Planning a 10th Birthday Party

A child’s 10 year old birthday signals the tween years, and their 10th birthday party is the last chance you will have to celebrate childhood as you know it.

Double figures at last! Your baby has left single birthdays behind for ever. While the parents may wonder why this is cause for celebration (weren’t they easier to handle as babies??!!) your child is probably very excited, as they often consider themselves practically grown up once they hit 10.

Something as important as double figures can also be marked by an extra special birthday celebration – maybe dining out in a restaurant as well as a party, or a sleepover for their friends. A 10th birthday usually also marks your child’s last year of primary school, which is a milestone in itself.

Planning a 10th Birthday Party

Chances are your child will soon be off to intermediate, and a whole new phase of their life will begin.

They will still enjoy childhood games, but they’ll be less likely to admit it in public, and they will flit between wanting to be ‘cool’ and just having fun.

Turning 10 is about finding that middle ground between childhood and the race to grow up, so it’s definitely an age worth celebrating. When planning a 10th birthday you need to tread carefully, but relax in the knowledge that you are still safely in a position to call the shots.

10 Year Old Birthday Themes

Ten year olds still love the idea of having a themed birthday party, but their idea of an appropriate theme will have changed dramatically in the last few years. They will be torn between a traditional birthday party and something a little more grown up, so you’ll need to get the mix just right. Here are some great party themes for 10 year olds to get you started.

Sports Party

A sports themed party is great for this age group, particularly if your child is a sports fanatic. They get to play games and run around like kids should at birthday parties, but they don’t feel like the games are too babyish and embarrassing. For ideas on how to plan a great Sports Party, check out our article in the party themes section.

Fear Factor

This is a definite hit for 10 year olds, especially if they follow Fear Factor on television. Like the Sports Party, a Fear Factor party allows kids to be kids, but still gives them a sense of being grown up. There are some great ideas for a Fear Factor party in our party theme section.

Around the World

Picking a specific country is a great way to theme a party, especially if your child has an interest in somewhere special. It’s easy to match the food, decorations and games to the chosen location, and you can plan the party to be as grown up (or as child-like) as you want it to be. We have some great ideas for a Hawaiian Luau in our party themes section, and they can be easily adapted for other countries as well.

Slumber Party

Slumber parties are traditionally more of a girl’s event, but boys enjoy the chance to hang out with their mates and stay up all night as well. A true slumber party means your child and their friends get to start up insanely late watching videos, telling jokes, playing games, and having midnight feasts. For some great slumber party games, check out Games for Teenagers in our party game section.

Nerf Wars Party

For the adventurous and active, a Nerf War Party offers thrilling competition. Set up targets or have team battles for a day full of action.

Harry Potter Party

Transform your home into Hogwarts for the little wizards and witches. Magic tricks awaits with themed decorations, games, and costumes.

Spa Party

Treat the little princesses to a day of pampering at the salon with mini facials, mani-pedis, and relaxation. Perfect for those in need of some royal treatment.

Karaoke Birthday Party

Let your child shine in the spotlight with a karaoke party. It’s a fun way for them to belt out their favorite songs and feel like a star.

Backyard Obstacle Course

Challenge those energetic ten-year-olds with a custom obstacle course right in your backyard. It’s a fantastic way to encourage physical activity and teamwork.

10 Year Old Birthday Venues

If you want to make your child’s 10th birthday special, but lack the time to organise a themed party, why not take your child out to celebrate. They could bring one special friend, or a whole group of mates depending on your budget. Some great places to go include:

Local Parks or Beach

Parks and beaches offer ample space for energetic games and can provide a beautiful backdrop for a more nature-oriented theme party like an outdoor movie night.

Indoor Play Centers

If you prefer to leave the hosting to someone else, an indoor play center can be a fantastic venue. Many offer party packages with themed rooms, organized activities, and the not-so-small benefit of someone else handling the clean-up.

Ten Pin Bowling

A bowling alley can offer a fun, competitive ambiance where kids can enjoy the game along with other arcade options. Many alleys cater to parties with special lanes, decorations, and food catering to make the event memorable.

Rock Climbing

For adventurous children, a rock climbing center can be an exhilarating venue. Facilities usually offer varying difficulty levels, ensuring kids of all capabilities can participate safely under professional supervision.

Movies

Booking a private screening at a local cinema can make your child feel like a VIP. Choose their favorite film, or a new release, and pair it with popcorn and snacks for a full movie-going experience.

Art and Craft Workshop

Creative kids will love an art and craft workshop party. It’s a chance for them to explore their creativity, learn new skills, and have a tangible keepsake to take home from the party.

Family Friendly Restaurant

Choose a restaurant known for its family-friendly atmosphere, where kids can enjoy a special menu and possibly engage in some entertainment provided by the venue, from magic shows to play areas.

Horse Riding

A horse riding experience can be a unique and unforgettable birthday activity. Many equestrian centers offer beginner lessons and guided rides for kids, allowing them to connect with these majestic animals.

A Show or Concert

Taking the birthday group to a kid-friendly show or concert can be an exciting outing. Whether it’s a musical, a play, or a concert, it’s an opportunity to introduce kids to the arts in a fun way.

