Whether you’re looking to play a song for your kid, or your kid wants to play songs of their own, it seems you’re after child friendly songs.
Well you’re in luck, as below I showcase the best kid songs on guitar. Have a look now and pick out your favorite. I’ve even provided tabs so you can learn to play too.
Table of Contents
“Under The Sea” from The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid remains one of the most classic Disney films, no doubt partly because of its songs. Under The Sea is by far the most famous to come from the film.
This song manages to capture a tropical island feel and features a memorable hook. Sing this song for your child and they’re sure to be singing it for years to come.
“Itsy Bitsy Spider”
Nursery rhymes play an important role in nearly everybody’s life. These songs consist of melodies that really stick with you over the years.
Itsy Bitsy Spider is a pretty fun song as it documents the life of a spider. Humans typically have a fear of spiders mostly due to the look these creatures have.
A song like this can help your child to become fearless of spiders and respect their place in the ecosystem. Although, some spiders should probably be feared due to their capability for fatal bites.
“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
Another nursery rhyme that almost any child knows is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Children are usually lullabied to sleep by the sounds of this classic song.
As children grow older, they inevitably learn the lyrics, and there’s perhaps nothing cuter to hear them sing. Chances are, you can probably recite the lyrics from your own memory.
If you learn and play this song for your child, they will definitely be singing along. Songs like these can provide an excellent bonding experience.
“ABC’s”
Learning the alphabet is an important milestone in the development of any civilized child. To help with this, we attach the letters to a song form, allowing the child to easily recall the alphabet.
By playing this song, you give your child an opportunity to learn and practice their alphabet memorization. While it has a functional utility, the song is definitely a fun one for any child to sing along with.
“A Sailor Went To Sea”
Looking for a song that has interactive features? A Sailor Went To Sea is a popular song that will get your child playing along.
The song features hand movements and clapping to make the song more of a personal experience. This is a song that your child will potentially remember for a long time, particularly because of the activity factor.
“The Wheels On The Bus”
If your child is going to school, there’s a good chance that they might ride the bus. This is something that many children fear initially as it is something they’ve never done before.
Sprinkle in the fact that they’re leaving the comfort and safety of their homes and parents, and it makes sense. The Wheels On The Bus helps to stave off fears, turning the act of riding the bus into something fun.
“Three Blind Mice”
Three Blind Mice is one of the oldest nursery rhymes still being sung. It has origins dating back to around 1600 when the initial iteration was first published.
This is one of those nursery rhymes that has a bit of an odd air to it. The poor mice get their tails cut off, which is humor that was probably more hilarious a long time ago.
“Circle Of Life” by Elton John
The 1990s saw Disney reach new heights in family entertainment, which was propelled by films like The Lion King. This film had a powerful story supplemented by an all-star cast and superstar musicians contributing in their own ways.
Elton John got the nod to create much of the music. Some of these songs have become mega-hits, with Circle Of Life leading the pack.
“Spongebob Squarepants Theme Song”
As far as modern cartoons go, Spongebob Squarepants really changed the game. It became one of the most popular cartoons ever created, featuring zany characters, funny plots, and extreme silliness.
Chances are, your child loves Spongebob Squarepants as the cartoon remains extremely relevant. Why not learn the theme song so everyone can sing together?
You can be sure that they’ll be yelling Spongebob Squarepants at the top of their lungs! Just make sure you don your best pirate accent while singing the song.
“Mary Had A Little Lamb”
Mary Had A Little Lamb is another nursery rhyme that is likely one of the first songs you ever heard. It has a gentleness that rivals the softest touch of the finest sheep’s wool.
This makes for a perfect song to sing to a child while they are in their infancy. It gets them used to the idea of you playing and singing guitar.
Plus, chances are likely that you’ll allow them to gently drift off to sleep. Precious moments like that are worth more than all of the money in the world.
“Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? Theme Song”
Hanna-Barbera had their string of hit cartoons, but it was Scooby-Doo that was a grand slam production. This show had an excellent combination of goofiness mixed with mystery, which turned out to be a winning formula.
Scooby-Doo and the gang remain just as popular as they were back in the 1970s. Anybody who’s ever watched the show likely knows how its signature theme song goes.
“Row Your Boat”
Originating back in the mid-1850s, Row Your Boat is an extremely popular nursery rhyme. For a child, hearing this song evokes mental imagery of rowing a boat in a dreamy atmosphere.
This song does have an interactive element that your child can get involved in. You can sing this song as a round, with multiple people singing, starting the verse at each new line.
Because of this, Row Your Boat can be a song that everybody sings for many years to come. The cascading effect of 4 people singing the verses in a round is an experience to be remembered.
“Friend Like Me” from Aladdin
The hit animated Disney film, Aladdin, found a loyal fanbase amongst children in the 1990s. Robin Williams as the genie was a literal match made in heaven.
Friend Like Me is a song that Robin Williams sang as the genie, remaining one of the most popular. If your child loves the animated Aladdin film, they’re definitely going to enjoy hearing you play this song.
“Baa, Baa, Black Sheep”
Baa, Baa, Black Sheep is another old nursery rhyme, this one dating back to the late-1700s. Like most nursery rhymes, this is an easy song to remember, mostly because it sounds like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.
If you’ve already learned how to play that, you essentially know how to play this song. You probably couldn’t learn 2 songs any faster if you tried.
“Old MacDonald”
As far as nursery rhymes go, Old MacDonald has definitely got to be one of the most popular. Despite being written near 1700, this song is still a massively fun song for children to listen to.
Perhaps it's the ludicrousness of the repeating of the animals on the farm that incites so much giggling. Regardless, this is a song you must absolutely learn to play for your child!
“City Of New Orleans” by Arlo Guthrie
Arlo Guthrie had a smash hit when he recorded City Of New Orleans, originally written by Steve Goodman. You might not initially think this song is a child’s song, but it fits well in the repertoire.
Kids seem to be fascinated by trains, and City Of New Orleans can help paint some mental imagery of trains. The song helps to describe a train ride taken to New Orleans.
“Low Bridge”
Low Bridge is a very famous song that came about during the years that the Erie Canal was in use. In fact, you probably know this song as, simply, The Erie Canal.
Old folk songs like this are a definite hit amongst children. This one describes the usage of mules to pull barge boats loaded with freight through the Erie Canal.
If your child likes this song, chances are they’ll learn about the Erie Canal when they’re older. It was a massive feat at the time, with many paying the price for this modernity of transportation and shipping.
“You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Thurl Ravenscroft
If you’re ever having trouble thinking of children’s music, don’t forget about Christmas music! There are children’s Christmas songs that are excellent, no matter what season of the year it may be.
Most children love The Grinch, and You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch, is usually a favorite song of the season. Why not surprise your child with this, perhaps singing it in July rather than December?
“When You Wish Upon A Star” from Pinocchio
Despite being released in 1940, Pinocchio is still one of the defining animated films for Disney. Of course, when you have a character like Jiminy Cricket, who can resist?
When You Wish Upon A Star is a song many people remember after hearing Jiminy Cricket sing it. Disney used the song’s jingle as a part of their studio production representation at the beginning of every film.
Songs like these remind your child that anything in life is possible. A child should never have to lose hope, so help remind them by singing this classic song.
“Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers Theme Song”
The Power Rangers were an absolute cultural phenomenon in the United States during the 1990s. At the time, there was nothing cooler than a few teenagers doing martial arts in color-coded costumes.
This show’s theme song was a calling cue for every child within earshot to watch the television. Playing this on guitar does lack that signature synthesizer line, but your child can vocalize it for better effect.
“Steven Universe Theme Song”
If your child isn’t too familiar with the Power Rangers, they might be more familiar with Steven Universe. This cartoon has been a very popular program in recent years.
