Best Kids Songs
1. “Baby Shark,” PINKFONG
Listen, whether you like it or not, you cannot get this out of your head anyway, so let’s get this one out of the way first.
2. “Happy,” Pharrell Williams
You can’t not smile when listening to this song…even if you’ve listened to it 40 times already today.
3. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!,” Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake wrote “Can’t Stop the Feeling” for his son, Silas, as well as for the Trolls soundtrack. We’re here for it.
4. “I Love You Too,” Ziggy Marley
Ziggy Marley makes upbeat, sunny kid-friendly reggae.
5. “Let It Go,” Demi Lovato
You’re probably tired of the movie version by Idina Menzel, so give this version from Demi Lovatoa try.
6. “You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song,” Ella Jenkins
Ella Jenkins is celebrated as the first lady of children’s folk songs for a reason—and she’s even won a Lifetime Achievement Grammy for her contributions to children’s music for more than five decades.
7. “Brown Skin Girl,” Beyoncé, Wizkid and Saint Jhn Feat. Blue Ivy
Beyoncé sings to and with her eldest daughter on this beautiful song that showcases the importance of representation and diversity.
8. “Splish Splash,” Bobby Darin
Who knows? Your kid may put up less of a fight at bathtime if they hear this.
9. “This Is Me,” The Greatest Showman Cast
Embrace your individuality with this celebratory showtune.
10. Better When I’m Dancin’," Meghan Trainor
This catchy Meghan Trainorditty was featured in Peanuts.
11. Sara Bareilles, “Brave”
It takes courage to be yourself. Inspire it in your kids with this song from Sara Bareilles.
12. “Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” Paul Simon
Paul Simon’s Sesame Street rendition of this classic is perfect.
13. “Remedy,” Adele
Adelewrote this soothing ballad for her son, Angelo, and we bet it’ll give you all the feels for your tykes, too.
14. “Spider-Man,” The Ramones
This cartoon classic gets a punk rock makeover from The Ramones. It’s the perfect song for kids itching for the next Marvel blockbuster.
15. “Old MacDonald,” Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley mooing like a cow? Yes.
16. “Uptown Girl,” Billy Joel
Those harmonies! And, let’s be real, it’s a lot less dark than “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”
17. “The Garbage Truck Song,” Blippi
Sanitation workers have an essential and simultaneously thankless job. This tune will may actually inspire your kids to take out the trash.
18. “Yellow Submarine,” The Beatles
A great, clean intro to classic rock.
19. “The Bare Necessities,” The Jungle Book Soundtrack
This classic Disney tune is guaranteed to bring some grins.
20. “Thunder,” Imagine Dragons
Your kids are pretty much guaranteed to recite this hook, if only because it’s so few words for them to have to remember—and the message is great.
21. “Long Live,” Taylor Swift
Taylor Swiftprovided an anthem celebrating kids’ and teens’ friendships.
22. “What About Your Friends,” TLC
Friendship is complicated, and this R&B classic will help start a dialogue (or a singalong).
23. “Un Poco Loco,” Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal
This cute tune from the Coco soundtrack is a great way to introduce kids to Spanish who may not know it yet—and a great way to embrace the language for those who do.
24. “You’re Welcome,” Dwayne Johnson
This Moana classic proves Dwayne “The Rock” Johnsoncan carry a tune (even if his octave range is a little limited).
25. “The Hokey Pokey”
Dance with them!
26. “Y.M.C.A.,” The Village People
Another great dance song with a positive message that kids will enjoy.
27. “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” Elmo
This is great for toddlers and younger kids.
28. “Hakuna Matata,” The Lion King Soundtrack
We could all use this mantra lately, right?
29. “Count on Me,” Bruno Mars
This sweet Bruno Mars tune is a family favorite.
30. “Class of 3000 Theme,” Andre 3000
Outkast rapper Andre 3000 penned and performed the music for the animated series he created. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Rw46JSbbJI
31. “Loyal Brave and True,” Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera reprised her role as the Mulansoundtrack queen.
