11 Songs Both Parents and Kids Will Love

Confession: long before my eldest son ever learned popular circle-time songs like Roly Poly and Baby Shark, he was wobble-dancing around our living room to the sweet sounds of Aretha Franklin, The Jackson 5 and Robyn. It’s not that I don’t love children’s music (we spend lots of time shaking our sillies out to Fred Penner and Will's Jams, too), but I can only sing Baby Beluga and Skinnamarink so many times before I start to long for some more adult-friendly options. The days are long, friends, and my patience for Kidz Bop is short.

While animated movie soundtracks provide plenty of kid-pleasing pop anthems that are perfect for impromptu kitchen dance parties, even Happy and Can’t Stop the Feeling start to lose their appeal after the sixth play of the day. So when I need to switch things up a bit, I turn to this list featuring grown-up covers of songs from my childhood and catchy kids’ tunes that keep my wee one — and my ears — happy. It’s a win-win! If you’re looking to upgrade your go-to playlist, here are 11 great songs to add to the mix.

Gather Round — Renee Stahl feat. Lisa Loeb

If you’re anything like me, your ‘90s-loving heart will always hold a special place for Lisa Loeb and her cat-eye glasses. This sweet, folksy collaboration from Renee Stahl’s Simpatico celebrates the simple joy of getting together with friends to share a meal. The gentle lyrics remind little ones that everyone has something special and worthwhile to offer, just by being themselves.

Mahna Mahna — The Fray

This classic tune from The Muppet Show gets the rock treatment courtesy of The Fray on Muppets: The Green Album. While you’ll love it for the nostalgia factor, it also has two things that kids can’t resist: silly, nonsensical lyrics and lots of clapping. This album also features a great cover of Wishing Song by The Airborne Toxic Event that will get everyone moving.

Fraggle Rock Theme Song — Allister

On the list of things that you didn’t know have been missing from your life: this ultra-fun pop-punk cover of the Fraggle Rock theme song. You’re welcome.

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7, 8, 9 — Barenaked Ladies

What happens when dad jokes and music combine? The answer is this cute and quirky song about numbers from the Barenaked Ladies. (Parents will particularly enjoy the shout-outs to hockey legend Gordie Howe and former ninth planet Pluto in this one.)

Ladybug Picnic — Elizabeth Mitchell

This cover of the classic Sesame Street song about a group of ladybugs who get together for a fun day of games, jokes and lively discussions about fire insurance is pure perfection. Now if someone would just cover the Pinball Number Count song…

The Hoppity Song — Five for Fighting

For kids who have an abundance of energy (i.e. all of them), this hop-hop-hippity number off the album For The Kids by John Ondrasik — better known as Five for Fighting — is just the ticket. Crank it up and let the jumping begin! Bonus: you now know 90 per cent of the words to this song, thanks to the previous sentence.

Breathe in the Moment — Jessie Farrell

Fans of Scout and the Gumboot Kids will love this song from Canadian country singer Jessie Farrell's album Take Me Outside. With an emphasis on being present and enjoying the moment together, this upbeat tune will have you shaking your toes and wiggling your nose alongside your little ones.

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I Am a Paleontologist — They Might Be Giants

Dino fans will have a blast bopping around the house while they sing about Triceratops and Velociraptors, thanks to this awesome track from Here Comes Science. If Ross from Friends had his own theme song, this would be it.

Family Time — Ziggy Marley

The title track from Ziggy Marley’s Grammy-winning Family Time is sure to put a smile on your face with its uplifting rhythm and pure positivity.

Monkey — Big Block Singsong

This silly little ditty from Big Block Singsong is ridiculously catchy, and oh so fun. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming it in the shower, or singing it to yourself while you walk through the grocery store — especially if it’s a two-banana kind of day.

Starfish and Coffee — Prince

It will probably be a few years before your kids fully appreciate the genius of Prince, but this ode to a special girl named Cynthia Rose is the perfect introduction.