Every birthday is reason to celebrate, but turning 10 marks a special time in a child’s life. A 10-year-old is getting closer to his teenage years, and throwing a party is a great way to include family and friends in on the big day. When choosing a menu, consider the child’s favorite foods and don’t be afraid to mix and match uncommon foods just for this one special occasion.

Many 10-year-olds enjoy pizza, and that can make planning the birthday party menu quite simple. Order it or make it fresh right at home. Pizzas can be made with a variety of toppings to please everyone. Serve with bread sticks, a lettuce salad, a fresh fruit tray with dip and punch for a complete party meal.

Ham and turkey sandwiches are a good option for a 10-year-old's birthday party. To make the sandwiches fun, cut them into shapes with cookie cutters. To complete the meal, serve an assortment of chips, pickles, olives, fresh vegetables and dip along with punch or soda.

Hot dogs fresh off the grill are often a favorite amongst kids. Offer ketchup, mustard, relish, onions and shredded cheese as fun condiments. If grilling is not an option, consider baking up a batch of corn dogs. Serve them with a pasta salad, fresh fruit kabobs, pickles and soda at a 10-year-old's birthday party for a good kid-friendly meal.

Like hot dogs, hamburgers are another good menu item for a 10-year-old's birthday party. Top them with cheese, lettuce, onions and tomatoes. Bake up a batch of french fries and serve with nacho cheese or ketchup. An assortment of chips is a good alternative to french fries. To complete the meal, serve corn on the cob or vegetable kabobs and a fruity punch.

You’ll please just about everyone by offering carnival foods at a child’s 10th-birthday party. Nachos, soft pretzels with cheese, candy, popcorn, corn dogs, large pickles and soda are well-known favorites. For an added treat, serve bags of cotton candy.