Looking for a fun, exciting, screen-free activity that gets the whole family outside? Magnet fishing with kids might just be your new favourite hobby. Children absolutely love the mystery, the splash, and that moment when something metal clicks onto the magnet. Even the smallest finds feel like treasure when you’re little. Nails, coins, bolts, tiny tools… it’s the thrill of the unknown that makes it magical.

It’s also a great way for kids to learn. They get curious about history (“how old is this?”), nature (“what’s in the water here?”), and teamwork (“pull it! pull it!”). And on those big days, when you drag up something properly cool? Pure family bragging rights.

Magnet fishing turns an ordinary walk by the water into a real-life treasure hunt. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy gear or experience. Just a magnet, a rope, and a sense of adventure. At Bondi Magnets, families send us their magnet fishing photos all the time, and we love it!

What Magnet Should Kids Use?

If you’re searching for the best beginner magnet for kids, start small but strong. Our magnets are not toys, and even the smaller ones have incredible pulling power. 

For young treasure hunters, we always recommend The Nugget Magnet: our smallest magnet made specifically for safe, beginner-friendly fun. It’s lightweight but strong enough to pull up tools, coins, money boxes, and even small bikes. Parental supervision is needed, but kids can handle the throwing and pulling.

For the best start, we highly recommend our Complete Magnet Fishing Kit, which includes everything you need to get started: magnet, bucket, rope, gloves, and grappling hook.

If you’re completely new to magnet fishing, make sure to check out our Complete Beginner’s Guide to Magnet Fishing. It covers gear, safety, locations, and everything you need to get started.

Where to Go Magnet Fishing With Kids

You don’t need anything special to find a good spot. Family friendly locations include:

• small bridges
• Calm ponds and canals
• Park lakes or water edges
• Old, quiet docks
• Riverside walking paths
• City centre canals (if calm and safe)

Choose places with easy access and plenty of room so kids can move around safely. You’ll be surprised how many cool finds are hiding in the most ordinary places.

Safety Tips for Magnet Fishing With Kids

Keeping things safe is easy, just follow a few basics and you’re all set:

1. Always supervise

Kids can throw, pull, and celebrate, adults keep an eye on everything.

2. Gloves on, always

Metal can be sharp, rusty, or dirty. Gloves keep hands clean and safe.

3. Handle the magnet by the rope

Kids should hold the rope, not the magnet itself.
Magnets can snap onto metal unexpectedly, so keep fingers away from the bottom of the magnet.

4. Keep magnets away from… pretty much everything metal

Strong magnets and metal objects love each other a bit too much.
Keep the magnet away from:
• cars
• railings
• bank cards
• phones
• medical devices
• and especially other magnets (they attract from surprisingly far away)

5. Avoid steep edges and deep water

Pick safe, easy spots. If you’re near deeper water or a sloping bank, a life vest could be a great extra precaution.

6. Found something potentially dangerous?

Don’t touch it. Leave it on the magnet, lower it back into the water, and call the authorities. Safety first!

Bonus Tip: Keep Your Spot Clean

All our magnets come with a sturdy bucket. It’s perfect for holding your finds, but it’s also a great way to clean up your area. Just toss any rubbish or scrap metal in the bucket and leave your spot cleaner than when you arrived. Kids actually love this job and it teaches respect for the environment.

A Hobby the Whole Family Will Love

Family magnet fishing is fun, active, and full of surprises. Kids, parents, and even grandparents can join in. Every throw is a new adventure, and every find tells a story.

So grab your magnet, head out together, and enjoy the thrill of finding real treasure.

Magnets away!