Best Kids Music
Music for kids is so good now - way beyond Raffi (though he's pretty great too).
Here are a few of our favorite local bands with kid-friendly tunes that rock for all ages. See our list of upcoming kid-friendly concerts to catch them in person.
Rock out to our playlist and see our podcast & audio books guide for more listening pleasure.
The Laurie Berkner Band
Catchy tunes and clever lyrics from the queen of kindie rock compel all ages to stomp like dinosaurs and brush their teeth like goldfish. Other favorite danceable tunes from her 20+ year career include Victor Vito and I'm Gonna Catch You and so many more.
GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD
Meet a friendly creature who came to Earth from the sun and is living out an explorer’s life in a slightly psychedelic version of the Minnesota woods. Meet bizarre characters from a snake who loves socks and a monster cake with hand-drawn animations and a rocking sound.
Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats
Upbeat ukulele ditties by this Grammy-award winner evoke the jazz age with swinging beats (but with uplifting, kid-friendly lyrics). Sing/scat along and smile to Fantastic or make a bilingual salad with La Cosecha.
They Might Be Giants
The quirky band that taught the 90s that Istanbul once was Constantinople also made fantastic, educational kids albums about science, letters and numbers (plus the catch Mickey Mouse clubhouse soundtrack. Lean more geography in the Alphabet of Nations, rock out to I Am a Paleontologist or set goals to I Never Go to Work.
Tim Kubart
The retro pop songs of this cutie Grammy winner celebrate everyday moments like family breakfasts and backyard swinging - perfect for latin-tinged Dancing in the Kitchen.
Annie & The Natural Wonder Band
These creators of catchy interactive songs about the wonders of nature (whim we first discovered at the Bronx Zoo) have been around so long that a track on their beloved On Safari album instructs listeners to turn the tape to side 2. But their tunes are timeless, fact-filled and encourage moving like like hip hippopotamus, county frogs and bitter butterflies.
ONLINE MUSIC
Carnegie Hall Music Explorers
Learn about musical culture and tradition around the world – African-American Freedom Songs, South African Zulu songs and many more – with lessons plans, music and video featuring global artists. The well-designed site features a world map to explore. Also Learn about symphony orchestras in an animated adventure in Carnegie Hall Listening Adventures.
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz Academy
Watch curated educated videos on the from Jazz at Lincoln Center’s educational programs and learn about it’s roots in African-American traditions and communities. WeBop instructors demonstrate fun activities to get families swinging and singing, members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra share performance secrets, and Middle School Jazz Academy instructors break down jazz techniques.…
Chamber Music Society
Engage with the vast CMS archive of concerts and lectures including the Meet the Music family programs, short videos with the wacky Inspector Pulse and Digging Downbeats with Wolfgang Amadeus Schmutzinberry (who has his own web series). Weekly themed classical music playlists include fun assignments and activities.
Ear Snacks
Kindie musicians Andrew & Polly and their friends consider music, science, art and culture in a fun-filled family-friendly podcast enjoyable for kids and grown-ups. Developmentally appropriate & absurdist but never untrue.
Noodle Loaf
Explore music in an interactive podcast and video series born from the brain of a music education teacher and his goofball kids. Each approx. 10 minute episode features inventive sing-alongs and activities. Geared for kids 3-9 years old but all ages get into it.
Music in the Lobby: Musique Libre Femmes
Join a live musical performance with Musique Libre Femmes. This all women free jazz chamber group plays for Women’s History Month.
Celebrate Holi at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Join Brooklyn Children’s Museum and Ajna Dance Company for the annual celebration of springtime, renewal, color, and play. Known as the “Color Festival,” Holi originated in India and is now enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Come hungry and ready to play as we celebrate a day of art, dance, food, music, and wonder that…
Mozart for Munchkins: Spring String
Join an all-ages concert in a relaxed environment. Swing with some strings into spring, from Vivaldi and bubbles to stormy dances and more. Featuring Marta Bagratuni on cello, Sara Sherman on piano, and special guest.
Stay after for an instrument petting-zoo.