DIY a Magnetic Chinese Checkers Game for Your Next Trip

Chelsea Foy of Lovely Indeed
·2 min read

Keep the kids (and adults!) entertained on-the-go with this traveling Chinese checkers game. But this isn't an ordinary board game—it's one you can make in a snap and take on the go. This travel Chinese checkers set is pocket size and magnetic, so you can play it anywhere.

Magnetic paper is the secret to this DIY travel game: It keeps the pieces from falling off the board as you ride in the car or play the game on a plane. Plus, it's so easy to work with. Simply print, paint, and play. It's that easy!

Related: How to Make a Wooden Peg Jump Game

How to Make a Magnetic Travel Chinese Checkers Game

Supplies Needed

  • Printable magnetic paper

  • ¼" Wooden balls

  • ⅕" Flat magnets

  • E6000 adhesive

  • Crafts paint in six different colors

  • Paintbrush

  • Printer

  • Scissors

  • Thin cotton rope or twine

  • Small drawstring bag

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these simple how-to instructions to make your own magnetic Chinese checkers game. You should be able to complete the project in an afternoon.

Step 1: Create Magnets

Line up six rows of 10 magnets each on a sheet of magnetic paper ($19 for 5 sheets, Office Depot). Add a dab of adhesive to each magnet, and press a wooden ball into the adhesive to adhere one ball to each magnet.

Step 2: Paint Wood Balls

Once the glue has dried, paint the wooden balls with acrylic craft paint ($1, Michaels). Choose six different shades of paint. You'll need 10 balls of each color. Use a small paintbrush to paint a circle of color on the top of each ball. Once painted, allow wooden balls to dry completely.

Step 3: Print Template

Download and print our free Travel Chinese Checkers game template onto the magnetic printable paper.

Step 4: Cut Template

Use scissors to cut away the excess magnetic paper. Cut along the printed hexagonal line.

Step 5: Cut Twine

If desired, cut a small piece of rope or twine to roll and tie the game board. For travel, you can store this in a small drawstring bag, along with all of the wooden game pieces.

Step 6: Play!

Place game pieces on the board and start playing! You can play on a flat surface, or if you're on the go you can place your board on any metal surface and play anywhere.