Inside: Kids and adults will love this DIY fishing game! Get a step-by-step tutorial on how to make this fun DIY fishing game with pool noodles.
I'll admit it.
I wanted a fishing game so badly for an Ocean theme play date.
Determined to not spend money on another toy, I thought: "I've made many toys from trash. Surely I can make another one."
I looked around the house and saw exactly what I needed at the corner of the room.
A pool noodle.
This is it. Except that I had to convince my children to give me one of their pool noodles.
A promise of a fun fishing game (and a cookie) sealed the deal.
Look at that happy face with the 'fish' he caught!
Jump to:
What do the children learn from this fishing game?
There is so much hand-eye coordination going on as the children try to align the swinging magnets to the fish.
Interestingly, all the children figured out by themselves where the magnets should touch to ‘catch’ their fish.
Isn't this an amazing game to intrigue children with the magic of magnetism?
Related: Want more learning activities to explore magnetism and other science concepts? Try these Easy Science Experiments for Preschoolers to Try at Home!
Who will enjoy this fishing game?
Ages 2 and up! Even adults love this game!
Materials
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- Pool noodle
- Paper clips
- Pipe cleaners
- Googly eyes (optional)
- Magnetic clasps
- Sticks as fishing rods – I used marshmallow roasting sticks.
- String
- Penknife
- Hot glue
How to make this cute DIY fishing game with a pool noodle
Follow the steps below.
- Cut the pool noodle up, each piece is around 2 inches thick.
- Cut small slits at front and back.
- Add paper clip and pipe cleaner (tail).
- Glue on goggly eyes (optional).
- Make the fish rod with a stick, string and magnetic clasp.
The fish may look fancy but I made all 12 in less than 30 minutes.
This DIY fishing game was a big success during our Ocean theme play date. Homemade fun is simply the best! (And no money spent on buying more toys.)
Related: Looking for more fun activities for a hot summer day? Check out these cool activities with ice that your kids will love!
More Ocean Theme Activities
There are so many benefits derived from theme-based learning! So if your child enjoyed this fishing game, extend their learning with this DIY Fish Sewing Board, this Ocean Zones Activity or check out this list of hands-on, fun ocean theme activities!
Happy learning!
Vanessa says
Hi this is super cute! Just wondering... How is the paper clip attached to the pipe cleaner? How and where do you put the magnet clasp on the fish?
Thanks!
Vanessa Bello
Pre k California
happytotshelf says
Hello! The paper clip is pushed into the pool noodle. I cut a small slit on the pool noodle and pushed in the paper clip.
The magnet clasp goes onto a string tied to a rod as the fishing rod! I'm working on a video tutorial right now. Follow me on Instagram or FB to catch the video next week!
Kimberly Dawson says
What did you use to make the water for the fish?
happytotshelf says
Hello just water and a little blue paint.
Connie says
Which brand magnetic clasp did you buy? I saw some on amazon for jewelry making, but I'm not sure these are the right ones. Do you have a link you could provide?
happytotshelf says
These will work: https://www.amazon.com/I-MART-Magnetic-Lobster-Necklace-Bracelet/dp/B074QQ9TWV/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1530338630&sr=8-6&keywords=magnetic+clasps+for+jewelry
Pamela says
to Bump it up for older Children add number underneath. they then catch two fish and either add, subtract, multiply the number depending on parents/teachers decision . Writing down the equation adds another level.
Fynn says
What a great idea!
Carolyn Daluz says
Thank u now i have new ideas to teach with my ages 3-4 yrs old daycare child..thank u much for sharing the activities Maam...God Bless