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Connetix Tiles Ball Run Review & Play Ideas for Older Kids

For as long as I can remember the boys have been fascinated by magnetic tiles. We have had various sets as they have grown up. But as they have got older they have gone by the wayside. That was until I discovered the Connetix Tiles and their ball run packs. All of a sudden it propelled magnetic tiles back onto the playlist of my seven-year-old. This open-ended toy brings with it so many educational benefits that I could not be happier, that he suddenly has a newfound love for building. Read all about our experience in the Connetix Tiles review including Connetix tiles play ideas for older kids.

AD – I have been compensated for my time in return for the Connetix Tiles Review

Table of Contents

Connetix Tile Review – Who is Connetix?

Connetix Tiles was officially launched in June 2019 by two families who met when their children started primary school together. An Australian company Connetix specialises in creating magnetic building tiles and sets designed to inspire creativity and learning through play. Their products are known for their high-quality construction, use of non-toxic materials, strong magnetic connections, and vibrant colours, making them popular among children, parents, and educators. They also have a range of clear magnetic tiles.

Although there are many different magnetic tile brands on the market. Connetix Tiles set out to manufacture theirs with stronger magnets and beautiful clear refractions. Making them easier to build with and creating stronger structures. Although they are compatible with other magnetic tile brands, when used in conjunction you can see just how these exclusive Connetix design features place the brand above the others in the market. With a focus on quality, safety, and innovation, Connetix has established itself as a leading provider of magnetic building toys that promote cognitive development and endless fun for children of all ages.

The benefits of playing with magnetic tiles

There are so many benefits of playing with magnetic tiles with limitless open-ended STEAM learning opportunities. Some of the key ones are:

Hand-eye coordination – As children manipulate the magnetic tiles to connect and build structures, they must visually align the pieces and accurately position them to create stable connections. This process involves the coordination of hand movements with visual cues, honing their ability to align and fit the tiles together with precision.
Spatial awareness – Building with magnetic tiles encourages children to visualise and plan the construction of three-dimensional structures. They need to assess the spatial relationships between the tiles and envision how the pieces will come together through creative expression and imaginative construction.
Gross Motor Skills – Handling the magnetic tiles involves grasping, rotating, and manoeuvring the pieces to achieve the desired configurations. This manipulation of the tiles enhances fine motor skills as children learn to control and adjust their hand movements to effectively handle and position the pieces. They also help gross motor skills as they balance, reach and move during play.
Problem-Solving – When building with magnetic tiles, children encounter challenges such as balancing structures, creating stable connections, and troubleshooting design issues. They must use their visual perception to identify problems and quite often learn mathematical concepts along the way. Learning about shapes, patterning and symmetry.

CONNETIX 92 Piece Ball Run Pack

Connetix Tiles offers several different ball run and expansion packs. We were sent the CONNETIX 92 Piece Ball Run Pack which is part of their Rainbow Range. In the 92 piece Connertix ball run pack, you get everything you need to build endless ball run designs and have lots of racing fun. You get the following pieces in the box:

36 x Connecting squares or standard tiles
6 x Balls made from wood
2 x Y Shape Split Tube
2 x Long Stairs
2 x S-Bend Tubes
8 x U Shaped Tubes (180 degree bends)
8 x Slides Tubes
12 x Right Angle Tubes (90 degree bends)
6 x Long Straight Tubes
8 x Short Straight Tubes
2 x Bowls
Idea Booklet

One of the things we loved about the CONNETIX 92 Piece Ball Run Pack was the wide range of pieces available. Allowing Harry to try lots of different combinations of the magnetic tile ball run. A favourite was the special effect stair soundscape tubes and the drumming noise as the balls go down. The snake pieces were also a big hit. I really like the bright colours, made from scratch resistant non-toxic ABS plastic even on the dullest days they are a joy to play with. If bright colours are not your thing Connetix also offers a pastel Connetix ball run set. Which is made from pastel connector tiles and has pastel wooden balls.

The tubes secure to the Connetix tiles with little clips. They are double-sided and easy to attach. Although younger kids may need a little helping hand initially until they get the hang of it.

The Expansion Pack – CONNETIX 18 Piece Rainbow Rectangle Pack

Another real plus point is the choice of standard Connetix packs which are the perfect compliment that can be used to expand play. We were sent the CONNETIX 18 Piece Rainbow Rectangle Pack. This is the perfect expansion pack since it enables height to be built into the designs. Designed to be the same length as two, three or four standard Connetix squares connected together. It allows extra stability and structure needed to create bigger, more elaborate ball runs and take the designs to the next level. The 18-piece expansion pack comprises six each of each size.

There is so much choice that you easily add a whole lot of other pieces to your collection. Including base plates and standard packs with different shapes. There is even a 66-piece ball run expansion pack which contains different-shaped clear tubes. Such as an X shape and double bowls. All would be the perfect addition to the classic ball run pieces including in the 92 piece set. I much prefer toys that we build on over time and it also means that other family members can add to the boy’s collection at birthdays and Christmas.

7 Connetix Tile play ideas for older children

Designed for children over the age of three magnetic tiles are such a great open-ended quality toy that they have so much longevity. Charlie at eleven is still interested in building ball run creations. But outside of that, there are loads of Connetix tile play ideas for older children. Our favourite ones:

Magnetic Tile Maze – Task children with designing and building elaborate mazes or labyrinths using magnetic tiles. They can then guide a magnetic object through the maze, testing their problem-solving and spatial reasoning skills.
Engineering Challenges – Present older children with engineering challenges, such as building bridges, towers, or cantilevered structures using magnetic tiles. They can then test the strength and stability of their designs.
Geometric Sculptures – Encourage older children to create complex three-dimensional sculptures using magnetic tiles. Challenge them to explore advanced geometric shapes and structures, such as polyhedra, prisms, and architectural designs.
Magnetic Mosaics – Inspire creativity by having children design intricate mosaic patterns using magnetic tiles. They can experiment with colour combinations, symmetry, and tessellations to create visually stunning mosaic artworks.
Magnetic Tile Architecture – Encourage them to explore architectural design by creating scaled models of buildings, houses, or landmarks using magnetic tiles. They can experiment with different architectural styles and structural elements.
Magnetic Tile Stop Motion Animation – Challenge older children to create stop motion animations using magnetic tiles as the primary characters and props. They can explore storytelling, animation techniques, and creative expression through this interactive activity.
Magnetic Tile Symmetry Challenges – Present children with symmetry challenges where they must create perfectly symmetrical designs using magnetic tiles. They can explore bilateral and radial symmetry while refining their spatial reasoning skills.

Where to get yours

The Connetix Tiles Ball Run pack would make the perfect gift this Christmas. You can purchase yours from the Connetix website. Prices at the time of writing are £79 for the 92 Piece Ball Run Pack and £57.50 for the 18 Piece Rainbow Rectangle Pack.

I hope you have enjoyed our Connetix tile review. Do your kids love magnetic tiles? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.