What’s great about this theme song is that it is hinged on a classic chord progression. You could easily change the lyrics to play some other famous songs consisting of the same movements.
“Let It Go” from Frozen
When Frozen was unleashed to the public, the world was never quite the same. In fact, Frozen was one of those films that had massive popularity years after its initial release.
Kids absolutely love the songs that came from this hit film. Let It Go is a popular choice, as it is one of the standout songs from the movie.
“Life Is A Highway” by Rascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts is a band that blends elements of country, rock, and pop like no other. The group proved their worthiness of the mainstream spotlight with Life Is A Highway.
This track was eventually featured in the hit film Cars, which garnered the song even more fans. As far as a message goes, this song definitely touches on the fact that life is meant to be lived.
“I’m A Little Teapot”
I’m A Little Teapot is one of those children’s songs that you’d think has been around for centuries. The reality is that the song was actually written back in 1939, becoming a hit sensation just 2 years later.
Make sure to teach your child the arm movements so they can act as if they are a teapot. Little things like this really make for a lasting impression on any growing child.
“A Whole New World” from Aladdin
When you think of songs from Aladdin, what is the first one that comes to mind? It is usually A Whole New World.
Despite being a show tune, the song actually topped the pop charts around the world. Chances are likely that your child will sing this at some point, why not be the one to introduce it?
Aladdin remains a popular musical that many school drama productions put on. Your child could be an absolute natural if they’re raised singing this song.
“Frosty The Snowman”
Another popular Christmas song suitable for any kid is Frosty The Snowman. And really, who doesn’t love Frosty?
The idea of a magical snowman that comes to life is the perfect inspiration for a child’s imagination. Sing this song for your child and they’re sure to look forward to meeting their favorite seasonal character.
“This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie’s This Land Is Your Land has found its way into the repertoire of children’s music. Being a classic folk song, this is often sung by school children, particularly in history class.
This Land Is Your Land helps to remind your child to have respect for their neighbors. We could all use a little bit more of that kind of mentality in today’s day and age.
“I Love You” by Barney And Friends
Chances are, if your child has watched Barney, they know the I Love You song. During the 1990s, this song was everywhere, much to every parent’s chagrin.
I Love You remains an effective way to tell your child that you love them. Sometimes, a little gentle reassurance can make all of the difference in the world.
Do be warned, though, that this song may be requested more than you would like to play it. That is just evidence of how well-crafted the song actually is, though nobody is willing to admit it.
“It’s A Small World”
It’s A Small World is another popular Disney classic that is often a favorite of children. The song has a repeating chorus that is very easy for children of any age to remember.
Should your child want to repeatedly hear the song, you’re overdue for a trip to Disney World. It has an exhibition where the song’s chorus is continually repeated, which can drive any sane mind a little mad.
“You Are My Sunshine”
Looking for a way to remind your child just how much they mean to you? The song You Are My Sunshine is the perfect song for this.
In fact, this classic has been recorded many times over by some of the most famous musicians of all time. The song has that perfect blend of tenderness that can touch anybody’s heart.
“Yankee Doodle”
Yankee Doodle is an old American folk tune that typically gets played around Independence Day. Chances are quite likely that your child is familiar with the melody of this song.
Because of this familiarity, it makes for a great children’s song. They’re sure to love the little lyrical bit about macaroni.
“Can You Feel The Love Tonight” by Elton John
Remember how we said that The Lion King was loaded with massively famous songs? Can You Feel The Love Tonight is all the evidence you really need for this claim.
The song would reach the top of the pop charts worldwide, furthering the film’s popularity. There was no escaping this film in the 90s, either the film or its music was sure to find you.
“Head Shoulders Knees And Toes”
Songs that your child can interact with turns listening to music into a fun activity. If you need some songs like this, Head Shoulders Knees And Toes is an obvious choice.
