50 Simple Songs to Sing With Your Kids
Simple Songs to Sing for Kids
Whether you’re a karaoke queen or an only-in-the-shower kind of singer, there’s one audience that will always be begging for more: your child. Don’t be shy when there are so many sweet and simple songs to sing with kids that every parent can enjoy belting out, no vocal training required. And it’s beneficial to your little one—according to a recent study, singing to your babies boosts their brain development! In fact, scientists found that “lullabies soothe both moms and babies simultaneously while play-songs increase babies’ attention and displays of positive emotion toward mothers.” That’s a win-win!
Ready to make some music? Here are some of our favorite simple songs to sing for kids.
Classic Songs to Sing for Kids
Listen, these classic songs to sing with kids are classics for a reason. So get ready to cue up some old favorites you probably remember from your childhood.
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“The Wheels on the Bus”
You and your mini-me will have a blast making all the hand motions and sound effects that accompany this classic learning song for kids. You can even make up your own verses!
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“Old MacDonald Had a Farm”
There is no better way to learn the animal sounds than with a rollicking round of Old MacDonald. Add hand puppets if you got ‘em!
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“Itsy Bitsy Spider”
Here’s a little spider who never gives up, and isn’t that a great lesson?
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“Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
This is a classic sleeping song for kids. When bedtime can’t come soon enough, just repeat this simple, soothing verse until their eyes close.
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“I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”
An oldie but goodie, the lyrics mention playing a banjo and blowing a horn, making it a great time to break out the toy musical instruments.
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“Do Your Ears Hang Low?”
Songs don’t have to be serious or even make sense. This super silly ditty will get them giggling.
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“Head Shoulders Knees and Toes”
Learn the body parts with this catchy tune. Try speeding it up as you go for even more fun!
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“Take Me Out to the Ballgame”
Introduce your little player to America’s pastime with this classic seventh inning stretch song.
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“I’m a Little Teapot”
This might be the only time you willingly refer to yourself as “short and stout” with a smile on your face.
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“The Hokey Pokey”
We love a song that comes with easy-to-follow dance moves!
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“She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain”
Yee-haw! This song is so catchy and fun that you’ll find yourself singing it over and over!
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“Hush Little Baby”
The repetitive melody and loving lyrics have lulled many a wee one off to sleep.
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“ABC Song”
This is such a helpful way to remember the alphabet…that many of us are still using it as adults!
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“Five Little Monkeys”
Who can resist those cute, troublesome little monkeys?
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“Five Little Ducks”
Not only does Five Little Ducks teach counting, but it also lets you quack to your heart’s content.
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“Row, Row, Row Your Boat”
Life is but a dream when you’re singing with your baby.
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“Baa Baa Black Sheep”
An easy segue from “Twinkle Twinkle” (it’s practically the same tune), count on these sheep in your lullaby line-up.
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“Baby Shark”
An instant classic…we’d be surprised if you didn’t already know the words (“doo doo doo doo doo”), but did you know it has hand gestures too?
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“The Animal Fair Song”
The minor calamities that befall the circus animals in this song never fail to amuse toddlers.
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“The Grand Old Duke of York”
Sing this one while bouncing a baby on your knees, raising them up and down according to the words. You’ll even get a work-out!
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“If You’re Happy and You Know It”
It’s impossible not to feel happy singing this song, plus little ones learn to clap!
Disney Songs to Sing for Kids
The House of Mouse sure knows how to turn out the hits! There’s no doubt your little one will find a new favorite (or two or three) among these Disney songs to sing with kids.
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“Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” (Frozen)
If you can’t hit the high notes of “Let it Go” or “Into the Unknown,” (and besides Idina Menzel, really, who can?), opt for Anna’s sweet ode to sibling love.
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“When You Wish Upon A Star” (Pinocchio)
Your go-to Disney lullaby is the reassuring classic about dreams coming true.
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“You’re Welcome” (Moana)
Maui’s hilarious rap will have you tripping over your words in the funniest way. Memorize it and you’ll impress the heck out of your littles.
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“Heigh-Ho” (Snow White)
With a chorus that’s easy to sing and repeat, the seven dwarves’ working song is great for clean-up time.
