The Magnetic Play Arch: Unplugged Play for Curious Minds
By Gem, Founder — Arlo & Co
If you've got kids at home, you know the feeling. You're trying to get something done, they're bored, the iPad is right there, and you're one small moment away from just handing it over. We've all been there.
The Arlo & Co Magnetic Play Arch was born out of exactly that feeling — and a belief that there's a better answer on the wall.
What is the Magnetic Play Arch?
The Magnetic Play Arch is a large, arch-shaped wall decal that turns any smooth wall into a dedicated space for creative, screen-free play. It's magnetic and crayon-friendly — which means it works for letters, numbers, drawing, storytelling, and just about anything else a curious little mind comes up with.
It measures 75cm wide by 95cm high — generous enough to be a proper play space, compact enough to sit beautifully in a bedroom, playroom, or living area without taking over the room.
It comes in four colours designed to sit quietly in a real home — not shout from the wall.
Why we made it
We've been making things for Australian families since 2014. Wall decals, height charts, learning decals, photo products — things that live on walls and in homes and become part of daily life.
The Magnetic Play Arch is a natural extension of that. We wanted to make something that wasn't a toy you'd trip over, a kit with 47 pieces, or a piece of equipment that takes up half the playroom. Something that lives on the wall, out of the way, and is just there — ready whenever they are.
It's the answer to the A-frame whiteboard that tips over, the painting easel taking up half the room, and the chalkboard that isn't magnetic. This does all of it — on the wall, out of the way, and it holds magnets too.
Unplugged play for curious minds. That's really what it is.
Six things kids actually do with it
We've been genuinely surprised by the range of ways kids use it. Here's what we see most:
Drawing and writing. The surface works beautifully with our Arlo & Co Washable Crayons — draw something, wipe it off with a damp cloth, and start again. Every single day.
Letters and spelling. Magnetic letters rearrange endlessly. Brilliant for early readers who like to figure things out themselves, at their own pace.
Maths and times tables. Numbers up on the wall where they actually see them. Repetition without worksheets.
Storytelling. Characters, scenes, words — they direct, rearrange, and start over. Independent imaginative play at its very best.
Their personal gallery. Display their best work between play sessions. Their wall, their curation, their pride. Move the art, not the mess.
Screen-free afternoons. No charging, no app, no notifications. Just a wall, their hands, and an imagination that doesn't need batteries.
What about the walls?
This is the question we get asked most, and it's a fair one.
The Magnetic Play Arch is designed with a removable adhesive backing — designed to leave no mark on compatible surfaces, which means it's just as good for renters as it is for homeowners.
It works beautifully on smooth painted plaster (matte, satin or eggshell), painted timber, glass, mirrors, laminates, and wardrobe doors. It's worth testing first on stain-resistant, low-VOC, or high-gloss paints — and it's not suitable for heavily textured, chalky, or freshly painted walls. If you've recently painted, wait at least three weeks before applying.
The golden rule: if the surface is smooth enough to write on with a marker and clean enough to eat off, it's almost certainly good to go.
We have a full wall compatibility guide on the product page — and if you're ever unsure, just call us. We're always happy to talk it through before you order.
The accessories
A few things made to go alongside it:
Arlo & Co Washable Crayons. Six vibrant colours in a twist-up design. Genuinely washable — off the arch, off their hands. Made to live right next to the arch.
Arch Borders. Removable decal borders that wrap around the outside of the arch — adding colour, personality, and a handy buffer zone for when crayons stray slightly off the edge. Made from the same wall-safe fabric as our Decorative Wall Decals range. Each border adds an additional 10cm of width around the arch.
Find them here: https://www.arloandco.com.au/products/magarch-border
A note on the material
The arch is made from fine weave fabric — not vinyl. Printed with high quality inks and designed to look beautiful on your walls for years. Being fabric rather than vinyl means it's softer, more forgiving to apply, and sits more naturally against a wall.
It's designed for indoor use only — the weave fabric isn't waterproof and can be damaged by prolonged exposure to moisture, so it's not suitable for bathrooms or laundries.
Is it right for your family?
The Magnetic Play Arch works especially well for:
- Toddlers and young kids — from 18 months up, they love the colours, the magnets, and having their own space on the wall
- School-age kids — letters, spelling, maths, drawing — it genuinely grows with them
- Renters — removable, repositionable, designed to leave no mark on compatible surfaces
- Playroom upgrades — off the floor, on the wall, out of the way
- Families who want less screen time — it holds their attention, independently, for hours
- Gift-givers — a genuinely brilliant birthday or Christmas gift that doesn't end up in the toy box
Ready to stick it up?
The Arlo & Co Magnetic Play Arch is $89.00 AUD and available in four colours: Sage, Dawn, Sky and Linen.
Every arch is made to order from our studio in Chirnside Park, Melbourne — production takes 3–10 business days, and we ship Australia-wide via Australia Post daily. Express Post is available if you need it in a hurry.
If you're in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, you're also welcome to pop in and collect in person — just let us know when you order.
Shop the Magnetic Play Arch: arloandco.com.au/products/magnetic-play-arch
Questions before you order? We're here Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm AEST.
📞 03 9070 8156 · 📧 hello@arloandco.com.au