It’s party time in your home to celebrate your child’s birthday. Among the many to-dos on your party’s prep list, you’ll have to decide what music to include in the playlist. Whether it’s for kids to listen to, sing-along with or dance to, be sure to keep music age-appropriate and upbeat to satisfy you and the young party guests.
Step One
Dance Hits - Children of all ages will want to get up and dance at the party. Encourage your child and her friends to get on the dance floor by playing energetic hits. Preschool children can dance to songs they are familiar with from school such as "The Hokey Pokey" by Greg and Steve, "YMCA" by the Village People and "The Bunny Hop" by Ray Anthony. Older children and teenagers will enjoy showing their friends how to do "The Macarena" by Los del Rio, "The Electric Slide" by Neville Livingston, "Cupid Shuffle" by Cupid and "Cha Cha Slide" by DJ Casper.
Step Two
Movie Soundtracks - Add songs from movie soundtracks to the party play list since children already enjoy the tunes from popular movies. Disney favorites such as The Lion King's "I Just Can't Wait To Be King", Toy Story's "You've Got A Friend In Me", High School Musical's "Breaking Free" and Brave's "Touch The Sky" are songs that younger children can sing along to. Tween and teenage age groups will enjoy hearing tunes from popular musicals such as Dreamgirls' "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", Hairspray's "You Can't Stop the Beat" and Sparkle's "Something He Can Feel."
Step Three
Summer Songs - A child's summertime celebration will require music fitting for the season. If his party will be beside the pool or on the beach, include songs that will coincide with the warm sunny weather. Little kids can listen to "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves, "Summer/Sunshine" by Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck, "Under The Sea" by Samuel E. Wright and "Kokomo" by The Muppets. Add "Hot, Hot, Hot" by Buster Poindexter, "Soak Up The Sun" by Sheryl Crowe and "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince to the party play list for the pre-teen and teenage age group.
Step Four
TV Tunes - Television shows have always had an influence on children, so the shows' tunes will be appealing party songs. Your child's favorite television show tunes can be incorporated in the playlist. The opening theme songs of "Dora The Explorer", "SpongeBob Squarepants" and "Sesame Street" will offer a lively vibe to the party atmosphere for younger children. Older kids and tweens will love to hear hits performed by the "American Idol" stars such as Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks and David Cook or by the "Glee" cast. Songs heared on "iCarly", "Austin & Ally", and "Victorious" will also serve as fitting song choices.