Image: Shutterstock
It can be challenging to keep your children entertained at times. In such situations, age-specific activities, such as activities for 10-year-olds, can be beneficial. If you have a 10-year-old child, you know they are going through a transformation phase. They no longer find games or sports for younger children appealing, yet they are not old enough to enjoy activities designed for older children. However, they are also enthusiastic and want to try different activities. Introducing children to new and exciting activities can also assist them in reaching their developmental goals and keep them occupied. This post brings you a collection of activities to motivate your child to try and practice daily.
30 Activities And Games For 10-Year-Olds
Educational and Learning Activities
Keep your ten-year-old engrossed through learning activities that exercise cognitive abilities and are also fun at the same time.
1. UNO
Image: Shutterstock
The classic game lets your child understand different strategies, thereby improving their critical thinking skills. It also allows them to have social interaction with friends and family and improves their communication skills. Another interesting variation of UNO is UNO Attack, which is an exciting option for their mental development.
UNO, besides being an excellent educational game, is great at lifting spirits and bringing positivity. An anonymous blogger with the username bejaymugo recalls how playing UNO as a child during a moment of grief within the family cheered everyone up and helped lighten their moods. They say, “For any other family, a suggestion like this on the day of a funeral would be ludicrous. But for us, it was a gift… As my cousin dealt out the cards, it was as if everyone in the room had woken up from a deep sleep. During the 40-minute game, the atmosphere grew lively and competitive; before I even realized it, I was laughing and taunting my siblings & cousins. Our parents even began to join in… Before I knew it, joy was returning to our house (i).”
2. Spelling game
Word games or spelling games help a child develop basic literacy skills.
They can spend quality time with friends and family and challenge each other to see who spells the words right. You can get flashcards or alphabet props to make it an exciting activity.
3. Calculator hopscotch
Image: Shutterstock
Physical exercises such as jumping, hopping, and running around are suitable for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), indulging in regular physical activity can help build strong bones and muscles and improve overall health (1). Hopscotch is one such physical activity that can promote health and some fun learning. It can improve your ten-year-old’s math and academic performance through adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying.
For instance, ask them, “what is eight divided by two?” and let them jump on that number box. You can give a bonus, such as candies or extra points if they do well.
4. Mapping quiz
Ten-year-old children can improve their knowledge of geography by using maps. You can get map posters and stick them in your child’s room. Give them a quiz related to different countries and continents, and ask them to label them on the map. You can have further discussions about a country or place to expand your child’s knowledge.
5. Captions and fun
Play a fun and educational game that involves captioning pictures. They can be of your family or any random photos from the magazines or the Internet. It can be one of the best games for intellectual development.
6. Reading activity
Image: Shutterstock
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), books can help you start a conversation with your children and help instill good values in them (2). Reading books can also improve a child’s imagination as they start visualizing the characters and the setting. Furthermore, it can build their vocabulary.
To make this activity fun and exciting, you can conduct a quiz with your child after they complete a book. It can be an oral or a written quiz to practice writing. Ensure to reward them for encouragement.
DIY Activities
Do-it-yourself projects are a form of self-expression. They are cost-effective and have potential benefits for ten-year-old children. Involvement in DIY projects could boost creativity, improve concentration, and sharpen problem-solving skills.
7. Making jewelry or accessories
Image: Shutterstock
Fire your children’s imagination by asking them to use paper, colors, beads, and anything they have to make colorful and pretty jewelry. Encourage your children to make rings, necklaces, or bracelets for friends and family. They can even watch videos online and read tips on the Internet for more ideas.
Point to consider8. Collage
A collage is a combination of different pictures to make unique visual art. It is a simple activity that your child can try by using photographs, paper cuttings, fabrics, or any other item. A collage piece created by the child can make a great gift for their loved ones. The activity can help children develop their creative thinking ability.
9. Race track
Image: Shutterstock
Children like playing with their Hot Wheels and remote-controlled cars. Let them make a track for their vehicles and put them in challenging races. They can enjoy an updated version of their existing car games by creating new tracks. You could encourage them to come up with innovative ideas to play the game.
10. Science experiments
Several science experiments can be explained to children through DIY activities. For instance, they can use a plastic bag to make a toy parachute, use eggs in saltwater to know if they float or sink, or use a balloon and check its amplifying sound. However, make sure you are supervising them in every experiment.
11. Recycling
Image: Shutterstock
Teaching your ten-year-old about recycling waste products can lay the groundwork for understanding the importance of preserving nature. You can teach them how to use plastic bottles or jars for planting saplings or for storage. Also, let them understand how plastic is toxic for the natural environment. Encourage them to recycle plastic items by using them in their DIY crafts.
