Music Games for Kids

Your kid is constantly composing, strumming, singing and banging on pots and pans. And that’s totally okay with you. Keep the tunes coming with a few magical music games for kids. If you’re not really sure where to start, check out the easy-to-play games (musical chairs and more!) we found below. We promise each one will be music to your ears.

1. Balloon Bounce
Think musical chairs, but without the actual chairs. Yep, this balloon bouncing game is a start-stop fave that comes with a twist. For the full details head on over to Inspired by Family and get the steps to plan a giggle-worthy game that encourages the kids to listen to the music and move to it too!

2. Songs and Statues
Remind your kids of the last time they explored the art museums’ galleries with this game from Learn with Play at Home. Along with the music theme, this multi-player game also gets the kids up off the couch and moving. And what could be better than that?

3. Shake and Move
Who says you have to spend the kids’ college fund on pricey musical instruments and learning toys? Make this crafty shaker from Mini Monets and Mommies, and then play a follow the leader style musical game. You’ll need two or more children for this activity, and the kids can make their own shaker before the game starts. Next, pick a leader—and she’ll set the tone (and the rhythm) for the rest of the kids to follow.

4. Train Tapping
If your little one is all about trains, this music learning game is a perfect match. Lets Play Music can teach you the steps that you’ll need to rock this rhythm activity.

5. Sound Jars
Create your very own set of “sound jars” for the kids to explore and experiment with. Visit Hands On As We Grow for detailed instructions and plenty of music games to play with these sensory surprises.

6. STEAM Sounds
Instead of creating a guitar, drum, flute or saxophone, this exploratory activity from Just One Mommy helps kids get creative and design their own imaginative instrument.

7. Paint to Music
Combine the performing and visual arts with one easy activity. Give your child an easel, paper, tempera paint and a brush. Choose a few different types of music that have different tempos, rhythms and feels. In other words, create a playlist of mood music that encompasses all the different emotions. Your pint-sized Picasso can paint away, moving the brush to the different types of tunes.

8. Musical Math
Yes, music is an art. But that doesn’t mean you can’t combine it with something that’s more … um, academic. Check out this math plus music idea from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls.