"Doo-Doo-Doo-Du-Du-Du-Du-Du-Du!" 60 Songs Your Kids Will Love—And Hopefully You Will, Too!
It can be tough to find kid-friendly songs that don't make you want to tear out your hair, especially because kids tend to listen to the same songs over and over and over again. Studies show that kids are drawn to music that fits their developmental level and often enjoy upbeat tempos with repetitive lyrics—and the reason they may like to listen to the same songs for kids repeatedly is because the familiarity breeds comfort for them. Our list of the 60 best kids songs ever features tunes that all combine those elements, plus clean lyrics—and chances are, they're mostly songs you already know and love, too.
Best Songs for Kids
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 Lovato a 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 Trainor ditty 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
Adele wrote 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.
Related: 50 Best Songs of the 2010s That We’ll Be Listening to For Decades to Come
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 Swift provided 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.