Coding — or the language used to develop websites, apps, and software — is a complex concept, but even the most basic of coding skills are accessible to the youngest of kids through STEM toys with a focus on programming. Whether it's a robot toy that kids have to build themselves or a board game that puts emphasis on sequencing and other coding basics, there are so many toys, games, and building kits that can help get your little interested in learning code.
Keep scrolling to see and shop some of our favourites!
Osmo Coding Starter Kit
With the Osmo Coding Starter Kit [2] ($70, originally $100), kids use physical blocks and coding commands on an iPad to control a character's adventure.
Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot
Using the Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot [3] ($150), kids can learn how to code through giving Dash both voice commands and action sequences developed in one of five free compatible apps.
Learning Resources Coding Critters Rumble & Bumble
Kids ages 4 and up can learn basic coding with Learning Resources' Coding Critters Rumble & Bumble [4] ($19).
UBTECH Mythical Series: Unicornbot
The UBTECH Mythical Series: Unicornbot [5] ($77) is a buildable, codable robot that works through an app available for Apple and Android smart devices.
Matatalab Pro Set Robot
Kids ages 4 and up can use the Matatalab Pro Set Robot [6] ($248) to complete coding tasks related to sequencing, conditionals, debugging, and more.
Avengers Hero Inventor Kit
Marvel fans will love building their own interactive gauntlet with the Avengers Hero Inventor Kit [7] ($70).
Kano Disney Frozen 2 Coding Kit
Kids ages 6 and up can learn to code alongside their favourite Frozen characters thanks to the Kano Disney Frozen 2 Coding Kit [8] ($21, originally $80).
Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar Twist
Preschoolers can learn to code, too! The Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar Twist [9] ($35) teaches kids ages 3 to 6 the basics of coding in a digestible way.
ThinkFun Robot Turtles STEM Toy and Coding Board Game
The ThinkFun Robot Turtles STEM Toy and Coding Board Game [10] ($24) helps kids ages 4 and up learn the basics of programming through game play.
Sphero SPRK+
Sphero SPRK+ [11] ($96) is a programmable robot ball that introduces kids to coding with a ton of fun features.
Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set
The Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set [12] ($49) comes with everything your kids ages 4 and up need to learn basic coding and problem-solving skills.
Snap Circuits Elenco Explore Coding
Snap Circuits Elenco Explore Coding [13] ($91) introduces kids to coding through snap circuits that have lights, sounds, and a motor that can be programmed.
Educational Insights Artie 3000 The Coding Robot
Educational Insights's Artie 3000 The Coding Robot [14] ($50) connects coding skills to art.
Bitsbox Coding Subscription Box
Each Bitsbox Coding Subscription Box [15] ($30 per box) comes with computer programming projects that teach kids ages 6 and up to make video games, greeting cards, simulations and more.
ThinkFun Hacker Cybersecurity Coding Game
Kids ages 10 and up can hone their coding and logic skills with ThinkFun's Hacker Cybersecurity Coding Game [16] ($29).
Lego Boost Creative Toolbox
This 847-piece Lego Boost Creative Toolbox [17] ($144) allows your kids to build, code, and play with a five-in-one robot friend.
ThinkFun Code Master Programming Logic Game
ThinkFun Code Master [18] ($19) is a single-player programming logic game for kids ages 8 and up.
Kano Star Wars The Force Coding Kit
The Kano Star Wars The Force Coding Kit [19] ($34) allows kids to apply coding to Star Wars themes, like piloting an X-Wing.
BBC Doctor Who Coding Kit
The BBC Doctor Who Coding Kit [20] ($75) comes with more than 40 lessons and limitless themed activities.
Learning Resources Coding Critters Ranger & Zip
The Learning Resources Coding Critters Ranger & Zip [21] ($21) activity kit comes with a storybook that leads coding adventures.
Playz My First Coding & Computer Science Kit
Kids ages 6 and up can learn about computer science with the Playz My First Coding & Computer Science Kit [22] ($35).
Learning Resources Coding Critters Bopper
This Learning Resources Coding Critters Bopper [23] ($27) helps kids ages 4 and up learn coding with cute bunny friends.
WOOLIKE Robot Kit
The WOOLIKE Robot Kit [24] ($90) is a 100+-in-one robot building kit that comes with more than blocks, a master control unit with a sensor, and a motor that kids can build and rebuild into different combinations.
Apitor SuperBot
The Apitor SuperBot [25] ($70) is an 18-in-one robot building kit for kids ages 8 and up.
Kano Motion Sensor Kit
The Kano Motion Sensor Kit [26] ($12) teaches kids to code through movement.
J-1 Smart Train Starter Set
Kids ages 3 and up can learn to code with the J-1 Smart Train Starter Set [27] ($100) both off screens and with an app.
BOTZEES AR Coding Robot
The BOTZEES AR Coding Robot [28] ($100) allows kids to create, program, and play through a six-in-one robot.
Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set
The Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set [29] ($46, originally $80) teaches kids to code through screen-free play.
Think Fun Robot Repair Coding Board Game
Kids ages 8 and up can learn core coding concepts through hands-on play thanks to Think Fun's Robot Repair Coding Board Game [30] ($20)
Learning Resources Coding Critters Scamper & Sneaker
Take coding off screens with Learning Resources' Coding Critters Scamper & Sneaker [31] ($25).
CoderBunnyz
CoderBunnyz [32] ($30) is a game the whole family will enjoy playing together — learn sequencing, code writing, and more right alongside your kids.
Thames & Kosmos Code Gamer
For young gamers, the Thames & Kosmos Code Gamer [33] ($100) teaches coding through video game play.
Elenco Teach Tech Mech-5 Programmable Mechanical Robot Coding Kit
The Elenco Teach Tech Mech-5 Programmable Mechanical Robot Coding Kit [34] ($35) teaches kids 10 and up basic coding and mechanical engineering skills.
Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot 2.0 Activity Set
Kids ages 5 and up can learn to code as soon as they unpack Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot 2.0 Activity Set [35] ($61) from its box.