Beat Cabin Fever with Fresh Family Dance Tunes

Kids love to hear and dance to the same song over and over… and over. Parents? Not so much.

At our house, we love a good dance party to get the wiggles out, reset grumpy moods, and burn some energy. But I can only take so much “Baby Shark” before it haunts me in my sleep.

My musical gal pals Pandora and Alexa have saved the day by introducing us to a variety of dance songs beyond the standard ditties I grew up with.

In case you’re looking to level up your next impromptu dance sesh, here is our latest list of favorites.

“Hair Up” by Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani and Ron Funches
We first heard this one in a FIT4MOM Stroller Strides class, though many tot moms know it from the movie Trolls. It brings just enough hip hop to take us 80’s babies back to our high school days, but it’s clean and incites all of us to raise our “hair in the aaaair.”

“Three Little Birds” by Elizabeth Mitchell
This cover of Bob Marley’s 1977 original is remade by children’s music artist Elizabeth Mitchell, along with sweet kid voices. A woodblock keeps a catchy, basic beat and welcomes your littles to play along with their own instruments.

“Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee
The folksy song is guided by a plucky acoustic guitar and Amos Lee’s soulful crooning. We can’t help but bounce around follow-the-leader style when this one fills the room.

“I Like to Move It” by will.i.am
This is often recognizable from its appearance in Madagascar. Those of us who haven’t seen the movie and grew up in the 90’s remember the beat from our rounds on the roller skating rink, thanks to Reel 2 Reel (I had to Google the artist).

Turns out the beat and title are all that’s shared between the two songs. This version is way more kid-friendly and gets my toddler’s booty bouncing before the lyrics even start. Mine, too, though I apologize to anyone who walks by our window when I feel the rhythm.

“Run Baby Run” by Caspar Babypants
This tune tells you exactly what to do, which any novice dancer can appreciate. You’ll run, jump, spin, sing, clap, dance and swing, and your little one is sure to love the simple instructions that lead to their favorite movements.

“Bananaphone” by Raffi
I grew up listening to Raffi and his signature “Baby Beluga.” Raffi’s approachable nature and playful lyrics make it feel like he is hosting a live singalong in our family room. “Bananaphone” is a swingy song with ridiculous lyrics and silly sounds, and the kids are up and jiving whenever it plays.

What are some of your family’s favorite dance tunes?