Your child has reached double digits! They’re probably pretty excited to have reached this milestone. On the other hand, you might be feeling pretty emotional. Where has the time gone?
Despite all the emotions, if you’re planning a celebration for them, we can help you work out all the details. We’ve put together an exciting list of 45 10th birthday ideas. We’re talking themes, games, activities, food ideas, and more!
Whether you’re planning something for your son or daughter, budget or not, we have plenty of ideas for all year round.
10th Birthday Party Ideas for Girls
Ladies first — here are nine birthday ideas for 10-year-olds. Even if you’ve planned nine parties before this, we’re sure you’ll find something on our list that you haven’t done before.
1. 10 Party
This simple idea encompasses the excitement of double digits. Simply use “10” as the inspiration — you can find a giant “10” balloon, banners that say “10”, and 10 different snacks and treats for guests to try. You could also gift your daughter 10 items to commemorate her age.
2. Backyard Picnic
A backyard picnic seems simple, but if you go wild with the decorations, it will feel extra special for the birthday girl. You can hang paper lanterns from the trees, lay out colorful blankets and pillows, and make a delicious feast for all the guests.
3. Around the World
Grab your passport — it’s time to experience the world! With globe and travel-inspired decor, serve treats from various countries. If you’ve done a bit of traveling together, serve a delicacy from all the places you’ve been.
4. Slumber Party
This classic party idea will be a hit for the next few years. You can set up tent beds for each girl to have her own place to sleep. Give each girl a sleeping mask, a towel for their hair, and some treats to accompany watching a movie.
5. Backyard Movie
If the girls want to watch a film, but you can’t host a sleepover, make a special movie night in the backyard. Get a projector and set out a comfy seating area. You can play server and bring the guests snacks, food, and drink all evening.
6. Harry Potter Party
By now, your little one has probably read a few of the Harry Potter books or seen the movies. What better way to celebrate a Hogwarts fan than with a Potter Party, magical candy, and gorgeous decor?
7. Cupcake Contest
Put the girls head to head in a cupcake decorating contest. Make the cupcakes in advance and set out a table with a few cupcakes for each child, alongside icing, sprinkles, and other toppings.
8. Pink Party
It doesn’t have to be pink — choose her favorite color. But the idea is that all the decorations fall under one color. This will make a statement when guests walk into the house — plus, decorating and preparing food is much easier for you!
As an extra idea, ask guests to dress in the chosen color. The photos will look wonderful, too!
9. Go to the Spa
Pamper your daughter and her friends with an at-home spa. Give everyone a bathrobe and slippers, paint their nails, do face masks, and braid their hair. If this can lead into a sleepover, your daughter will think it’s phenomenal.
10th Birthday Party Ideas for Boys
Are you wondering how to celebrate your son? These nine cool ideas will be a hit.
10. Nerf War Party
From decorating with Nerf motifs to setting up a warzone in the backyard, your son and his friends will have a blast. You can serve blue and orange snacks — like Cheetos and Doritos — to match the Nerf bullet colors.
11. Paintballing
Certain locations will allow younger kids to go paintballing. This must be low-impact to avoid injuries, but if you can find a venue, your son will love it! It’s not the most affordable party idea, but if you have the funds, it can be done.
12. Kickball Party
Get the kids outside with this party idea! If your son loves this informal sport, it’s a great party idea. After a game or two of kickball, take the kids back home for a buffet with all your child’s favorite foods.
13. Fear Factor Party
Test out the kid’s bravery with a fear factor party. Set up a few challenges to keep them entertained and gross them out. You could have a food taste test, play iron toes (who can keep their feet in a bucket of ice for the longest), and make a worm pie!
14. Blue Party
What’s your son’s favorite color? Whatever it is — theme the party around that. If it’s blue, blow up blue balloons, set up some blue garlands and banners, and get blue plates for guests. Add blue food coloring to the food to tie it all together.
15. Superhero Party
Avengers, assemble! For Marvel fans, this is an exciting party theme. While your son may feel too old to dress up, you could provide a mask and cape for everyone to tie the theme together.
16. Tropical Bash
This unique party theme is great for summer (go outdoors) or winter (celebrate inside). Make delicious mocktails, give everyone a lei to wear, and play beachy music over the speakers.
17. Puppy Party
Surprise your guests — or your son — with a puppy party. You can actually hire puppies for the day, and the kids can play, feed and pet the animals. Combine that with cute puppy decor, puppy chow snacks, and other tasty food, and kids will talk about this party for years to come.
18. Favorite Character Party
At this age, you can’t go wrong with throwing your son a party themed around his favorite character. Ask him who that is and hunt for the matching decorations. You can decorate the cake to resemble the character and play classic party games to keep the guests happy.
Inexpensive 10th Birthday Party Ideas
Although double digits are a big deal, the cost of the party doesn’t have to be tons of digits long. We have nine budget-friendly party ideas for celebrating the big 10.
19. Scavenger Hunt
Write a list of things that the kids need to find. Whether you do this at home or out in the forest, it will be lots of fun. Split the kids into teams for a more competitive approach.
20. Board Games Party
This is a cheap way to throw a party, especially if you already have a board games collection. Ask your son to choose three games he’d like to play, and let the kids enjoy the madness!
21. Movie Marathon
It’s simple, but it’s effective. A movie night is always a hit with kids, especially at this age! Movie nights are also great if you’re planning a party with the family instead of friends. Ask your son to choose a film or two, and cozy up on the couch to watch it together.
22. Water Balloon Fight
Fill up a bunch of water balloons, split the kids into two teams, and let them go wild! A water balloon fight is a cheap but exciting way to celebrate your child turning 10.
23. Candyland
A candy bar is a cheap way to feed guests — and it marks the day out as super special. It’s not every day you have a bunch of candy laid out for kids to graze at. Depending on the length of the party, it’s a good idea to have some nutritious food, too, to fill tummies.
24. Food Platter
How do you feed kids on a budget? Food platters are a great idea. Stick to a few themes. For example, you could choose two ideas to keep costs low. This includes fruit, meatballs with sauce, sandwiches, protein balls, pizza, crackers and cheese, potato chips, chicken nuggets, savory tarts, and more.
25. Pasta Party
Pasta is super cheap to make. Make two or three big pots of pasta to feed the kids. A garlic bread or side salad will be super yummy to go alongside.
26. Sports Party
Plan a few sports for kids to play together for the party! This takes care of an activity and a theme. Plus, all you need are jerseys to separate teams and balls, depending on your chosen sport.
27. Cooking Class
A cooking class is a great budget-friendly idea for a 10th birthday party at home. Teach your child and their friends a delicious recipe, get them all involved, and eat it together once it’s done cooking!
Outdoor 10th Birthday Party Ideas
If your child wants an outdoor party, there are many places to go and things to do. We have nine ideas to inspire you.
28. Horseback Riding
Give your child and the partygoers a new experience! Find a ranch that will host a party, and enjoy wandering through the fields or woods on horseback.
29. Pool and Pizza Party
Celebrate poolside! This party works wonders for small and big guest lists. After enjoying swimming and water games, feed guests with pizza, drinks, and tasty snacks.
30. Canoeing or Kayaking
Getting out on the lake will delight and surprise kids! They’ve probably not been to a party like it before — depending on where you live. Rent canoes and lifejackets, learn water safety, and let the kids go on the water. Make sure you or an instructor is nearby in case of emergencies.
31. Mini Golf
Can you get a hole-in-one? A mini golf party will be a fantastic afternoon of fun. Your child can invite a few friends to travel around the course with before getting a bite to eat at their favorite restaurant.
32. Carnival Party
Turn your backyard into a carnival for kids to enjoy! Set up a ball toss, a balloon pop, mini golf, knock-down-cups, and serve popcorn and cotton candy.
33. Party Animal
Whether you’re going to a large zoo, a petting zoo, or an aquarium, 10-year-olds will love looking at the animals, learning about them, and possibly even petting them.
34. Star Gazing Party
Whether you can see the night sky clearly from your backyard or you want to take the kids to a remote spot, a star gazing party will be a magical experience. Teach the kids some constellations, pack a picnic to enjoy outside, and look for shooting stars.35. Campout
Does your child love the great outdoors? Take them camping for their birthday. Maybe you’ll go as a family, or perhaps they can bring a friend or two. Whether you’re going out into the hills or camping in the backyard, at this age, this party idea will be an epic adventure.
36. Water Park
Kids love waterparks, theme parks, and running wild — so why not take your child and their friends to a water park? A theme park is also a great idea if they’d prefer to stay dry.
