5 Innovative Toys That Will Teach Your Kids to Code

It’s full STE(A)M ahead this year for school-aged kids! As in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Your oh-so-curious kiddo is all about puzzling out solutions to problems and making mega discoveries. But what are the best tools out there to help kick start that learning journey? Our educational gaming experts have put together a few of their favorites (with and without screens involved!) to help you find that next great gift that you and your little one will treasure.

HACK ($299.00) 

The first (and only) laptop designed for everyday use, with a very unique super power - the benefit of inspiring kids to learn how to code. This computer is designed to encourage kids ages 8+ to code and problem solve by inviting them to hack. Equipped with an innovative Flip-to-Hack feature, kids can join Hack characters that act as guides, on immersive, educational adventure. Here kids are encouraged to access real computer code and change the parameters to directly impact their gaming and learning experience. Through the playful narrative children become familiar with computer coding language and acquire basic coding skills at their own pace. Every month new educational and gaming content is added to the experience featuring new episodes, characters, and challenges requiring different skills from the kids as they learn and grow.

Thames & Kosmos: Coding & Robotics ($129.95) 

Sammy, a robot that looks like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, teaches coding skills to kids. Instead of using a tablet or smartphone to program, Sammy simply drives over a sequence of code cards. This robot kit teaches physical engineering and problem-solving skills through a series of building and coding lessons. A full-color illustrated manual guides users through the coding lessons and the assembly of different models.

Lego Education Coding Express ($189.95) 

A set that will teach kids as young as 3 years-old programming basics as they try to build a world of trains and caterpillars. The concept of Coding Express builds foundational coding concept knowledge and teaches collaborative problem-solving via activities that introduce concepts like sequencing or looping.

Fisher Price Coding Caterpillar ($49.99) 

Designed for kids between 3-6 years-old, the Coding Caterpillar teaches young learners how to think about sequences. By combining the segments of the caterpillar in different ways, the toy will move differently. The concept of Coding Caterpillar introduces kids to the basic ideas of coding and helps them understand how cause and effect works in a fun and engaging way

Code: On the Brink Board Game ($14.99) 

On the Brink is the first in a series of screen-free games designed to build the mental skills needed to fully grasp the concept of coding, designed for kids ages 8 and up. Each of the 40 On the Brink challenges contains a map of colored squares. Each color has pre-programmed moves for your Robot to perform. The concept is to help kids develop problem-solving skills to determine the moves that will successfully get your Robot from start to finish.