10 Best Coding Toys Reviewed in 2024

Cosmo is the cute little droid that you didn’t know you needed for your child. He’s everyone’s soon-to-be best friend and although he makes them work for his affection, your child will have a blast learning how to program him. Cosmo can do so much more than what meets the eye; with a little coding practice, your child will eventually be able to give Cosmo voice commands in addition to having him follow certain visual patterns. You can even see life from his point of view (literally!) with the addition of a front “Discovery” camera feature.

Educational Value

If your kids are on their smartphones or tablets as it is, this is a great way to encourage them to be productive while playing -- They’ll learn a little about how to build code while also having a great time.

Logic

To interact is simple, just use the coding lab accompanying Cosmo and set it up via a smartphone or tablet. Using the code lab is as easy as plugging in various colors and watching this tiny bot set out on his course!

Creativity

By dragging various colored blocks along with the screen, you can watch this AI come to life in a fascinating display that seems almost human-like. He also comes with blocks that can be lifted or moved, so you can train it to a super builder as well.

Design

Cosmo isn’t just built for following directions and making great entertainment. This robot is fully-interactive and while you’re learning about him, he actually learns about you, too!

Educational Value

Learning to program a path for their insect friend will help improve their problem-solving skills. Using the segments, your child will rearrange them to get the code-a-pillar to move in the direction they want. Your child must use their critical thinking skills to discover the correct arrangement of segments for each direction.

Logic

Along with the tremendous number of problem-solving skills, it takes to control this caterpillar, kids will also learn how to use logic to plan the course of their toy. It interacts and makes noises to gain their interest while teaching them valuable skills about an order, direction, and paying attention.

Creativity

All of the segments are designed to light up, but the head segment is equipped with fun sounds and even blinks his eyes. Your little one will be encouraged to engage in pretend play as they bring the caterpillar to life. Included in the box is a ‘Start’ and ‘Finish’ target. Using the targets you can create fun obstacle courses for the caterpillar that will stimulate your child’s cognitive development as they work to get the toy to the end.

Design

Each of the eight segments is designed with a color and shape. The color and shape correspond to a specific command, thus making it easier for your child to remember the correct sequence for each direction. Composed of durable plastic, your child can countless adventures with their code-a-pillar.

The only thing that makes this toy seem complicated is the addition of the word “computer”, which, in reality, is simply just an electronic machine that’s run by none other than coding! So why not teach kids the basics of how to create their very own? The Kano Computer Kit is great for kids ages six and up and teaches them, step-by-step, how to put together their very own computer system and code it to the correct specifications. Building a computer is something to be proud of and will definitely be something they’ll take pride in when they show it off to their family and friends.

Educational Value

Putting a computer together isn’t really as complicated as it seems, and with this one, kids will have full access to things such as YouTube, Minecraft (which they can also learn how to hack!), and several other games and features that make this totally worth the money you’ll invest in it.

Logic

This kit is incredibly simple to use without being boring and has a major payoff when it’s been completed. It’s true that this kit has a lot to offer in the way of logic and critical thinking in general, but what’s really great about it is the confidence your child will have once they’ve completed their project.

Creativity

Any other kit would be complicated and frustrating, but Kano has found a way to take kids through the coding process in the most fun and creative way… They won’t even realize they’re learning code as they are building their own computer!

Design

This isn’t the type of toy your child will get bored of quickly, which we know can be a big concern when it comes to anything science or engineer-related. Having their own computer will give kids a sense of freedom along with accomplishment knowing that they’re the ones who actually built it.

There’s no additional software, accessories, or tools that your child needs to start programming him -- Just it up with the app and you’re good to go. It’s also compatible with LEGO Bricks Connectors which can be a blast if your child is playing with a group of friends!

Educational Value

Designed with an open-ended learning platform your child can choose their own way to play. Playing with the robot will increase their confidence as they learn more about coding and tech in general. Dash has won several different educational awards and is even being used in over 20,000 classrooms all over the world. Children can enjoy playing with him independently or with friends.

Logic

This little guy can learn a plethora of commands that are all relatively simple to program in and will keep kids busy, improve their logic skills and have them laughing for hours.

Creativity

While Dash is a coding bot, he can be used for so much more. Using the free five apps your child can give him voice commands as well as explore different events, loops, conditions, and sequences. By purchasing the latest accessories, your child can customize Dash and even turn him into an animal.

Design

Arriving fully charged and assembled, your child can begin coding with Dash immediately after opening. Your child can enjoy playing with Dash for up to five hours on a single charge. The lack of batteries required gives this toy a high-level of portability. Your child can take him on the go and use any USB port to charge him when needed. Not only is he easy to transport but he is highly durable. The bright blue and orange color scheme makes the robot easy to spot as he moves. Children will love the robot’s quirky look and will have a blast for hours. Dash is designed for children ages six and up.

When it comes to coding, you know that LEGO has to have a hand in that since most kits are designed with engineering in mind! The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox Building and Coding Kit allows kids to construct a bot that towers over ten inches high -- That’s a pretty hefty bot! It’s a huge step for LEGO, who started with simple building blocks and now puts out full-on controllable bots. Technology certainly is amazing sometimes!

Educational Value

The cool aspect of this LEGO kit, though, is not only will it run on batteries, but it can be controlled via smartphone or tablet app as well. This gives kids a chance to not only build their very own robotic creature but also control it and learn some super simple coding in the process.

Logic

The app allows kids to control their creation in very much the same way a remote control would be used for a race car; each option on the screen can be dragged into a specific order, then giving direction via Bluetooth to the droid awaiting a command.

Creativity

This is a pretty smart toy that comes with a pretty significant surprise as well. Not only can you build one large robot, but your child will have the option to pick from five different robotic designs and build -- and control -- each one!

