In the world of science, few things capture a child’s attention quite like magnets. They attract, repel, move objects without touching, and seem to operate by invisible magic—an ideal blend of mystery and discovery. At The Kids Point, we believe that learning should always be fun, hands-on, and accessible, which is why we’ve put together this guide packed with easy and exciting magnet experiments that kids can try at home using everyday household items.
Whether your child is in preschool or elementary school, these magnet experiments are designed to be safe, educational, and engaging. They encourage curiosity, boost problem-solving skills, and provide a playful introduction to important scientific principles like magnetism, polarity, and force fields.
Let’s explore the wonderful world of magnets with these easy and fun experiments!
Magnetic Object Hunt
Best for Ages: 3+
Time Required: 15-20 minutes
Objective: Introduce the concept of magnetic vs. non-magnetic materials.
Materials:
- Magnet wand or bar magnet
- A variety of small household items (e.g., paperclip, coin, plastic spoon, pencil, rubber band, key, nail)
Instructions:
- Lay out the items on a table.
- Ask your child to guess which items will be attracted to the magnet.
- Test each item by bringing the magnet close.
- Sort them into two groups: magnetic and non-magnetic.
Educational Value:
This foundational experiment teaches kids about materials, attraction, and classification. It also introduces the idea that only certain metals (like iron, nickel, and cobalt) are magnetic.
Magnet Painting
Best for Ages: 4–7
Time Required: 30 minutes
Objective: Combine creativity with science by using magnetic force to paint.
Materials:
- Shoebox or cardboard tray
- White paper (cut to fit inside the tray)
- Washable paint in small drops
- Metal objects (paperclips or small bolts)
- Bar magnet
Instructions:
- Place the paper in the shoebox.
- Add small drops of different-colored paints onto the paper.
- Drop a metal object on the paper.
- Move the magnet underneath the box to guide the metal piece through the paint.
Educational Value:
Kids learn about how magnetic force works through solid surfaces while expressing creativity in art.
Magnet Maze
Best for Ages: 5+
Time Required: 20 minutes
Objective: Strengthen motor skills and introduce indirect force through magnets.
Materials:
- Printed or hand-drawn maze on paper
- Paperclip
- Magnet
Instructions:
- Place the paperclip at the maze entrance.
- Move the magnet under the paper to guide the clip through the maze.
Variation: Create themes like a “pirate treasure hunt” or “rescue mission” to add excitement.
Educational Value:
This experiment introduces magnetic attraction through barriers and boosts concentration and motor coordination.
Floating Paperclip – Anti-Gravity Illusion
Best for Ages: 7+
Time Required: 15 minutes
Objective: Create an illusion of defying gravity using magnets.
Materials:
- Sturdy thread or dental floss
- Paperclip
- Ruler
- Strong magnet
- Tape
Instructions:
- Tie the paperclip to one end of the thread and tape the other end to a table or ruler so the clip dangles in mid-air.
- Bring the magnet close from above or behind (without touching).
- Adjust the thread length to make the clip “float” toward the magnet without touching it.
Educational Value:
Demonstrates magnetic fields and how they can create force from a distance.
Make Your Own Compass
Best for Ages: 6–10
Time Required: 20–30 minutes
Objective: Show how Earth’s magnetic field affects magnets.
Materials:
- Needle or paperclip
- Magnet
- Small bowl of water
- Cork or foam piece
- Compass for comparison (optional)
Instructions:
- Rub the needle or clip with the magnet (in one direction) about 30–40 times.
- Stick the magnetized item through the cork or foam piece.
- Float it in the water.
- Observe how it aligns with Earth’s magnetic field.
Educational Value:
Introduces Earth’s magnetism and how compasses work in navigation.
Magnetic Sensory Bottle
Best for Ages: 3–6
Time Required: 15 minutes
Objective: Explore how magnets work in liquids.
