Go fishing
Make a simple magnetic fishing rod and fish from paper or cardboard, then catch them to learn about magnets, counting, and hand-eye coordination.
About this activity
Make a simple magnetic fishing rod and fish from paper or cardboard, then catch them to learn about magnets, counting, and hand-eye coordination.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather the materials listed.
- 2
Step 2
Tie one end of the string tightly around one end of the stick or pencil.
- 3
Step 3
Tape the small magnet to the free end of the string so it hangs securely.
- 4
Step 4
Draw several fish shapes on the paper or cardboard using simple outlines.
- 5
Step 5
Cut out each fish shape with scissors.
- 6
Step 6
Color and decorate each fish with your coloring materials.
- 7
Step 7
Attach one paper clip to each fish by sliding it onto the fish's mouth or body.
- 8
Step 8
Spread the fish out on the floor or place them into a shallow bowl to make a pond.
- 9
Step 9
Hold the fishing rod and lower the magnet close to a chosen fish until the magnet touches the paper clip.
- 10
Step 10
Lift the rod slowly so the magnet picks the fish up.
- 11
Step 11
Place the caught fish into a bucket or plate.
- 12
Step 12
Count the fish in the bucket out loud after each catch.
- 13
Step 13
Try turning the magnet away from a fish to see that it will not stick.
- 14
Step 14
Make the game harder by adding an extra paper clip to a fish or moving the pond farther away and try again.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished fishing game and what you learned on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you make and play a magnetic fishing game for kids?
To make and play the magnetic fishing game, tie 2–3 feet of string to a stick, dowel, or wooden spoon and attach a small magnet to the string end. Cut fish shapes from paper or cardboard, decorate them, and tape a paperclip or metal washer to each fish. Scatter fish in a shallow "pond" (tub or blanket) and have your child use the rod to catch and count fish, switching goals to practice colors, numbers, or taking turns.
What materials do I need to make a magnetic fishing rod and fish?
You'll need a stick or dowel (or wooden spoon), 2–3 feet of string, a small magnet (button or bar), tape or hot glue to secure it, paper or thin cardboard for fish, scissors, paperclips or small metal washers for the fish’s magnetic point, markers or crayons, and a shallow tub or blanket for the pond. Optional items: laminating sheets, clothespins, stickers for numbers, and extra magnets kept away from very young children.
What ages is magnetic fishing suitable for?
This craft is great for preschoolers and early elementary kids, roughly ages 3–8. Children under 3 need constant adult supervision and larger, securely attached magnets because small parts are choking hazards. Older children (6–8+) can handle tougher challenges like timed catches, counting targets, or simple math games. Adjust fish size, rod length, and rules to match your child’s fine-motor skills and attention span.
What are the benefits and safety tips for magnetic fishing, plus fun variations?
Benefits: magnetic fishing boosts hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, counting, turn-taking, and introduces magnetism. Safety: supervise closely, avoid tiny or very strong magnets for young kids, securely attach magnets, and use larger washers when possible. Variations: color- or number-matching, magnetic letters for spelling, simple addition/subtraction challenges, timed races, or themed fish (sea creatures, shapes) to extend learning and keep play fresh.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a small magnet, tape, or a stick/pencil?
If you don't have a small magnet, tape a metal washer or a bent sturdy paper clip to the free end of the string so it can pick up paper clips, use a ruler or wooden dowel instead of the stick/pencil when you tie the string, and substitute yarn or twine for the string and a rubber band or strong glue in place of tape.
My magnet won't pick up the paper clips — what should I check or fix?
Make sure the tape isn't covering the magnet's working face, retie the string tightly around the stick so the rod is stable, slide the paper clip farther onto the fish's mouth as in the 'Attach one paper clip' step, and lower the magnet until it actually touches the paper clip rather than hovering above it.
How can I adapt the activity for very young children or older kids?
For toddlers, pre-cut larger cardboard fish, use jumbo paper clips and have an adult do the cutting and tying steps, while older kids can cut smaller fish, add extra paper clips to certain fish as suggested in 'Make the game harder', time each catch, or keep score for competition.
What are simple ways to extend or personalize the fishing game after we've made the fish?
Personalize and color each fish with names or point values during the 'Color and decorate' step, add 'trash' pieces with no paper clips to practice sorting, try two rods for races, and share photos and what you learned on DIY.org as the final step.