Looking for fun ways to get the kids involved in National Robotics Week without breaking the bank? Whether you're new to the world of robots or you've already dabbled in coding and engineering, here are a few simple ideas to spark curiosity and creativity in young minds.

📚 Learn About Robots

Head to your local library and check out books that introduce robotics, coding, or engineering in a kid-friendly way. One of our current favorites is How to Explain Robotics to a Grown-Up by Ruth Spiro — a witty and fun read for all ages!

🎬 Host a Robot-Themed Movie Night

Make some popcorn and enjoy The Wild Robot, an animated adventure that follows a robot named Rozzum as she learns to adapt and communicate with animals in the wild. Perfect for families with kids ages 8 and up. Check out the review on Common Sense Media.

📍 Attend a Robotics Event

Explore the official National Robotics Week Events Calendar. Many events are virtual and social media-based, but if you're up for an outing, check out what's happening locally!

🔧 Build or Code Something Together

You don’t need to be an engineer to get started. Here are a few fun (and mostly affordable) ways to dive in:

• Best RobotToys for Kids: Look for beginner-friendly robot kits under $50 to test the waters. Hardware can get expensive, so start small. Below are just a few examples:

  • For Solar-Powered Fun: Sillbird 12-in-1 Solar Robot Toy
  • For Elementary School Kids: Wonder Workshop Dash Coding Robot
  • For Lego Lovers: Lego Star Wars Droid Commander
  • For Teaching the Basics: Learning Resources Botley the Coding Robot Activity Set
  • For Learning Electronics: Makeblock mBot Robotics Coding Kit

   

• Ozobot Evo Entry Kit: ($175) Designed for K–12, this kit lets kids code online with Blockly or offline using color-coded markers. No experience needed! Explore it here.

• Raspberry Pi Projects: Affordable and creative coding projects for all ages. Browse ideas here.

• Code.org Activities: Engaging, age-appropriate games and tutorials that make learning computer science fun. Start exploring.

No matter how you celebrate, introducing kids to robotics builds problem-solving skills and sparks big ideas. Enjoy Robo Week and let us know how you’re celebrating!