Encourage your child to bring on the noise with creative, homemade musical games that’ll get them inspired
Your kid is constantly composing, strumming, singing and banging on pots and pans, and that’s okay with you! From musical chairs to musical math, keep the tunes coming with easy-to-play music games for kids. Experiencing their joy and learning through these delightful diversions 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. Inspired by Family can give you 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?
Related: 26 Games & Activities to Get Them Moving
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 shakers 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. Let’s Play Music can teach you the steps that you’ll need to rock this rhythm activity.
Related: 14 Handmade Instruments That Play Music
5. Sound Jars
Create your very own set of “sound jars” for the kids to explore and experiment with. Hands On As We Grow has 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 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. Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls offers a math plus music idea.
Related: 31 Things Your Kids Should Be Doing Instead of Homework
9. Egg Shaker
As if making an egg shaker isn’t fun enough, Mama.Papa.Bubba can show you how to turn these simple musical instruments into a creative guessing game. Your little learner will get to make his music while working on critical-thinking skills. And all within the framework of a super-fun sensory activity!
10. Sound Hunt
It’s like a scavenger hunt, but with sounds. This music game from Inspiration Laboratories is serious fun!
