- [Robot kits](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/) / **Best coding robots for kids, by age** Updated Oct 29, 2026 # Best coding robots for kids, by age Researched by [Riley Hart](https://robotsforthat.com/author/riley-hart/) · updated Oct 29, 2026 · every fact links to its source · we may earn a commission - Our pick Learning Resources Botley 2.0 about $80 · ages 5+ · Easy Best for ages 5 to 7. Kids press arrow buttons on a remote programmer and Botley runs the code, up to 150 steps, with no app or screen. [Check price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Botley%202.0%20the%20coding%20robot&tag=robotsforthatai-20) - Wonder Workshop Dash about $190 · ages 6 to 14[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SKURVKY?tag=robotsforthatai-20) - Makeblock Codey Rocky about $140 · ages 6+[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Makeblock%20Codey%20Rocky%20coding%20robot&tag=robotsforthatai-20) Short answer The best coding robot for most kids is the Makeblock mBot2 at $149.99, rated 8+, because it starts with blocks and grows into Python; for ages 5 to 7 the best pick is the screen free Botley 2.0 at $79.99, rated 5+. The runner up for ages 8 and up is the Sphero BOLT+ at $199, rated for grades 3 to 10, which needs no building. Pick by age. Ages 5 to 7 do best with a screen free robot like Botley 2.0, or Wonder Workshop Dash once they can use a tablet. Ages 8 to 12 should get the Makeblock mBot2 or Sphero BOLT+, and kids 12 and up can keep using mBot2 in Python or move to an Arduino kit. | Robot | Price | Maker age | Best for | Coding style | Needs a tablet or computer? | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Learning Resources Botley 2.0 → | $79.99 (Learning Resources) | 5+ | Ages 5 to 7 | Screen free buttons and cards | No | | Ozobot Evo Entry Kit → | $175 (Ozobot, sold out) | Grades K to 5 | Ages 5 to 10 | Screen free color codes, then blocks | No for color codes, yes for blocks | | Wonder Workshop Dash → | $189.99 (Stemfinity) | 6 to 14 | Ages 6 to 10 | Blocks in Wonder and Blockly apps | Yes | | Makeblock Codey Rocky → | $139.99 (Makeblock) | 6+ | Ages 6 to 9 | Blocks, then Python | Yes | | [Sphero Mini →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sphero%20Mini&tag=robotsforthatai-20) | $50 (Sphero) | 8+ | Ages 8 to 10 on a budget | Draw, blocks, JavaScript | Yes | | Makeblock mBot2 → | $149.99 (Makeblock) | 8+ | Ages 8 to 14 | Blocks, Python, Arduino C++ | Yes | | Sphero BOLT+ → | $199 (Sphero) | Grades 3 to 10 | Ages 8 to 15 | Draw, blocks, JavaScript, Python | Yes | Prices from maker and store pages read October 29, 2026, before tax and shipping. Sale prices change often. Findings come from the makers and stores cited, not from hands on testing. ## Kit finder: 4 questions 1 Who is building? A kid (8 to 11) with a parent A teen (12 to 15) An adult 2 What should the robot do? Drive around and explore Walk like an animal Pick things up Teach me electronics 3 Budget for the kit? Under $80 $80 to $150 Whatever it takes 4 Built anything before? Never, total beginner A little Answer the 4 questions and your best matches show up here. ## Our picks Prices change. We may earn a small commission, your price stays the same. #1 #1 ### Learning Resources Botley 2.0 about $80 on Amazon A screen free coding robot with a remote programmer, robot arms and 40 coding cards. Ages **5+** Difficulty ●○○ **Easy** Learns **Sequencing, Loops and if then logic** **Great if:** you want coding practice without more screen time. **Skip if:** your child is 8 or older and already reads well. They will outgrow it fast. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Botley%202.0%20the%20coding%20robot&tag=robotsforthatai-20) Why we picked it Best for ages 5 to 7. Kids press arrow buttons on a remote programmer and Botley runs the code, up to 150 steps, with no app or screen. #2 #2 ### Wonder Workshop Dash about $190 on Amazon A finished robot with wheels, lights and sounds, coded in the free Wonder and Blockly apps. Ages **6 to 14** Difficulty ●○○ **Easy** Learns **Block coding, Sequencing and events** **Great if:** your child is 6 to 9 and you already have a tablet or Chromebook. **Skip if:** you want Python. The Dash pages do not list Python. