Magnetic Marble Mazes -Printable STEM Activity for Kids
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Have you ever made a magnetic marble maze? This hands-on STEM activity combines problem-solving, fine motor skills, and magnet science — and kids absolutely love it.
We’ve been big marble game fans for years, but adding magnets takes it to a whole new level.
These printable magnetic marble mazes are simple to set up, reusable, and work for preschool through upper elementary (and yes — even my older kids still got competitive with them!).
What Is a Magnetic Marble Maze?
A magnetic marble maze is a paper maze that you guide a marble through using a magnet placed underneath the page.
Instead of touching the marble directly, you:
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Place the magnetic marble on top of the maze.
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Hold a magnet wand under the paper.
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Move the magnet slowly to guide the marble through the maze path.
It feels a little like magic the first time they try it.
Why Kids Love It
When I first set these out, I heard:
“COOL!”
“MY TURN!”
“Wait, let me try again!”
Once everyone had a few turns, they naturally started doing maze races to see who could finish first without touching the lines. That competition element kept them busy much longer than I expected.
Pro tip: Print multiple copies if you have siblings.
What’s Included in the Printable
The Magnetic Marble Mazes set includes:
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8 different maze designs
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Difficulty levels from easy to challenging
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Two mazes per page for easy cutting
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Simple black-and-white format (easy on printer ink)
I recommend printing them on cardstock and laminating for long-term use.
Supplies You’ll Need
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Magnet wands (strong magnets work best)
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Printed maze pages
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Cardstock (optional but recommended)
If you don’t have magnetic marbles, you can also experiment with a small metal washer or paperclip.
The Science Behind It (Perfect for a Magnetism Lesson)
This activity makes a fantastic introduction to:
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Magnetic force
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Attraction and pull
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Invisible forces
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Control and direction of movement
You can ask questions like:
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Why does the marble move without touching it?
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What happens if we flip the magnet?
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Does the strength of the magnet matter?
It’s simple enough for preschoolers, but you can expand it into a deeper magnetism discussion with older kids.
Skills This Builds
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Fine motor control
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Hand-eye coordination
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Spatial reasoning
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Problem-solving
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Focus and patience
It’s quiet, hands-on learning that feels like a game.
Download the Magnetic Marble Mazes
Ready to try it?
Click below to download the printable maze pack and start exploring magnet science in a hands-on way. You can get it in my shop here or over on Teacher Pay Teachers.
Want a Winter-Themed Version?
If your kids loved this one, they’ll also enjoy my Ice Skating Maze Activity, where students guide a skater across the “ice” using similar control and movement skills.
It’s a fun seasonal twist that pairs perfectly with winter science or Winter Olympics lessons.
More Magnet Activities You’ll Love
If you’re doing a magnetism unit, don’t miss:
Hi, I would love to include this resource in my preschool classroom. It is a great for eye hand coordination. Do you have a suggestion how I can make this activity less frustrating for the children; where they can explore independently without marbles falling and rolling everywhere?
You could try putting them into a box so they stay put as they move them around!
Where can I find these marble mazes to print?