4 best computer kit for kids

Computer kits for kids are educational tools designed to introduce children to computer science, programming, and electronics in a fun and engaging way. These kits often include components and materials that help kids learn about technology while fostering problem-solving skills and creativity. Here's what you should know about computer kits for kids:

  1. Components and Building Blocks:

    • Many computer kits for kids come with various components such as microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi), sensors, LEDs, and wires.
    • These components serve as building blocks that kids can use to create their own projects.
  2. Programming and Coding:

    • These kits often include programming software or coding platforms suitable for children.
    • Kids can learn to write code to control the components, creating interactive projects and games.
  3. Projects and Tutorials:

    • Computer kits for kids typically provide step-by-step instructions for building specific projects.
    • Projects can range from simple LED light displays to more complex robots and games.
  4. Educational Value:

    • These kits are designed to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning.
    • They teach kids about concepts like coding, circuits, robotics, and problem-solving.
  5. Creativity and Innovation:

    • Computer kits encourage creativity by allowing kids to design and customize their own projects.
    • They can experiment and come up with unique ideas to solve problems.
  6. Age Appropriateness:

    • There are computer kits for various age groups, from preschoolers to teenagers.
    • Kits are often labeled with age recommendations to ensure they are suitable for a child's developmental stage.
  7. Safety Measures:

    • These kits are designed with safety in mind, using child-friendly components and materials.
    • Adult supervision may still be necessary, especially for younger children.
  8. Variety of Kits:

    • There are numerous types of computer kits available, including robotics kits, electronics kits, and programming kits.
    • Some kits are themed around specific interests, such as space, music, or art.
  9. STEM Education:

    • Computer kits align with the goals of STEM education, helping kids develop skills needed for future careers in technology and science.
  10. Parental Involvement:

    • Many computer kits encourage parents to participate in the learning process, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
  11. Online Communities and Support:

    • Some kits offer online communities or support resources where kids and parents can share their creations and seek help if needed.
  12. Entertainment and Fun:

    • While educational, these kits are also designed to be enjoyable, making learning about technology a fun experience for kids.

Computer kits for kids serve as a valuable tool for introducing children to the world of technology, programming, and electronics. They can inspire a lifelong interest in STEM fields and help kids develop critical skills for the digital age.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best computer kit for kids on the market
  

Boolean Box Build a Computer Science Kit for Kids | Includes Electronics, Coding, Animation and Lessons in Scratch, Minecraft, Python | Ages 8 and Up

Boolean Box

Based on 107 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Boolean Box – STEM discovery and building kit, made just for girls! Boolean Box was designed with a specific goal in mind: to open the minds of girls ages 8 to 14, and introduce them to the world of computer programming, electronics, animation, and more. Created by a team at the non-profit organization Boolean Girl Inc., which teaches coding and engineering to elementary and middle school girls, the Boolean Box was made to appeal to younger audiences. Engaging girls in STEM subjects between the 3rd to 8th grades makes it more likely that they’ll remain interested in information technology, and increase the number of women in technology-based careers. But beyond changing the world, they wanted to ignite young minds on an individual basis. What sort of science and engineering toy or kit would appeal to young girls, while teaching them vital information? After getting feedback from hundreds of girls in Boolean Girl camps and classes, the answer became the Boolean Box. With the Boolean Box, STEM learning is literally in your child’s hand! The kit contains all the tools they need to build their own Boolean Box. After plugging it into a monitor, they’re ready to learn coding, build circuits, and make animation. Let your child discover, explore, and create the foundation for a lifetime love of science and information technology! The Boolean Box comes with an assortment of programs and features, including: Raspberry Pi wireless keyboard and mouse Scratch, Python, and Mindcraft programs Hardware and electronics Access to to more fun through Boolean University Empower your girls and give them the gift of coding...Click ADD TO CART and order TODAY!

  • Build a real computer by yourself. Invent electronic gadgets and learn coding using Scratch to create stories, games, and animations. Based on Raspberry Pi, this kit also includes Python programming for kids plus Scratch and Python projects.
  • Kids learn engineering concepts as they build circuits and models. The Boolean Box accommodates skills growth and includes increasingly sophisticated projects as skills progress. Whether brand new to technology, very experienced, or somewhere in between, there is a path that fits.
  • Girls, boys, everyone. We collaborated with 1000s of girls in camps and school programs to develop the Boolean Box to teach computers, coding, and electronics. Kids learn STEM/STEAM concepts through experimentation, discovery and play.
  • Includes keyboard, mouse, Raspberry Pi, 8 gig SD card with Raspbian OS, Scratch, Python and Minecraft. Wires, circuits, resistors, buttons, LEDs, breadboard. HDMI connects to TV. Includes Internet/WiFi but not required. Box is also carrying case. Ages 8+
  • Boolean Box is part of the Boolean Girl program, created to inspire 3rd - 8th grade girls to build, code, and invent. Through online Boolean U, camps, and clubhouses, we grow early engagement in computing and engineering to spark lifelong interest in STEM.

