In this post, we’ve curated a collection of the best Arduino microcontroller based STEM kits for kids to introduce your kids to electronics, microcontrollers and hardware programming. Help inspire that future engineer with interesting sensor based kits for any kid with an interest in programming. Downloading the free Arduino IDE is recommended to get started after receiving the hardware, and a computer is required. Programming the Arduino microcontroller teachers either C or Scratch, and is a great introduction to programming and computer science. Unlike a microprocessor such as the Raspberry Pi, a microcontroller is used to execute a specific routine, and not as a general computer. There is a lot of online learning material for the Arduino microcontroller, making it a good learning tool. The microcontroller is used to “control” other sensors electronically, allowing for endless combinations and learning opportunities. Check out what we consider the best Arduino microcontroller stem kits for kids below:
ELEGOO Mega R3 Ultimate Starter Kit
- Introductory Arduino microcontroller learning kit for kids
- This kit features the Arduino Mega 3, a higher performance counterpart to the Arduino Uno featured in cheaper kits.
- Kit includes a multitude of sensors, motors, breadboard, resistors and LEDs for the best tinkering
- Comes with training material and example code for Arduino IDE
- No soldering required, easy to get started with and learn
ELEGOO UNO Project Super Starter Kit with Tutorial and UNO R3
- Introductory Arduino microcontroller learning kit for kids
- With over 12,000 ratings, this is one of the most popular Arduino starter kits
- Low cost kit includes Arduino, breadboard & sensors to experiment with
- No soldering required, easy to get started with and learn, tutorial included!
SunFounder Project Complete Starter kit Compatible with Arduino UNO R3
- Introductory Arduino microcontroller learning kit for kids
- SunFounder is a trusted name in electronics with friendly customer support able to help
- Low cost kit includes arduino, breadboard & over 250 sensors to experiment with including LEDs, screens, motors and more
- No soldering required, easy to get started with and learn, project tutorials included!
Smraza Ultimate Arduino R3 Starter Kit
- Introductory Arduino microcontroller learning kit for kids
- Contains breadboard, sensors, leds & more
- Lowest cost option
- Kit teaches microcontroller programming
- Easy to assemble and learn with instructions included for assembly and programming
KEYESTUDIO Starter Kit for Arduino
- Introductory Arduino microcontroller learning kit for kids
- Contains breadboard, sensors, leds & more
- Cartoon cards make learning more accessible for children, adding themes to included projects
- Easy to assemble and learn with instructions included for assembly and programming
ELEGOO Uno R3 Smart Robot Car Kit
- Introductory Arduino microcontroller learning kit for kids with a robot car
- Contains common robot sensors such as ultrasonic and line tracking
- Kit teaches microcontroller programming and robotics
- Easy to assemble and learn with instructions included for assembly and programming
Arduino Microcontroller programming is a great way to learn STEM and programming principles for kids, and the kits above are great low cost activities for kids to stay engaged and learn! In addition to the kits above, once kids understand how microcontrollers work, they can build elaborate projects by increase the number of sensors and motors involved in their system! Check out our best breadboard and sensor kits to upgrade your Arduino microcontroller learning opportunities!