Building 5 Dinosaurs with CONNETIX

This DIY Dino flat lay puzzle is a super fun and educational activity for young children! All you need is a large piece of paper and a texter to trace around the magnetic tiles. We made a T-Rex here but you could create any dinosaur!





When children play with puzzles like these, they’re growing their brains and learning new things. Here’s why doing puzzles is so beneficial for children:



Does creating your own template feel too difficult? Try the free Dinosaur template instead. This template is perfect for the younger dinosaur enthusiasts among us. It’s easily accessible through CONNETIX free resources and can serve as a delightful puzzle template or as a freeform activity to engage young children.



This activity offers an excellent opportunity to enhance cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities. Even the simplest puzzles present a clear objective, prompting children to strategise and think critically about how to accomplish it. With an array of shapes and colours, this activity also fosters coordination and spatial thinking skills.

Through play, both children and adults tap into their creativity, imagination, and self-expression. This 3D dino activity is tailored for slightly older children or it can be tackled with some assistance from an adult. Building in multi-dimensions presents a greater challenge compared to 2D.



Building 3D projects boosts concentration and problem-solving abilities. When kids tackle a construction project, they need to stay focused and try out different ideas until they find the best solution. It also helps them to think logically. They have to plan, use different strategies and consciously process each step. These logical thinking skills come in handy, especially for trickier builds.Plus, it teaches patience and persistence. As they face challenges and setbacks, they learn to keep trying and not give up. And when they finally succeed, it’s a huge confidence boost!



Additionally, engaging in this activity promotes social and teamwork skills, making it suitable for all ages to enjoy together. Collaborating on building this brachiosaurus not only strengthens the bond between participants but also offers a valuable opportunity for parents to connect with their children.

To ensure stability, it’s advisable to add mini rectangles to the base of the rear car. Reinforcing the dino head with two right-angle triangles further strengthens the build. With these tips in mind, children can go on exciting adventures with their towable dino, enjoying both playtime and developmental growth.

• 18 Square tiles
• 2 x 4-Square rectangles
• 3 x 3-Square rectangles
• 3 x 2-Square rectangles
• 6 Equilateral triangles
• 10 Pentagons
• 2 Right-angle triangles
• 5 Small right-angle triangles
• 2 Small equilateral triangles

Our 5 Dino’s are for inspiration only, you can enhance your dino’s features by attaching smaller triangles for spikes, squares for eyes and rectangles for teeth. Get creative — your dinosaur could have a unique pattern or an extra-long neck! Don’t forget to stand back and admire your magnetic dinosaur creation after you build it. You’ve just brought a prehistoric creature to life using magnetic magic!



Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to build your dinosaur. Let your imagination roam free and enjoy the process. Happy dino-building!