Inside this post we share how we made this easy DIY magnet wall for kids in just a few minutes! It’s such a simple to set up tool for play!
Why make a magnet wall for kids?
There are so many different reasons for making a magnet wall!
I compiled 5 of my favorite reasons for making a magnet wall!
- Magnet walls can encourage open-ended play! There’s no “right way” to play, so kids can get creative using all the different magnetic tools you have.
- Magnet walls can support STEM learning. Playing with magnets introduces basic science concepts like force, attraction, and repulsion.
- Magnet walls can help kids build fine and gross motor skills. Picking up and placing magnets strengthens hand and finger muscles, while moving pieces around a vertical wall works on arm and shoulder strength.
- Magnet walls maximize space! Because it’s vertical, it doesn’t take up much room and is great for small spaces. It can also double as a play surface and a functional spot to display art or schedules!
- Magnet walls can be used by kids of all ages!
Want to see this cheap magnet wall in action?
Watch the short video below or scroll down for more details!
What you need to make a magnet wall for kids?
- oil drip pan (I bought mine at the hardware store for $19, so do that!)
- screws
- drill
- wall or fence
- magnets (see ideas and links below)
How do you make a magnet wall for kids?
My husband Kevin is the best at making my ideas come to life. This was pretty easy to do, but just note… I wasn’t the one wielding the drill this time! Next time I’ll be brave enough to try though! Hopefully these instructions make sense! Ask any questions in the comments.
Here’s how to make this simple magnet wall:
1. Prepare the drip pan
- Grab a large oil drip pan (you can usually find these at an auto parts store or hardware store).
- Drill two holes along the edges of the pan at the top.
- Make the holes just slightly bigger than the screws you’ll be using.
- Tip: This lets you slide the pan on and off the screws if you want it to be removable. This is helpful if your wall is outside or you don’t want it up permanently.
2. Mark your wall or fence
- Decide where you want your magnetic wall to hang.
- Use a ruler and a level to mark where the screws should go so they line up with the holes in your pan.
3. Install the screws
- Drill the screws into your wall or fence at the marked spots.
- Leave the screws sticking out just enough for the pan to slide over them.
4. Attach the pan
- Line up the holes in the pan with the screws and hang it in place.
- That’s it! You’re ready for magnetic play!
Optional permanent option: If you don’t need your pan to be removable, you can skip drilling extra holes and simply screw the drip pan directly into the wall.
Use anchors if needed for extra security.
⚠️ Warning! Magnets can be choking hazards so make sure you use the appropriate type and size of magnets for the age group you are playing with! If you have kids who still put everything in their mouth, don’t do this activity!
Magnatiles can be used in so many ways on the magnet wall! Scroll down and we’ll share a few!
Create and build on the magnet wall with these creative magnetic blocks and shapes!
Pretend play and dress up dolls are so much more fun when you add them to a vertical wall.
Spell names, words, play with numbers and more when you add alphabet and number magnets to the magnet wall.
Build shapes and create whatever you want using tangrams on the magnet wall!
Gears on a magnet wall are a cool STEM activity. Kids can problem solve as they move the gears around to see how they can make they move the best!
Animals are always a favorite with kids! Kids can play and stick animal magnets on the wall. They can even use them to tell stories as they play.
Marble runs are so fun to play with on a magnet wall. Just stick it up and move it around to create different pathways for the marbles to roll on.
⚠️ Warning! Marbles can be choking hazards so only use this with kids who aren’t putting items in their mouth. Follow the instructions on the box.
More simple magnet activities for kids
Love magnets? Here are a few other activities using magnets!
Do you have any other favorite tools to use on a magnet wall? Tell us in the comments!