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“Bare Necessities” (Jungle Book)
We know there are A LOT of verses, so feel free to stick to the catchy chorus.
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“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (The Lion King, 2019)
The earworm we all grew up was included in the Lion King remake for a whole new generation to enjoy. Teach your kids the “wimoweh” part so they can back you up!
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“Under the Sea” (The Little Mermaid)
Bath time is better with singing, take it from me!
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“Be Our Guest” (Beauty and the Beast)
Funny and fast, this Beauty and the Beast showstopper is a ball to sing, French accent optional.
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“A Whole New World” (Aladdin)
Unlike most Disney love ballads, “A Whole New World” starts with the prince’s part, making it easier for us commoners to hit all the notes.
TV and Movie Songs to Sing for Kids
Of course, Disney movies aren’t the only ones that bring it with the sing-able tunes. There are plenty of other TV and movie songs to sing for kids…like these!
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“Do-Re-Mi” (The Sound of Music)
A joyous celebration of music, Do-Re-Mi is meant to be sung over and over and over…
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“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (The Wizard of Oz)
Before kids are quite old enough to handle the wicked witch and her flying monkeys, they’ll swoon for this gorgeous lullaby about dreams coming true.
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“Hot and Cold” (Sesame Street)
Elmo and Katy Perry duet on a kid-friendly version of her pop hit that teaches about opposites.
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“It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (Daniel Tiger)
The theme song from Daniel Tiger is sweet and nostalgic, especially if Mom and Dad grew up on Mr. Rogers. Dive deeper into the show and you’ll find many more catchy tunes with great messages.
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“Sing” (Sesame Street)
Don’t worry if it’s not good enough for anyone to hear, just sing this song and add plenty of “la la la’s” at the end.
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Theme from Spiderman
Can he swing from a thread? This question and more are addressed in Spiderman’s catchy origin story theme song, a must for superheroes-in-training.
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Addams Family Theme Song
It’s kooky, ooky and easy to sing—bonus points if you can snap!
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“Happy” (Despicable Me 2)
The Pharrell smash hit was actually made for the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack. Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof!
Pop and Rock Songs to Sing for Kids
Okay, okay, sometimes parents need a reprieve from the kiddie tunes. And for those moments, try these (not too grown-up) simple pop and rock songs.
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“Hey Jude”
When in doubt, lean on The Beatles. From the sweetness of “Here Comes the Sun” to the silliness of “Yellow Submarine,” there’s something for every mood. We love “Hey Jude” for the “Nah nah” chorus that anyone can belt.
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“Baby”
Justin Bieber probably wrote this for a love interest, but it’s the perfect song to sing to your literal baby.
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“I’m Still Standing”
There are so many great Elton John songs to choose from, but we think this one is perfect for sleep-deprived parents.
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“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
Grab a couple of microphones (hairbrushes will do!) and belt out this high-spirited duet together.
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“I Can’t Help Myself”
Any song that starts “Sugar pie honey bunch, you know that I love you” is good enough for our babies.
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“All Night Long”
Start a dance party when you sing this Lionel Ritchie classic and remember that life is good, wild and sweet.
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“Uptown Funk”
Who knows what Bruno Mars is actually saying? It’s all in the attitude, which is fierce and fun.
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“Golden”
This groovy Jill Scott number radiates positivity and you can learn the chorus in about 5 seconds.
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“Hands Clap”
Fitz and the Tantrums have basically written the adult version of “If You’re Happy and You Know It (Clap Your Hands)”. Now get ready to put those palms together!
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“Old Town Road”
Kids can’t get enough of this country-meets-hip-hop hit by Lil Nas X with Billy Ray Cyrus. Let your little one climb aboard your back for a pony ride while you sing it!
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“Wonderwall”
Those of us who came of age in the 90s probably have this song committed to memory already, and it makes an awesome lullaby.
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“One Love” (Bob Marley)
It’s impossible not to feel better when you sing reggae from Bob Marley.
Final Thoughts: Simple Songs to Sing for Kids
These songs to sing for kids are simple, fun, and timeless—but the list is by no means finite. What are your favorite songs to sing for your kids? Let us know in the comments below!
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