Turning ten is a big deal. It’s that exciting age where kids feel a bit more grown-up, yet they still embrace the joy of games, laughter, and endless fun with friends. Planning a birthday party for a 10-year-old can be quite the adventure—how do you create an event that’s entertaining, memorable, and packed with smiles? Well, the secret is all in the games!
Let’s face it: ten-year-olds are at that sweet spot where they’re energetic, curious, and ready to take on just about anything. Whether it’s something silly, something creative, or a friendly competition, games are the perfect way to keep the excitement alive during the party. From traditional favorites to some fresh ideas, this list has got you covered.
1. Balloon Pop Relay
Balloon Pop Relay is perfect for getting the kids moving and laughing. It’s a relay race where teams compete to pop a balloon in the silliest ways possible. The kids line up in two teams, each with a balloon to pop by sitting on it, squeezing it, or lying on it.
The excitement of running back and forth, trying different methods to pop the balloon, keeps everyone entertained. The laughter from the silly popping techniques makes the game even more enjoyable, and the competitive element adds to the fun.
As each child finishes their turn and tags the next teammate, the anticipation grows. The first team to pop all their balloons wins, filling the party with cheers and high-fives.
2. Freeze Dance
Freeze Dance is a classic party game that guarantees a lot of fun. Kids dance to their favorite tunes, enjoying the freedom to move any way they like. When the music stops, everyone must freeze, and anyone who keeps moving is out.
The challenge of staying perfectly still while the music suddenly stops adds an element of suspense. Kids love the silliness of trying to catch each other moving, and the joy of dancing keeps the game light-hearted and entertaining.
As the game progresses, the excitement builds, and the challenge of being the last one dancing keeps everyone on their toes. Freeze Dance is always a hit because it combines music, movement, and laughter in a simple yet thrilling way.
3. Scavenger Hunt
A Scavenger Hunt brings out the adventurer in every child. It’s a great way to get them exploring, searching for items, and following clues around the house or yard. The excitement begins when they get their list of things to find.
Kids can play individually or in teams, racing against each other to be the first to collect all the items. The thrill of searching high and low makes the game engaging, and the sense of accomplishment when they find each item is priceless.
You can tailor the hunt to fit the party theme—pirates, princesses, superheroes—making the experience even more magical. The kids love solving clues and finding hidden treasures along the way.
4. Donut on a String
Donut on a String is as hilarious as it sounds. Each child has to eat a donut hanging from a string without using their hands. It’s about balancing fun and food in a way that leaves everyone laughing.
The challenge of keeping their hands behind their backs while trying to bite into the swinging donut is harder than it looks. Kids love how messy and silly it gets, and the laughter is contagious.
Seeing the kids’ faces covered in powdered sugar or chocolate is part of the fun. It’s a simple yet wildly entertaining game that always brings smiles to everyone.
5. Minute to Win It Challenges
Minute to Win It Challenges are perfect for 10-year-olds with energy to burn. The thrill comes from trying to complete fun, simple tasks within just one minute. Each challenge is unique, from stacking cups to bouncing ping pong balls.
Kids love the fast pace of these games. The short time frame adds pressure, and the variety keeps them engaged. Whether it’s moving a cookie from their forehead to their mouth or balancing objects, each task brings laughter and cheers.
Setting up different stations for the kids to rotate through keeps things exciting. The friendly competition makes everyone eager to do their best while laughing along the way.
6. Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is ideal for outdoor parties. It’s a game that blends strategy, teamwork, and physical activity. Kids are divided into two teams, each tasked with capturing the opposing team’s flag without getting tagged.
The thrill of sneaking into enemy territory to grab the flag adds an element of suspense. Team members work together, strategizing who will defend and who will attack. This cooperative aspect keeps everyone involved.
Running back with the captured flag while avoiding being tagged brings the game to a crescendo of excitement. It’s perfect for keeping the kids active and fully engaged throughout the party.
7. Limbo
Limbo is a fantastic game that brings out flexibility and laughter. With a limbo stick held by two adults, kids take turns trying to go under the stick by leaning backward without touching it.
As the game goes on, the stick is lowered, making the challenge even harder. The kids love trying to bend lower and lower, and the cheers from their friends motivate them to keep going.