10th Birthday Party Ideas in Winter
Whether you’re staying at home for your winter party or you’re wondering what to do outside the house, we have nine popular ideas for partying during the colder months.
37. Bowling Party
A visit to the bowling alley is always a special way to celebrate turning 10. Book a couple of games for your child to play with friends or family, and order food for kids to enjoy while they’re waiting their turn.
38. Indoor Rock Climbing
Celebrate your daredevil at an indoor climbing center. While some kids may be nervous, it will push them out of their comfort zone. Or they can sit and watch — whatever they prefer. Between climbs, feed kids with a packed lunch, or order nibbles at the cafe.
39. Escape Room
By now, your child will have some impressive problem-solving skills. You can DIY an escape room or take them to an official one, where they will be locked in a room until they can figure out how to escape using the clues provided.
40. Laser Tag
Even if your child was born in the dead of winter, they could still have an active party that makes them forget the weather outside. Take them to a laser tag arena where they can run around in the dark, trying to score points for their team.
41. Dance Party
Get groovy on the dancefloor. Whether hosted at home or a venue, this will be tons of fun for music-loving kids. Ask everyone to arrive in their dancing clothes, turn down the lights, and blast some music. Make sure to have a buffet with food, drinks, and snacks.
42. Ice Rink
This magical idea is great for both indoors and outdoors. You can usually find a place that will provide you with skate rentals, time on the rink, and a party room for eating food and cake.
43. Tubing Party
I went to a tubing party when I was younger, and I haven’t forgotten it. What a thrilling way to celebrate turning 10. Whether you’re going with friends or family, the guests will rave about it for ages.
44. Book a Hotel
This extravagant party idea is an exceptional way to mark double digits. Book a hotel with a pool, let the kids swim, and then order room service. Whether they’re just staying for the day (and you and your child are staying over) or you’re turning it into a sleepover, this will definitely be a birthday to remember.
45. Winter Wonderland
Turn your home into a winter wonderland. Serve hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows, and decorate with silver and white frills. If the weather allows, the kids could enjoy a snowball fight in the backyard.
[/page-sections]37. Bowling Party
A visit to the bowling alley is always a special way to celebrate turning 10. Book a couple of games for your child to play with friends or family, and order food for kids to enjoy while they’re waiting their turn.
38. Indoor Rock Climbing
Celebrate your daredevil at an indoor climbing center. While some kids may be nervous, it will push them out of their comfort zone. Or they can sit and watch — whatever they prefer. Between climbs, feed kids with a packed lunch, or order nibbles at the cafe.
39. Escape Room
By now, your child will have some impressive problem-solving skills. You can DIY an escape room or take them to an official one, where they will be locked in a room until they can figure out how to escape using the clues provided.
40. Laser Tag
Even if your child was born in the dead of winter, they could still have an active party that makes them forget the weather outside. Take them to a laser tag arena where they can run around in the dark, trying to score points for their team.
41. Dance Party
Get groovy on the dancefloor. Whether hosted at home or a venue, this will be tons of fun for music-loving kids. Ask everyone to arrive in their dancing clothes, turn down the lights, and blast some music. Make sure to have a buffet with food, drinks, and snacks.
42. Ice Rink
This magical idea is great for both indoors and outdoors. You can usually find a place that will provide you with skate rentals, time on the rink, and a party room for eating food and cake.
43. Tubing Party
I went to a tubing party when I was younger, and I haven’t forgotten it. What a thrilling way to celebrate turning 10. Whether you’re going with friends or family, the guests will rave about it for ages.
44. Book a Hotel
This extravagant party idea is an exceptional way to mark double digits. Book a hotel with a pool, let the kids swim, and then order room service. Whether they’re just staying for the day (and you and your child are staying over) or you’re turning it into a sleepover, this will definitely be a birthday to remember.
45. Winter Wonderland
Turn your home into a winter wonderland. Serve hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows, and decorate with silver and white frills. If the weather allows, the kids could enjoy a snowball fight in the backyard.
What Is Special About a 10th Birthday?
Your child has been around for a decade. It’s been an entire 10 years since you brought them into the world — or if you adopted them, it’s been 10 years since they began their journey to finding you.
For the child, it’s all about the double digits! This is a big deal for a child as it represents the transition from childhood into the teenage years. While they still have a little while to go, their bodies and minds are changing, preparing them for the rest of their lives.
