Planning parties is incredibly fun, especially when you get to pick the playlist for the entire event. While you can go with almost any music with adults and even some older children, kid parties require a little more planning for the playlist.
If you’re getting ready to plan the children’s party of the century, you need some fantastic music. You’ll want to choose kid-friendly songs with no foul language and allow them to dance their little hearts out.
To save you some time filtering through the millions of songs out there, here are some of the best party songs for kids ever!
1. “ABC” by Jackson 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho7796-au8U
Song year: 1970
There’s nothing wrong with throwing it back to a classic dance hit at your kid’s party. “ABC” by the Jackson 5 is upbeat, dance-worthy, and will put a smile on everyone’s face.
Another thing adults love about this song is that it has a somewhat educational tone too!
Even though the kids probably won’t recognize the song unless their parents jam out to this tune, it’s still fun and will have them up on their feet in no time.
2. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Song year: 2014
You can’t listen to this song without feeling happy like the name suggests! It has an optimistic message, with a quick enough tempo to dance along with.
Because of its uplifting theme and sound, producers used this song for the children’s movie Despicable Me 2.
The chorus asks listeners to clap with the music if they feel happy as well, which adds inspiration for clap-heavy dance moves for the kids to try out.
3. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
Song year: 2014
This song is perfect for getting the kids moving, and it has a great message about staying positive and not letting the haters bring you down. Plus, most kids have heard of Taylor Swift at some point.
Taylor uses a higher-pitched, punchy tone during the verses, which is exciting to sing along to if you know the words.
The chorus is also amusing to dance to because it’s all about shaking things up! “Shake it Off” is the perfect song for kids to let loose, freestyle dance, and not worry about what anyone else thinks about them.
4. “All Star” by Smash Mouth
Song Year: 1999
This Smash Mouth song may be from the late 1990s, but it’s still a great song to jam out to at a children’s party. The entire song speaks about the singer getting told they’re not great but persevering to be the best they can be.
The lyrics are inspirational, and even if the kids are too young to understand, this kid-friendly rock song is sure to get them off their seats.
5. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
Song year: 2016
Whether you’re an adult, elder, or child, this song is so hard not to dance to. It’s got a great beat that will put a smile on your face, and Timberlake’s voice is so smooth it feels like he’s singing just for you.
There are also some fun “oohs” and “aahs” thrown in for good measure, which the kids can join in on. Towards the end of the song, there’s a part where you can hear clapping on the audio track. You can clap along and get the kids doing so too.
6. “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” by Silentó
Song year: 2015
This song is all about having confidence and being yourself, which is a great message for kids. If you know the dance moves mentioned in the song, you can teach the kids! Even if they prefer to make up their own moves, it’ll be a blast to listen to.
The dance moves include “whipping,” which looks like having your arm extended outwards and your hand in an upwards facing fist, then snapping, or “whipping” your fist face down while stomping the opposite food.
The “Nae Nae” involves extending that same arm up towards the air and waving it joyfully around. It also mentions other popular dance moves such as the “Stanky Leg,” “Bop,” “Duff,” and more. These moves are relatively simple, so even the youngest ones can join in on the fun.
7. “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
Song year: 2009
The Black Eyed Peas are known for releasing amazing, dance-worthy songs. One of the best ones for kid’s parties is “I Gotta Feeling.” This is another one of those happy-go-lucky and infectious songs, and it’s almost impossible not to dance along.
The beat is contagious, and the lyrics are repetitive enough for even the youngest kids to understand and sing along to.
The Black Eyed Peas are well known for making party anthems, and this one is no exception. It’s the perfect song to get everyone up and grooving to the beats.
8. “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex
Song year: 1995
This is a classic country-western song that’s been around for years, but it’s still a lot of fun to dance to. It’s a standard song at almost every party, regardless of the attendees’ ages.
The dance moves are relatively simple and can be done in a small space – perfect for kids’ parties.
All you need to do is giddily stomp your feet and wave your arms around, and you’ll be sure to get the kids moving and grooving. As always, if they prefer to make up their own moves, there’s nothing wrong with that.
