The Best Gifts For 10-Year-Old Boys That Are Full Of Fun And Adventure

This solar robot is 12 toys in one. It can be fashioned into a dozen variations, from simple to more complex, that move on land and in water. Kids can hone their engineering and critical thinking skills to build and transform their creations. From a zombie-bot to a puppy-bot, this toy is sure to provide hours of fun.

Robinson adds, “Ten-year-old boys are often eager for hands-on activities, so kits that allow them to create their own items are a hit.”

This engaging sensory science kit combines STEM learning and creativity while also helping kids decompress. It comes with six variations of slime, putty and play sands to experiment with, along with a learning guide to conduct over 12 experiments. The best part is, all the materials are reusable—making this a gift that keeps on giving.

“The soft texture of the sand can be really soothing after a long or hard day,” says Robinson. “Kids like that they can shape and mold it, so it keeps them interested while also relieving their stress.”

Give them the coolest bedroom ambiance on the block with this 3D Galaxy Moon Lamp that features real telescope images of the Milky Way in 16 colors that kids can change with the included remote control or via touch. It can act as a night light without the babyish aspect, and it’s the perfect gift for budding astronauts and astronomers.

What could be cooler than drawing something that comes to life as a 3D creation? This 3D pen set includes everything an eager creator needs to get started: the pen, the plastic filament to load into the pen and a booklet full of ideas to doodle. Kids are sure to be amazed at this process, which is an exciting leap to more sophisticated creative endeavors for budding artists.

Young artists love wielding these acrylic paint pens to create their next masterpiece. There’s no need for fussing with paints and brushes, because these medium-tip markers work like a precise paintbrush that’s fueled by an even flow of water-based ink. The vibrant colors are odorless, quick drying and they work on a variety of surfaces including rock, wood, ceramic, plastic, paper, glass and fabric, so kids can literally make their mark on almost any medium.

Let the 10-year-old Marvel fan in your life channel his inner Stan Lee to unleash the superhero within via this ingenious create your own comic book kit. Kids can write and create their own comic book freehand with the included markers and materials, or by using an online program. Mail off the 18-page book in the pre-paid envelope, and in two to three weeks a professionally printed and bound hardcover titled book featuring the author’s comic, name and bio will be mailed back. Marvel-ous.

Few things are more therapeutic than playing an instrument, and starting the journey of learning how to play the guitar at a young age is a real gift. The Fender CC-60S is Guitar World’s top pick for an acoustic guitar for kids for many reasons including its “unbeatable value,” smaller size and “full and rich” sound. This spruce top guitar from the reputable brand will suit your budding rock star for years to come, and he’ll always be grateful he can strum a tune to make people swoon.

Every kid should own a basketball for shooting hoops in the front yard or for pickup games at the local park. This gift is a quintessential part of childhood that leads to fun memories and plenty of exercise. The Wilson Final Four edition ball may even help fuel their dreams of playing college ball. If the 10-year-old boy you’re shopping for prefers other sports, consider the Wilson soccer ball or the Wilson football. All lead to boys having, well, a ball.

Air Jordans have arguably been the most coveted shoe among tweens and teens since their debut, and these kicks are sure to bring a smile to any recipient’s face while putting that promised pep in their step. Whether they wear them for fashion or to reign supreme on the court with the aforementioned basketball, show them you want them to aim to fly high in life with this special gift.

This glow-in-the-dark variation of capture the flag is sure to light up the lives of a 10-year-old and his friends. They can head outdoors to strategize about their mission to capture the glowing orb for their team, and then run, chase and hide as needed to triumph over the competition. This kit includes eight team bracelets among the 23 light-up game pieces. Expansion packs are available, because once word gets out about this game, your house is sure to become home base for capture the flag fun.

Whether they aspire to be a boxer or not, this punching bag is sure to be used daily by a 10-year-old boy to blow off steam. The inflatable boxing ball is attached to an adjustable stand that’s equipped with a 180-degree spring, so every punch rebounds back for more. It also comes with two packs of boxing gloves to make the sparring feel official. Kids can practice boxing techniques, improve hand-eye coordination and really let loose with this stress relieving gift.

When it comes to creative and captivating video games for kids, nothing beats The Legend of Zelda games. Parents, if you’re going to allow screen time, letting your kids join Link in Hyrule on his many adventures is an astute choice. Game play involves problem-solving and puzzle-solving that’s engaging and enlightening.

My son literally waited half his life for the debut of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and he enthusiastically declared, “This is the best video game I have ever played.” He’s really pleased that this new installment stays true to the essence of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but that Nintendo has taken on board nearly every suggestion from the gaming community on how to elevate game play with Tears of the Kingdom. My son said, “Now the game is practically perfect.”

It looks like a simple card game, but it’s really a launchpad to deeper conversations and connection. Train of Thought poses meaningful questions players take turns answering, such as, “If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?” Players also draw action cards and partake in challenges as they aim to complete their train of thought by collecting cards that represent train cars.

Robinson says this is a great gift because it, “Provides thought-provoking questions to get kids thinking, and fosters honest conversation with other players.”

If he loves Jenga, this oversized version of the game will soar to the top of his list. Giant Jenga comes with large, hardwood blocks that can be stacked to reach over five-feet-tall.

