Most people have tried the iconic duck pond game at fairs and carnivals. Fishing out the little rubber ducks with numbers on the bottom is a timeless classic, and we can see why: It's fun for both children and adults, and with a magnet at the end of the fishing rod and something magnetic in each duck, you can make your own version at home.
In this guide, we'll show you how to easily and inexpensively make your own magnetic duck game. It's perfect for children's birthday parties where guests can win a bag of sweets if they catch a duck with points (everyone gets a duck with points on it, of course).
You decide how many ducks you want for your duck fishing game, what colors they should be and what the fishing rod should look like. All it takes is a little creativity and some simple materials - and, of course, the right magnets.
Many of the parts can be obtained for cheap in larger quantities, so it's worth making a large set. It's an great gift idea - perfect for summer get-togethers and fun.
DIY duck toy with magnets
Find out how to make a fun, reusable and magnetic duck toy that can be used over and over again here:
What you'll need:
- Small plastic rubber ducks
- Magnet for the fishing rod (e.g. a ring magnet or bar magnet)
- Wooden stick or an old kitchen spoon as a fishing rod
- Twine or string
- Optional: Paint or markers for decorating
All other necessary materials for the different methods are listed in the corresponding sections below.
Tip: You can find rubber ducks in toy stores in the summertime and online all year round. They are often available in many fun colors and sizes, and you can therefore make a set with, for example, unicorn rubber ducks, as we have done here, or stick with the classic ducks.
How to do it - Prepare the rubber ducks
Method 1 - screws
Start by figuring out where on the duck you want to place the magnetic screw. We recommend screwing a magnetic screw directly into the top of the head of each duck - the threading of the screw usually attaches well there, and the screw will be stable. Although it may feel a bit cruel to screw magnets into duck heads, it is the most reliable solution. You can also choose to glue magnets or small pieces of magnetic metal onto the ducks, but because the ducks inevitably come into contact with water, we recommend screws instead.
If the plastic is very hard, drill a small pilot hole, but be careful not to make the hole too big so that the screw can still catch on to the plastic. Carefully screw the screw in so that it sits straight and stable.
Method 2 - sphere magnet
What you need:
- Ball magnets - the same amount as your rubber ducks
- A little glue
How to do it:
(1) Make a cut in the bottom of the rubber duck with a sharp utility knife or good scissors. (2) Make the opening just large enough to press the ball magnet in. Use min. Ø13 mm. but preferably Ø19 mm. if you want strong magnets for adults. (3) Seal the opening with a little glue. (4) The magnet is loose inside the rubber duck, and you can therefore fish the duck from several angles.
Sphere magnets are great for fishing games, as they automatically turn to have the pole facing in the right direction in relation to the magnet that is to be attracted. When the ball magnet is loose inside the duck's "belly", you don't have to hit the duck's head with the magnet on the fishing rod, as the magnets will automatically seek each other out, and it can therefore be easier for e.g. smaller children to catch the duck with the fishing rod, as it requires less precise movements. But it can also be fun for adults to catch ducks in the most creative way.
Method 3 - glue magnet or metal plate
What you need:
- Glue magnets or metal plates - the same number as your bath ducks
- Isopropyl alcohol (glass cleaner)
- Fine-grained sandpaper.
Here's how:
Start by lightly scratching the plastic with the sandpaper where the magnet will sit, so that the glue has something to grab onto. Make sure the duck's head is clean and dry and without surface tension by cleaning with isopropyl alcohol (not water, soap and/or alcohol). Remove the foil from the glue magnet or metal plate and press the glue side firmly onto the duck's head. Let the glue dry for 48 hours before you fish the ducks.
NOTE! If you use magnets, you must choose a min. size of 10x2 mm. and never 1 mm. in thickness, as magnets of 1 mm. become too fragile to shocks and blows. The advantage of metal instead of magnet is that metal is monopole, so you don't have to think about the polarity reversal. If you choose glue magnets, we recommend fishing with a ring magnet, as it will automatically turn to have the attractive pole face the right way on the fishing line.
Make the fishing rod
Find a wooden stick, a wooden dowel or use an old stirring spoon - anything will do. Tie a string to one end - you can adjust the length of the string yourself depending on how big you want your "duck pond" to be and how big or small the children will be playing the duck game. You can secure the string with a small dab of glue so that it stays in place at the end.
Attach a small magnet to the other end of the string. It can be a ring magnet that you pull the string through, or a hook magnet with a closed hook that you tie to the string. Make sure the magnet is strong enough to catch the screw or magnet in the duck, but not so strong that it will be difficult to get it off again.
Make it extra fun with colors and decorations
Decorate the fishing rod with colors, drawings and fun motifs. You can also paint the ducks, give them numbers or symbols so that each one gives different points. For example, use a permanent marker to write on the bottom of them and create your own point system - it makes the game even more fun.
Time to play!
Fill a small basin, a tub or a shallow plastic box with water and put the ducks in. Give each participant a fishing rod or let them take turns "fishing" a duck with the magnet.
Each duck can give points in an over-all competition, a prize in the form of a bag of sweets or perhaps a challenge to complete. Only your imagination sets the limits! Most people get carried away by good old-fashioned competitions that feature both skill and luck.
Share your duck pond game with us
At Magnetpartner, we love to see how you use magnets for creative and fun projects. Have you made your own duck game? Then please send us a picture or tag us on social media - we'd love to see your magnet magic in action!
Do you have any questions about which magnets are best suited to your idea, or do you need inspiration for other magnet projects? Contact us - we're ready to help.
