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