User questions & answers

Question: Why is it specifically "for Girls"? Why not for all children
Answer: Hi Brian here, one of the founders of Boolean Girl. We frequently get the request for a gender-neutral version of the Boolean Box STEM computer kit and we understand why. Coding is fun for everyone! But, Boolean Girl Tech has been a mission driven company since its inception. Our goal is to inspire and encourage girls to pursue STEM careers to address the declining numbers of girls and women in STEM careers. While we continue to keep a gender-neutral version on the radar, it is not core to our mission and remains a lower priority. Other parents have purchased the Boolean Box for their sons because once kids open the box, their creativity and imagination are jump-started. I have two boys myself and they build things with the Boolean Box. You might find, as I have, that the Box is a good conversation starter with your son(s) about the challenges of gender and racial imbalance in technical fields.
Question: Is it overly girly? It seems to be the best option available but I have boys
Answer: It is not overly girly. On the cover it says for girls but if your boys can get past that it is a great tech toy for learning. We use the kits in all the BooleanGirl.org classes even the ones that include boys. The name and the label frequently start useful discussions about diversity in technology. I have two boys and they use their boxes all the time. The younger one added some stickers to his.
Question: How long does it take for this product to ship? I don't see any stock info
Answer: There are two choices based on who fulfills the order, by Amazon or by the seller, boolean girl. It looks like if you choose Amazon Prime, it may not arrive by the Christmas. If you choose to let Boolean Girl fulfill, I promise you that we will ship orders 2 day, the same day they are ordered. So if you order before 5 PM on the 20th it will ship on the 20th and should arrive on the 22nd.
Question: Is there a non-gender specific version of this? I am a mom to boys and am a girl working in tech. I don't understand why it needs to say for girls
Answer: We frequently get the request for a gender-neutral version of the Boolean Box and we understand why. Coding is fun for everyone! But, Boolean Girl Tech has been a mission driven company since its inception. Our goal is to inspire and encourage girls to pursue STEM careers to address the declining numbers of girls and women in STEM careers. While we continue to keep a gender-neutral version on the radar, it is not core to our mission and remains a lower priority. Other parents have purchased the Boolean Box for their sons because once kids open the box, their creativity and imagination are jump-started. I have two boys myself and they build things with the Boolean Box. You might find, as I have, that the Box is a good conversation starter with your son(s) about the challenges of gender and racial imbalance in technical fields.

Kano Computer Kit – A Computer Anyone Can Make

Kano

Based on 783 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Build your own computer. Make lights flash, discover how your computer works. Learn to code with 100+ step-by-step creative challenges. Make art, games, music and more. Don’t just play Minecraft, hack it to do something new. Simple, fun, and for everyone.

From the Manufacturer

  • Build your own computer. Comes with step-by-step book, Raspberry Pi 3, programmable LED lights, DIY case, power button, wireless keyboard with track pad, memory, HDMI and power cables, stickers, Kano unique operating system, 100+ coding challenges, and 100+ apps.
  • New - learn to code with 100's of creative challenges and stories , Voltage - 5 volts
  • Make art, games and music. Hack Minecraft to do something new.
  • Plugs into any HDMI screen. Browse the internet, watch YouTube, write stories, 100+ apps.
  • Endless play with the Kano community. Be inspired by 700, 000+ creations. Open any creation, K the code to make it your own.
  • Trusted by over 2000 schools and code clubs. Winners of the family choice award, webby award, red dot award, cannes gold lions and more.
  • For ages 6+. no technical knowledge required. Includes Lifetime care and 1 year Warranty.

User questions & answers

Question: How Big Is It
Answer: Looking at the experiment cards, we utilize items such as water, dish soap, vinegar, baking soda, food coloring, salt & pepper, shaving cream, school glue, saline eye solution, tooth picks, marshmallows, cotton balls, O-shaped cereal, hair conditioner, chocolate syrup, corn syrup, gummy worms, milk and other common non food items you would commonly find in your home.
Question: does a mac work with it
Answer: It is a project station, and has many project ideas. If you drag it out so they can only do a project per day, or once a week (because most require ingredients or tools that done come with it, like baking soda, or conditioner) then you can drag out the fun. Some they’ll want to do again. And if you find other science projects on something like Pinterest, this could be the designated areas. However, it is somewhat short for even a 4yo, and made of plastic. It will be a lot to clean up, and can be broken. 7 might be pushing it, unless they’re very new to science experiments.
Question: How realistic is this to be used by a 7 year old? she likes minecraft on the ipad. is this too advanced for them
Answer: Hi, dear customer. The wooden box do not have a lid. But it comes with a package, which is good for storage and will be perfect as a birthday gift.
Question: Does it support 220V
Answer: Hi, dear customer. There is no lid on the box, but it comes with a box for package, which is convinient.

