Jaques of London Hook the Frog magnetic fishing game with number cards for kids (2 years+)

The essentials

Hook the Frog from Jaques of London is a magnetic fishing game for toddlers and young children, where the challenge is simple: use the fishing rod to “catch” a magnetic frog. On paper, it’s a clever way to practise hand-to-eye coordination because every catch depends on focus, control and timing, not speed. For many families, that’s the sweet spot—play that feels like play, while still giving parents something positive to point at as skills develop.

What you’ll notice in everyday play

This one leans heavily into tactile, bright-coloured play. The set includes 12 numbered wooden frogs, and the aim is straightforward whether a child plays alone or with you. That clarity matters at this age: kids get an obvious goal each round, and adults aren’t stuck explaining rules for ages.

There’s also a number layer via the number cards. Rather than treating maths as a separate activity, children can fish for frogs and then count them into groups using the cards. If your child enjoys the fishing bit, this “add-on” is a natural way to extend the game once they’ve understood the basic mechanic.

A small but practical detail is that the play pond is also designed as storage. The frogs, both rods and the number cards are meant to live in one place—handy when you want something that packs away in seconds and doesn’t quietly take over the living room.

Where it shines (and who it suits)

It’s a good fit if you’re looking for games for 2 year olds that are focused on coordination, concentration and rewarding “I did it” moments. The concept also grows with the child: the fishing mechanic is the main draw from around age 2, while by older ages the number cards can bring early counting and number recognition into the mix.

It can also suit parents who prefer toys with clear structure. This isn’t an open-ended toy where you keep inventing new ways to play, instead, the game loop is built in.

Worth noting: limits to keep in mind

It may not be a great match if you want a toy that stays challenging for years without change. The fishing idea is intentionally simple, so once the novelty and basic control are there, some children may look for variety.

Also, the learning aspect through number cards is likely to feel more meaningful once a child is ready for counting and grouping. Younger toddlers will still enjoy the catching, but the “number” part may be less engaging until they’re a bit further along.

Tech summary (quick overview)

• Name: Hook the Frog
• Type: Magnetic fishing game for kids
• Format: Frog game with magnetic fishing rods and number cards
• Age guidance mentioned: safety tested from 1 year, with main enjoyment at 2 years and above
• Included elements mentioned: 12 numbered wooden frogs, both rods, number cards

Buying verdict

It makes sense if you want a compact toddler game that supports hand-to-eye coordination and adds early maths in the same play session. The storage-in-the-pond approach is particularly appealing if you’re trying to keep toy tidy without turning playtime into a chore.

You may want to skip it if you’re buying for a child who gets bored with repeating the same core action, or if you need a more advanced building/learning system rather than a straightforward catch-and-count style game. If you prioritise a clear goal, tactile fun and quick pack-away, this is the kind of toy that tends to get used.

Practical tips for getting the most from it

Start with shorter sessions. For younger kids, focus on the catching mechanic first—let them practise getting frogs onto the rod before you bring in the number cards. Then, once they’re enjoying the rhythm, you can add a simple “count them together” moment: catch a few frogs, then show the number cards and ask them to place frogs into groups based on what the card indicates. That way, the maths feels like part of the game rather than extra work.

If your child plays with an adult, take turns. The fishing challenge becomes a shared routine, and it can reduce the “frustration spiral” that sometimes happens when a child wants a catch immediately.

Mini FAQ

Is this suitable for younger toddlers?

It’s described as safety tested from 1 year, with the main magic happening at 2 years. So it’s mainly positioned for 2 year olds and above, while being safety tested for younger ages.

Does it involve counting and numbers?

Yes. There are number cards included, and the play pack is designed to add counting and number recognition to the fishing game.

What’s the storage like?

The play pond is also meant to double as a storage container, keeping the frogs, rods and number cards together for quick tidying.

Can it be played alone or with someone else?

The description indicates it works for solo play or together, and the goal-based catch mechanic supports both.

What age range is it best for?

From the way it’s pitched, the fishing game is enjoyable from around age 2, while the number cards become a bigger part of the fun by around 3 and 4 years.