The combination of fun music and the sight of everyone bending backward makes Limbo a party favorite. It’s a simple game, but one that gets everyone laughing and cheering.
8. Pass the Parcel
Pass the Parcel is a game filled with suspense and excitement. Kids sit in a circle and pass a parcel wrapped in multiple layers while the music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel gets to unwrap one layer.
The anticipation of discovering what’s inside builds with each layer. Kids eagerly wait their turn, hoping to be the one to reach the final layer and win the prize. The surprise element keeps everyone engaged.
The simplicity of passing the parcel, combined with the thrill of unwrapping each layer, makes this game a hit at any party. It’s easy to set up and brings joy to everyone.
9. Sack Race
Sack Race is a great outdoor game that gets everyone moving. Each child gets into a sack, and they hop their way to the finish line. The excitement builds as they all line up, ready to start hopping.
The kids’ laughter is infectious as they try to keep their balance and move forward in the sack. The challenge of hopping while racing against friends makes this game fun and memorable.
Watching everyone hop across the yard brings a lot of giggles, and the friendly competition adds to the excitement. It’s a simple yet energetic game that kids absolutely love.
10. Water Balloon Toss
Water Balloon Toss is perfect for a warm day. Kids pair up, and each pair gets a water balloon. They start by standing close together and gently tossing the balloon to each other.
After each successful toss, they take a step back, increasing the difficulty. The suspense of whether the balloon will burst keeps everyone on their toes, and the splashes add to the fun.
The goal is to keep the balloon intact for as long as possible. The kids’ laughter when the balloons eventually pop is a refreshing way to enjoy the party.
11. Human Knot
Human Knot is a game that emphasizes teamwork and problem-solving. Kids stand in a circle and reach across to hold hands with two different people, creating a tangled knot.
Their challenge is to untangle themselves without letting go of each other’s hands. It’s fun to watch them strategize and try different moves to figure it out.
The joy of finally unraveling the knot is worth all the effort. The kids love the challenge, and the laughter along the way makes it a memorable experience.
12. Charades
Charades is a perfect game for kids who love acting and guessing. Each child draws a slip of paper with a word or phrase and then acts it out while everyone else tries to guess.
The challenge of acting without speaking makes the game hilarious. Kids come up with creative gestures and expressions, and the wild guesses add to the fun.
The simple setup and endless possibilities make Charades a timeless choice for birthday parties. It encourages creativity and gets everyone involved.
13. Mummy Wrap
Mummy Wrap is a hilarious game that requires creativity and teamwork. Kids are divided into pairs, and one child wraps the other in toilet paper, trying to cover them completely like a mummy.
The challenge is to do it without tearing the paper, which is harder than it looks. The result is always funny, with kids wrapped up and trying to stay still.
The kids love the process, and the best-wrapped mummy wins a prize. It’s a great way to add some laughter and creativity to the party.
14. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Pin the Tail on the Donkey is a classic game that never fails to entertain. Each child is blindfolded, spun around, and then tries to pin the tail in the right spot on a donkey poster.
The challenge of finding the right spot while dizzy makes for a lot of laughs. Kids love seeing where their friends end up pinning the tail—sometimes it’s nowhere near the donkey!
This game is easy to set up and always brings a lot of joy. The simplicity and fun of trying to get it right keep everyone entertained.
15. Simon Says
Simon Says is a game that tests kids’ ability to follow instructions. One child is “Simon,” giving commands like “Simon says touch your head!” The catch is to only follow the command if it starts with “Simon says.”
The challenge is to avoid being tricked when Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says.” It’s fun to watch everyone try to stay focused and not get caught out.
The simple rules and the element of surprise make Simon Says a favorite. It’s a great way to keep the kids engaged and laughing.
16. Obstacle Course
An Obstacle Course is an excellent way to keep the kids active. Set up different obstacles like cones to weave through, a mat for somersaults, and a line to balance on.
Kids love the challenge of completing each obstacle as fast as they can. Timing each child adds an element of friendly competition, and they enjoy cheering each other on.
The variety of obstacles keeps everyone engaged, and the sense of accomplishment when they finish the course makes it rewarding. It’s perfect for an energetic group.
