These days, every kid can get their hands on a computer-like device.
BUT, they’re not always learning, and it’s not always educational. Moreover, sometimes it’s particularly passive, and they’ll just sit for hours on end watching mindless YouTube, or, worse yet, TikTok.
These apps rarely teach kids anything, and so many channels are simply brain rot.
But you can take your child’s interest in gadgets and turn it into something more active and engaging, and give them something to show for the time they invest.
The solution, in case you haven’t guessed it, is to invest in a DIY computer build kit.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing 7 of the best DIY computer build kits on the market for kids. These reviews are unbiased and contain both pros and cons.
We’ve also got a quick buying guide to help you decide which one to get, before wrapping up with a brief conclusion.
This kit contains everything you need to build a computer from the Raspberry Pi through to the 7-inch screen and rechargeable battery.
But, with this kit, not only does your kid get to build their very own working computer, but there’s way more fun to be had once the build is complete.
Using the machine’s Story Mode, kids are guided through a secret mission attaching wires and components to achieve a different outcome.
Then the fun moves from electronic through to coding, with 11 different coding challenges to work on. All using a straightforward drag and drop visual coding language.
And once they’ve mastered the visual coding language, they can progress to learning Python.
The beauty of this kit is its sheer simplicity. As the manufacturer says, it’s “a computer anyone can make”. Even 6-year-olds can put this computer together.
The kit is based around the Raspberry Pi 3, and contains its own wireless keyboard with trackpad. The only other thing you’ll need to get it all set up is a screen or monitor with an HDMI port, and you’re good to go.
Then, you’re in a position to browse the internet, or have your kid create art, write stories or make music on the machine. There are over 100 apps that are compatible with the machine.
And the kid gets to learn a little coding along the way too, if they are so inclined, thanks to the 100 plus coding challenges.
This award-winning kit has been embraced by over 2000 schools and coding clubs. It comes backed by a full years’ warranty and lifetime after-sales support.
The Boolean Box has a lot in common with the Kano computer that we showed you earlier, in that it is very simple and straightforward to put together, though admittedly this is aimed at kids of age 8 and up rather than age 6 and up.
It also has just about everything you need to build a computer other than the monitor, which you will have to provide.
We also like that it features a mouse, which is in contrast to the Kano kit, which includes a trackpad instead.
And again, the fun does not stop once the computer is built. Your kid can also get into making other electronic gadgets, or if they prefer, get stuck into coding.
The coding is simple enough for anyone to follow, using lessons in scratch, which is very much a visual programming language.
They can then go on to digital animation, playing Minecraft, and even carrying out Python programming projects.
Talk about a complete computer build kit! Not only does it feature the more basic components for building a computer, but it comes with extras too.
There’s a 7-inch screen, a wireless keyboard and mouse, earphones, two game controllers and more.
It’s all based around the Raspberry Pi, and comes with a whopping 19 different sensors to have fun with.
It’s also one of the tidiest computer build kits we’ve seen, and most of the components are contained within a small case, which makes it very portable and easy to pack and take with you on vacation.
And the fun does not end once the computer is set up. When your kid is ready, they can take the user manual and go through 21 lessons on reading code and running it.
This very affordable computer building kit is based around Arduino rather than Raspberry Pi, and thus is best suited for electronics projects rather than around fancy software.
It has all the components you need to get started, including a breadboard, which means that you won’t have to do any soldering.
In addition to all the components, you also get a CD-ROM, which features all the instructions you need in a PDF file. Which is super handy because it saves you from having to search for guidance online. And there’s a 16-lesson tutorial.
This computer build kit is just as affordable as the Elegoo kit that we showed you earlier, but is based around the Raspberry Pi rather than Arduino, which means you get more fun afterward when the computer is built because there are so many compatible apps and coding projects you can use on it.
It doesn’t actually come with the Raspberry Pi included, but it has very wide-ranging compatibility across a range of different Raspberry Pi models.
And in contrast to the Elegoo kit we showed you earlier, you don’t need a CD-ROM drive to access the instructions. The user manual is available online, and is very comprehensive at 73 pages.
Pros
Based around Raspberry Pi, which has loads of compatible apps
Compatible with a range of different Raspberry Pi models
This very affordable computer building kit is based around Arduino rather than Raspberry Pi, and thus is best suited for electronics projects rather than around fancy software.
It has all the components you need to get started, including a breadboard, which means that you won’t have to do any soldering.
It includes a little LCD display, which means that you don’t necessarily need to hook it up to a monitor if you don’t want to or simply don’t have one.
Customers will be able to access a detailed PDF tutorial of 28 lessons to show you how to put the computer together, and how to code with it afterward, so your kid gets to learn to code, as well as work with electronics.
Pros
Very affordable starter kit
Compatible with 3 different models of Arduino
Access instructions and tutorials online or on CD-ROM
Cons
Arduino is not included
No monitor, keyboard, or mouse included
No coding lessons provided
Best DIY Computer Build Kits For Kids Buying Guide
Ok, so here’s what to look for in a computer build kit for kids.
Raspberry Pi VS Arduino
Most computer build kits these days require either a Raspberry Pi or an Arduino. Raspberry Pi is best for software apps, but Arduino is better for hardware projects.
Easy To Follow Instructions
Computers can be quite complex, and without easy to follow instructions, your kid could get frustrated and simply give up on the project way too early.
On a similar note, you should also check the recommended age group. Don’t give something aimed at teens to an 8-year-old, unless they’re particularly bright for their age.
Value For Money
Computer build kits can really vary in price, so be sure to check prices as you go along, and determine what your budget should be.
Wrap Up
To be perfectly honest, any of the kits that made our shortlist would be a great choice of gift for a teenager or enthusiastic kid.
To judge the best one for your kid, you need to find a balance between how straightforward the kit is and how much potential and versatility it has.
Hi, my name is Elena Jones, and my full-time job is a teacher. Through teaching, I have discovered that children learn in many different ways, and have seen the positive impact both STEM and Montessori toys have on children.
Through this site I hope to educate parents and adults about these toys, providing them with useful information on how they can be used, and provide some in depth reviews of different toys to consider too.
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