What Are Good Birthday Party Ideas for 10 Year Olds?
If you’ve ever tried planning a birthday party for a 10-year-old, you know the struggle is real. At this age, kids are too cool for anything “babyish,” but they’re also not quite ready for teenage hangouts. I’ve learned that the secret is finding the sweet spot between fun, active, and just a little bit grown-up.
So if you’ve been Googling “good birthday party ideas for 10 year olds” at midnight (with a glass of wine in hand, no judgment here), you’ve come to the right place. I’ve rounded up 15 tried-and-true birthday party ideas that your 10-year-old will love—and that won’t leave you completely frazzled.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through them. I only recommend products I truly love and think you’ll find helpful.
1. Superhero Training Academy
Turn your backyard or living room into a superhero boot camp! Set up obstacle courses, “laser” mazes with string, and challenges to earn their hero badges. Capes optional, but highly encouraged.
Take a look at my Superhero party planning blog, where you will find a few FREE PRINTABLES from me, to help you with your party.
Don’t forget the party outfit – this personalized superhero t-shirt is a great idea, and can be worn all year.
2. DIY Science Party
Think slime stations, baking soda volcanoes, and Mentos-in-Coke explosions (outside, trust me). Hand out goggles for that mad scientist vibe. Bonus: you sneak in learning while they’re having fun.
Check out my Science Party Ideas blog for more science party ideas.
You can have matching invites, outfits and party wares.
3. Sports Fan Party
If your child lives for soccer, basketball, or baseball, plan a mini-tournament at the park. Provide team bandanas or T-shirts, then finish with pizza and cupcakes decorated like balls.
Get some party sport themed party favors.
4. Escape Room at Home
Kids this age love puzzles. Create an escape room with hidden clues, locked boxes, and riddles. You can DIY it or buy printable escape room kits online.
There are loads of downloadable escape rooms, to help you plan – like this one.
5. Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Party
Clear a space, grab glow sticks, a blacklight, and a playlist of kid-approved hits. Add neon face paint for extra giggles.
Have fun with some neon face paint.
6. Outdoor Movie Night
Project a favorite movie onto a sheet or wall, toss down blankets and beanbags, and hand out popcorn boxes. It feels like a big-kid sleepover, without everyone actually staying over.
Send some stylish invitations like this one.
7. Baking Party
Let the kids decorate cupcakes or cookies with all the sprinkles and toppings you can imagine. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, but it’s also guaranteed fun (and snacks).
Make your own baking themed favor bags.
8. Gaming Tournament
If your child loves video games, host a Mario Kart or Minecraft tournament. Set up multiple screens if you can, or rotate turns and keep a leaderboard.
How about some tropheys for the winners.
9. Arts & Crafts Bash
Provide paints, canvases, beads, or clay, and let the kids get creative. They’ll leave with their own handmade party favors, which saves you from buying goody bags.
It’s always nice to get a reward sticker! These ones are very cute.
10. Adventure Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt around your house, yard, or even a local park. Add riddles, maps, and little prizes along the way.
Don’t worry there are loads of Scavenger hunts ready made on Etsy – so you don’t have to think too hard.
11. Pool Party
If you have access to a pool (or even just a few big sprinklers and water balloons), kids will be entertained for hours. Don’t forget popsicles and plenty of towels!
This invite looks stylish.
12. Nerf Battle Royale
Load up on foam darts, set boundaries, and watch the epic battles unfold. Safety glasses are a must—and so is a referee (that’s you).
A personalized invitation is a fun to send out.
13. Harry Potter Party
Sort guests into houses, whip up some “butterbeer” (cream soda + whipped cream), and let the magic begin with trivia, wand-making, or a Quidditch relay.
Get some Harry Potter themed party supplies.
14. Animal Encounter Party
If your child is an animal lover, consider a mobile petting zoo or reptile show. Many local companies bring animals to your home for an unforgettable experience.
Party Animals invite.
15. DIY Carnival
Set up carnival-style games like ring toss, bean bag throw, or “guess the number of candies in a jar.” Add tickets, prizes, and popcorn for the full fairground feel.
Kids carnival party invitation.
Birthday Fun Without the Stress
At the end of the day, the best party is one that makes your child feel celebrated—whether that’s with 20 friends running wild in the backyard or 5 kids baking cookies in the kitchen. The key is to pick a theme your 10-year-old actually loves (and let them help with some of the planning—they have opinions, trust me).
So next time you’re wondering what are good birthday party ideas for 10 year olds?—bookmark this list and take your pick. Your child will feel like the star of the show, and you’ll look like the superhero parent you already are.