How to Play Peter and Pauline's Farm Magnetic Game With Toddlers

By HABA Toys | Kid's Toys | Children's Toys | Published: 2026-10-31

Category: How-to Guides

A step-by-step guide to playing Peter and Pauline's Farm Magnetic Game with toddlers, from setting up a scene to building matching games and keeping the pieces organized.

Quick answer

Open the tin, choose one of the four background scenes, and let your toddler place the magnetic farm pieces on the scene. Start by naming and matching animals together, then let your child rearrange the pieces freely. Keep the tin nearby so pieces stay contained during play.

Why the tin and scenes matter for toddler play

The metal tin is more than packaging: it gives toddlers a defined play space and keeps the 122 magnetic pieces from scattering. Because the backgrounds are separate scenes, you can introduce one setting at a time, which helps young children focus without feeling overwhelmed by choices.

The magnetic pieces also mean no loose parts rolling off a table. That makes this a practical magnetic farm game for toddlers who are still learning to handle small items.

When to simplify or extend the play

For a child new to magnetic games, start with just a few pieces and one scene. As matching becomes easier, add more animals or switch to a new background. If your toddler loses interest, try a short matching challenge rather than introducing all the pieces at once.

Older preschoolers may enjoy creating their own stories or sorting pieces by type. There are no official HABA magnetic game rules beyond open-ended arranging, so you can adapt the play to your child’s attention span.

How to play, step by step

Set up one scene: Open the tin and place one background scene inside the lid or on a flat surface. Keep the other scenes and most pieces in the tin for now. A single scene reduces clutter and helps your toddler focus.
Introduce a few pieces: Choose three to five magnetic pieces, such as a cow, a sheep, and a farmer. Show your toddler how they stick to the scene and let them try. Start with pieces your child recognizes to build confidence.
Name and match together: Say the name of each animal or object as you place it. Ask your toddler to find a matching piece or point to the same animal on the scene. Keep the tone playful; stop if your child loses interest.
Let your child arrange freely: Once the matching game is familiar, let your toddler place pieces wherever they like on the scene. Resist the urge to correct the arrangement. Free placement supports creativity and fine motor practice.
Swap scenes or add pieces: When your child seems ready, switch to a different background or add more pieces from the tin. Introduce new elements one at a time. Watch for signs of overwhelm, such as sweeping pieces away.
Pack up together: At the end, count the pieces back into the tin with your child. Use the tin’s compartments or a small bag to keep pieces contained. A quick count helps you notice missing pieces before they get lost.

Product facts

Peter and Pauline's Farm Magnetic Game: Includes 1 box, 4 background scenes, and 122 magnetic puzzle pieces. The multiple scenes and large piece count let you rotate backgrounds and gradually increase the challenge as your toddler grows.
Peter and Pauline's Farm Magnetic Game