Movement songs are a wonderful way to keep kids entertained and engaged in physical activity. Children are naturally active, which is why they need plenty of physical exercises to help their bodies grow strong and healthy.
To be able to move and play freely, they also need the right songs that will encourage them to get up and dance! Here are some of our favorite movement songs.
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30 Movement Songs for Kids
1. The Hokey Pokey
This classic song is great for getting young children moving around, and it’s one that most kids already know! You can sing the original song, or you add your own lyrics to get kids moving in different ways.
2. The Chicken Dance
This is another classic and one that will have the whole group dancing along together! You can even make up your own animal movements to go along with the song.
3. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
This simple song is perfect for young children who are just learning to follow along with songs. As they sing the words, they can touch the corresponding body part.
4. If You’re Happy and You Know It
This well-known song is a great way to get kids moving and dancing around. There are many different actions that can be done along with the song, so everyone can join in the fun!
5. The Freeze Dance
This is a great action game for kids of all ages. Turn on some music and let the kids dance around, but when the music stops, they have to freeze in place!
6. Mr. Sun
This is another simple song that young children will love to dance along to. It’s a fun way to teach them about the sun and its connection with our daily lives.
7. Wake Up!
This upbeat song has little verses for different animals, like dogs, cats, tigers, and more. As each animal wakes up, they do a different movement. This is a great way to get the kids moving and acting like different animals!
8. The Wheels on the Bus
This classic children’s song is perfect for getting kids moving around in their seats. As they sing about the different parts of the bus, they can do the corresponding movements.
9. The Monkey Dance
This fun song will have kids moving around like monkeys. You can get creative and make up your own moves to make it even more interactive and fun!
10. Five Little Monkeys
This rhyming song is perfect for getting kids up and moving around. As each new monkey falls, they start an action. You can even let the children come up with their own words to make this song extra fun!
11. Circle Song
Recite this simple song while everyone holds hands, forming a circle. Then dole out actions that each person must perform in order to get the group moving!
12. Jump Rope Rhymes
These simple rhymes are perfect for getting kids excited and active. You can either sing the rhymes or jump rope in sync with them!
13. I’m a Little Teapot
This fun song will get your group moving around, acting out different parts of the song like lifting their teapots high or wiggling as they try to set the table.
14. Row, Row, Row Your Boat
This might be one of the easiest songs to get your kids up and moving! They can do different actions like paddling or rowing their boats as they sing along with this classic tune.
15. Bubble Gum
This is a fun song to get kids moving and dancing around. As they sing about blowing bubbles and chewing gum, they can act out the different motions.
16. Shake Your Sillies Out
This silly song is great for getting kids moving and laughing. As they shake their sillies out, they can act out the different movements in the lyrics.
17. London Bridge
As you sing this classic tune, kids can do different movements to act out the words in the song.
18. Simon Says
This is a fun active game that kids of all ages will enjoy! You can start by acting out an action, like jumping in place or clapping your hands. Then tell them to only do the action if you say “Simon Says.”
19. Hot Potato
Get your group moving with this classic active game. Have them pass a pretend potato around as you sing, and when the music stops, whoever is holding it can call out an action for everyone to do.
20. Red Light, Green Light
This game is sure to get kids excited! They can run when they hear green light, but freeze in place when they hear red light. You can even add in different actions to make it more fun!
21. Duck, Duck, Goose
This is a classic active game that kids love! They can walk around the room as they sing, and when you call out “goose,” the child who is tapped has to chase you around the room.
21. I spy
This game is perfect for getting kids up and moving! As they look for the object you’re describing, they can walk around the room and use their detective skills.
22. Baby Shark
Who doesn’t know this fun song! Perfect for getting kids excited! Have them move around as they sing and dance along to the fun lyrics.
23. Five Little Ducks
This is a classic song that children love! They can move around and count the different ducks as they sing, or do another action of your choice.
24. Walking in the Jungle
As you sing this fun song, kids can pretend to walk through the jungle and do different motions to represent the animals.
25. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
This fun song is perfect for getting kids excited! They can pretend they’re going on a bear hunt and act out the different things that happen along the way.
26. We All Fall Down
This is a classic children’s song that is perfect for getting kids moving! As they sing about falling down, they can act out the different motions.
27. This is the Way
As you sing this fun song, kids can do different movements that represent the different things that happen in the lyrics.
28. Don’t Stop Baby Bot
This fun song has an awesome beat to get kids moving and dancing! Have them do different motions as they sing along to the catchy lyrics.
29. The Yoga Alphabet
Love how you can combine learning with movement with this song!
30. One Little Finger
Great song to help with body part identification. Kids love this song!
There are many great movement songs for kids, so keep trying new ones to find your favorites. With these fun and entertaining songs, you can help your kids stay active while having lots of fun at the same time!
Please note: this is not intended to be medical advice. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, please consult with a doctor or occupational therapist. Always supervise your child during play.