Paper Plate Ice Skating Magnet Maze

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Looking for a winter activity that combines science, critical thinking, and creativity? This Ice Skating Magnet Maze STEM Activity uses magnets and a simple paper plate craft to create a fun, hands-on winter science challenge kids will want to try again and again.

Inspired by figure skating in the Winter Olympics, this activity also works beautifully as a winter STEM project—no ice, snow, or special supplies required.

Kids guide a standing figure skater through a spiral ice rink maze using magnetic force, building problem-solving skills while exploring real science concepts through play.

What Is the Ice Skating Magnet Maze?

This activity challenges kids to “ice skate” without touching the ice.

Using:

• a paper plate spiral maze

• a standing figure skater

• a magnet wand underneath the plate

Kids carefully guide the skater from the outer edge of the rink to the center — just like completing a figure skating routine.

Supplies Needed 

• • Paper plate

  • Printed figure skaters & maze 

  • Small piece of cardboard (for the stand)

  • Large paper clip (for magnet connection)

  • Glue stick & tape

  • Magnet wand or strong magnet- if you don’t have a wand, attach a magnet to a craft stick for easier maneuvering. 

Free printable included (spiral maze + skater template) Download it below!

See also: Winter Sports Zip Line for Kids: Simple Machines Inclined Plane Activity

How to Make the Ice Skating Magnet Maze

1. Print and cut out the figure skater clipart

2. Attach the skater to a small cardboard base with a piece of tape. Bend it so it stands upright.

3. Attach a paper clip to the base to it can attach to the magnet. 

How to Set Up the Ice Skating Maze

1. Place the spiral maze printable on top of the paper plate. Glue it down with a glue stick.

2. Set the skater on the maze path

3. Hold the magnet wand underneath the plate

4. Move the wand slowly to guide the skater through the spiral

Goal: reach the center without crossing the lines or tipping over!

Watch it in Action!

The Science Behind the Ice Skating Maze

This activity introduces key winter science and physics concepts in a hands-on way.

• Magnetic Force- The magnet pulls the skater through the plate without direct contact, demonstrating force at a distance.
• Motion & Control– Fast movements cause overshooting and tipping. Controlled motion leads to success — just like real skating.
• Balance and Center of Mass–  Because the skater stands upright, kids see how balance and weight placement affect movement and stability.

Make It a Winter Olympics STEM Extension

This activity pairs perfectly with a Train Like an Olympian theme.

Try these extensions:

• Time each skating run

• Compare accuracy vs speed

• Add “clean skate” rules (no touching lines)

• Discuss how figure skaters train for precision

Free Printable: Ice Skating Spiral Maze & Skater Template

To make this activity easy to set up, I’ve created a free printable pack that includes:

• Spiral maze templates

• Figure skater cut-out- there are several styles of figure skaters to choose from in the printable, even a penguin! 

Download the free Ice Skating STEM Printable here:

Why Kids Love This Activity

• It feels like a game

• The skater “comes alive”

• Every run is different

• It’s challenging but achievable

And parents and teachers love it because it sneaks in science, critical thinking, and fine motor skill development through play.

Looking for More Fun STEM Activities?

This ice skating maze pairs beautifully with:

Magnetic Marble Mazes

Winter Sports Zip Line for Kids: Simple Machines Inclined Plane Activity

Snowstorm in a Jar: Easy Winter Science Activity for Kids

Winter Math: Snowman Fractions

Melting Snowman Slime -Styrofoam + Acetone Winter Science Experiment!

Olympic Games Lessons: Graph the Olympic Medals Printable