10 Fun and Easy Magnet Science Experiments for Kids
Make science simple, hands-on, and fun with these easy magnet experiments!
Perfect for preschoolers through to older kids, these activities introduce magnetic concepts in a playful, engaging way. Children can explore independently or with guidance, depending on their age and ability.
Some of these experiments were teacher-led, while others were sparked by the children’s own curiosity during free exploration with magnet wands and magnetic materials.
Safety note: Always supervise young children when using small metal items and magnets to avoid choking hazards.
📽️ Watch the video below to see all 10 magnet ideas in action, then scroll through the blog for step-by-step explanations and tips for each activity.
📄 Discover our printable Magnet Science Experiments pack—featuring easy-to-follow task cards, engaging recording sheets, and vibrant posters! Perfect for sparking curiosity and supporting hands-on learning at home or in the classroom.
We hope your little scientists have a blast experimenting with magnets!
10 magnet science experiments for kids!
1. Wiggling Wand Experiment
Tie a string to your magnet wand and hang it about 2 cm above a flat surface. Make sure it can swing freely without touching anything underneath.
Tape four small magnets to the surface in a loose square or cross shape arranged around the area where the wand will hang. You can experiment with how close or far apart to place them.
Pull the magnet wand to the centre of the four taped magnets, then release it. Watch how it wiggles and swings as the magnets pull it in different directions!
Try gently swinging the wand to see how the motion changes. Then, move the taped magnets into a new pattern—like a triangle or uneven spacing—and observe how the wand reacts.
2. Magnet Bridge Paperclip Experiment
To create our magnet bridge, we started by building two sturdy Duplo towers of equal height. We placed them a short distance apart on a flat surface. Then, we laid a piece of cardboard across the top, resting it securely on both towers to form a simple bridge. Next, we taped magnets to the underside of the cardboard bridge.
There are two fun ways to explore this setup:
Floating effect:
Gently pull on the string so the paperclip lowers slightly, then let go. The magnet will pull it back up, making it appear as if the paperclip is floating in midair — a great visual to demonstrate magnetic force!
Magnet wand movement:
Glide a magnet wand across the top of the bridge and watch how the paperclips below respond and move. It's a fun and hands-on way to see magnetic force in action from a distance.
3. Magnet Faces Exploration
This activity came about naturally as the children explored magnetic materials and noticed how easily they stuck to the magnet wands. Using their imaginations, they began creating funny and expressive faces — and we were lucky enough to capture the moment!
To try it yourself, set out a bowl filled with magnetic items such as springs, nails, screws, magnets, pipe cleaners, paper clips, and any other safe metal objects you can find. Give each child a magnet wand, and let them design their own magnetic face. When they're happy with their creation, be sure to snap a photo to capture the fun!
4. Magnetic Chains Experiment
Attach a metal nail to the end of a magnet wand, then see if you can pick up a paperclip at the end of the nail. Once the paperclip sticks, try adding more paperclips one by one to form a dangling chain. Can the magnetic force hold them all? How many paperclips can your chain carry before it drops?
This activity helps children observe how magnetism can travel through a metal conductor—in this case, the nail—and continue to attract other items. Try using different types of nails, bolts, or even spoons to see if the results change.
5. Magic Cars
Can you move cars without touching them?
Yes—you can with the power of magnets! Simply attach a magnet to the top of each toy car, then invite children to use a magnet wand held just above the car to make it move. They’ll be amazed as the cars glide and scoot across the table, seemingly by magic—no hands required! It’s a fun and hands-on way to explore magnetic force and motion through play.
6. Magnet Strength Test
How strong is your magnet wand?
Put it to the test! Layer pieces of cardboard between two magnets and see if they still stick together. Keep adding layers one at a time—how many can you add before the magnetic force is no longer strong enough to hold? This simple experiment is a fun way for children to explore magnetic strength and test scientific predictions through hands-on investigation.
7. Magnetic Treasure Hunt
If only real treasure hunting were this easy!
Create a fun and simple magnetic treasure hunt by filling a tray or container with shredded paper and hiding various metal objects inside (like paperclips, bolts, or small keys). Give children a magnet wand and let them explore the tray—watch their excitement as they discover and lift out hidden “treasures” using only the power of magnetism! It’s a playful way to encourage curiosity, fine motor skills, and early science exploration.
8. Magnet Car Track
This fun DIY activity takes a little prep—but the magnetic racing fun is well worth it! Start by printing or drawing a race track and gluing it onto sturdy cardboard. Then, create a small car cut-out (printed or hand-drawn), mount it on cardboard for durability, and stick a magnet to the back.
Now it’s time to race! Children place a magnet wand underneath the track and guide the car along the path—no touching from above! This activity helps children explore how magnetic force can act through different materials without direct contact.
9. Mystery Magnet Bottle
Place a variety of small metal objects into a clear plastic bottle or jar—a wide-neck bottle works best for easy access. Children can begin by rubbing their magnet wand along the outside of the bottle, watching as metal items inside move and cling to the sides. Then, they can slowly dip the wand into the bottle to explore what happens—watch their excitement as items appear to "jump" onto the magnet!
This simple activity encourages curiosity, fine motor skills, and an understanding of magnetic attraction in a fun, hands-on way.
10. Paper Clip Play
One of our curious science explorers came up with this experiment on her own! She discovered that magnetic tiles can attract and hold a chain of paperclips, and began testing how many she could pull using just the magnetic force. She also explored how many paperclips she could get to stick to a single tile, then challenged herself to hang another magnetic tile underneath, creating a hanging chain of paperclips and tiles.
This hands-on discovery was a great way to explore magnetic strength, attraction, and creative problem-solving!
Loved these magnet science ideas? Don’t miss our printable science resources—packed with engaging experiments, easy instructions, and hands-on fun to keep kids learning and exploring! Perfect for home or classroom use.
