Turning ten is a pretty big deal. It’s that wonderful age where kids still love the fun and games of childhood but are also starting to develop their own unique tastes and independence. Planning the perfect birthday party for a ten-year-old means finding that sweet spot—activities that are exciting, age-appropriate, and full of laughter. One of the best ways to ensure the kids are having a blast is by incorporating some classic party games that never seem to go out of style.
Whether you’re planning a birthday bash at home, in the backyard, or even at a park, having a list of classic party games can make all the difference. These games aren’t just about keeping the kids occupied—they’re about creating those special moments of joy, teamwork, and friendly competition. The kind of memories that stay with them long after the cake is eaten and the presents are unwrapped.
In this blog post, we’re going to dive into 30 classic birthday party games for 10-year-olds that will keep the energy high, the laughter rolling, and make the birthday kid feel like a superstar. Let’s get started!
1. Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs is a timeless classic that never fails to get everyone laughing and moving. Arrange a circle of chairs, with one fewer than the number of players. Play some upbeat music, and let the kids circle around the chairs while the music plays. When the music stops, everyone scrambles to sit down, and the one left standing is out.
This game is perfect for a mix of excitement and suspense. Kids love the thrill of waiting for the music to stop, and the competitive yet friendly spirit that comes with it. As the game continues, remove a chair each round until there’s only one winner left!
2. Freeze Dance
Freeze Dance is a favorite for kids who love to dance and show off their moves. Play some popular songs that the kids enjoy, and let them dance their hearts out. When the music stops, everyone has to freeze in place—anyone who moves is out until the next round.
This game is great because it’s not just about dancing; it’s also about control and timing. Plus, the silliness of trying to freeze in mid-dance step always results in plenty of giggles. It’s a fun way to let the kids burn off some energy while having a blast.
3. Pass the Parcel
Pass the Parcel is another crowd-pleaser that’s easy to set up and sure to keep the kids entertained. Wrap a small prize in several layers of wrapping paper. Have the children sit in a circle and pass the parcel around while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel gets to unwrap one layer. The game continues until the last layer is unwrapped, and the prize is revealed.
This game builds anticipation and keeps everyone on the edge of their seat, eager to see what’s inside. To make it more exciting, you could even include a small prize or treat in each layer to keep everyone engaged throughout the game.
4. Sack Race
The classic Sack Race is a fantastic way to bring some active fun to the party. Provide each child with a sack—a sturdy pillowcase or burlap sack will do—and have them line up at the starting point. On the count of three, they must hop their way to the finish line!
This game always brings lots of laughter, especially as the kids try to keep their balance while hopping as fast as they can. You can add a twist by having a relay version or even an obstacle course to make it more challenging.
5. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Pin the Tail on the Donkey is a classic game that’s simple but always fun. Blindfold each child, spin them around gently, and then have them try to pin a paper tail as close as they can to the correct spot on a picture of a donkey.
The wobbly attempts to find the right spot usually lead to lots of laughter. You can switch things up by using different themes—like pinning the crown on a princess or the ball on a soccer player—to fit the birthday theme.
6. Scavenger Hunt
A Scavenger Hunt is a perfect game for adventurous kids. Create a list of items that the kids have to find around the yard or house. You can make it as simple or as challenging as you like, depending on the group.
Split the kids into teams and see who can find all the items first. This game encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and is full of excitement as kids race against each other to find hidden treasures.
7. Balloon Pop Relay
In the Balloon Pop Relay, divide the kids into two teams. Each team member must run to a chair, sit on a balloon to pop it, and then run back to tag the next teammate. The first team to pop all their balloons wins!
This game is all about speed and laughter. The sound of balloons popping and the effort it takes to sit and pop them always leads to plenty of fun. It’s also a great way to get the kids moving and engaged.
8. Egg and Spoon Race
The Egg and Spoon Race is a balancing game that requires concentration and patience. Give each child a spoon and an egg (a hard-boiled egg or plastic one works well to avoid a mess). They must race from the starting line to the finish line without dropping their egg.