Design

The options are endless for this not-so-subtle bot, and the best part is that there’s no specific equipment your child will need to download the app to use it. It’ll work with virtually any device that allows for Bluetooth communication which can save you frustration as well as money.

This is a coding computer kit that’s really intended for older kids who are either looking to learn code or already have an interest in the digital world. It’s not overly complicated but can be frustrating for some younger ages, but that also means it can be a fun bonding project for the entire family.

Educational Value

All of those wires and the addition of a circuit board may create the illusion that this coding toy isn’t easy to put together but that’s quite on the contrary. The guide is descriptive and simple to follow and won’t just instruct kids, but will teach them how and why to put everything together in order for the process of coding to make complete sense.

Logic

This computer kit introduces real-life computer parts to kids in a friendly way without overwhelming them or making them feel like they can’t actually accomplish this project. Studies have shown that technologically-forward projects such as this have been shown to drastically increase a child’s confidence level and improve their thinking skills overall.

Creativity

This computer kit comes with literally everything you need to create a computer capable of processing video game and tons of various apps that will be super rewarding to your child once they’ve completed it. It’s recommended for kids ages eight and up, which will give them a solid background in the coding process and what it takes to create a form of artificial intelligence.

Design

The instructions are simple but make piecing this computer together a lot of fun, and your child will find even more fun in it when completing it with friends. When they’re finished, they’ll have full access to games like Minecraft and fun apps that will keep them surfing their new technology addition for hours.

We’ve got coding toys for all kinds of different ages and this little Ozobot can be used by kids as young as six! As they get older, they can use Ozo in conjunction with a tablet to conduct more complex coding courses.

Educational Value

With two ways to code, this set is great for beginners and advanced coders. Your child can start by using the markers to code on paper. As their confidence and skills progress, they can move to code on the computer. The included activity pack will help get your child started. It will prepare your child to make their codes by introducing them to the basics of robotics and coding.

Logic

The Ozobot follows commands according to color and, similar to a secret message decoder, he comes with his own color-coded chain of command that kids can use to create their own obstacle course for their very first bot.

Creativity

Encourage your child to unleash their creativity! Using pop-outs and stickers, your child can customize their little coding bot. This set is the perfect combination of art and tech. The different markers and stickers allow your child to create code sequences using a variety of colors. Depending on the order of the colors the bot will spin, speed up, zig-zag, etc.

Design

This pocket-sized bot arrives fully assembled and ready to code. While the bot can be customized with adorable stickers he is not interactive. The bot is a drag-and-drop code editor and is designed to be used on a computer or tablet. The overall sleek design gives this bot a futuristic look.

Botley the Coding Bot is the perfect investment if you’re looking for a toy that will grow with your child. Botley can be controlled via a special remote control or the coding patterns that come in the kit. He responds to both equally as well and in this kit, kids will even find accessories to create their very own robot obstacle course. Kids will have a blast racing him, making him climb over various obstacles that can be placed in his way, and switching up each course with the coding pads included. Botley is a smart bot with some features that can even be unlocked later on, which only adds to the long list of things kids will discover while playing with him.

Educational Value

They won’t soon get bored of this one because of how versatile Botley is in the commands he follows and what he’s capable of doing, and with a 77-piece activity set, there’s no limit to the number of fun lessons kids can have with this toy.

Logic

They’ll learn how to control Botley in various ways, which will only increase their capacity for learning when it comes to inputting codes and watching a machine make sense of them.

Creativity

This coding kit will challenge kids in a way that they’ve probably never been challenged, by encouraging them to be creative while using their problem-solving skills to create the best version possible.

Design

Botley is cute and adorable, yet it’s built to withstand typical kid play. It’s a toy that will last and can handle the wear and tear that often comes with remote-controlled toys.

Perhaps board games are more your child’s style? We’ve got a coding option for that, too! Board games have been around for centuries and there’s a reason for it. Not only are they hands-on and encourage problem-solving and critical thinking skills, but they teach kids how to think out their next move and help them understand things in a visual way.

Educational Value

A board game can teach a child so much depending on what it’s based on, and this coding game by ThinkFun will have kids falling in love with digital processes in no time.

Logic

It operates under a simple concept with many fun levels that gradually increase in difficulty, and will provide your child with a solid challenge that will boost their confidence as well as their reasoning skills.

Creativity

This creative game is simple to set up and even easier to play. It’s great for groups and will hold a child’s interest, if only so that they can solve the challenge at hand and move onto the next game!

Design

There’s no rush when it comes to this game and there’s no screen to look at or smartphone to use to make it work. This is pure, classic board game fun that challenges kids via the coding process to advance in levels.

If you’re looking for a way to get your child interested in coding without overwhelming them with a toy that they might not know how to play with initially, why not try a coding book? If you already have a computer that has Adobe 10.2 or a later version on it, then your child is already halfway to starting their own coding computer projects. They’ll be able to choose from a number of options and be able to stand back and say, “I created that!” Which, of course, makes it all worth it.

Educational Value

Kids will have all the freedom they need to figure coding out on their own with this Scratch book. It teaches them the basics without restricting them too much and is great for older kids who love computer projects.

Logic

It’s super fun to watch children create their own games and art and learn about the digital world, and this book allows them the freedom to do it at their own pace and truly practice their logical reasoning.

Creativity

This book will provide plenty of fun and creative ways to get starting on their own coding adventure and it also makes for a great way to bond with them. It is quite entertaining even for adults!

Design

These coding projects can be done on any computer, and done just about anywhere, period. This book has the key to unlocking all the fun coding projects they want and it’s easy to travel with and take with them from place to place, computer to computer.