Product features

Build it yourself

Open the box, pull out the bits, button, and brain. Follow the story, build a computer all by yourself. Look inside, see how it works and bring it to life. Browse the internet, use your favorite apps like YouTube, Whatsapp, Google Docs, and more.

Learn to code

With simple steps, learn logic, Python, Javascript, and Terminal commands. Level up as you make art, games, and music. Your first steps into making your own websites, games, and more. Simple for beginners, expansive for experts.

Make art, games and music

Create landscapes and geometric rainbows. Code your own musical masterpieces, and animations. Don’t just play games, change the rules. Take control of Minecraft, Pong and Snake.

Earn rewards

Level up as you complete challenges and make new creations. Unlock medals, discover hidden rewards. Compete with friends.

Playground mode

There's no end to what you can make. Create your own art, games, music, Minecraft powers, and more with the skills you've learned.

Kano World

Join our free creative community. People of all skill levels, all over the world sharing and playing art, music, games and more. Safe and friendly.

Remix 700,000+ creations

See the code behind any creation, then tweak it to make it your own. Change the colors, mess with the math, hack the data.

FAQ

The Computer Kit is a computer anyone can make, like LEGO. You build and code it yourself. It’s a fun way to make, play and express your creativity with technology, and not just consume it. Learn to code in simple steps, use 100’s of third party apps like YouTube and Wikipedia, and so much more.

What is the recommended age for the Computer Kit?

The Computer Kit can be enjoyed by everyone, beginners and experienced makers of all ages. Typically, we recommend a starting point of beginners aged 6+, but children who can read/write might start earlier. Thanks to the easy-to-use visual coding environment, anyone can make and play with it.

Piper Computer Kit: Award-Winning Build-A-Computer Age 8+ STEAM Learning, with Raspberry Pi, Google Blockly, StoryMode, Games, Python, and Amazing Projects!

Based on 122 reviews Check latest price
  • BUILD A COMPUTER: Includes all the components needed to build a fully-functioning computer! A Raspberry Pi, 9" screen, DIY speaker, rechargeable battery. Teaching kids to be STEAM-capable; coding their own games, interactive projects and more!
  • HANDS-ON STEAM PROJECTS: Building the computer is only the beginning! Using Piper’s StoryMode, kids are guided through a secret mission, attaching wires and connecting electronic components to move around an immersive world and controlling the outcome.
  • LEARN TO CODE: With a Piper Computer Kit, kids learn the basics of coding with 11 progressively challenging projects based on Google Blockly's easy, drag-and-drop visual coding language. Using PiperCode, kids progress through tangible tasks that increase their level of confidence.
  • CREATED FOR KIDS AGES 8+: Designed by educators to foster self-paced learning, kids advance from foundational tasks through more challenging projects at their own pace. They can progress to pre-loaded Python programming language, deepening their engagement and competence.
  • THE BUILD IS JUST THE BEGINNING: Piper Computer Kit features an integrated, build-it-yourself speaker and amplifier. The 9" display features 1024 x 600 HDMI resolution, making for eye-popping graphics. The kit is engineered for multi-rebuilds, with a sturdy carrying case. Beyond the build, Piper Computer Kit launches kids into an expansive, adventurous world of learning disguised as fun, with dozens of playable projects from Day One.

User questions & answers

Question: My son finished the assembled but some parts are left. please help-may be missed steps. leds, mini breadboard and breadboard components
Answer: Hello! The game should direct you on how to use these items as you progress through StoryMode and PiperCode. So if you have completed all the steps on the Blueprint, you should be good to go! If you have any more questions or concerns, you can reach out to us directly at [email protected]. Thanks! Taylor Piper Customer Care
Question: How do we build the keyboard/controller? It seems to be needed in the very first story mode
Answer: Hello, As you proceed through the first Mars mission, the game should instruct you on how to build your controller. As you proceed through the level, you will complete various connections that will result in a functioning controller for use in the game. I hope this helps, and if you have any more questions, please just reach out to us at [email protected]. Thanks, Piper Customer Care
Question: Can this run mit's scratch
Answer: There are different variations on the raspberry pi system, biu mine could run things similar to mit's scratch.
Question: Where does it ship
Answer: Global shipping

Product features

Success with Distance Learning

Recognizing that students will adapt to distance learning across a continuum of mastery is key to their success. Developed by educators, our complimentary Distance Learning Playbook offers a variety of customizable learning modalities which makes it easy for teachers, facilitators, and parents to meet the needs of their students.