9. “Macarena” by Los del Rio
Song year: 1993
This legendary 90s dance classic is perfect for children’s parties. Any adults at the party will be on their feet, teaching the kids how to dance or enjoying themselves. Once you know the moves, you can’t help but dance.
The dance moves are basic and repetitive, and almost everyone knows them. This means they can quickly be done by kids of most ages, especially over five.
The song is also super catchy. With Latin-inspired sounds and the corresponding popular movements, even adults will find themselves singing and dancing along.
10. “The Cha Cha Slide” by DJ Casper
Song year: 2000
The “Cha Cha Slide” is arguably the best party song for getting everyone up and moving. It’s not surprising that even over 20 years later, it’s still one of the most well-known party songs.
It’s perfect for kids because the dance moves are effortless – all you need to do is follow the instructions that are shouted out throughout the song.
The song also has a great beat that everyone can groove to, no matter their age.
11. “Roar” by Katy Perry
Song year: 2013
However, it’s a fun song to dance to as well, especially towards the end of a dance party. The beat makes making any dance move easy, and kids will love the loud vocals.
This is one of the best sing-along or karaoke songs because of the fierce and powerful chorus that inspires even the shyest people to “Roar.”
Finally, it has a great message, saying that people need to speak up, stay true to themselves, take up space, and use their voice – regardless of the obstacles.
12. “I Like To Move It” by will.i.am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9osbpEHvQVE
Song year: 2008
Like “Roar” mentioned above, this song also has a great message for kids – to never stop moving and stay active. This version of the song is a spin-off of the original “I Like to Move It” by Reel 2 Reel, created for the film Madagascar 2.
This version is a bit better for kids because the words are spoken more clearly, and the lyrics are more kid-friendly.
It also has a particularly catchy beat that is fun to rock back and forth to, just as the cartoon animals in the video do!
13. “Every Girl’s A Supergirl” by JoJo Siwa
Song year: 2018
This is a beautiful song to play at a kid’s event, especially a young girl’s birthday party. Not only is the song fantastic, but almost every little kid, especially a girl, knows who JoJo Siwa is.
The song is uplifting, encouraging, and powerful for young girls to listen to. It’s about female power, support, story, and inherent strength. We love this song because it encourages girls to have each other’s backs, stand up for each other, and stand up for themselves.
And it’s not just the uplifting lyrics; the song’s beat is uplifting and powerful, making it exciting to bounce around to.
14. “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez
Song year: 1999
A throwback song that almost all the adults at the party will know but is still an excellent option for a kid’s party is “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez.
The lyrics generally repeat themselves over and over, making it easy for kids to learn and understand. The beats are exciting and will have the kids dancing in no time.
15. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
Song year: 1976
“Dancing Queen” is a classic party song that never gets old.
Parents enjoy listening to this 70s Euro-pop-disco hit from ABBA’s “Arrival” album because the beat is catchy and easy to dance to, while the lyrics are fun and memorable.
This song is perfect for getting everyone on the dance floor, regardless of age. It’s also a great sing-along song for kids, as they can belt out the chorus with the best of them.
16. “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus
Song year: 2009
This song was one of Miley Cyrus’s transition songs, a step up in maturity from her prior Hannah Montana hits but still appropriate enough for even the youngest kids to listen to.
Miley mentions throwing her hands up to initiate the chorus – followed by mentions of her nodding her head and moving her hips – which inspires everyone to dance along, even if they are not the best dancers.
17. “Wannabe” by Spice Girls
Song year: 1996
This is another classic party song from the 90s that still stands the test of time.
It’s perfect for a kids’ party because the lyrics are easy to sing along to, and the message – about female friendship and empowerment – is still relevant today.
This song is also high energy and fast-paced, excellent for getting kids up and creating a fun, memorable environment.
Towards the end of the song, the lyrics call for listeners to slam their bodies down and wind them all around, which creates an entertaining opportunity for some creative dance interpretations!
