Knee-deep in summer, you’re probably out there with the family cruising around on some fun road trips all around the country to Disneyland, Grandma and Grandpa’s house, that timeshare you’ve been looking forward to all winter, the lake, and more.
Music is an important, quintessential part of the great American road trip with the family. Not only does good music help pass the time and the long miles, it becomes an unofficial soundtrack to your memories and your trip. But a lot of kids like music that’s different than what you like and it can get incredibly tedious and annoying.
If you’re sick and tired of your kid’s taste in music but want to keep them happy with upbeat songs and even singalong music, here are some ideas to pop on your car’s stereo to keep everyone happy.
1. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Who doesn’t love a song all about being happy? Kids will love the catchy tune and won’t be able to help smiling along with it.
2. “Firework” by Katy Perry
Katy Perry is always an upbeat favorite, with her peppy spirit and bright voice.
3. “Pompeii” by Bastille
This song by Bastille has a really catch chorus and bass beat.
4. “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus
The kids will love the chorus drop – just be ready to hear “I came in like a wreeeecking baaaaalllll!” pretty regularly!
5. “Royals” by Lorde
Smooth and soothing, Lorde’s song Royals has a darker, husky but still catchy feel and sound to it.
6. “Wake Me Up” by Avicii
If you need a song to wake you right up and make you all dance, this one by Avicii is it!
7. “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic
A fun song by One Republic, you and the kids will probably enjoy singing right along with it.
8. “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper
The kids will love this one for obvious reasons!
9. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
One of the most classic singalong songs of all time, it’s not only a joy to teach your little ones this one, but it’s probably some sort of official duty to do so!
10. “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
Another classic singalong, the kids will enjoy hearing the piano and the harmonica, instruments you don’t get to hear very often in contemporary music.
11. “We Will Rock You” by Queen
Let the kids stomp it out for just this song, and they’ll get some of that energy out and also have a blast!
12. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole
This is a great song that every kid should definitely hear and will enjoy. Soothing, calm, and fun to sing along with.
13. “Life Is A Highway” by Rascal Flatts
Obviously you have to play Life is a Highway on a road trip! Roll down the windows, and let the whole family rock out!
14. “American Pie” by Don McLean
A nice long, multi-versed song that also weaves a story and gives a good teaching opportunity about a moment in history and some big voices in music, the epic American Pie is both fun and educational!
These should be some great alternatives to an endless loop of “Let it Go” for your next road trip, so pop them on your car stereo, drive safe, and have a blast singing!
