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Make Your Own Hook a Duck: A Fun DIY Fairground Game
Hook a Duck is a classic fairground game that’s simple to play and great fun for all ages. Whether you’re planning a party, a school fair, or just want to bring some fairground magic home, making your own Hook a Duck game is easier than you might think!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make your own Hook a Duck with step-by-step instructions, the materials you’ll need, and some extra tips to make it even more exciting.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather together the following materials:
- A large container or paddling pool – This will be your ‘pond’.
- Plastic ducks – You can make them, buy plain ones and customise them or find pre-made Hook a Duck ducks.
- Small hooks or eye screws – These will attach to the ducks.
- Fishing rods, dowels, or sticks – These will be your fishing rods.
- String (and magnets if you prefer a magnetic version).
- Prizes – To reward lucky players!
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Your Own Hook a Duck
Step 1: Prepare Your Pond
Find a suitable container, like a paddling pool, bucket, large plastic tub or even a washing-up bowl. Fill it with water so the ducks can float freely. If you want to get creative, add blue food colouring or floating decorations to make it look like a real fairground pond!
We do love a good paddling pool, especially on a hot day when the little ones can jump in when the ducks get out. Here are our 2 top picks right now.
 | Intex 40″ | Lovely 3 ring pool in 3 colours that comes with a soft inflateable floor. | |
 | Bestway 45″ | 3 ring one colour pool that is very good quality at a very decent price. |
Step 2: Get your Ducks in a Row
Make your Own
With some creative ‘in the pond’ thinking you can come up lots of ways to make your ducks.
If they are destined for the water then use a base that floats like plastic or wood and avoid paper adornments.
Here is lovely video from the YouTube channel of ‘The Awesome Moore Family’.
They show you how to create your own floating ducks (with space inside for a prize) using plastic milk bottles, coloured plastic bags and a stapler.
Repurposed Rubber Duckies
If your ducks don’t already have hooks, attach small eye screws or stick-on hooks to the tops of their heads. Make sure they are secure, so they don’t fall off during gameplay.
Alternatively, for a magnetic version, glue a small magnet to the top of each duck.
Professional Rubber Ducks
If you want to keep this bit nice and simple and you don’t mind splashing out on some quality ducks then we would recommend the following offerings from Henbrandt.
They come in either classic yellow or multi-coloured with fun designs. The weights are good and the round hooks are sturdy and safe.
 | Classic Yellow | |
 | Multi-Coloured with Fun Faces |
Step 3: Make the Fishing Rods
Find a wooden dowel rod, stick, or even an old broom handle. You can add the hook directly to one end of the rod or you can go for a fishing rod style and attach a piece of string.
At the end of the string tie a small hook, paperclip, or magnet (depending on whether you’re using the hook or magnetic method).
Broom Handle | Stick | Dowel Rod |
 |  |  |
Step 4: Add the Ducks & Test the Game
Place your ducks in the water and make sure they float freely. Then, test out your fishing rods to ensure the hooks or magnets pick up the ducks easily. If needed, adjust the hook sizes or magnet strength.
If you need a quick refresher on the rules and some popular game variations then click here.
Step 5: Set Up a Prize System
Decide how you want to reward players:
- Number-based system – Write numbers on the bottom of the ducks that correspond to prizes.
- Colour-based system – Different coloured ducks represent different prize tiers.
- Simple win/loss – Some ducks win a prize, others don’t.
This video was uploaded by Arias Antics.
Bonus Tips to Make It More Fun!
🎡 Theme It Up – Add fairground decorations, bunting, or a sign saying “Hook a Duck – Win a Prize!” for an authentic feel.
💡 Make It More Challenging – Use a timer to see how many ducks players can hook in a set time or add obstacles like a slight current (use a fan or small pump to create movement).
🎵 Play Fairground Music – A little background music can make the experience even more exciting!
Final Thoughts
Making your own Hook a Duck game is a fun, easy, and budget-friendly way to bring fairground excitement to any event. With just a few simple materials, you can create a brilliant DIY game that will entertain kids and adults alike.
So why not make your own Hook a Duck today and bring the fairground fun home? 🎠