BUILD

Includes a set of blueprints with step-by-step instructions on how to build a working computer. Piper engages kids in a building experience with laser-cut wooden parts, a Raspberry Pi microcomputer, and a collection of electronic wires and equipment.

ENGAGE

Once the computer is built, kids progress to a series of engaging challenges using Minecraft Raspberry Pi Edition teaching them valuable problem-solving skills. They make their way through a secret mission as they attach each wire and connect each electronic component.

CODE

PiperCode based on Google Blockly's easy drag-and-drop visual programming language is an effective way to teach coding in a tangible way. PiperCode comes with 11 progressively challenging projects to help kids gain confidence through accomplishing physical tasks through coding.

CREATE

Once they learn the foundations kids are ready to experiment with creative computing. Using PiperCode they can code and create their own projects. It is also pre-loaded with Python for when your kids are ready for an advanced programming language.

Features

  • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B. 1GB RAM. 1.2 GHz Quad-Core 64 bit CPU
  • 9” LCD display with an HDMI cable
  • 7800mAh rechargeable battery
  • Integrated speaker with amplifier and external volume control
  • 16GB MicroSD card including 20+ Piper 3D StoryMode levels, PiperCode projects, and more
  • Software updating capabilities (requires WIFI connection)
  • USB Mouse
  • Micro USB charging cable and wall charger
  • 20+ electronic components including breadboards, buttons, switches, LED lights, buzzers, and 25 jumper wires
  • 8 square foot laminated blueprint with visuals for assembly
  • 25+ laser-etched wooden and acrylic pieces
  • 50+ hardware pieces
  • Phillips-head screwdriver

Sania Box - An Embedded Computer Building Kit for Kids | Includes Pre-Designed Add-On Board for Hands-On Experience About Coding, IoT, Electronics | Pre-Installed Python Programs | Ages 8 and Up

Based on 10 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Sania Box embedded computer kit is a pre-designed DIY kit for children aged 8 and above. Designed by avid coding teen Sania Jain, and developed with Moonshot Jr, it elicits interest in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) subjects from an early age. This kit breaks down complex coding concepts into easy lessons. The unique add-on board that is pre-designed to give kids hands-on experience in electronics components like LED, sensors like thermal sensor and gas sensor, relay, and 7-segment display with coding. The board fits on the Raspberry Pi 3 or Pi 4 board 40 Pin header. Raspberry Pi is the preferred single-board computer that enhances critical thinking, innovation, and introduce young minds to the wonders of STEM. The kit contains an SD card with pre-installed python programs and all essential components kids need to build an embedded computer. Connect your Sania Box kit to a monitor and you are good to go. The kit comes with a keyboard and mouse so kids do not have to borrow them from parents. With this in a child’s learning arsenal, coding is transformed into a wonderful activity leading towards higher learning. Here is a comprehensive list of items in the kit: 1. Wired keyboard and mouse 2. Custom Case 3. USB-C Power supply 4. 16 GB SD card with pre-loaded software to help you start programming out of the box 5. HDMI cable to use a TV as your monitor 6. A Raspberry Pi Model 4 with 1 GB Ram and 64-bit quad-core processor to power the add-on board 7. The Sania Box embedded add-on board has the following features: ->2 LEDs (Red and Green) that can blink, keep steady, and turn off ->Push Button ->Thermal Sensor ->Touch Sensor ->Three-digit, 7-segment Display ->Relay Circuit ->Light Sensor ->Gas Sensor (CO2, methane, etc)

  • Add-on Board: Comes with a unique add-on board to develop STEM skills in children, and give hands-on experience in coding. The board fits on Raspberry Pi 3 or Pi 4 board 40 Pin header. Integrated with a 3-digit 7-segment numeric display, relay and other useful sensors to add fun while experimenting.
  • Perfect Educational Tool: The DIY computer kit contains an SD card with pre-installed python programs to get hands-on practice on the add-on board. It also comes with a keyboard and mouse, breadboard, wires, LEDs, and resistors – all essential items to build your own computer science kit.
  • Raspberry Pi 4: Raspberry Pi 4 is a single-board computer ideal for building computer kit. With Python as its preferred language, first-timers will quickly get accustomed to its rich internet resource bank, and user-friendly data structures.
  • STEM Learning: STEM education builds critical thinking skills, spirit of innovation and a scientific mind. STEM workers keep economies afloat. It’s never too early to get kids started on this exciting learning path. This kit encourages STEM learning and engages kids with these subjects.
  • Ages 8 and Up: Designed for kids aged 8 years and above. By building their own computer kit, kids think independently and develop interest in STEM subjects. It fosters experimentation, basics of computer engineering and demystifies coding. The kit offers pre-installed codes for beginners.

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