17. Marshmallow Tower
Marshmallow Tower is a creative game that brings out the kids’ building skills. Each group gets marshmallows and toothpicks, and their goal is to build the tallest tower.
Kids love experimenting with different designs to see what works best. The challenge of keeping the tower stable adds excitement, especially when it starts to wobble.
The teamwork involved makes it even more fun. It’s a great way for the kids to think creatively and work together toward a common goal.
18. Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs is a classic game that gets everyone moving. The kids walk around a circle of chairs while the music plays, and when it stops, they all try to find a seat.
With each round, one chair is removed, and the competition gets more intense. Kids love the thrill of grabbing a chair just in time, and the laughter when someone misses is contagious.
The excitement of racing for a chair keeps everyone engaged. It’s a perfect blend of music, movement, and friendly competition.
19. Hot Potato
Hot Potato is a game full of suspense. Kids sit in a circle and pass around a small object—the “hot potato”—while the music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the “potato” is out.
The challenge is to pass it as quickly as possible, trying not to be the one caught when the music stops. The suspense keeps everyone on edge, making it exciting.
The game continues until only one child is left. The quick movements and anticipation make Hot Potato a crowd-pleaser.
20. Bean Bag Toss
Bean Bag Toss is a simple but fun game that tests kids’ aim. Set up targets like buckets or hoops at different distances, and let the kids try to toss bean bags into them.
The challenge of aiming for the farthest target makes it exciting. Kids love trying to score points and improve their accuracy with each throw.
The simplicity of the setup and the satisfaction of making a successful toss make this game a favorite. It’s great for both indoor and outdoor play.
21. Hula Hoop Contest
A Hula Hoop Contest is all about movement and fun. Each child gets a hula hoop, and the goal is to keep it spinning for as long as possible.
The challenge of keeping the hoop going without dropping it makes for a lot of laughs. Kids love trying new tricks, like spinning two hoops at once.
The joy of watching everyone attempt to keep their hoops spinning adds to the excitement. It’s a simple yet entertaining game that gets everyone involved.
22. Tug of War
Tug of War is perfect for a group with lots of energy. The kids are divided into two teams, and each team tries to pull the other across a line in the middle.
The teamwork and strength involved make it exciting. Kids love cheering each other on and giving it their all to win.
The thrill of the struggle and the victory celebrations make Tug of War an unforgettable game. It’s perfect for getting everyone involved and working together.
23. Treasure Hunt
A Treasure Hunt adds a sense of adventure to the party. Kids follow a series of clues that lead them to a hidden “treasure,” like a chest filled with small toys or candy.
The excitement of deciphering each clue and finding the next spot keeps them engaged. Kids love the sense of mystery as they search high and low.
The thrill of finally discovering the treasure is the best part. It’s a great way to add some adventure to the party and make the kids feel like real explorers.
24. Karaoke Sing-Off
Karaoke Sing-Off is ideal for kids who love music. Each child picks a song to perform, and they take turns singing while their friends cheer them on.
Kids love the chance to show off their singing skills and enjoy their favorite songs. The applause from their friends makes them feel like stars.
The atmosphere is always full of laughter and cheers, making it a fun and supportive activity. Karaoke brings out the confidence in every child.
25. Story Relay
Story Relay is a great game for winding down. The kids sit in a circle, and one starts a story with a single sentence. Each child then adds their own sentence, continuing the story.
The unpredictable twists and turns make it funny and engaging. Kids love hearing where the story goes, especially when it takes a surprising or silly turn.
It’s a wonderful way to end the party on a creative note. The shared storytelling keeps everyone engaged and brings a sense of togetherness.
Conclusion
There you have it—25 birthday party games that are sure to make your 10-year-old’s birthday celebration a hit! The key to a successful party is keeping the kids entertained and active, and with these games, you’ll have no trouble at all. Whether you’re hosting the party indoors or outdoors, you can mix and match these ideas to fit your space and your child’s interests.
So, pick a few of these games, get the party supplies ready, and watch as the kids dive into hours of laughter and fun. Your 10-year-old’s birthday is bound to be a day they’ll remember for years to come!