Robotics Packages for kids 8 to 16
There are several great robotics packages designed specifically for kids aged 8 to 16, each providing varying levels of complexity and engagement in areas like coding, electronics, and mechanical building. These packages typically include easy-to-use hardware and software to help kids learn robotics in a hands-on way while making the experience fun and educational.
1. LEGO Mindstorms
Age Range: 8–16
Overview: LEGO Mindstorms is one of the most popular robotics kits for kids, combining the fun of LEGO building with programmable robots.
Key Features:
The kit allows kids to build a variety of robots and machines.
It comes with sensors, motors, and a programmable brick (the EV3 or the newer Robot Inventor set).
Programming can be done using a simple, block-based visual coding interface or advanced text-based coding languages (like Python).
Great for both beginners and intermediate learners, with challenges that grow as kids improve.
Learning Focus: Robotics, engineering, coding (Scratch-like interface or Python).
Price Range: $350–$450 (depending on the version).
2. VEX Robotics
Age Range: 8–16 (VEX GO for 8-11, VEX IQ for 11-16)
Overview: VEX Robotics offers a modular and scalable approach to robotics, with kits tailored to different age groups and skill levels.
Key Features:
VEX GO (for younger kids) uses simple building blocks and motors.
VEX IQ is a more advanced system with snap-together parts, sensors, and a programmable controller.
VEX Robotics can be programmed using VEXcode, a visual block-based language, or more advanced languages like Python and C++.
There’s a strong community and many competitions, like the VEX Robotics Competition, to keep kids engaged.
Learning Focus: Coding, problem-solving, mechanical design, and engineering.
Price Range: $150–$400 (depending on the kit).
3. Makeblock mBot
Age Range: 8–16
Overview: The Makeblock mBot is a beginner-friendly robotics kit that introduces kids to robotics and coding.
Key Features:
The mBot can be assembled easily and uses an Arduino-based controller.
Kids can program the robot using block-based coding via Scratch or mBlock (Makeblock’s programming environment), or Python for more advanced learners.
The robot can be equipped with sensors for line-following, obstacle detection, and more.
Makeblock also offers additional kits like mBot Ranger for older students who want more complex robotics challenges.
Learning Focus: Programming (block-based or Python), electronics, and mechanical building.
Price Range: $80–$200 (depending on the version).
4. Wonder Workshop Dash & Dot
Age Range: 6–12
Overview: Dash & Dot are friendly, interactive robots that make learning coding fun for younger kids.
Key Features:
Dash & Dot come pre-assembled and ready to interact.
Kids can program the robots to move, talk, and interact with their environment using block-based coding apps like Blockly.
The robots come with a variety of accessories, including a launcher and building brick connectors for custom builds.
Simple and intuitive, making it ideal for younger learners who are just getting started.
Learning Focus: Coding, problem-solving, interactive learning.
Price Range: $150–$250 (depending on the robot and accessories).
5. Raspberry Pi + Robotics Kit (PiCar-S or GoPiGo)
Age Range: 12–16
Overview: Combining the versatility of a Raspberry Pi with robotics kits like PiCar-S or GoPiGo, this system is perfect for older kids who want to learn more advanced robotics and programming concepts.
Key Features:
Raspberry Pi is a tiny computer that introduces kids to Linux, Python programming, and electronics.
With kits like PiCar-S or GoPiGo, students can build and program robots, including self-driving cars and robots equipped with cameras.
This option provides a more open-ended platform for experimenting with robotics, AI, and machine learning.
Learning Focus: Advanced programming (Python, Linux), electronics, robotics.
Price Range: $100–$200 (for Raspberry Pi + kit).
6. Sphero BOLT
Age Range: 8–14
Overview: Sphero BOLT is a small spherical robot that can be programmed using an app, offering a fun and engaging way for kids to learn coding and robotics.
Key Features:
The robot is equipped with sensors (including light sensors and an accelerometer), LEDs, and Bluetooth.
Kids can program it using block-based coding, JavaScript, or Swift.
The BOLT is waterproof and shock-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor activities or classroom projects.
Learning Focus: Coding (block-based, JavaScript, Swift), STEM concepts.
Price Range: $150.
7. Thymio
Age Range: 8–16
Overview: Thymio is an affordable and versatile robot that can help kids explore the basics of robotics, coding, and AI.
Key Features:
Thymio can be programmed visually using block-based coding for younger kids or with more advanced text-based languages like Scratch and Python.
It comes with a range of sensors and actuators to enable interaction with its environment.
Thymio is perfect for both individual learning and classroom use, offering a wide range of educational activities and projects.
Learning Focus: Robotics, coding, and AI concepts.
Price Range: $150.
8. Robolink CoDrone Pro
Age Range: 10–16
Overview: The CoDrone Pro is a programmable drone that introduces kids to both coding and robotics, allowing them to fly and program drones.
Key Features:
It can be programmed using block-based coding or Python, teaching kids how to control the drone’s flight, speed, and direction.
Kids learn important concepts in physics, robotics, and programming while flying the drone.
It comes with sensors to ensure stable flight and a modular system for future upgrades.
Learning Focus: Robotics, drone programming, Python, STEM.
Price Range: $180–$200.
9. Ozobot Evo
Age Range: 8–12
Overview: Ozobot Evo is a pocket-sized robot that kids can program using both block-based coding and color coding (drawing colored lines).
Key Features:
The robot follows lines drawn by the user and can respond to colors by performing actions like spinning or changing speed.
Kids can also program the robot using OzoBlockly, a block-based programming language.
It’s small, portable, and a fun introduction to coding and robotics for younger kids.
Learning Focus: Coding, robotics, and color-based programming.
Price Range: $100–$150.
10. Cubelets Robot Blocks
Age Range: 6–12
Overview: Cubelets are modular robotic blocks that snap together magnetically to form different types of robots without requiring any coding knowledge.
Key Features:
Each block has a specific function (sensor, motor, etc.), and kids can combine them to create robots that react to light, sound, and touch.
It introduces fundamental concepts of robotics and logic in a very intuitive way.
Ideal for younger kids or beginners who are not yet ready for programming.
Learning Focus: Engineering, problem-solving, robotics fundamentals.
Price Range: $160–$300.
Final Thoughts:
When selecting a robotics package for kids aged 8 to 16, it’s important to choose a system that aligns with their skill level and interests. For younger children, systems like LEGO Mindstorms, VEX Robotics, or Sphero BOLT are great starting points. For older kids or those who want more complex projects, kits like Raspberry Pi with robotics add-ons or Makeblock mBot provide deeper engagement with advanced programming and electronics.
Additionally, choosing a package that offers progression — from basic coding to advanced robotics — ensures that students can grow their skills over time while staying engaged and challenged.
