Turn your latest box into a magnetic race track as a lesson on magnetic force and fine motor skills while breathing new life into those bins of little cars.
Cardboard boxes and things with wheels provide so much entertainment and joy for children.
You can make this project as simple or elaborate as you’d like, as well as use it for fun or learning.
And while you have all the supplies out, you may as well explore a few other ways to put them to use like this DIY Magnet Activity Table that can be adapted for all seasons or holidays.
The idea for a magnetic race car track came to me when I ordered a box of random toy cars from eBay for my son several years ago.
Included in this box were two miniature cars from Disney’s Cars which had little metal balls on the bottom (see later picture where “Snotrod” – the mini orange car – is flipped over).
In my mind, they were clearly meant to be used with magnets, and so I created my first magnetic cardboard box race track.
If you don’t have mini magnetic cars, never fear! You can attach metal washers or paperclips to the bottoms of your existing cars and get a similar outcome.
The idea is to choose a light car, a matching-sized metal fixture, and a STRONG magnet.
We use our childproof lock magnet, which works great.
Whatever you choose, make sure the magnet holds to the car through cardboard and is safe for your child.
Let’s Make a Magnetic Race Car Track!
Flip a cardboard box on it’s side so the top & bottom flaps are facing the sides.
Remove what is now the top flap (see picture). Secure the bottom flap in place for stability.
Keep the section you removed to use as a ramp (get some other cardboard ramp ideas here).
Prepare the Cars to be Magnetized!
If you don’t have the little magnetic race cars that inspired this activity, then you will need to create your own.
Use clear tape (sticky tack or hot glue would work) to affix your metal paperclips, or washers, to the cars.
Remember that it must be thinner than the wheels so that the car can still roll across the box.
Use larger metal objects for larger cars.
Please keep in mind the age and abilities of your kids in reference to choking hazards.
If you have older kids, this is where you can apply some of the scientific method.
What happens if we move the washer?
Add more metal?
Use a stronger or weaker magnet?
Let them make guesses.
Depending on the cars you use, how heavy they are, and the size of your paperclip/washer, there are a LOT of possible outcomes.
Design your Race Track.
Make it as simple or as elaborate as you’d like, and also tailor it to your needs.
If you have older, creative kids – get them involved in the design.
Use paint, build clay mountains or volcanoes!
Just have a little one?
Make it quick with a marker and throw on some favorite farm animals, dinosaurs, or road signs and call it good with a 1-minute magnetic race car track.
Let’s PLAY!
Let your little one use those fine motor skills to move his or her card along the track.
Bonus Tips for Designing the Race Track
If you have to use bigger cars for this, then I would suggest straight roads or doing a Start/Finish race track across the top because the bigger cars don’t turn as well.
You can also design a parking lot or garage and have your kids park their cars onto letters, colors, numbers, or sight words for a learning boost!
Either way, kids will enjoy the “magic” of seeing the cars moving across the box.
What was the latest creation your family made with a cardboard box?
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