A 10-year-old can be as picky as an 18-year-old.
The only difference is that you need to come up with ideas to keep the 10-year-old entertained, while the older ones can keep themselves engaged on their own.
These little ones have an extremely short attention span and can get bored easily.
You can’t keep them occupied with a single game.
That’s why we bring to you a collection of backyard birthday games.
Backyard Birthday Games for 10-year-olds (Summer vibes)
1. Water Balloon Toss
A splash-filled classic! Kids pair up and toss a water balloon back and forth, stepping farther apart each round.
Requirements:
-
Water balloons (lots!)
How to Play:
Kids form pairs and stand a short distance apart. They toss the balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each catch. Last team with an unbroken balloon wins.
2. Sponge Bucket Relay
Get soaked while racing! Teams transfer water using only a sponge—fastest team to fill the bucket wins.
Requirements:
-
Two large buckets per team (1 with water, 1 empty)
-
Large sponge
How to Play:
Players run with a wet sponge, squeeze it into the empty bucket, then run back for more. Most water in the bucket after one minute wins.
3. Capture the Flag
A high-energy strategy game where teams try to steal each other’s flag without getting tagged.
Requirements:
-
2 flags (bandanas or cloth)
-
Cones or markers for boundaries
How to Play:
Split kids into two teams with separate zones. Players try to sneak into enemy territory, grab the flag, and bring it back without being tagged.
4. Obstacle Course Challenge
Design a wild backyard course and see who can complete it the fastest.
Requirements:
-
Cones, hula hoops, pool noodles, jump ropes, etc.
How to Play:
Set up a course with different physical tasks (crawl under, jump over, spin around). Time each player; fastest to finish wins.
5. Hula Hoop Showdown
Who can hula the longest? Add tricks to up the challenge!
Requirements:
-
Hula hoops (1 per player)
How to Play:
All players start hooping at the same time. Add challenges like hopping or arm waves. Last hooper standing wins.
6. Freeze Dance Tag
Music meets tag! Dance when the music plays, freeze when it stops, and watch out for the tagger.
Requirements:
-
Speaker with music
-
Open play space
How to Play:
One player is “it.” When music plays, everyone dances. When it stops, players freeze. If “it” tags someone who moves, they’re the new “it.”
7. Giant Ring Toss
Go big with a life-sized twist on the classic game—toss pool rings over cones!
Requirements:
-
Large cones or bottles
-
Pool rings or hula hoops
How to Play:
Players take turns tossing rings from a marked line. Score points for each ring that lands over a cone.
8. Water Limbo
Bend backwards under a stream of water from a hose—get wet or get out!
Requirements:
-
Garden hose with spray nozzle
How to Play:
An adult sprays a steady water stream. Kids take turns limboing under it. Lower the stream each round. Last dry (or unfallen) player wins.
9. Balloon Stomp
Pop your way to victory! Players try to stomp others’ balloons while protecting their own.
Requirements:
-
Balloons
-
String
How to Play:
Tie a balloon to each kid’s ankle. When the game starts, everyone tries to stomp others’ balloons while keeping theirs safe. Last balloon wins.
10. Bucket Head
Catch water-soaked fun! Toss sponges into a teammate’s bucket-on-head from a distance.
Requirements:
-
Buckets (small plastic ones)
-
Wet sponges
How to Play:
One teammate wears a bucket on their head. The other tosses wet sponges from a distance. Most sponge catches in one minute wins.
11. Human Ring Toss
Turn a teammate into a target and try to land hoops over their arms or body!
Requirements:
-
Hula hoops or large rings
How to Play:
One player stands as the “post,” and their teammate tosses rings to land on them. Switch roles and see which team scores more.
12. Potato Sack Race
Bounce to the finish line! A silly and energetic classic race.
Requirements:
-
Burlap sacks or pillowcases
How to Play:
Players line up, step into their sacks, and hop to the finish. First one across wins!
13. Pool Noodle Jousting
Balance and battle! Kids try to knock each other off a “platform” using pool noodles.
Requirements:
-
Pool noodles
-
Cushions or stepping stones
How to Play:
Players stand on small platforms (like cushions or crates) and try to tap each other off with pool noodles. Last one standing wins.
14. Parachute Popcorn
Teamwork chaos! Bounce balls on a parachute without letting them fall off.
Requirements:
-
Parachute or large sheet
-
Small balls or balloons
How to Play:
All players hold the edge of the parachute. Balls are placed on top and everyone shakes the chute to keep them bouncing. Add challenges like “don’t let the red one fall!”
15. Slip & Slide Races
Slide your way to victory! Great for hot summer birthdays.
Requirements:
-
Slip & Slide or tarp
-
Hose
-
Dish soap (optional for extra slide)
How to Play:
Set up a long wet slide path. Players take turns or race to see who can slide the farthest or fastest. Keep towels nearby!
See Also:
These games will give you a chance to breathe and catchup while your kids are occupied.
The games listed here are mostly hassle free and do not require prior preparation.
Improvise to meet your needs.