18. “Who Let The Dogs Out” by The Party Cats
Song year: 2014
This song updates the Baha Men’s original “Who Let The Dogs Out,” which came out in 2000. The Party Cats’ version is shorter and faster-paced, making it more appropriate for a kids’ party setting.
It’s also pretty enjoyable to sing along to, as the lyrics are easy to remember, and the chorus is very catchy.
This song is perfect for getting everyone up and moving, as it’s impossible to stay still when this tune is playing! Even the adults will be on their feet if they’re invited.
19. “We’re All In This Together” by High School Musical Cast, Disney
Song year: 2006
This song is from the popular Disney movie “High School Musical.”
The song is about working together and being there for each other, which is a great message for kids. It’s from the iconic ending scene in the movie.
It’s also loud, pleasant, upbeat, and catchy, which excites kids right when it comes on. The lyrics are easy to recall, especially the chorus, making it fun to sing along to.
20. “Under the Sea” by Samuel E. Wright
Song year: 1991
While most people choose pop songs or other popular songs from decades past for a kid’s party, there’s nothing wrong with going with a classic Disney song.
“Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid is a playful and fun song that most kids will know. Even if they don’t know the lyrics, the funky and tropical tune is enough to get them playing and dancing.
21. “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Song year: 2012
Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” was all the rage a few summers ago, and for a good reason.
The beat is upbeat and peppy, perfect for a kids’ party. Additionally, the lyrics are easy to remember and sing along to.
This track is a feel-good hit that will put a smile on your child’s face and get them up and moving.
22. “The Bird Dance” (a.k.a. The Chicken Dance) by The Emeralds
Song year: 1982
The “Chicken Dance” is a classic party song for kids, as it’s both fun and easy to do.
All the kids will need to do is flap their arms like wings and march in place, which makes the song suitable for even the youngest partygoers.
This song is quite comical; kids and adults alike will be able to practice not taking themselves too seriously!
23. “The Hokey Pokey” by Ray Anthony
Song year: 1953
Another classic party song for kids is “The Hokey Pokey.” This song is from the 1950s, but it’s still popular today for kids’ parties.
This is because it’s a very interactive song, where kids can follow along and do the actions as they sing.
This is a great song to play to get kids moving, shaking, and laughing at the party, and it’s also a lot of fun, especially for young kids between the ages of two and seven.
24. “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey
Song year: 1981
“Don’t Stop Believing” is a classic rock smash from the 1980s, but is still amazing for your kid’s party.
The beat is intense in a good way, and the lyrics are powerful. It has a great message about never giving up and to keep believing in yourself.
25. “I’m A Believer” by Smash Mouth
Song year: 2001
The next song is “I’m A Believer” by Smash Mouth, initially sung by The Monkees in 1966 and re-recorded for the movie Shrek.
This song is a great feel-good tune that kids will enjoy dancing to.
“I’m A Believer” also has a catchy chorus that kids will be able to sing along to easily. This is a great song to end the party on, as it will leave everyone feeling happy and excited.
26. “The Party Freeze Song” by The Kiboomers
Song year: 2005
This is an excellent song for parties with small children, as it helps to get everyone moving, even the shyer and more reserved kids.
The idea is that when the music stops, everyone has to freeze in place. Then, when the music starts up again, everyone starts moving and dancing around again.
This Kiboomers song is a great way to get the kids to interact with each other, and it’s a lot of fun – even for the chaperones!
27. “C’mon Ride The Train” by Quad City DJ’s
Song year: 1996
Editor’s Note: While the lyric of this song are clean, there are double meanings in there, so you may not want to play this at a kid’s party; your call!
This song is from the 90s, but it’s still a popular party song for kids today.
The reason for this is that the song is quite lively, making it ideal for getting kids to bounce around and have a great time.
Additionally, the lyrics are easy to sing along to and remember, which is always a bonus at a kids’ party.
Top Party Songs For Kids, Final Thoughts
Next time you’re in charge of the playlist for a children’s party, you don’t need to spend hours searching the internet for dance-worthy songs.
Everything on this list, from current songs to throwbacks from the 1980s, will put a smile on their face, keep them dancing, and have appropriate lyrics.