A Special Sports Event

Attending a live sports event, like a baseball game or a soccer match, can be thrilling for sports-loving kids. The excitement of the crowd and the live action is an unbeatable combination.

Go Karting

Go-karting offers speed and excitement in a safe environment. With junior karts and tracks designed for beginners, every child can get in on the racing action.

Blo Karting

An fun twist on go-karting, blo karting involves land-based, wind-powered vehicles. It’s fun, eco-friendly, and suitable for wide open spaces like beaches or parks.

Pool Party or Water Park

Water-loving kids will be thrilled with a party at an aquatic centre or water park. Slides, wave pools, splash pads, and the classic water balloon fight, offer endless entertainment and relief from the heat.

Theme Park

For the ultimate birthday adventure, a day at a theme park offers a variety of rides and attractions. From thrilling roller coasters to magical fantasy worlds, there’s something for every child to enjoy.

10th Birthday Food

If you are having a themed birthday party, then you will want to keep the food in keeping with the theme, otherwise keep the food simple and stick to things you know everybody will like.

Pizza is a classic hit– easy to serve, and who doesn’t love a good cheese pizza? Lay out sauces and toppings for kids to customise their slices. For snacks, think outside the box – duct tape wrapped around hot dog halves can transform them into ‘roller skates’ or cut sandwiches with cookie cutters for some playful shapes. An ice cream bar with a variety of toppings and cones can make dessert an extra fun time for those keen on creating their own sweet masterpiece.

And, if allergies or dietary restrictions are part of the guest list, consider fun alternatives like a build-your-own fruit parfait station.

Don’t forget to check out our Party Food section for some other easy-to-make ideas.

10th Birthday Games and Activities

At 10 your child is still young enough to have the odd game, (provided they ‘cool’ games of course), but chances are they’ll want to ‘do’ things, rather than ‘play’ things.

Take a look at your child’s interests, and focus the games and activities around that. Here are some ideas:

1. Low-Impact Paintballing: Offer a gentler version of the classic game that’s perfect for younger guests. Using softer, low-impact paintballs, children can experience the thrill of the game in a safe and fun environment. This activity encourages teamwork and strategy, making it a memorable and exciting addition to the party. 
2. Classic Party Games: Involve everyone with timeless fun, like musical chairs, sack races, classic game of limbo  that never goes out of style.
3. Scavenger Hunts: Engage kids in a thrilling search across the party area, solving clues to find hidden items.
4. Treasure Hunt: Add an element of mystery with hidden treasures scattered around, challenging kids to decode clues.
5. Video Game Stations: Set up stations with a selection of favorite video games, offering modern entertainment for all ages.
6. Hula Hoop Contests: Get competitive with this classic activity, seeing who can keep their hoop spinning the longest.
7. Arts and Crafts Corner: Unleash creativity with various projects, from painting to bead-making, suitable for all skill levels.
8. Dance Party: Let kids groove to their favorite tunes in a mini disco setup with lights and music.
9. Storytelling and Board Games: Perfect for quieter moments, offering a cozy corner for stories and classic board games.
10. Escape Room Challenge: Test their problem-solving skills with a kid-friendly escape room, solving puzzles to “escape.”
11. Outdoor Movie Night: Enjoy films under the stars with cozy blankets and snacks, creating a memorable cinema experience outdoors.

Our party venues above are a good place to start, or check out Great games for 8 – 12 year olds in our Party Games section.

Making 10 Year Old Birthday Memories

A 10th birthday is definitely a milestone, and milestone birthdays provide an opportunity to form rituals and traditions in your family. Your child’s 10th birthday is about the cross-over from childhood to teenage years.

It’s the time when your child wants to be grown up, but still hangs onto to the silliness of being a child – and rightfully so! It’s also a time where you can create a special gateway from childhood to adolescence.

Some nice ways to recognise your child’s 10th birthday and create traditions in your home are:

• Give the birthday child a day on their own with Mum, or Dad or both, doing exactly what they want to do. You may have to put some budget restrictions in place, but the reality is they will probably want to do fairly simple things. It’s all about having uninterrupted time with you, and their knowing that it’s still okay to be friends with Mum and Dad.
• It’s about now that the ‘sex’ talk needs to be had, and while you may not want to do it on the day of their party, you can make it a bit of a ritual with something special that occurs as a part of it. For girls it may be buying their first bra (or crop top if that’s all that is necessary), and for boys it may be some deodorant or the like. The talk will happen again in a few years with even more detail, but it’s important to introduce it now and make it special.
• Make turning 10 a time when your child earns the right to do something like get their ears pierced, or bike to the shops on their own. Whatever the ‘thing’ is, keep the same rule for every child in the house, and they will all have something to look forward to on their 10th birthday. Being allowed to do the ‘thing’ is a gift on its own.
• Provide guests with instant cameras or set up a photo booth with fun props to ensure the day’s joy is captured in a memorable way.
• Encourage the birthday boy or girl to take the lead in games, make a speech, or help hand out party favors to make them feel like the VIP.
• Create a birthday time capsule by having each guest write a note or contribute a small item. Bury it in the garden or tuck it away to be opened on their 18th birthday for a sweet surprise a decade later.
• Personalize party favors that guests can take home as a memento of the day. This could range from custom keychains to photo prints from the photo booth.

For more great birthday party advice, check out our Birthdays section