Party Games for 10 Year Olds
If you're looking for birthday party ideas for a 10 year old, there are plenty of options to choose from. For example, you could consider having a pool party, complete with games, floats, and refreshments. Or, if your child is into sports, you could throw a themed party centered around their favorite sport. Other popular options include bowling alley parties, sleepover parties, and arts and crafts parties.
Whatever you decide, just make sure to include plenty of games and activities to keep the guests entertained. With a little planning, your child's 10th birthday party is sure to be a smash hit!
If you're looking for some unique birthday party games for 10 year olds, you've come to the right place. Say goodbye to the same old party games that everyone always seems to play. These fun birthday party games will have your guests talking about your event for years to come.
(THIS POST CONTAINS SOME AFFILIATE LINKS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE: READ MY FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY)
Tips for Organizing & Managing Party Games
Even with the best games, things can get a little chaotic, especially when you’ve got a room full of excited 10-year-olds. Here’s how to keep things running smoothly and, more importantly, keep your sanity intact.
1. Plan Ahead
Have a rough timeline for when each game will happen. It doesn’t have to be strict, but having a plan will keep things moving along. Plus, it’ll help you avoid that dreaded moment of “What do we do now?”
2. Delegate
If you can, recruit a couple of other parents or older siblings to help you run the games. It’s always good to have extra hands, especially when managing competitive activities. Plus, it gives you a moment to breathe and enjoy the party too.
3. Explain the Rules Clearly
Before each game starts, gather the kids and explain the rules. Trust me, this saves you from having to explain it over and over again during the game. Try to keep the instructions simple, kids this age can get excited and lose focus quickly.
4. Have a Backup Plan
Not every game is going to be a winner, and that’s okay. It helps to have a couple of extra activities in your back pocket just in case one of the planned games doesn’t go over as well as you hoped. Think quick, fun games like Simon Says or Freeze Tag.
5. Pace the Games
Kids can go from super excited to completely wiped out in a heartbeat. Make sure to mix up active games with more relaxed activities, so the kids (and you!) don’t burn out too quickly.
6. Prize or No Prize?
While prizes can add excitement, they’re not always necessary. If you do want to give out small prizes, make sure they’re budget-friendly and inclusive so every child feels like a winner.
Party Games For 10 Year Olds
Make an Ice Cream Sundae
Who doesn't love ice cream? Kids will love this fun Roll an Ice-cream game. It is simple to play. Everyone starts with an empty bowl and players take turns rolling the dice and following the instructions. They will end up with a super delicious ice cream sundae to eat.
Tween Treasure Hunt
Send your preteens off on a fun Treasure Hunt. Solving each riddle will lead them to the next clue. This is a great way to create team work as they race around solving the clues.
Saran Wrap Ball Game
The Saran Wrap Ball game is a simple yet fun party game that is perfect for kids. It is a fun variation on the classic pass the parcel game. To play you wrap small prizes in layers of saran wrap to form a ball shape. This is passed around in a circle with players taking turns to unwrap a layer.
Pass the Parcel
Revamp an old favorite with this printable pass the parcel game. Read and follow the instructions on this sheet to see who will end up with the gift at the end. The game starts like this;
'The shortest person gets to start this game, Pass now to the one with the longest name'
Or try some of these new pass the parcel ideas to give the game a modern twist.
Freeze Dance
Play some music and let the kids dance around. When the music stops, they have to freeze in place like statues. The last one to freeze is out! You can keep playing until there’s only one player left, or you can have everyone who’s still in play win a prize.
Obstacle Course
Set up a fun obstacle course in the backyard or living room, using things like hula hoops, cones, jump ropes, and other household items. Time each player as they go through the course, and the one with the fastest time wins a prize. Or each player must complete a task before moving onto the next stage in the obstacle course.
Party Pinata
Everyone loves a pinata at parties. Why not try some of these new pinata party games to bring some extra fun and excitement to the party.
Candy Toss
This is a messy but fun game! You’ll need a container (like a laundry basket or cardboard box) filled with candy, and players have to take turns standing a distance away and throwing candy one piece at a time into smaller containers. The player who collects the most candy in their own container wins.
