Music is an essential part of life, especially for children. If you’ve ever had toddlers during the height of the Frozen craze, you know how significant it is to them. However, it’s not just about little ones singing “Let It Go” on repeat. A study from the University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute in 2016 found that early exposure to music can enhance brain development, particularly in language skills and reading. Another study highlighted that the early development of musical intonation is crucial for fostering musicality, creativity, and emotional well-being in young children. Keeping this in mind, we’ve put together a list of entertaining music games and activities that will infuse your kids’ playtime with rhythm and joy.
1. Little Composers
Introduce your children to songwriting by focusing on sounds they can create, like clapping or humming. Help them develop symbols for each sound and use these to craft their own patterns and songs.
2. Gift-Wrapped Surprise
Wrap a prize in several layers of wrapping paper. Kids sit in a circle and pass the parcel around while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding it unwraps one layer. This continues until the final layer is unwrapped and the prize is revealed.
3. Animal Groove Party
Play upbeat music and call out an animal. Kids will dance like that animal and, if you’re feeling adventurous, encourage them to mimic the corresponding animal sounds.
4. Dance Freeze Game
Play lively music and dance with your kids. Randomly stop the music and see who can freeze in the funniest position. The resulting poses will surely create laughter!
5. Transformations
Similar to the Freeze Dance game, when the music halts, kids need to freeze into a specific form, like a fish or a tree. The least creative freeze could be out each round.
6. Song Charades
Like regular charades, but with song titles. Prepare a list of songs in advance to keep the game flowing smoothly.
7. Tune Relay
Divide the kids into two lines. Hum a song to the first child, who must pass it along to the next. The first team to correctly identify the song wins!
8. Lip Sync Showdown
Kids perform solo or in pairs, choosing a song to lip sync to while creating their own dance routines. Award prizes for creativity and performance!
9. Groove Sharing
Have kids stand in a circle. The first child shows a dance move, and the next has to repeat it while adding their own. This continues until someone messes up.
10. Fashion Fun
Play music while kids pass a bag of funky clothes. When the music stops, the child holding the bag must wear whatever they pick out. The silliest outfit wins!
11. Limbo Challenge
How low can they go? This classic game is always a hit at parties.
12. Identify the Tune
Play snippets of songs and see who can guess them fastest. This can be done in the car or with a mix CD of their favorites.
13. Balloon Tasks
Fill balloons with music-related tasks, like air-guitaring or dancing. Kids keep their balloons in the air while music plays; when it stops, they must perform the task in their balloon.
14. Musical Chairs
A classic game where kids walk around chairs while music plays. When the music stops, they sit down—one chair is removed each time until a winner remains.
15. Microphone Spin
Pass a toy microphone around; whoever it lands on has to sing a song or share their favorite band.
16. Instrument Guessing Game
Play sounds from different instruments and have kids guess which ones they are. Award bonus points for harder instruments!
17. Karaoke Challenge
If you have a budding star, consider investing in a karaoke machine for endless fun.
18. Mood Interpretation
Create a playlist of songs that convey different moods. Have kids interpret the music through dance.
19. Artistic Expression
Let kids draw what they hear when music plays. They can express the music’s characters or the feeling it invokes.
20. Sing in the Bath
Transform bath time into a fun singing session, letting kids explore acoustics in the bathroom.
21. Physical Interpretation
Encourage kids to act out or dance to different music styles and tempos, helping them feel the rhythm.
22. DIY Drums
Kids can create drums from household items, like pots and buckets. Don’t forget the wooden spoons!
23. Hot Potato Game
Pass an object around while music plays. The last person holding it when the music stops is out.
24. Emotional Art
Have kids draw how music makes them feel, helping them identify and express emotions.
25. Story Writing
Encourage kids to write stories inspired by songs, focusing on the emotions conveyed through the music.
26. Tune Guessing Game
In the car, take turns humming or playing snippets of songs and see who can guess it first.
27. LEGO Music Theory
Use LEGOs to teach music theory through fun activities, making learning hands-on and engaging.
28. Limbo Dance
Use limbo as a fun way to get kids moving and listening to rhythm.
29. Lyrics Reimagined
Help kids rewrite lyrics of their favorite songs to create a new twist.
30. Group Song Creation
Have each child contribute a sound or instrument to create a collaborative song.
31. Create Instruments
Combine arts and crafts with music by making DIY instruments.
32. Outdoor Music Garden
Involve kids in creating an outdoor music space, allowing them to choose which sounds they want to make.
33. Musical Movement
Explore different music genres and teach kids to express themselves through movement.
34. Dance Circle
Have a dance-off where kids can show off their best moves to their favorite tunes.
35. Rhythm Games
Incorporate rhythm clapping games that require kids to listen and respond to beats.
For more engaging ideas and activities, check out our other blog post here. This list has something for every child, whether they’re budding musicians or just love to move.