“[This] takes the small game that many kids are already familiar with and turns it into an exciting outdoor sport,” says Robinson. “This version is more physically active, as players have to stretch and bend to get to their blocks. Players get the chance to practice their building and balancing skills while also learning a thing or two about risk-taking.”

This 4-in-1 game table is what tween dreams are made of. Kids can enjoy having so many games to play (foosball, table tennis, hockey and billiards) all in one gift. The table comes with all the necessary accessories required to dive in to each game, from pool cues to ping-pong paddles, and it’s a breeze to transition the surfaces to switch between games. The 31-inch play area is perfectly sized with kids in mind, and parents will appreciate that this diminutive game table doesn’t take up prime real estate in the home—but still manages to provide a ton of fun.

The name of the game says it all, and it’s sure to captivate the curiosity of any 10-year-old boy. Not Parent Approved elicits laughter and plenty of silliness. When one player reads a question card aloud, the other players respond with their funniest answer card. Some call this card game the kid-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity, and boys revel in the fact that they get a free pass to be a bit irreverent during family game night without getting in trouble.

The force is strong with this gift, and it’s possible you may be as equally drawn to this stellar Lego set as a tween. Minifigures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and General Dodonna and an R2-D2 droid figure accompany the prized mode of transport of Jedi fighters: the X-wing Fighter. Kids will take pride in building it brick by brick and playing with the set that includes special touches like Luke’s lightsaber, a cockpit with space for R2-D2, wings that switch with the touch of a button, spring-loaded shooters and more. Buy it, you must. (This model is getting a major upgrade in 2024, too; see the new version on the Lego site.)

Building model cars the old-fashioned way may not be as popular among youth these days, but kids will race to build a McLaren Senna GTR with this LEGO model car building kit. The finished result is a stunning replica of the supercar, complete with dihedral doors, a V8 engine that has moving pistons, steering capabilities and realistic graphics. Once the 830 pieces are assembled, the car measures 12 inches long, making it ideal for play racing or to park it on a shelf as a striking display piece.

Make your favorite 10-year-old the king of the castle with Lego’s three-in-one medieval castle building kit. With fun features like a posable dragon, three minifigures, a moat, a drawbridge and a working catapult, this toy can be used for plenty of active playtime long after it’s constructed—and reconstructed. The versatile castle can be built in three ways, which promotes creativity and encourages imaginative play. Kids can transform the castle into a tower with a catapult or a lively marketplace complete with a tower, a prison and a water mill.

Most tween boys aren’t known for willingly having deep conversations about their life. This journal bridges the gap with pages that feature fun and enlightening prompts that parents and kids take turns answering and passing back and forth to each other. It’s like receiving an ongoing love note until the book is completed. Once it is, it becomes a cherished keepsake and a snapshot in time.

There is also a “Between Mom and Me” journal available from the same author.

If you know a 10-year-old who’s obsessed with video games, this book series is just the nudge they need to set down that Nintendo Switch and indulge in a good read. The complete series of Trapped in a Video Game books includes five page-turners that are brimming with action and humor. The protagonist is sucked into a video game and readers join his journey to evade villains and ultimately save the world. Many parents rave that their sons can’t put these books down. Could we have just discovered a guilt-free way for kids to get lost in video games?

The Encyclopedia of Unbelievable Facts is bursting with the kind of information kids just love to read about and share with you. “Ten-year-olds are hungry to learn more, and this book provides many interesting facts that range from silly to serious,” says Robinson. “Because it’s written encyclopedia-style (short paragraphs with lots of illustrations), it may even pique the interest of kids who aren’t typically into reading.” The book tackles a wide range of questions in various categories, presenting the kind of odd questions boys will want the answers to, such as, “How many germs do you have in your belly button?” and “How old is the rainwater that falls from the sky?” Get ready to learn a lot of new things you never thought to ask.

A great bike is quite possibly one of the best gifts a kid could ever receive. It’s literally the gift of freedom, since it affords young riders their own mode of transport, a sense of autonomy and loads of breezy fun. Woom’s 26-inch bike is thoughtfully designed for riders age 10 and older with standout features including a lightweight aluminum frame, front and rear V-brakes, eight-speed gearing and an ergonomic seat. This versatile bike is a fit for kids through their teenage years. It’s also available in a variety of solid colors to ensure they find one that appeals best.

This action camera will be a 10-year-old boy’s new favorite sidekick, recording his adventures for posterity. It features a touchscreen display for easy operation, it comes with a waterproof case to shoot underwater video and a wireless remote control they can wear on their wrist to operate the camera. From bike rides to zip lines, and waterslides to sports, an entire world of capturing fun footage awaits.

Take their love of video games beyond the screen and into the ourdoors with this laser tag kit that comes with four laser guns, four vests and a charging station to juice up all the gear. Squad Hero’s souped up kit has fun, advanced features including flashlights for night sessions, adjustable lives, stealth mode and an LCD display to gauge your status.

Robinson says playing laser tag is, “great fun for tween boys and their friends (or family) as they navigate team-building skills and competition while getting their bodies moving.”

Know an aspiring Djokovic? Let him hone his hand-eye coordination and tennis skills off the court with this award-winning, portable Swingball game. Fill the base with sand or water and then use the included checker bats to swing away at the attached ball. Kids can either play with friends or fly solo, making this a fun game to enjoy anytime.