And if that's too much, there are boards like this: https://www.amazon.com/RioRand-EP2C5T144-Altera-Cyclone-Deve...

Together with a $10 USB dongle, you can get going for $35.

It's still big enough to store small CPUs etc. A lot of fun!

Now now, don't be talking about how things are fun and might appeal to newbies or children. Gatekeeping is Serious Business and is not a fit subject for play or enjoyment.