This can help your child remember the labels of their body parts by pointing to them when mentioned. Increase the tempo and your child will have an absolute blast trying to keep up with you.
“Hickory Dickory Dock”
Dating back to the mid-1700s, Hickory Dickory Dock remains a very popular children’s nursery rhyme. One can’t help but imagine the imagery of the mouse running in this classic song.
Songs like these can help your child to learn how to read a clock. They can point to the corresponding number when you come upon it in the lyrics.
“Gaston” from Beauty And The Beast
Love him or hate him, Gaston, from Beauty And The Beast, is a very memorable character. Despite eating an entire village’s eggs, he has a theme song that can be quite fun to sing.
Learn this and you and your child(ren) can have fun reminiscing about this egotistical village hero. It will definitely be a hit if they love the classic Disney film!
“Hot Cross Buns”
The song Hot Cross Buns dates back to the early 1700s and is popular in the lexicon of children’s music. While the song does have religious origins, the song can be enjoyable to sing without having to allude to religion.
In fact, this is a song many teachers use during music education classes. It teaches the use of basic intervals and different rhythms.
“Home On The Range”
It seems as if the cowboy has been an important aspect for many children, no matter when they grew up. There is just something attractive about these types of Western stories that kids can’t get enough of.
If your child is infatuated with the Western cowboy, Home On The Range is a song you must learn. It is a song that is often associated with cowboys due to its lyrical nature.
“Be Our Guest” from Beauty And The Beast
Be Our Guest is one of the most famous show tunes from Beauty And The Beast. Who could forget the iconic scene where the dishes all come to life in glorious orchestration?
This makes for a great song to learn, especially if your child has any friends over. You could all break out in this song to make your child’s friends feel welcomed.
“Who Let The Dogs Out” by The Baha Men
Who Let The Dogs Out was an unlikely hit in the early 2000s. Nevertheless, this song became infectious, finding its way into just about anything that would allow it.
This track probably doesn’t get the same amount of play as it used to. However, it still makes for a song that any kid would enjoy hearing.
“You’ve Got A Friend In Me” by Randy Newman
When Toy Story was released, children’s lives were never quite the same. For once, we got to see what it might actually be like if toys actually did come alive.
You’ve Got A Friend In Me plays a vital role in the original classic. This is yet another song that can remind your child that you’ll always be there for them.
“The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book
Disney’s film The Jungle Book is a wildly entertaining version of the classic story, featuring anthropomorphic animals. Anybody who has ever seen the film can probably vividly remember the scene featuring The Bare Necessities.
Learning this song is relatively easy and it can make for a fun singalong for any occasion. Find some friends to join in the instrumentation and you can emote that classic bluegrass sound.
“Splish Splash” by Bobby Darin
Let’s face it, kids are bound to get covered in dirt from head to toe. In these instances, it’s usually straight to the bathtub for them to get cleaned up.
Bobby Darin’s Splish Splash can make bath time a fun ritual. It’s almost impossible not to have a little fun when hearing this song’s amusing instrumentation.
“Conjunction Junction” from Schoolhouse Rock
If your child is learning how sentences are structured, consider learning Conjunction Junction. This song comes from Schoolhouse Rock, which was a great way for children to learn complex information.
Unfortunately, Schoolhouse Rock seems to be a thing of the past. The songs from this program still remain to be highly relevant in today’s day and age.
“London Bridge Is Falling Down”
Another nursery rhyme that will imprint a human for the rest of their life is London Bridge Is Falling Down. This song has a memorable descending melody that just about everybody is familiar with.
For a song with lyrics about such a serious event, the music is quite gentle. Nobody would probably act this calmly if a bridge were actually falling down.
“Humpy Dumpty”
Humpty Dumpty is one of those nursery rhymes that can really send an imagination on a wild ride. Typically, Humpty is characterized as an egg due to his fragile nature.
