What would a party be without music? A celebration without music or dancing would be lifeless and boring!
This is especially true for children’s parties. Singing, dancing, and music are essential elements of any successful kiddie event.
Fortunately, despite the changing times, one can still rely on good old-fashioned children’s songs to liven up any party. And with the rise to fame of so many teeny-boppers and kid-oriented singers and bands, the new generation of musicians have some great tunes to offer as well.
Here is a round-up of just some of the best songs for children’s parties available today:
1. The Hokey Pokey
Who would have known that a song written in the late 1940s, originally for skiers in Sun Valley, Idaho, would become such a winner with kids?
Repetitive action songs are usually a big hit among the young ones, and the “Hokey Pokey” has never been known to fail in entertaining the young guests of any kiddie bash. It’s a perfect ice breaker for your party.
Even adults present at the party would probably enjoy doing this classic dance routine. So go ahead and invite them to “put your left foot in, put your left foot out, put your left foot in, and shake it all about”!
2. Get This Party Started
Despite its rock background, this song performed by Pink definitely has its place in the list of the best children’s party songs.
The name says it all. “Get This Party Started” is guaranteed to get any party started. You can play this tune when all of the guests arrive to signal that – what else? – you’re about to get the party started!
Trust us: once you hear its upbeat and catchy tune, you won’t wonder why “Get This Party Started” is such a hit among partygoers, young and old alike.
3. The Name Game
Also known as “The Banana Song,” the Name Game was written in 1964 by American singer Shirley Ellis, with Lincoln Chase as co-songwriter.
Ellis says that she based the lyrics on a rhyming game she used to play as a little girl, whereby players would create different versions of a specific person’s name. For example, using the name Tina, they would sing:
Tina, Tina, bo-bina,
Banana-fana fo-fina,
Fee-fi-mo-mina
Tina!
The Name Game is easy to learn even for today’s kiddies who have never heard the song before, and it could add a new game to their repertoire, something they could enjoy playing even after your party.
4. Happy Birthday to You
Our list would not be complete without the classic “Happy Birthday” song, the lyrics and melody of which first appeared in print in 1912.
American siblings Patty and Mildred Hill wrote the song in 1893, basing it on the song “Good Morning to All.” Today, the song is one of the best-loved and most common kiddie birthday songs in the world.
If you think it’s so common that it has become boring, here’s a fun fact: Happy Birthday to You has been translated to over 18 languages! Download them all, play the song in all its available translations, and see the interest level rise up!