[kukanani]

I have a PhD in robotics. Got my start with Lego Mindstorms and highly recommend them.

Another commenter mentioned FIRST LEGO League, which is a great idea. However, it does require that you have a nearby league, and the experience is probably going to depend a lot on the quality of that league (funding, coaches, etc.) So if you have the funds (but not the time), starting out with the kits just at home could be a great first step.

[DoreenMichele]

LEGO Mindstorms was also the recommended thing in gifted homeschooling circles back when I was active in such.