Magna Tiles are a versatile play option that allows kids to experiment with open-ended play ideas.
I’m sure you have seen your children use them in all sorts of creative builds, but having a few ideas on hand is always helpful.
By giving them a project idea, you open up a world of imaginative play options. They can build on that idea and use it to create something new.
Don’t have a set yet? We recommend starting with the 32-Piece Magnetic Construction Set.
Benefits of Magna Tiles Designs
- Fine motor skills
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
- Coordination
- Independence
- Critical thinking
- Visual discrimination
- Early maths skills
17 Easy Magna Tiles Ideas
It is great to let your little ones be imaginative when they play with magnetic tiles. But, sometimes, it helps to have a few fun ideas up your sleeve.
1. Magna Tiles Robot
Children love robots and with the Magna Tile shapes, creating a robotic friend is simple.
If your younger child needs inspiration, draw a robot on paper and let them try and copy the design.
Encourage older children to use 3D shapes as they design their robots. Because the magnets hold the pieces in place, your kids won’t get frustrated with their robots falling apart as they build.
2. Rocket Ships
Rockets are another design that children can be creative with. For example, if you have shared your Magna Tiles between kids, use a tin can or any other metal object to create a unique rocket ship design.
Older kids can use different shapes to create geometric patterns as they build their rockets. It could have side wings, fuel thrusters, and a color-changing body.
3. Dinosaur Magna Tiles
Going through a dinosaur phase is like a childhood rite of passage. If your child loves dinos, you have probably seen Lego dinosaurs, playdough dinosaurs, and plastic dinosaurs. So why not dinos made from Magna Tiles?
Younger kids may find 2D designs easier to start with. For example, a stegosaurus made from magnetic tiles is simple for kids to create. Fitting the shapes together is also an important early math skill.
Older kids can tackle a 3D dinosaur as it may be more challenging to build. But it will encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
4. Castles
Using magnetic tiles in imaginative play is a great way to encourage independent, happy toddler playtime. Creating castles with Magna Tiles invites children to create a world filled with wonder and adventure.
Younger kiddies can start with a basic castle structure, with triangles as turrets. The simple square design will provide a good base for embellishments, and these will give an element of challenge.
Older kids have the skills to create more elaborate structures. They can have multiple levels, separate rooms, and different-height towers.
5. Magnetic Tile Animals
Creating 2D animals with magnetic tiles is ideal for younger kids still developing their fine motor skills. They will find making an animal out of different shapes challenging enough without adding a 3D element.
More complex designs, like this duck, are perfect for older kids who want a challenge. Not only will it keep them happily occupied, but it will also help improve concentration and perseverance.
Using magnetic tiles encourages kids to think outside the box. A fun animal design like this housefly is a perfect example of creative thinking. When you leave children to puzzle out a problem, there are many innovative designs they can come up with.
6. Boat
A 2D sailboat design is ideal for younger kids. It allows them to understand how they can put shapes together to create a picture. Then they can try and turn that picture into a 3D model. For example, it could be a sailboat, speed boat, pirate ship, or submarine.
7. Train
A Magna Tile train is a fun addition to small-world play. It is amazing how kids can incorporate it into their games. For example, it could be ferrying peg people or carrying animals.
The train could also allow them to expand the game by building a track, ramps, a bridge, and maybe even a tunnel.
8. Houses for Imaginative Play
Magna Tile houses are ideal for play using dolls and peg people.
Smaller kids can start with a simple 3D structure and make a village of little houses.
Older kids can get more creative and build multi-story houses with doors, windows, and rooms.
Magna Tiles are versatile enough to suit kids of different ages. That also means that younger kids will watch how the older kids use them.
9. Color Sorting with Magna Tiles
Create color boxes with Magna Tiles and let your little kids match and sort colors. You can include Lego pieces, pom poms, wooden sticks, peg people, and wooden beads.
You could give them tongs or large tweezers and let them fill the boxes with the correct color pom poms. Then, they can put the ‘lid’ on the box when they have finished and stack them to create a rainbow.
10. Barn for Farmyard Play
A Magna Tile barn is a fun way to encourage your kids to sort animals into categories. They also develop hand-eye coordination and learn about size discrimination. This happens as they build different-sized pens to suit the various animals.
11. Slide from the Playground
Let your kids build a playground for their toys. Encourage them to think about the equipment they enjoy and let them replicate it.
This kind of project helps develop critical thinking skills. They will have to think about how they get onto the equipment and climb down to replicate that.
A bonus is that they will spend time with their dolls playing when it is complete.
12. Playing Dominos with Magna Tiles
Dominos requires focus, patience, and a steady hand. These are beneficial skills for your kids.
You can start with a simple row of tiles so your kids can understand the spacing. Then, try something more challenging, like a spiral. You can set the Magna Tiles up like a rainbow or create a color sequence.
Not only will your child learn about sequencing, but they will also work on their visual-spatial skills.
13. Making Faces
Using magnetic tiles to create faces is a fun way to introduce shapes to little learners. They will have to think about the elements of their face and shape. Then they will have to consider how best to create those shapes.
The geometric tiles will provide a challenge and allow kids to get creative in making hair and other facial features.
14. Learning Early Maths Concepts
On a sheet tray or the refrigerator, create shapes using tape. Your little one can then use their magnetic tiles to fill the shape.
This is a valuable activity to help develop problem-solving skills, identify shapes, and work on geometry and spatial reasoning. These are important pre-math skills for your child to have.
You can get creative with the shapes you choose.
Here are some ideas:
- A house
- A square
- A flower
- A boat
- A star
15. Make a Marble Maze
A marble maze is perfect for younger kids wanting to test their design skills. It also works well for older kids as they work to create more complex maze designs.
A magnetic tile marble maze is excellent for visual-motor coordination, visual tracking, and bilateral coordination.
16. Ball Run
If you need something to keep your kids busy while you are cooking dinner, a Magna Tile ball run is for you.
Using magnetic tiles, they can create a series of runs, ramps, and loops on the refrigerator. If you place a basket at the bottom for the ball to drop into, they can play independently while you cook.
Younger children enjoy sending the ball through the course, while older kids enjoy increasing the difficulty.
17. Use a Light Table with your Magna Tiles
A light table is an excellent addition to your play space, making magnetic blocks magical.
Lay your Magna Tiles on the light table and add water beads and scoops. Then turn out the light. The light shines through the tiles, making the water beads change color as they move around.
This is one activity that will enthrall your kids.
Fun Things to Build with Magna Tiles
Using magnetic blocks to make creative designs is a simple and enjoyable way to keep your kids engaged.
They are a safe and versatile play option that encourages creativity, independence, and imagination for kids of all ages. It’s no wonder that they are hit with parents and kids alike.