There are so many fun party games involving candy that kids will love. Check out this post for some fun candy party games
Individually Wrapped Bulk Lollipop
Candy Variety Mix Bag
Balloon Pop Race
Divide players into teams and give each team a balloon; at the start signal, players have to race to pop their balloon and then return to their team. The first team to pop all their balloons and return to the finish line wins!
Summer Water Fun
If you are having a party in the Summertime, kids will love playing games with water balloons, water guns, pool noodles or playing in the sprinkler.
Candy Hunt
This is a variation on the classic Easter egg hunt; instead of eggs, hide candy around the house or yard for kids to find. You can make it more challenging by giving each child a list of specific items to find, or by hiding the candy in difficult-to-reach places.
Basketball Party Games
Basketball is a popular and exciting sport that many kids enjoy playing. Planning a basketball party is a great way to get 10 year olds excited about the game and create lasting memories. To add to the fun, why not incorporate some basketball-inspired party games? A few ideas include dribbling relays, shooting contests, and a game of "H-O-R-S-E." These games not only promote physical activity, but also encourage teamwork and friendly competition among the party-goers. With the right games, a basketball party for 10 year olds is sure to be a slam dunk!
Balloon Stomp
This is a fun and active game that’s great for larger groups. You’ll need one balloon for each player, and players have to try to stomp on other players’ balloons while keeping their own balloon from being stomped on. The last player with an intact balloon wins!
120 Balloons Assorted Colors120 PCS Balloons Assorted Colors
Pop the Balloon
This is a simple but fun game that’s perfect for this age group. You’ll need one balloon for each player and tie it on a string around their ankle. Players now have to try to pop other players’ balloons by sitting on them. The last player with an intact balloon wins!
This is a fun game that is popular with all ages. Split your guests into teams and each team will act out an animal while the rest of their team mates will try to guess the animal.
Balloon Toss
This is a fun and active game that’s perfect for larger groups. You’ll need one balloon for each team, and teams have to try to toss their balloon to other players on their team without dropping it. The team that keeps the balloon in the air the longest wins
Classic Party Games
You can't go wrong with some classic party games such as hide and seek, limbo, simon says, egg and spoon race and a sack race. Think back to your childhood and recreate some of your favorite games.
Budget-Friendly Party Games & Activities
Planning a party for a 10-year-old doesn’t have to break the bank! Believe me, I’ve been there, when you’re trying to throw a memorable party while keeping the budget in check, it can feel like a tightrope walk. But with a little creativity, you can have a blast without the big price tag. Here are some fun, wallet-friendly games and activities that’ll keep the kids entertained (and you breathing a sigh of relief).
DIY Obstacle Course
Let’s face it, kids at this age have energy for days. Channel that into a backyard obstacle course made from things you already have around the house, think pool noodles, hula hoops, jump ropes, and cones. You can get the kids involved in setting it up, adding an extra layer of fun and creativity.
Musical Statues
Classic, simple, and always a hit! All you need is a speaker, a playlist of the birthday girl’s favorite songs, and some space to dance. When the music stops, everyone has to freeze in place. It’s amazing how something this basic can get kids giggling like crazy. Plus, it’s free!
Balloon Pop Game
Grab a pack of balloons, and slip a little piece of paper with a fun dare or challenge inside each one (like “Do your best silly dance” or “Act like a cat for 30 seconds”). Inflate them and let the kids take turns popping the balloons to reveal their challenge. This game brings lots of excitement, and the cost is next to nothing.
Craft Station
Set up a simple DIY craft table. You can get inexpensive craft supplies like beads, markers, and colored paper from any dollar store. Have the girls make friendship bracelets, paint rocks, or design their own party hats. It’s a creative outlet and doubles as a take-home party favor!
Whatever games you choose, make sure to tailor them to the interests and abilities of the birthday boy or girl and their guests. With a little planning and creativity, you can throw a birthday party that will be remembered for years to come.
More Fun Party Games:
When it's too cold to go outside, these fun indoor snow day games and activities will keep you and your family entertained all day long. From classic games to creative crafts, there's something here for everyone. So grab some hot cocoa and get ready to have some fun!
Fun and spooky drinks are a great way to get the kids excited about Halloween. We have put together our favorite Halloween party drinks that kids, teens and tweens will love and will get them in the holiday spirit!
