Some days call for extra snacks; others call for magnetic tiles bowling. Spoiler alert, in this case, calls for both. – Because you know kids are hungry all. Of. The. Time. Gather that collection of magnetic tiles and get playing today! Magnetic tiles bowling makes a legendary indoor activity for kids.
RELATED: 40+ Indoor Games for your next rainy day.
What is the best brand of magnetic tiles?
Here, we are using two different types of magnetic tiles. Each brand is made differently, so look closely at which one feels right for your family. The most important part when using magnetic tiles is adult supervision to ensure the tiles stay together.
Our collection began with Picasso Tiles, but we have favored Connetix Tiles over time. Connetix tiles have more rivets to secure them and stronger magnets.
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Supplies
Here at Days with Grey, I aim to keep your supply list super simple. Once you have the tiles to bowl, you can reuse them for after-school activities and independent play.
Magnetic Tiles
There are many variations to start your magnetic tile collection or add on over the years.
This indoor activity began as bowling and soon took an interesting twist.
My four and five-year-olds keep score with tally marks. This means kids move thier bodies with an indoor game (Hello, gross motor skills!) and incorporate essential math skills. Yep. Here for that as well.
Strong number sense will set the foundation for Kindergarten activities and beyond.
How to Play
I placed some magnetic tiles at the end and marked the start with tape. The rest is up to our children to truly learn through play.
- Add painter’s tape as a starting place.
- Set a handful of magnetic tiles upright in a bowling pin formation to the other side.
- Tape a piece of scrap paper near the start for tally marks.
- Use a soft, medium ball to begin rolling to knock down the magnetic tiles.
- Have fun! Let your child take the lead when the pins (magnetic tiles) need to be reset.
The object is to begin at the line and roll the ball into the magnetic tiles. Each child had two tries to see how many tiles they could knock over.
My preschoolers played several rounds and then moved on to an even more epic way of playing. (HIS way!)
RELATED: Have you ever considered adding a magnetic wall? This step-by-step tutorial explains everything you need to know.
What I noticed as my boys play
Magnetic tiles bowling soon became a magnetic tiles adventure course.
The boys entered the art cart and added pipe cleaner tunnels, twists, and turns. Innovative thinking won this indoor game, and all it took was a simple play prompt on my end.
My preschoolers played for a solid 30-45 minutes.
Magnetic tiles are open-ended. There are many ways to create, think, and build. Each new play opportunity stems from and builds upon the last—a unique and important part of learning.
More Creative Play
Creative play at home doesn’t have to be complicated! Try these games next.
When will you try magnetic tiles bowling?
