Some cater specifically to preschoolers, while others are designed for older children. Make sure to check the age recommendations for each coding toy before purchasing.
Yes! While coding toys often utilize technology, many toys are self-contained and don’t require a computer. These toys teach coding concepts through hands-on activities and physical components.
Absolutely not! Most coding toys are designed for beginners, allowing children to learn coding from scratch. These toys provide a gradual learning curve, starting with simple concepts and gradually progressing to more complex ones.
There’s no set limit on coding toy usage. Encourage your child to engage with the toy regularly, but also ensure they have a healthy balance of other activities. Coding toys should be a fun learning tool, not a sole focus.
Yes, coding toys are excellent for group settings. They promote collaboration, problem-solving, and teamwork. Many coding toys also offer multiplayer functionalities, allowing children to work together to solve coding challenges.