32. “Try Everything,” Shakira
Shakirasang about resilience for the Zootopia soundtrack.
33. “Pollywog in a Bog,” Barenaked Ladies
Beloved Canadian pop-rockers Barenaked Ladies released an entire album of kids’ songs called Snacktime.
34. “Cupid Shuffle,” Cupid
This dance track is a kid-friendly favorite.
35. “Skinnamarink,” Sharon, Lois & Bram
This song was a staple of the trio’s The Elephant Show.
36.“Firework,” Katy Perry
What kid hasn’t felt like a plastic bag?
37. “Who Says,” Selena Gomez & The Scene
Selena Gomezinspires little ones everywhere to love themselves as is with this sweet song.
38. “Magic,” B.o.B. Featuring Rivers Cuomo
This effervescent tune is inspiring and will make your kids get up and dance (a good way to burn some energy after a sugar rush).
39. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwoʻole
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was celebrated as “the voice of Hawaii” thanks to his beautiful ukulele-backed songs, with this rendition of The Wizard of Oz classic being one of his most famous songs and beloved covers ever.
40. “Respect,” Aretha Franklin
Teach them young!
41. “‘A’ You’re Adorable,” The Tokens
Sick of plain old ABCs? Try this barbershop-inspired version, brought to you by the same group who sang “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”—another great child-friendly pick.
42. “Good Feeling,” Flo Rida
Clean lyrics and a positive message make this Flo Rida track kid-friendly.
43. “Baby Beluga,” or anything by Raffi
He’s the king of kid’s music. While we’re fans of “Baby Beluga,” we’re happy to hear him sing anything! And your children will agree!
44. “You’re My Best Friend,” Queen
A kid-friendly classic that you won’t get sick of singing along to in the car? Win!
45. “Godzilla,” Kesha
Keshacroons an adorable ode to the King of the Monsters from her album Rainbow.
46. “Rescue,” Lauren Daigle
When you want to slow things down, this moving Lauren Daigle song captures the feeling that you’d go to the ends of the Earth for your children. Let them hear it and know.
47. “Mahna, Mahna,” Cake
The same band that brought us a dry “I Will Survive” gives a similar vibe to this classic from The Muppets.
48. “One of Those Days,” Little Big Town
This uplifting tune is great for little country fans.
49. “Party in the USA,” Miley Cyrus
If you think your kids are too young to actually listen to Jay-Z, at least he’s referenced in this Miley Cyrussong.
50. “Guardian,” Alanis Morissette
A more upbeat and happy song than many are used to from Alanis Morissette, this song will remind your kids that you’re there for them (though they may not even notice because they’re too busy singing along).
51. “Beautiful Day,” Jimmy Eat World
The Yo Gabba Gabba video for this is almost as cute as the song itself.
52. “Sugar Sugar,” The Archies
A cartoon band comparing love to the literal sweet stuff? This may just be perfect.
53. “Call Me Maybe,” Carly Rae Jepsen
You just wanted an excuse to listen to this Carly Rae Jepsen classic.
54. “When Can I See You Again?,” Owl City
Fans of Wreck-It Ralph already love this tune, but you don’t need to be a fan of the video game-themed flick to bop along.
55. “Friday Night,” The Darkness
These sunny lyrics about extracurriculars is as adorable as it is rollicking.
56. “Wake Me Up,” Avicii
This EDM smash celebrates love in its purest forms.
57. “I’m a Believer,” Smash Mouth
This Shrek soundtrack hit (and cover of the classic from The Monkees) is a perennial kids’ fave.
58. “What Makes You Beautiful,” One Direction
Just as catchy (but a little cleaner) than “Live While We’re Young,” this One Direction hit still slaps.
59. “Hey Mickey,” Toni Basil
One of the catchiest songs ever, “Hey Mickey” is sure to get kids singing.
60. “Trouble,” Shampoo
As long as your kids don’t try to reenact the lyrics at home, you’re good to go. Now that you have your kid-friendly playlist, these are the best music streaming services to listen to it!
