I can’t wait to share this mini magnetic fishing game with you all. Magnetic fishing games are irresistible to little ones and this easy to make mini diy version will capture children’s attention and imagination. Scroll along to discover how you can put one together with everyday items today. Enjoy!

How to Put Together a Mini Magnetic Fishing Game

Getting Started

First we need to source a couple of materials. I found most of my things in second hand stores or the dollar shop but you can use anything that you think will do the job.

Here’s what we’ll be using:

• serving tray
• blue fabric, sparkles optional!
• mini wooden fishing rod (you can find these cheaply in dollar stores)
• glass gems
• paperclips
• washi tape
• scissors
• wiggle eyes
• super glue

Making the Fish

To make the fish, you cover the paperclip in washi tape so that you have a bit of extra tape left on top and on the side. Next, cut the extra bit of washi tape hanging over the top and side into the shape of a fin. Finally, glue some eyes on there, on both sides.

Have a closer look at the image below to see how the fish ended up looking. It’s hardly perfect but the children won’t care! As long as it vaguely resembles a fish, you’re good to go.

I made about 10 of them to start with. With all the counting the children will probably want to do, that seemed like an obvious number. See how you go and make as many as you want!

Putting it all Together

Setting up your mini magnetic fishing game in an inviting way is the key to success. In this case it’s pretty simple as the materials will do all of the work for you.

Start by placing the blue fabric into the serving tray. Fluff things up a bit so you create the illusion of waves. Can you see in the image that the sheer fabric texture and glitter make this pretend pond look pretty magical?

Next, place the glass gems and fish in there. Move things around a bit to make it look good and maybe hide a fish or two to make the game a bit more challenging.

Lastly, place a little dish or cup for the kids to put the fish they caught in.

There, all set. I promise you, no child will be able to resist!

Mini Magnetic Fishing Game Variations

With fun little games like these you can keep the fun going by switching things up a bit. Here are a couple of ideas:

• turn it into a counting game “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, once I caught a fish alive” or use whatever fishing song or rhyme you like
• read a book about fish or fishing and weave the game into the storyline, the Rainbow Fish (affiliate) might be a good one!
• make the game part of a dramatic play adventure
• turn it into a little competition: whoever can catch the 10 fish the fastest
• write numbers or letters on the fish and practice numeracy and literacy
• turn it into a sensory game by adding water or move the fish to the bath or another bowl
• Store the fabric, (glass gems) and fish in a bag and take it with you as a travel game or busy bag

And we could probably keep coming up with more simple and fun play ideas.

I hope you’ll enjoy both making it and playing with it!

For more creative ocean crafts and play ideas, have a look here at our fabulous underwater world, mini ocean world, beach small world and mermaid travel tin. There’s a good chance you’ll love them and your kids will love them even more!

Have fun!

Ann*

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