Skip to Content

DIY Magnetic Ball Run – STEM Activity for Kids

Learn how to make a DIY Magnetic Ball Run out of simple materials. This easy DIY project is a fun way for kids to learn a bit of engineering and problem solving through hands-on experience. Use these pieces to make a fridge door or magnetic wall ball run and keep the kids busy while you cook in peace.

Disclosure: Some of the links provided in this blog are affiliate links. I will be paid a commission if you use this link to make a purchase.

Materials Needed

  1. 10 or more Toilet Rolls
  2. Adhesive magnetic tape
  3. Marbles or pom poms
  4. Colored craft paper or paint (optional)
  5. An old tissue box (optional)
  6. Scissors


How to make a DIY Magnetic Marble Run

Step 1. Paint or cover your toilet rolls in colored craft paper.

This step is completely optional. It’s a fun way to get your kids involved in the creation of this toy, as well as just playing with it.

2. Take each toilet roll and cut a small semicircle from one end.

This step helps the toilet rolls fit together when you want to place them at an angle. Otherwise, there will be a gap between the two rolls and the marble will easily fall through.

3. Place a strip of adhesive magnetic tape to one or both sides of the toilet roll.

I only placed the tape on one side of the cardboard rolls. Doing it this way did limit what my kids could create, but it also meant that they had to practice some problem solving to get their DIY ball run to work.

4. Collect your marbles or pom poms and enjoy playing.

I used an old tissue box as part of this homemade ball run. It was a great way to store all of the cardboard tubes together when the kids were finished playing. But it also doubled as a ball catcher when placed at the bottom of the fridge door.

If you’ve got very young children, this may be a little advanced for them. However you can make a ball run for toddlers yourself and then just let them drop the ball through the chutes to see what happens. They still get to play while their older siblings dabble in some engineering.

Are you going to make this DIY Magnetic Ball Run with your kids?
Don’t forget to pin the idea for later