The game can be played individually or as a relay, and it’s always fun to watch the kids carefully balance their eggs while trying to move as quickly as possible. It’s a great mix of skill and humor, especially when eggs inevitably fall!
9. Three-Legged Race
Pair up the kids and tie one of each of their legs together to make a “three-legged” team. The pairs must then race to the finish line, working together to keep their pace and balance.
The Three-Legged Race is perfect for encouraging teamwork and communication. The kids will need to coordinate their steps, which often results in lots of stumbling, laughter, and cheering from the sidelines.
10. Hot Potato
Hot Potato is a high-energy game that keeps everyone on their toes. Have the kids sit in a circle and pass around a small object—like a beanbag or a stuffed toy—while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the “hot potato” is out.
This game is fast-paced and exciting, with everyone eagerly waiting for the music to stop. It’s easy to set up and can be played multiple times without losing its fun factor.
11. Simon Says
Simon Says is a classic game that tests listening skills and quick thinking. One person plays “Simon” and gives commands to the other players. The trick is that the players should only follow the command if it starts with “Simon says.”
Kids love trying to catch each other out, and it’s always amusing to see who gets tricked. It’s a great way to engage everyone and keep the group focused and entertained.
12. Tug of War
Tug of War is a simple yet thrilling game that’s perfect for a group. Divide the kids into two teams and give them a sturdy rope. The objective is to pull the other team across a designated line.
This game encourages teamwork and strength, and the kids love the friendly competition. It’s also great for burning off some energy, especially after cake time!
13. Limbo
Limbo is a game that challenges flexibility and brings a lot of laughs. Set up a limbo stick (a broom or rope works well), and play some music. The kids take turns bending backward to go under the stick without touching it.
Lower the stick after each round to increase the difficulty. Limbo is always a hit because of the funny positions everyone ends up in while trying not to fall over.
14. Treasure Hunt
A Treasure Hunt is similar to a scavenger hunt but with a bit more mystery. Hide “treasures” around the yard or house and give the kids clues to find them. You could use candy, small toys, or themed items as treasures.
Kids love solving the clues and the sense of adventure that comes with finding hidden items. It’s a great way to encourage problem-solving and teamwork while having a lot of fun.
15. Charades
Charades is a wonderful game for encouraging creativity and acting skills. Write down different words or phrases on slips of paper, and have each child take turns acting them out while the others guess what it is.
The game can be made easier or more challenging depending on the group’s abilities. It’s a fantastic way to get the kids using their imagination and communicating without words.
16. Duck Duck Goose
Duck Duck Goose is a simple game that’s perfect for younger kids. Have the children sit in a circle while one child walks around, tapping each head and saying “duck.” When they choose someone and say “goose,” that person must get up and chase them around the circle.
It’s a game full of anticipation and giggles, especially when someone gets caught or narrowly makes it back to the empty spot. It’s an easy game that everyone already knows, making it a stress-free choice for party planners.
17. Obstacle Course
Set up an Obstacle Course in your backyard or living room using household items. Include things like crawling under tables, hopping over cushions, or balancing on a line of tape. The kids can race individually or in teams.
This game is perfect for encouraging active play, and you can get creative with the challenges to suit the kids’ abilities. It’s a great way to burn off some energy and keep everyone entertained.
18. Musical Statues
Musical Statues is a game that’s all about dancing and then stopping on a dime. Play music and let the kids dance freely. When the music stops, everyone has to freeze—anyone caught moving is out until the next round.
The game is easy to set up and guarantees lots of laughter as the kids try to hold their positions. It’s also a great way to let them express themselves through dance while still having a competitive element.
19. Red Rover
Red Rover is a classic playground game that works well with larger groups. Divide the kids into two lines facing each other, holding hands. One line calls a player from the other side to “come over,” and that player must try to break through the linked hands.
This game is full of excitement and anticipation as kids try to break through. It encourages teamwork and is a great way to get everyone involved in a fun and active challenge.
20. Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is perfect for an outdoor party with plenty of space. Divide the kids into two teams, each with a flag to protect. The goal is to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to your side without getting tagged.
This game is action-packed and keeps everyone engaged. It requires strategy, speed, and teamwork, making it a favorite for energetic kids.
21. Hide and Seek
Hide and Seek is a classic game that never goes out of style. One child is “it” and must count while the others hide. After counting, “it” must find everyone, with the last one found being the winner.
It’s a simple game that requires no preparation and can be played anywhere. Kids love the thrill of finding the perfect hiding spot and the suspense of waiting to be found.
22. Giant Jenga
Giant Jenga is just like the tabletop version, but bigger! Stack large wooden blocks into a tower and take turns removing one block at a time, trying not to let the tower fall.
The added size makes it more challenging and exciting. It’s a great game for testing balance and patience, and the suspense as the tower wobbles always leads to laughter.
23. Ring Toss
Set up a Ring Toss game using bottles and rings. Each child gets a chance to throw the rings and see how many they can land on the bottles.
It’s simple to set up and easy to play, making it a great game for all skill levels. Kids enjoy the challenge, and it’s a fantastic way to practice hand-eye coordination.
24. Water Balloon Toss
If the weather permits, a Water Balloon Toss is perfect for some outdoor fun. Pair up the kids and have them toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch.
The goal is to see which team can keep their balloon intact the longest. The splashes and excitement make it a great game for a summer birthday party.
25. Spoon and Cotton Ball Race
Similar to the Egg and Spoon Race, the Spoon and Cotton Ball Race requires balance, but it’s a little easier for younger kids. Give each child a spoon with a cotton ball, and have them race without dropping it.
This game is fun and easy, and the lightweight cotton ball makes it less stressful for younger players. It’s all about steady hands and focus, with plenty of giggles along the way.
26. Potato Sack Race
The Potato Sack Race is another timeless favorite. Each child hops inside a burlap sack from the starting line to the finish line, racing against each other.
The challenge of hopping in a sack always leads to lots of laughs, especially when someone takes a tumble. It’s a great game for getting the kids active and burning off energy.
27. Dodgeball
Dodgeball is a high-energy game that’s perfect for older kids. Divide the group into two teams and give them soft balls. The goal is to hit players on the opposite team while avoiding being hit.
This game is full of action, strategy, and quick reflexes. Make sure to use soft balls and set some ground rules to keep it fun and safe for everyone.
28. Bean Bag Toss
Set up a Bean Bag Toss with targets at varying distances. Each child gets a chance to throw bean bags and score points based on which target they hit.
It’s a simple game that’s easy to understand and fun to play. The kids love trying to hit the highest-scoring target, and it’s great for practicing aim.
29. Parachute Games
If you have a parachute, there are endless games you can play with it. Have the kids hold the edges and wave it up and down, run under it, or even try to keep balls bouncing on top.
Parachute games are perfect for group play, and the kids love the vibrant colors and the cooperative nature of the games. It’s a wonderful way to encourage teamwork and coordination.
30. Pin the Crown on the Princess
Pin the Crown on the Princess is a fun twist on the classic Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Blindfold each child, spin them around, and have them try to pin a paper crown onto a princess poster. You can adjust the theme based on the birthday kid’s favorite character.
This game is full of laughter, especially as kids try to find the right spot without being able to see. It’s a simple yet engaging activity that everyone enjoys.
Conclusion
There you have it—30 classic birthday party games that are sure to keep ten-year-olds entertained and happy throughout the party. The key to a successful birthday celebration is all about balancing excitement, teamwork, and a bit of healthy competition. These games have stood the test of time for a reason—they’re easy to set up, adaptable, and, most importantly, fun for everyone involved.
Whether you’re hosting the party indoors or outdoors, these classic games will bring out the smiles, laughter, and joyous energy that every ten-year-old deserves on their special day. So pick a few, gather your supplies, and get ready for an unforgettable birthday bash!
