Best Robot Kits for Kids – Find the Right One Here (For All Age Groups )

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Best robot kits for kids are all the rage who love technology and robotics. These innovative, educational toys are available for all different ages and skill levels to explore their creative side while learning STEM concepts.

At a Glance: The Best Robot Kits for Kids to Buy

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product.

Not only are they a great educational gift, but they are packed with excitement for children to push the boundaries of their imagination.

With hundreds of different robot kits available, it can be overwhelming to find one that’s perfect for your child. Kids Ride Wild conducted extensive research to bring you to the best robot kits for kids in a variety of different models and degrees of functionality.

Our buying guide will introduce you to the top picks along with advice on how to choose one that is right for your child’s skill level. Let’s start, shall we?

Robot Building Kits for Kids – Our Favorites

1. LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 31313 Robot Kit for Kids – Best Overall

The Lego MINDSTORMS EV3 31313 Robot Kit for Kids is the ultimate gift for kids wanting to explore robotics and artificial intelligence. The robot is fully customizable based from an EV3 brick core and powerful ARM9 processor.

With a USB port for wireless internet connectivity, this toy can be programmed on the go using the intuitive programmer app that is available on both iOS and Android devices. It also has a Micro SD card reader for additional storage space. With the infrared remote control or the smartphone app, your child can make the robot do anything they imagine!

This robot kit has over 550 LEGO technic elements which gives your child the opportunity to truly unleash their creative powers. There are five different robot models to create including the EV3Storm, Track3r, Gripper, R3Ptar and Spik3R each with their own signature functions. Kids will like using the drag and drop interface to program their robot figures for walking, talking and other neat functions.

Pros:

• Comes with instructions for 17 different robotic designs 
• Kids can program their robots to walk, talk, grab, and more
• Serves as a creative and educational toy
• The robot can be controlled with a smart device or a remote control

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with rechargeable battery pack 

The overall dimensions of the kit measure at 18.9 x 14.9 x 2.8 inches and weigh 2.2 pounds. This is one of the coolest robot kits for 10 years olds as kids love having access to advanced programming features that give them full control over the toy.

2. LEGO Ideas WALL E 21303 - Runner Up

If your child is a fan of the animated Pixar movie Wall-E, they will love the Lego Ideas Wall E 21303 Building Kit. This robot building kit for kids allows them to make a real life replica of their favorite character measuring at 10.3 x 7.5 x 3.6 inches.

With an adjustable head and arms and gripping hands, this robot toy can tidy up the room just like on the movie when Wall-E picks up piles of garbage. It features other authentic Wall-E features such as a posable neck and rolling tracks that will fuel your child’s imagination.

As kids build and explore the Lego Ideas kit, they will have straight-forward directions with the included manual along with a background on the design of the Wall-E movie. This kit was inspired by Angus MacLane who is the animator and director for Pixar Animation Studios to ensure that it is just like the lovable movie character.

Pros:

• Ideal for kids who are 12 or older
• Perfect LEGO version of your child’s favorite animated character
• It comes with an adjustable head, arms, and rolling tracks
• The set includes 676 pieces which keep kids busy and stimulated for hours

Cons:

• A few parents noted that the neck is weak and may cause the head to hang down

It comes with 676 bricks for kids to construct their new favorite robot toy! With so many authentic features and details, kids will enjoy building this elaborate edition to their Lego collection! When searching through robot kits for 12 year olds, this is certainly a favorite among Pixar fans.

3. Makeblock mBot Robot Kit - Best Budget

The Makeblock DIY Starter Robot Kit is a great option for beginners to dive into programming and robotics concepts. If you want a kit that is designed for teaching the fundamentals, the Makeblock Robot Kit is an excellent introduction.

The mBot can be easily assembled with instructions and your kid will be able to do it in 15 minutes. However, your child has an option to experiment with the parts and create a unique robot of its choosing.

The Blocky App is a great way for your kid to start learning entry-level coding skills. Kids can even create their own commands by simply dragging and dropping codes in the App.

Pros:

• Encourages kids to develop coding skills
• Compatible with all major building blocks
• Both the robot and the remote work with batteries
• Gives kids a chance to create their custom mBot

Cons:

• Can be troublesome to connect to a computer or smartphone

Despite the simplicity, the completed robot will be full of excitement for kids to explore. With this robot building kit for kids, your child will be able to put together their new toy in minutes. If you want your little one to learn about electronics without getting frustrated with hundreds of different pieces, this is a perfect choice for kids ages eight and up.

4. LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox Robot Building Set - Best For School Kids

The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox Robot Building Set is an award-winning STEM learning toy. This robot is a great choice for seven- to 12-year-old kids who are into science and love to tinker. 

The LEGO pieces can be built or rebuilt into five different multifunctional robots. Kids can construct the code and program the robot to dance, interact, or build depending on the type of robot they created.

Vernie the robot stands over 10” tall, Guitar4000 over one inch high, Franki the Cat is over six inches tall, Auto Builder is 10” tall, and M.T.R.4 is over four inches high. All of them can be coded with an app that is available on tablets or smartphones. 

