Throwing a party for a child’s birthday is a joyful task, but the preparations can sometimes be strenuous. Of course, each parent wants to give their kid a birthday to remember, and we all know that the end result of such a party is a bunch of exhausted yet happy kids.
However, this can sometimes be hard to achieve, especially when you take into account how easily kids get bored. No matter how involved they are in a game, their concentration can vanish in an instant, and before you know it, you’ve got at least one upset kid in the role of the party pooper.
Worry not, as there is a perfect solution – a dance party! By creating a kid-friendly children’s party music playlist, not only will they have fun dancing around, but you’ll also cut yourself some slack, as you won’t have to monitor their behavior.
With this in mind, we’ve selected some of the most well-known upbeat birthday party songs, so let’s go through the list and help you get your DJ groove on!
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ABC – The Jackson 5
Nothing better than starting the party with a 1970 number-one hit, an all-dancing tribute to then eleven-year-old Michael Jackson’s astonishing vocals. This joyous track is a true kids birthday party song, and despite the release year the children will surely be familiar with it.
Boogie Wonderland – Earth, Wind & Fire
Moving on to another evergreen classic, you’ll want to turn the volume up for this one. “Boogie Wonderland” is a famous song from the disco era, arguably one of the greatest dance tracks of all time. The catchy rhythm will surely have both kids and the adults jamming to it.
Birthday – The Beatles
They say it’s your birthday
We’re gonna have a good time
I’m glad it’s your birthday
Happy birthday to you
There’s hardly more fitting lyrics for a kid’s birthday party song (or for any birthday, for that matter), right? It’s also a great alternative to the traditional “Happy Birthday To You”, so you can blast it when it’s time to blow out the candles or open the presents.
Birthday – Selena Gomez
Among the songs named aptly for this occasion, this track is a must-have on the party playlist. The child star of the Disney Channel, Selena is widely adored by girls, so there’s no doubt they’ll all be jumping around and singing Tell ’em that it’s my birthday.
Best Day of My Life – American Authors
I had a dream so big and loud
I jumped so high I touched the clouds
Here’s one alt-rock party anthem where you’ll get the kids to sing along the catchy “oohs” and “ohs”. This track evokes a call to adventure, and, to little kids, birthdays are supposed to be exactly that. When the singer proclaims This is gonna be the best day of my life, you can be sure the little ones will set the dance floor alight.
Happy Birthday – Kygo feat. John Legend
Yet another birthday song, which John Legend created with the Norwegian DJ and dedicated to his daughter Lena for her special day. Tropical house style of the tune makes this a perfect song for outdoor summer parties and gives off beachy vibes and really pumps one up for the warm weather and vacations.
Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake
Cause I got that sunshine in my pocket
Got that good song in my feet
When it comes to kids, this song needs no introduction, as its featured in the Dreamwork’s animated movie “Trolls”, so they will surely be familiar with it. Once this song is on, you won’t have to animate the kids, as Timberlake will do it for you by beckoning for them to join the dance.
Wake Me Up – Avicii
When compiling kid’s birthday music, it’s always a good idea to find the famous songs that will have everyone, both children and adults, singing along. This mix of electronic, country and pop music will do exactly that, as the well-known chorus echoed though the radio stations a couple of years ago.
Pharell Williams – Happy
An uptempo song you couldn’t have missed back in 2013, it’s still got the power to move everyone’s feet, especially those of children. It’s also a part of the ‘Despicable Me 2’ soundtrack, so if your kid loves Minions, they will be delighted to hear this song from the speakers.
BTS – Permission to dance
Addictive beat and cheery, innocent lyrics equals a fun song for the youngsters, and this current hit is no exception. The track infuses the listener with a hopeful message and a carefree attitude, setting just the right mood for the unforgettable party. Plus, it fits regardless of the birthday party theme you choose for this joyful occasion.
Levitating – Dua Lipa
The 80s feel of this tune coupled with funky electronic rhythm is currently topping the charts. With that in mind, including it among the birthday party songs is definitely the right step in the direction of creating the perfect playlist. There’s even a dance remix featuring Madonna and Missy Elliot, give it a listen and decide which one makes you dance in your seat more.
Beggin’ – Maneskin
The Eurovision 2021 winning band’s cover of Madcon’s hit has been dominating the Spotify Global Chart all summer, and no wonder. The lead singer’s raspy voice infuses the song with a hard edge, making it perfect for energetic jumping session on the dance floor.
Pepas – Farruko
Among the hottest Latin tracks right now, this club banger with its infectious rhythm is definitely going to uplift the mood of the birthday party guests. All in all, it’s a great tune that kids can bust some moves to.