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SKURVKY?tag=robotsforthatai-20) Why we picked it A friendly, ready to use robot for early readers. Stemfinity lists it at $189.99, and Wonder Workshop says it suits kids 6 to 14. #3 #3 ### Makeblock Codey Rocky about $140 on Amazon Two parts: Codey, a handheld brain with sensors, and Rocky, the driving base. Ages **6+** Difficulty ●○○ **Easy** Learns **Block coding, Python** **Great if:** your 6 to 9 year old wants a robot pet they can program. **Skip if:** you want long play sessions. Makeblock lists about 1 to 2 hours per charge. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Makeblock%20Codey%20Rocky%20coding%20robot&tag=robotsforthatai-20) Why we picked it A cute robot with a LED face that grows from blocks to Python in mBlock 5. Makeblock lists it at $139.99, rated 6+. #4 #4 ### Makeblock mBot2 about $150 on Amazon A small aluminum robot car with a CyberPi controller, ultrasonic sensor, four color line sensor and encoder motors. Ages **8+** Difficulty ●○○ **Easy** Learns **Block coding, Python** **Great if:** you want one robot that lasts from age 8 into the teen years. **Skip if:** your child is under 8 or only has an iPad. Stemfinity lists Windows, Mac, Linux and Android support. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0919F9CKS?tag=robotsforthatai-20) Why we picked it Best overall for ages 8 to 12 and beyond. Kids build it, code it with blocks in mBlock, then switch to Python in the same app. #5 #5 ### Sphero BOLT+ about $199 on Amazon A rolling robot ball coded in the free Sphero Edu app on tablets, Chromebooks and computers. Ages **Grades 3 to 10** Difficulty ●○○ **Easy** Learns **Draw and block coding, JavaScript and Python** **Great if:** you want coding in minutes, or you have an iPad. **Skip if:** your child wants to build things. BOLT+ is a finished robot. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3JBNLTQ?tag=robotsforthatai-20) Why we picked it The best pick with nothing to build. It is a sealed, waterproof ball with a 128 by 128 pixel screen, and Sphero says a charge lasts a school day. #6 #6 ### Ozobot Evo Entry Kit about $175 on Amazon One Evo robot, five Color Code markers, a charging cable and a zip case. Ages **Grades K to 5** Difficulty ●○○ **Easy** Learns **Color code drawing, Block coding** **Great if:** you want a robot that starts on paper with no screen. **Skip if:** you need it soon. Check stock before you plan around it. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Ozobot%20Evo%20coding%20robot&tag=robotsforthatai-20) Why we picked it A tiny robot that reads color codes kids draw with markers, then moves to Ozobot Blockly. The entry kit was listed at $175 but showed sold out on Ozobot's store. Learn as you build · Builder Club ## Your kid learns how robots really work Builder Club turns a kit into real learning: one step at a time, with progress you both can see. - Step by step build screens with a check after every step - Photo help the moment you get stuck - Progress, levels and badges for each kid - A new project every month for the same kit - Works for parents who have never built anything ## Ages 5 to 7: start screen free Young kids learn coding best when they can touch it. Botley 2.0 uses arrow buttons on a remote, and the robot runs the steps on the floor. Learning Resources rates it 5+ and lists $79.99. Ozobot Evo starts on paper. Kids draw lines and color codes with markers, and the robot follows them. Ozobot lists the entry kit for grades K to 5. Once a child can tap through an app, Wonder Workshop Dash adds blocks on a tablet. Wonder Workshop says Dash suits ages 6 to 14. - Botley 2.0 needs 5 AAA batteries, not included. - Dash