This game works for a backyard egg hunt station, a preschool classroom party, or an elementary school Spring celebration. It scales effortlessly from toddlers to tweens, plays indoors or outside, and sneaks in a little real science — because the "magic" pulling those eggs to the fishing pole is actual rare earth magnet force at work. 

Read on for everything you need: the materials list, step-by-step instructions, age-based variations, and classroom setup tips.

What You Need to Play

The beauty of this game is how simple and reusable the materials are. Here is your full list:

The Eggs

  • Plastic fillable Easter eggs (standard size works great; jumbo eggs are easier for toddlers)
  • One adhesive-backed disc magnet per egg, applied to the outside top of the egg or secured inside the top half
  • Optional: decorate eggs with glitter, stickers, or paint

 

The Fishing Poles

  • One wooden dowel rod per player (12–24 inches, depending on age — see variations below)
  • One low pull-force neodyium ring magnet affixed to the end of each dowel
  • Optional: tie a short length of ribbon or string between the dowel and the magnet for extra wobble and challenge

 

The Baskets

  • Two baskets or bins per player (or one shared “pond” basket and individual catch baskets). There are many inexpensive Easter buckets and baskets available at dollar stores.
  • The “pond” basket holds all the eggs at the start
  • The “catch” basket is where players transfer their eggs 

 

How to Play: Step-by-Step

Setup (about 10 minutes)

  • Attach one adhesive-backed magnet to each egg. Press firmly and let sit for a few minutes before play.
  • Affix the ring magnet to the end of each dowel rod with ribbon or string.
  • Fill the “pond” basket with all prepared eggs and set it in the center of the play area.
  • Place each player’s empty catch basket a short distance away — the gap is part of the challenge.
  • Give each player a fishing pole and explain the goal: fish your eggs from the pond to your catch basket.

 

Gameplay

  • On “Go,” players lower their fishing poles into the pond basket, touching the magnet end to an egg.
  • When the egg snaps to the magnet, they carefully lift it out and carry it (without touching the egg with their hands) to their catch basket.
  • To release the egg into the basket, players simply tilt the pole or gently tap the egg on the basket rim. The low pull-force magnet lets go easily.
  • Play continues until all eggs are moved, a timer runs out, or each player has caught a set number of eggs.
  • The player with the most eggs in their catch basket wins — or play cooperatively and cheer for the whole group.

Game Variations by Age and Challenge Level

One of the best things about this game is how easily it scales. Here is how to adjust for your group:

 

Age Group Pole Length Timer? Challenge Twist
Ages 2–4 (Toddler) Short (12") No timer Count eggs aloud together
Ages 5–7 (Pre-K / K) Medium (18") Sand timer Sort by color into baskets
Ages 8–10 (Elementary) Long (24") 60-sec countdown Relay race or blindfold round
Mixed Ages / Family Player's choice Team timer Older kids coach younger ones

One Game, Endless Memories

Easter is full of beautiful traditions, and we think this one earns a permanent spot in your rotation. The Magnetic Easter Egg Fishing Game brings together the simple joy of Easter eggs, the irresistible pull of magnet science, and the laughter that comes from watching a four-year-old absolutely beam when an egg snaps up to meet their pole for the very first time.

It takes fifteen minutes to build. It will last for years. And at least one child — we promise you — will ask to play it again before Easter lunch is even over.

We would love to see your magnetic egg fishing game in action! Share your photos and tag us on Instagram or Facebook (@apexmagnets). Happy fishing, and Happy Easter. 

If you have any questions, contact us and we’re happy to help.

 

Safety Warning: Children should not be allowed to play with neodymium magnets as they can be dangerous. Small magnets pose a choking hazard and should never be swallowed or inserted into any part of the body.

Magnets can be dangerous. Neodymium magnets, especially, must be handled with care to avoid personal injury and damage to the magnets. Fingers and other body parts can get severely pinched between two attracting magnets. Bones can be broken by larger magnets. Visit our Magnet Safety page to learn more.