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50 Best Songs to Play at a Children’s Birthday Party

  • Aug 04, 2026
  • By Learn How To Be a DJ
  • DJ Playlist Ideas
  • 5 min read
50 Best Songs to Play at a Children’s Birthday Party

50 Best Songs to Play at a Children’s Birthday Party

A great playlist can transform a children’s birthday party from a simple gathering into an unforgettable celebration. Whether the party is at home, a village hall, a soft play centre, a garden, a community venue or a school, the right music keeps children entertained, encourages dancing and games, and creates a fun atmosphere for both children and adults.

Children’s birthday parties often include a wide range of ages, from toddlers through to older siblings and parents. That means the ideal playlist should feature familiar songs that appeal to everyone rather than focusing on one particular age group. Mixing classic children’s favourites with family friendly pop hits, dance anthems and movie soundtracks helps maintain excitement throughout the event.

The energy should gradually build during the party. Start with lighter background music while guests arrive, move into upbeat dance songs during games and activities, and finish with feel good singalong tracks that everyone can enjoy together. Keeping the music varied also helps maintain attention and prevents younger children from losing interest.

The best music styles for a children’s birthday party include children’s classics, Disney favourites, upbeat pop, dance pop, family friendly rock, movie soundtrack hits and novelty dance songs. These genres encourage movement, singing and participation while remaining suitable for all ages.

When planning your playlist, always choose clean versions of songs where appropriate. Avoid music with explicit lyrics or themes that are unsuitable for younger audiences. It is also worth including a mixture of modern favourites alongside timeless classics that parents will recognise too. This creates a shared experience where everyone feels involved.

If you are planning 50 Best Songs to Play at a Children’s Birthday Party, remember that flexibility is important. Watch how the children respond and be prepared to change the running order if needed. Every party is different, but a well balanced playlist packed with familiar, energetic songs will help create lasting memories for everyone involved. This guide to the 50 Best Songs to Play at a Children’s Birthday Party provides a reliable starting point for DJs, parents and event organisers looking to build the perfect party soundtrack. Use these 50 Best Songs to Play at a Children’s Birthday Party to keep the dance floor full from start to finish.

50 Best Songs to Play at a Children’s Birthday Party

No. Song Artist Original Release Year Genre
1 Happy Pharrell Williams 2013 Pop
2 Can’t Stop the Feeling! Justin Timberlake 2016 Pop
3 Walking on Sunshine Katrina and the Waves 1983 Pop Rock
4 Roar Katy Perry 2013 Pop
5 Firework Katy Perry 2010 Pop
6 Shake It Off Taylor Swift 2014 Pop
7 Better When I’m Dancin’ Meghan Trainor 2015 Pop
8 Dance Monkey Tones and I 2019 Pop
9 Dynamite BTS 2020 Disco Pop
10 Levitating Dua Lipa 2020 Disco Pop
11 APT. ROSÉ & Bruno Mars 2024 Pop
12 Baby Shark Pinkfong 2016 Children’s
13 The Hokey Cokey Traditional Traditional Children’s
14 Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes Traditional Traditional Children’s
15 If You’re Happy and You Know It Traditional Traditional Children’s
16 The Wheels on the Bus Traditional Traditional Children’s
17 Let It Go Idina Menzel 2013 Soundtrack
18 Into the Unknown Idina Menzel & AURORA 2019 Soundtrack
19 We Don’t Talk About Bruno Cast of Encanto 2021 Soundtrack
20 You’re Welcome Dwayne Johnson 2016 Soundtrack
21 Try Everything Shakira 2016 Pop
22 Hakuna Matata Disney Cast 1994 Soundtrack
23 Under the Sea Samuel E. Wright 1989 Soundtrack
24 Everything Is Awesome Tegan and Sara feat. The Lonely Island 2014 Pop
25 Ghostbusters Ray Parker Jr. 1984 Pop Rock
26 YMCA Village People 1978 Disco
27 Celebration Kool & The Gang 1980 Funk
28 Wake Me Up Avicii 2013 EDM
29 I Gotta Feeling The Black Eyed Peas 2009 Pop
30 Best Day of My Life American Authors 2013 Pop Rock
31 Counting Stars OneRepublic 2013 Pop Rock
32 On Top of the World Imagine Dragons 2012 Pop Rock
33 Happy Birthday Stevie Wonder 1980 Soul
34 Cotton Eye Joe Rednex 1994 Dance
35 Macarena Los del Río 1993 Latin Pop
36 Cha Cha Slide DJ Casper 2000 Dance
37 The Chicken Dance Werner Thomas 1957 Novelty
38 Do You Love Me The Contours 1962 Soul
39 I’m Still Standing Elton John 1983 Pop Rock
40 Good Time Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen 2012 Pop
41 Sunshine Day Osibisa 1976 Afro Rock
42 Three Little Birds Bob Marley & The Wailers 1977 Reggae
43 ABC The Jackson 5 1970 Soul
44 Lovely Day Bill Withers 1977 Soul
45 Build Me Up Buttercup The Foundations 1968 Pop Soul
46 September Earth, Wind & Fire 1978 Funk
47 Dancing Queen ABBA 1976 Pop
48 Good Feeling Flo Rida 2011 Hip Hop
49 Party Rock Anthem LMFAO feat. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock 2011 Dance Pop
50 Uptown Funk Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars 2014 Funk Pop

Learn How to Become a DJ

If creating playlists like this has inspired you to get behind the decks yourself, there has never been a better time to learn. DJing is an enjoyable hobby, a rewarding profession and a fantastic way to entertain people at birthdays, weddings, corporate events and private parties.

Whether you want to mix music at home, perform at family celebrations or build a professional DJ business, learning the right techniques from the beginning will help you develop your skills much faster.

Visit How to Become a DJ to discover practical advice, beginner friendly tutorials and a comprehensive DJ ebook designed to help aspiring DJs master equipment, mixing techniques, music selection and performance skills with confidence.

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