needs a tablet, Chromebook or computer for its apps. - Ozobot Evo color codes need no device at all. ## Ages 8 to 12: blocks with a path to real code This is the sweet spot for coding robots. Pick a robot that starts with blocks but can switch to text code later. The Makeblock mBot2 is the top pick. It costs $149.99 at Makeblock, is rated 8+ and is coded with blocks or Python in mBlock. Makeblock lists a 2500 mAh battery with about 5 hours of play. The Sphero BOLT+ costs $199 and Sphero rates it for grades 3 to 10. It needs no building, and Sphero Edu offers draw, blocks, JavaScript and Python. On a smaller budget, the Sphero Mini costs $50 and Sphero recommends it for ages 8 and up. Sphero lists 45 minutes of play per charge. ## Ages 12 and up: Python and beyond Teens can keep using an mBot2. Its CyberPi board runs Python in mBlock and also works with the Arduino IDE for C and C++, per Makeblock. Sphero BOLT+ also takes JavaScript and Python in Sphero Edu, which suits school computer science classes. Teens who want to wire and build a bigger robot should look at an Arduino or Raspberry Pi kit instead. See our best robot kits for teens page. ## Do you need a tablet? Botley 2.0 is fully screen free. Ozobot Evo works on paper first, then needs a computer or tablet for Ozobot Blockly. Dash, Codey Rocky, mBot2, Sphero Mini and Sphero BOLT+ all need a device to code. Sphero Edu runs on iOS, Android, Chromebooks, Mac and Windows. Stemfinity lists mBot2 support for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android. ## What to check before you buy - Age rating: use the maker's own rating, not a store headline. - Batteries: Botley uses AAA batteries; mBot2, Codey Rocky, Dash and Sphero robots are rechargeable. - Stock: the Ozobot Evo Entry Kit showed sold out on Ozobot's store on October 29, 2026. - Subscriptions: none of these robots needs one to code. The apps are free. - Small parts: keep kits away from toddlers and pets. **Black Friday price alert** We email you when these kits drop in price. One email per drop, nothing else. ## Questions parents ask ### What is the best coding robot for kids? The Makeblock mBot2 is the best for most kids 8 and up. It costs $149.99 at Makeblock, is rated 8+ and grows from block coding to Python. ### What is the best coding robot for a 5 year old? Botley 2.0 from Learning Resources. It is rated 5+, costs $79.99 at the maker, and kids code it with buttons, with no screen. ### What coding robot is good for a 7 year old? Botley 2.0 at $79.99, rated 5+, for screen free coding, or Makeblock Codey Rocky at $139.99, rated 6+, for a child ready to use blocks on a tablet or computer. ### What is a good coding robot for a 10 year old? The Makeblock mBot2 at $149.99, rated 8+. A 10 year old can build it, code it with blocks and move to Python later. ### Which coding robot teaches Python? Makeblock mBot2 ($149.99, 8+), Makeblock Codey Rocky ($139.99, 6+) and Sphero BOLT+ ($199, grades 3 to 10) all support Python, per their makers. ### Is there a coding robot that does not need a screen? Yes. Botley 2.0 ($79.99, ages 5+) is fully screen free. Ozobot Evo (entry kit $175, grades K to 5) reads color codes kids draw on paper. ### Is Sphero BOLT+ worth it? Yes, if you want no building and coding on an iPad or Chromebook. Sphero BOLT+ costs $199 and is rated for grades 3 to 10, and Sphero says a charge lasts a full school day. ### Do coding robots need a subscription? No. Botley 2.0, mBot2, Codey Rocky, Dash and Sphero BOLT+ all code with free apps or no app at all. ## More robot kit guides [Best Robot Kits for 10 Year Olds The best robot kits and robot toys for 10 year olds: real builds, block coding to Python, no soldering. Prices and maker ages checked October 2026.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/best-for-10-year-olds/)[Best Robot Kits for 12 Year Olds Robot kits for 12 year olds ready for real Arduino projects: camera cars, robot arms and walking spiders. Prices and maker ages checked October 2026.