Pros:

• Encourages kids to get into science
• Kids can build five different robots from one set
• Compatible with other major LEGO kits 
• Robots can be coded to perform various fun tasks

Cons:

• All the instructions are in the app, and you can’t build a robot without it

Overall, the LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox Robot Building Set is a great choice for school kids who are into science and building. It encourages learning and your kid will have a lot of fun building and coding any of the five different robots.

5. ZOOB BuilderZ ZOOB Bot - Best For Preschoolers 

The ZOOB BuilderZ ZOOB Bot Robot Kit is ideal for use as a beginner course in robotics. Kids construct their own robot character with 49 ZOOB pieces, 1 light up piece, 2 wheels, a motor assembly and 4 tires.

The included instructions break down the process into a painless experience so children ages 6 and up can easily assemble their new robot friend. This toy won in the NAPPA Children’s Competition for being one of the best robot kits for younger children.

With light-up eyes and motorized power wheels, this unique robot is sure to excite your little one. It is super simple to build with gears, axels and joints that come together with a quick snap, click and pop design. Kids can even add their own customization with various extendable parts that give them the option to add rotating and spinning elements.

Pros:

• Encourages kids to build anything they imagine
• No batteries required for the pull-back motor
• This set contains parts for four different robots
• Instructions make it easier for young kids to build their favorite robot toy

Cons:

• Instructions may be hard to understand for younger kids

It measures at 9 x 2.8 x 12 inches and weighs only 3.5 ounces. Whether your child wants to create a monster robot or a robot vehicle, there are many different possibilities that the ZOOB Bot kit can create. There are 4 different bot designs for kids to build from making this a great introductory kit for active imaginations.

6. 4M Tin Can Robot - Best For Ages 9 and Up

For families who love the concept of recycling, the 4M Tin Can Robot is one of the coolest robots for kids to build. Kids learn about the value of repurposing by using this unique kit to create a functional robot from an old tin can and the included accessory parts.

This robot kit comes with everything your child will need to assemble the character including a set of detailed instructions that break down the process step by step. There are no specialized tools required, making it easy for kids to create their own tin can robot or silly monster robot.

This toy kit requires one AA battery to turn the tin can into a moving, functional toy. Your child will certainly be proud of their finished product as they learn mechanical principles and dive into their imagination. Recommended for ages 9 and up, this kit is a great way to make robotic science an exciting topic for kids.

Pros:

• Raises environmental awareness in kids
• Kids can build two kinds of can robots
• Detailed instructions offer useful information and help with building
• Comes with all necessary parts and no tools are required

Cons:

• Tiny screws can be a safety hazard for smaller children

When fully assembled, the robot measures at 6.8 x 3.2 x 5.2 inches and weighs 11.5 ounces. It won’t take long for kids to create a walking, bog-eyed robot that will be full of fun and laughter for your household.

Robots For Kids To Build - A How to Choose Guide

Selecting a programmable robot kit for kids is about more than just choosing the most attractive design. It is important to understand the benefits of robotic toys and how to choose the right model for your little one’s skill level. Here is some practical guidance on choosing the best robot kit.

Educational Development

Robot kits primarily focus on the STEM concepts which consist of science, technology, engineering and math. Kids get a hands-on introduction to vital subjects while being entertained at the same time.

Programmable models allow kids to learn the basics of programming and coding while using different software applications. Not only do the robot kits introduce fundamental education topics but they help with hand-eye coordination and other basic motor skills.

Choosing a Kit for Your Child’s Age

Younger children that have never been immersed in robotics need a simple introduction to programming. The best models for beginners have less parts to assemble and feature easy controls such as drag and drop programming or voice controls.

For children that are older and in secondary education levels will benefit from a more complex model that teaches them new programming concepts while still having simplicity in the assembly process. Older children ages 12 and up that are looking for a higher level of complexity may want a robot building kit with more parts and artificial intelligence technology for full customization.

Differences in Products and their Learning Approaches

Models designed for younger children introduce STEM concepts at a very basic level, making it a gentle transition from assembly to operation. For example, the ROBOTIS PLAY 600 PETs Kit and 4M Tin Can Robot both feature simple construction with step-by-step programming guides.

The difference between the introductory kit models and more advanced models such as the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Robot Kit is that the advanced kits require more attention to detail as kids learn how to wire and program the robots. The learning approach for advanced robots is much more complex and requires more time to study the directions for assembly.

Teaching Kids Coding at a Young Age

Introducing your children to coding at a young age will be a great way to get them interested in the world of robotics and technology. If they enjoy tinkering with the various software components, it will certainly establish a foundation for a potential technology career path in the future.

Young programmers will have plenty of time to learn about real-life applications of robotics and use their experience as a gateway to opportunities and projects in the future.

Great Hobby for Kids

Not only are robot kits a solid tool for educational purposes, but they will keep your child from being bored while spending time indoors. Robot building has become a popular pastime activity for kids to keep their minds active as they build new characters and ride on toys.

Contrary to regular preassembled toys, children are much more engaged when they are constructing and programming the robot toy themselves.

Best Robot Kits for Kids - The Bottom Line

Now that you’ve gotten a glimpse of the best robot kits for kids, we hope that our buying guide has helped you to find the perfect gift for your child. Robot kits are more than just toys, they are a foundation for children to learn new concepts while being entertained. Learning about robotics, science and technology can be truly mind-blowing when kids get the chance to create their own programmable toy!

>> Check out Robot Kits for Kids on Amazon

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