This is one of those songs that take on a more serious meaning as one gets older. It can serve as a reminder not to be such a Humpty Dumpty in real life.
“Cruella De Vil” from 101 Dalmatians
Disney’s 101 Dalmatians was yet another smash hit for the production studio. Children just could not resist the adventures of these spotted dogs.
Anyone who’s seen the film can certainly never forget the character Cruella De Vil. Her theme song is catchy and just hearing it can remind you of her unsightly face.
“I’m Just A Bill” from Schoolhouse Rock
One of the best songs to ever come from Schoolhouse Rock is I’m Just A Bill. It teaches the processes a bill must go through in order to be passed by governmental institutions.
This is a song that most adults in today’s society refer back to when trying to remember these processes. It’s important that this kind of information is taught to our future generations.
“It’s Raining, It’s Pouring”
For a child, there is nothing more derailing than rain on a day you wanted to be playing outside. Quite often, kids will sit by the window and sing this song while looking out at the pouring rain.
Playing this song for your child could make them forget about their ruined plans altogether. If they’re going to be singing it, you might as well be singing with them!
“Baby Beluga”
It is no secret that children have a fascination with animals of all varieties. Should they be drawn to whales, you’ll want to learn Baby Beluga.
This track was written by Raffi and became a massive hit amongst children. For decades now, Baby Beluga remains securely a choice song for kids to listen to.
“If You’re Happy And You Know It”
If You’re Happy And You Know It, you better do something about it! This song will get any child out of their comfort zone and clapping and stomping along.
Again, it’s songs like these that have a built-in activity that can be so much fun. Its iconic melody is hard for anybody to forget, meaning that anyone of any age can participate.
“Prince Ali” from Aladdin
The song Prince Ali is another very popular song from Disney’s Aladdin. This song is full of Middle Eastern flair, perfectly suiting the film’s setting.
“I’ve Been Working On The Railroad”
If your child has a fascination with trains, you’ll want to introduce them to I’ve Been Working On The Railroad. This old folk tune remains extremely popular despite having roots centuries old.
Plus, this makes for a great song later in life when they’ll be working on their own metaphorical railroad.
“Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” from Cinderella
Disney’s Cinderella was one of those films that helped to create the princess iconography associated with the studio. This story is much older than the film, but songs like this make the story more relevant.
The magic evident in Cinderella is first introduced to the song Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. Unfortunately, the magic phrase doesn’t work well in reality, but it can be quite fun to sing to a child.
“In Summer” from Frozen
Any child who loves the Frozen franchise is probably quite familiar with the snowman character Olaf. The song In Summer is one of the character’s most famous songs, where he expresses the desire to feel summertime.
Poor Olaf doesn’t know what’s coming for him if his fantasy became a reality. Regardless, this still makes for a very fun song, which could be combined with Frosty The Snowman.
“My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean”
My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean is a centuries-old Scottish folk song that has withstood the tests of time. Even if you don’t know the lyrics, you're probably quite familiar with the tune’s melody.
“Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”
Aside from Frosty The Snowman, Rudolph and his red nose is one of the most iconic Christmas characters. Chances are, your child looks to the sky to see if they can spot Rudolph’s nose flashing bright red.
Playing this song will only make your child that much more excited for Christmas. Who can resist that?
“Happy Birthday”
Every child has a birthday, so why not make it extra special and learn this song to sing to them? Sure, every birthday celebration usually has this song being sung as a sort of ritual.
However, if you actually play the song, it can make your child’s day that much more memorable. No child deserves not to be sung Happy Birthday on their special day.
Top Kid Songs For Guitar, Final Thoughts
There you have it! If you learn half of these songs, you’ll have a repertoire that any kid would love to sing along to.
These songs can be great for parents or teachers looking to add a bit of fun to the daily routine. Playing these songs will help to break up the doldrums of the day, giving kids something to look forward to.
Side note, do you want to learn to play guitar songs the easy way? Learn how here – results are guaranteed!