12. Animal masks
Making animal masks is easy and super fun. They require colorful papers, glue, and a pair of scissors. Let them use glitters, feathers, and other accessories too. They can wear bright and creative masks and have a fun party game with their friends, too. It is a fun-filled activity for mental development as children think, imagine, and experiment with colors and accessories.
Indoor Activities
Ten-year-olds can get bored and laze around when stuck at home. Here are a few indoor activities that can make them feel energetic even on dull days. These activities are also perfect for family bonding and skill-building in children in a relaxed setting.
13. Family talent show
Image: Shutterstock
Let your child organize a talent show at home and be the host of the night. Every member of the family can showcase any of their talents, be it silly or impressive. It is a delightful way to spend quality time with family and kill boredom. You can ask your child to invite any neighborhood friends, too. Encourage your children to use all of their imagination and skills. You never know which of their talents can have a great scope.
14. Musical instrument
Why not practice playing an instrument? Exposing your child to music at the age of ten can be beneficial in many ways. Playing a musical instrument helps them understand different sounds. Music even helps in strengthening memory skills. There are free online classes and videos available that your child can watch and learn to play an instrument of their choice.
15. Email and chat
Image: Shutterstock
Ten-year-old children have access to computers and smartphones these days. You can guide them to use these devices to improve their social skills. Help them create an email ID. They can email family members and send them greetings for the day. It is a satisfying way to bond with family members who stay far away and make your child use technology the right way. Caution needs to be taken when doing this. It is important not to get them addicted to screens from such a young age. You can also limit their screen time.
Do remember16. Planting flowers and vegetables
Teaching the basics of gardening and allowing your ten-year-old child to plant flowers and take care of them is one of the most positive educational activities for kids. It helps children understand the importance of nature in our lives. You can help them plant flowers, vegetables, and herbs at home and let them take charge of caring for them.
17. Board games
Image: Shutterstock
Playing board games is one of the best indoor activities that you can enjoy with friends or family members. Scrabble, Sequence card game, Clue, Crazy Eights, Monopoly, HedBanz, and Catan are a few popular games that they can enjoy. Playing such games can help improve their strategic thinking and critical thinking skills.
18. Create puzzles
You must have heard about solving puzzles. But do you know how to create them and challenge everyone? It is an exciting indoor activity that your ten-year-old will enjoy. It motivates them to research, design, and develop a puzzle theme and questions as per their intellectual level. For instance, they can develop a set of questions or a maze puzzle based on Disney characters or any Math or Science chapter they recently learned.
Outdoor Activities
Spending time outside the classroom and house is essential for the healthy development of ten-year-old children. Motivate your children to go outside where there is no confinement. We have a few outdoor activities here for your children to breathe some fresh air.
19. Skating or skateboarding
Image: Shutterstock
Skating can be a relaxing and exhilarating activity. It helps you work on your skating skills and, at the same time, lets you spend time with your friends. Skating or skateboarding is an excellent form of physical exercise and even lets the child explore their neighborhood. According to AAP, children between six and ten years should skate under adult supervision (3).
20. Backyard camping
You may not allow your ten-year-old child to go camping. But let them set a camp in the backyard during summer or spring for a sleepover with friends. The activity gives them a taste of camping and prepares them for real camping and adventure activities. It helps them bond with friends and also gives them a little space away from family.
21. Funfair
Image: Shutterstock
Children can feel fresh when they visit a high-spirited funfair. They can run around, participate in activities, such as a puppet play or a talent show, play games, and enjoy the rides. They can relish delicacies, such as candies or pretzels, too. You can let your child enjoy an assortment of fun-filled activities at a fair.
22. Historic place
Take your child to a museum or any historical site in your town and make them feel proud of our history. Taking a tour of such a place, inspecting different aspects, and asking questions can be a unique learning experience.
23. Ball games
Image: Shutterstock
Children can play plenty of ball games in the yard, in the neighborhood, or nearby park. Dodgeball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, passing the ball through obstacles, catching and running, and hitting the ball are just a few examples of easy and enjoyable ball games your child can engage in. Such games are also suitable as physical exercises.
24. Swimming
Swimming is an exciting activity for kids. You can take your children to the pool in your neighborhood or a community center swimming pool and have fun. It is also good for the muscles, reduces stress, and keeps you healthy and fit.
Be watchful25. Obstacle course
Fuel the spirit of adventure in your children with an obstacle course. You may use cones, hula hoops, blankets, stools, and more to create an obstacle course for your children. Children can overcome these challenges, giving them a sense of accomplishment while keeping fit. You may set up these challenges or let your children design their own. However, make sure to monitor your child to avoid any mishaps.