Materials:
- Clear plastic bottle with lid
- Water
- Glitter (optional)
- Magnetic items (metal beads, screws, paperclips)
- Magnet wand
Instructions:
- Fill the bottle with water and drop in the magnetic items.
- Seal the bottle tightly.
- Use the magnet on the outside to move the objects around.
Educational Value:
Enhances fine motor skills and allows kids to experiment with force through a fluid medium.
Magnet vs. Materials Challenge
Best for Ages: 6+
Time Required: 20–30 minutes
Objective: Test how different materials affect magnetic force.
Materials:
- Magnet wand
- Paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum foil, cloth, etc.
- Paperclip or small magnetic object
Instructions:
- Place the magnetic object under various materials.
- Try to move or attract it with the magnet from above.
- Record how well the magnetic force works through each barrier.
Educational Value:
Demonstrates the concept of magnetic field strength and which materials block or allow magnetic force.
Magnetic Field Viewer with Iron Filings
Best for Ages: 8+ (with supervision)
Time Required: 15–20 minutes
Objective: Make magnetic field lines visible.
Materials:
- Bar magnet
- White paper
- Iron filings or steel wool shavings
Instructions:
- Place the magnet under the paper.
- Sprinkle iron filings gently over the paper.
- Tap the paper lightly.
- Observe the patterns that form around the magnet.
Safety Note: Keep iron filings away from eyes and mouth. Clean hands afterward.
Educational Value:
Reveals the invisible force field around magnets in a clear and visual way.
Slow-Fall Magnet in Tube
Best for Ages: 7+
Time Required: 10–15 minutes
Objective: Learn about eddy currents and resistance to magnetic fields.
Materials:
- Strong disk magnet
- Aluminum tube or copper pipe
- Pencil or plastic rod (non-magnetic)
Instructions:
- Drop the magnet through the metal tube—it will fall slowly.
- Drop a non-magnetic item like a pencil—it will fall fast.
Educational Value:
Introduces advanced concepts like induced currents and magnetic drag in conductive materials.
DIY Magnetic Fishing Game
Best for Ages: 4–8
Time Required: 30 minutes
Objective: Practice coordination and test magnetic attraction.
Materials:
- String or stick
- Magnet
- Paper fish cutouts
- Paper clips
- Shallow bowl or cardboard “pond”
Instructions:
- Attach a paperclip to each fish.
- Tie the magnet to a stick or string to create a fishing pole.
- Spread out the fish and let your child “catch” them.
Educational Value:
Enhances hand-eye coordination while teaching magnetic properties in a playful setting.
Magnetic Slime
Best for Ages: 8+ (with supervision)
Time Required: 30–40 minutes
Objective: Make slime that responds to magnetic force.
Materials:
- White school glue
- Liquid starch or contact lens solution with baking soda
- Iron filings
- Magnet (preferably strong like neodymium)
Instructions:
- Mix glue and slime activator to create slime.
- Add iron filings and knead until combined.
- Use a magnet to attract and move the slime.
Safety Note: Do not ingest or place iron slime near mouth or eyes.
Educational Value:
Teaches kids about magnetic materials and how flexible mediums can be influenced by force.
Tips for a Successful Magnet Science Day
- Supervision is key: Especially with small magnets, always supervise to avoid choking hazards.
- Let kids lead: Ask questions like “What do you think will happen?” to foster prediction and critical thinking.
- Extend learning: Have children draw or write about what they discovered.
- Combine with books: Read simple science books about magnets to reinforce the lessons.
Magnets have a unique ability to capture kids’ attention while teaching them some of the most fascinating laws of physics. These experiments are simple enough to do at home but powerful enough to introduce fundamental scientific concepts in a memorable way.
At The Kids Point, we encourage hands-on exploration because we believe that curiosity-driven learning is the best way for children to grow smarter, more confident, and more connected to the world around them. So gather some magnets, clear the kitchen table, and prepare for a fun-filled day of discovery and imagination.