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/best-for-12-year-olds/)[Best Robot Kits and Coding Robots for 6 Year Olds Screen free and simple coding robots for 6 year olds: Botley 2.0, Dash, Sphero indi and more. Prices and maker age ratings checked October 2026.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/best-for-6-year-olds/)[Best Robot Kits for 8 Year Olds Robot kits an 8 year old can build and code with little help. Prices, maker ages, build time and what your child learns, checked October 2026.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/best-for-8-year-olds/)[Best Robot Kits for 9 Year Olds Robot kits a 9 year old can build and code: mBot2, Wheelson 2.0, an ACEBOTT football car and Sphero BOLT+. Prices and maker ages checked October 2026.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/best-for-9-year-olds/)[Best Robot Kits for Teens Robotics kits for teens who want real code: Arduino tanks, ESP32 robot dogs and Raspberry Pi robots with cameras. Prices checked October 2026.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/best-for-teens/)[Robot Kit Black Friday Deals 2026 Will robot kits go on sale for Black Friday 2026? 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What to buy instead LEGO Education stopped selling SPIKE Prime and SPIKE Essential on June 30, 2026. The best replacements for families and classrooms, with prices checked.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/lego-spike-alternatives/)[Makeblock mBot2 vs Sphero BOLT+ mBot2 vs Sphero BOLT+ compared on price, age, sensors, screen, battery, Python and classroom use. Which one fits your family. Prices checked Oct 2026.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/mbot2-vs-sphero-bolt/)[SunFounder PiDog vs Petoi Bittle X SunFounder PiDog vs Petoi Bittle X: price with a Raspberry Pi, ages, coding, servos, sensors and build time compared, plus Hiwonder MechDog.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/pidog-vs-petoi-bittle-x/)[Best Raspberry Pi Robot Kits for Teens and Adults Raspberry Pi robot kits for teens and adults: PiCar-X, PiCrawler, PiDog, AlphaBot2 and RaspTank. Which Pi works, total cost and prices, October 2026.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/raspberry-pi-robot-kits/)[Best robot dog kits to build and code The best robot dog kits for teens and adults: Petoi Bittle X, SunFounder PiDog, Hiwonder MechDog and Freenove, with real total cost and ages.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/robot-dog-kits/)[Best Robot Kits Under $50 Cheap robotics kits under $50 that still teach real skills: Arduino cars, a robot arm and a screen free hydraulic kit. Prices checked October 2026.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/under-50/) ## Sources - [Learning Resources: Botley 2.0 coding robot](https://www.learningresources.com/item-botleyr-the-coding-robot-2) - [Makeblock: mBot2](https://www.makeblock.com/products/buy-mbot2) - [Makeblock: Codey Rocky](https://www.makeblock.com/products/buy-codey-rocky) - [Sphero: BOLT+ coding robot](https://sphero.com/collections/bolt-plus/products/sphero-bolt-plus?variant=42004713078829) - [Sphero: Sphero Mini](https://sphero.com/products/sphero-mini) - [Sphero: Sphero Mini age range](https://sphero.com/blogs/news/sphero-mini-age-range) - [Ozobot: Evo Entry Kit](https://ozobot.com/products/evo-entry-kit-1) - [Wonder Workshop: Dash vs Makeblock mBot2](https://www.makewonder.com/blog/selecting-the-best-robot-for-young-learners-dash-vs-makeblock-mbot2-comparison/) - [Stemfinity: Wonder Workshop Dash](https://stemfinity.com/collections/coding/products/wonder-workshop-dash-da03-model) - [Stemfinity: Makeblock mBot2](https://stemfinity.com/collections/holiday2024/products/makeblock-mbot2) Black Friday is Nov 27 Get the Black Friday prices on robot kits the day they drop We check prices every morning and compare them with each model's 2026 low. 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