26. Balloon stomp
Let your children have unlimited fun with this activity. In balloon stomp, participants aim to pop balloons tied around each other’s ankles. On the signal, everyone tries to stomp on and burst other balloons while safeguarding their own—with a hands-free rule. The last person with an intact balloon wins.
In addition to the above-mentioned ideas, you can engage children in enjoyable physical or outdoor activities like horseback riding, skateboarding, and rock climbing based on their age and preferences.
Art And Craft Activities
A ten-year-old child may have a lot in their heads, and art and craft activities provide them an outlet for their thoughts. Such projects also bring out their creativity, develop hand-eye coordination, and improve fine motor skills.
27. Painting
Image: Shutterstock
Using different colors stimulates your child’s brain and boosts their creativity skills. Get water paints, acrylic paints, or oil-based paints and let your child use their imagination and come up with innovative crafts. You can ask your children to paint cards or make colorful paintings to gift them to your loved ones.
28. Wall Decorations
A great learning school activity for kids, children can use paper, colors, glitters, and accessories to make vibrant decorations. It is a pleasurable art and craft activity where you can engage your child to create something pretty. Let them surf the Internet for tips and tricks and implement them in the crafts.
29. 3D sculptures
Image: Shutterstock
3D crafts can be a joyful activity. The child can use cardboard, paper, toothpicks, tape, and colors to make houses, animals, birds, flowers, and other exciting elements. After making the 3D sculptures, they can be combined with a thread and used as a hanging object for decoration.
30. T-shirt art
Painting and printing on the t-shirts can be an exciting activity for a ten-year-old. Allow them to use their old t-shirts and fabric paints, and come up with attractive and appealing results. Let them try one, and they would love to do more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the benefits of engaging in activities for 10-year-olds?
Engaging activities for 10-year-olds can help them in building connections, keep them physically fit, enhance their communication skills, boost their confidence, make them creative, and support their mental and behavioral health.
2. What safety measures should be taken when engaging in activities for 10-year-olds?
Wearing proper safety gear, warming up, engaging in activities that children are physically capable of, and playing in locations free of potential hazards like broken equipment, uneven surfaces, and sharp objects are all measures that should be taken to prevent injury.
3. How can I encourage my 10-year-old to try new activities?
Introduce your child to various activities and hobbies to discover activities that resonate with them. You must actively engage in trying new activities yourself and share your experiences with your child to inspire and motivate them. Also, allow them to try new things at their own pace and provide opportunities to decide which activities they want to pursue.
4. How can I find age-appropriate activities for my 10-year-old?
Some strategies to search for age-appropriate activities for your 10-year-old include researching common recommendations and ideas online and exploring local community and recreation centers. You can also speak with school authorities for activity suggestions and tips from other parents, and more importantly, consider your child’s interests, talents, and hobbies.
5. What are some virtual activities that 10-year-olds can participate in?
Many platforms offer online classes for children, covering various subjects such as coding, art, music, science, and language learning. Engage your child in educational online games and apps. Lastly, ensure the virtual activities are age-appropriate, safe, and supervised as necessary.
Some fascinating activities for 10-year-olds can help develop cognitive and communication skills. It is always good to encourage them to indulge in socially interactive activities to learn to communicate with peers and elders respectfully. It is a great way to enhance their personality and motor abilities. Engaging in such interesting activities for kids will allow them to explore their hidden talents. So, let your little ones enjoy some fun time and experience childhood in its typical way. Lastly, give them the freedom to choose the activities.
Infographic: Activities And Games For 10-Year-Olds
You need some unique games and activities for your ten-year-old to keep them entertained. They should be fun and can help you make learning interesting for them. To help you with that, we present ways to keep your children away from their screens and engaged in something productive. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Introduce learning activities such as UNO or a quiz to enhance cognitive abilities.
- DIY activities such as jewelry making or putting together a collage are great to enhance creative skills.
- Besides the usual indoor games, encouraging outdoor play such as skating or camping is beneficial for healthy development.
Illustration: Best Educational Games And Activities For 10-Year-Olds
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Reflections on UNO – the intersection of games and grief;https://worldsofwordcraft.wordpress.com/2023/04/09/reflections-on-uno-the-intersection-of-games-and-grief/
References
- Physical Activity Facts.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/facts.htm - Recommended Reading: Books to Build Character & Teach Your Child Important Values.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Books-to-Build-Character-Teach-Important-Values.aspx - Skateboarding and In-Line Skating Safety.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Skateboard-Safety.aspx
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri
Read full bio of Harshita Makvana
Read full bio of Deepa Thomas
Read full bio of Nisha Bharatan