The loco-motion – Little Eva
Move around the floor in a locomotion
(Come on baby do the locomotion)
Here’s another oldie but goldie track that will be immensely interesting to play on a kids birthday party. Why? Because it’s got its own easy-to-follow choreography. The lyrics above are pretty self-explanatory – all you have to do is press play and you’ll have an enthusiastic train of kids choo-chooing around. It’s definitely among the easiest party entertainment ideas you can pull off.
Macarena – Los Del Rio
Speaking of choreographies, this song has the distinctive viral dance, as famous as Gangnam Style moves. It’s repetitive, so kids will learn it easily and it will spread infectiously through the room, guaranteeing a good time. Kids love listening to music in loops though, so don’t be surprised if they request repeat on this one!
I Like To Move It – will.i.am
Need an excuse to get to get all the children grooving on the dance floor while you cut the birthday cake? The lead member of Black Eyed Peas has a solution! With funny lines like Ants in my pants, it promises to keep the crowd busy and engaged.
Best Song Ever – One Direction
Need This famous boy band’s track is one to spark the joie de vivre and get them jumping around. The title explains it all, and the enthusiastic tone of the song is all the kids need to hear to give it their all and show off their dance moves.
Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars ft. Mark Ronson
Want to wake up the hidden funkateer in every child? Say no more, because as soon as the little party goers hear the opening lines Doh, Doh doh doh, doh doh doh, Doh, it’s game on! It’s one of those songs that radiates fun from every pore, so it might even get you to tap your feet to the beat.
I’m a believer – Smash Mouth
Now this is guaranteed sing-along party song perfection. It’s featured at the end of the first ‘Shrek’ movie, so children will definitely recognize it. It will definitely create the atmosphere of feeling on top of the world. And that’s exactly want you should want for your birthday boy or girl – endless fun and a feel-good vibe!
High Hopes – Panic! At The Disco
It’s perfectly normal to have high hopes for your kid’s birthday party, so here’s a song to help you out. Trumpets, hip-hop drums and Brandon Urie’s chanting-like singing make this a great addition to your children’s party music playlist.
Shake It Off – Taylor Swift
Bubble-gum pop is always in for the young ones, and this song is no exception. The message behind the lyrics is to dismiss the criticism and accept yourself as you are, ‘shake off’ the negativity. It’s another feel-good tune that the children will recognize and sing along for sure.
The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?) – Ylvis
Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!
A viral gimmick song back in 2013, the playfulness of this track is evergreen when it comes to children. It can even be included in the toddlers party songs playlist, especially since there’s a collection of cartoon videos accompanying it on Youtube.
She Looks So Perfect – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Tween girls will definitely love to hear this rocking from the speakers. This charming boy band is all about pop-rock fun, and this song is no exception. If your choice among the numerous birthday party places lands on an outdoor option, this song will work like magic and match the atmosphere perfectly.
Good Time – Owl City ft. Carly Rae Jepsen
While on the topic of summer, let’s throw in this easy-to-listen to tune. With the uplifting mood it sets one in, it’s a perfect fit for a birthday playlist. There’s even a children’s choir towards the end of the song, which is great for the kids to join in.
Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera
We bet Jagger would dance to this groove if only he were able to, so why not kids as well? The whistle bit is infectious, so prepare for a lot of noise once the kiddos start imitating the singer. Still, it promises entertainment, and, hey, birthday parties are supposed to be noisy, right? That’s how you know they’re good!
Blue (Da Ba Dee) – Eiffel 65
There’s no party playlist without at least one of the 90s synth-pop. It’s an essential Eurodance classic that is instantly recognizable, so you can’t fail with this one. It bound to get everyone on their feet and sing along I’m blue, Da ba dee da ba di!
Relax, Take It Easy – Mika
Mika’s debut single is still a common part of radio stations and it suits the birthday party mood to a tee. Singable and fun to dance to, there’s no doubt it will fit in with the rest of the songs on the playlist.
Adventures Of A Lifetime – Coldplay
Who’s up for some uplifting soulful music? The kids will surely be delighted to hear this one, and its even more fun to listen with the official video playing. If you have a video projector, here’s an idea! The dancing monkeys in the video are surely going to animate the kids and inspire them to imitate to moves. Fun – guaranteed!
Candy – Robbie Williams
This song offers a playful, chant-like rhythm and is a rear certified pop banger. It leaves a sweet after-taste and is a perfect dance tune all around. But, you can’t go wrong with Robbie Williams, right? It goes without saying, of course!
Together – Sia
Ooh, together
We can take it higher
Last but not least, Sia’s lead single from the last year’s album is a true kids anthem. Bouncy, charismatic and joyous, a winning combination when it comes to a youngster gathering.
Bonus Song – Little Big – Skibidi
Final thoughts
Being a children’s DJ sure ain’t easy, but hopefully we’ve made it at least a tiny bit less complicating for you. Go though the list with your child and see what their favorite picks are and create the playlist together. Even better, help us enrich this list with some of your suggestions of birthday party songs. Have a great time at the party!