Your child might want to start acting more grown up, thriving with a little independence. But they still are a child — they’ll enjoy playing, snuggling you (sometimes), and being silly. It’s a bit of an emotional birthday for parents, but kids don’t tend to see it that way. For them, it’s just exciting!
How To Make a 10th Birthday Special
We’ll share handy tips for making this birthday special and ensuring the party is a success.
- Decorate the door: Decorating the front door will make your child feel important, but it also helps guests know the right house for the party.
- Make a birthday bucket: Instead of a stocking like you do at Christmas, make a birthday bucket. Fill it with little presents they can open at the beginning of the day before the fun begins.
- Sing happy birthday: This might seem like an obvious birthday activity, but it can be easy to forget amid the chaotic party. Make sure it happens, as this is one of the best parts about a birthday!
- Choose the best venue: This doesn’t mean choosing the most extravagant venue. But choose the best venue for your child. Perhaps they’re more comfortable at home, but maybe they’ll thrive at a water park or cinema.
- Make invites: Invitations might seem outdated, but they’re crucial for a kid’s birthday party. You can clearly state the start and end time, the dress code, the address, and gift requests.
- Plan activities: While your 10-year-old might insist on hosting the party themselves, have a few activities under your sleeves in case of a lull in the get-together.
- Organize a group gift: Your child probably doesn’t want a bunch of random toys anymore. Perhaps they’re saving for something bigger, like a nice jacket or a new video game. Ask guests to chip in and get a group gift to surprise your child!
- Make a to-do list: Write out a to-do list for the party. This ensures you don’t forget anything, like singing happy birthday, playing a certain game, or opening gifts.
- Create a guest list: Consider the right number of guests. If you have space to invite the whole class, this might be nice. But it’s okay to keep the numbers smaller, too.
- Have a party team: Many parents will drop their kids off and leave. But you should still have a team to help with food, managing the kids, and taking photos. It might be you and your partner, but you could rope in a friend or sibling, too.
FAQs
What Can I Do Instead of a Birthday Party?
You can do many things for your child to mark the occasion that doesn’t involve a birthday party. Here are some exciting ideas:
- Breakfast in bed: Bring them a fancy breakfast platter and let them eat in bed. You can stay and watch a movie, read a book, or just chat!
- Take the day off: If you can, take the day off work and let your kid stay off school to celebrate. This works best if the child is homeschooled, but some traditional schools might be okay with it.
- Go somewhere fun: Ask your child where they’d like to spend the day, and no matter their request, you have to say yes. They might want to go to the movie theater, go hiking, or simply just go to grandma’s house!
- Eat a nice meal: Whether your child wants a home-cooked meal or wants to visit a fancy restaurant, a nice meal will make the day seem as historic as it is.
- Bake a cake: If you can bake, a homemade cake will always be fantastic.
- Go on vacation: Whether you go on a week-long vacation over their birthday or book a weekend getaway, this is a great way to celebrate your 10-year-old without a massive party.
If you’re not throwing a party, our top tip is to ask your child how they’d like to spend their day.
How Do You Entertain at a 10-Year-Old’s Birthday Party?
Party games, crafts, baking, and sports are all terrific ways to entertain 10-year-olds. But you could also consider hiring an entertainer like a comedian or a magician.
What Time is Best for a 10-Year-Old’s Party?
It depends if you want to serve a meal or not. If you’re doing lunch, start the party at 11:00 a.m. and end it around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.
Alternatively, you can start the party after lunch, around 1 p.m., and end it at 4 p.m. This allows parents to give kids lunch before they come, you can serve snacks and small dishes, and then the kids return home for dinner.
If you’re doing a sleepover, drop-off can be at 5:30 p.m. The kids can have dinner and breakfast together; parents can pick the kids up at 10 a.m.
What is the Most Popular Toy for 10-Year-Olds?
While there isn’t a study to officially determine the most popular toy for 10-year-olds, it’s known that Lego is the leading toy brand worldwide (1). Two popular choices include Lego I Am Groot and Lego Friends Emma’s Art School House.
In 2021, the leading toy categories were outdoor and sports toys, followed by explorative toys. This includes toys like balls, sand, water, and other sensory activities — but this is better suited to toddlers than 10-year-olds.
