What should you play at a children’s party? Here is a starting playlist for ages 8, 10 and 12. It is not a chart that suits everyone: ask the birthday child or class for two favourites and listen together first.
Looking mainly for choruses children recognise? Try familiar singalong songs. This article turns the music into a party plan.
Songs for eight-year-olds
Start with a song that gives children something to do: clap, jump or play air guitar. Pick from these five:
- Blijwin®: Onesie Dansie
- Blijwin®: Rocken op m’n luchtgitaar
- Pharrell Williams: Happy
- Justin Timberlake: CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!
- Blijwin®: Schuimparty
Songs for ten-year-olds
For a Dutch-speaking group, alternate a Dutch song with English-language pop. One possible order:
- Justin Timberlake: CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!
- Blijwin®: Onesie Dansie
- Taylor Swift: Shake It Off
- Blijwin®: Rocken op m’n luchtgitaar
- Pharrell Williams: Happy
Songs for twelve-year-olds
Ask this group what they listen to first. These three pop songs are a starting point, not a guarantee that everyone likes them. Add two requests from the children:
A 45-minute party plan
- 0–5 minutes: welcome everyone and choose an opening song together.
- 5–15 minutes: two or three playlist tracks, depending on their length.
- 15–20 minutes: musical statues or an air-guitar game.
- 20–25 minutes: drinks and a breather.
- 25–40 minutes: favourite tracks and requests.
- 40–45 minutes: finish together with one chosen singalong.
Keep it fun
Prepare the running order and turn off autoplay of unfamiliar songs. Listen to the version you will actually use: a remix may differ from the original. Choose a clean version where needed.
Nobody has to dance at the front. Watching first is fine too. With mixed ages, consider the youngest children and leave room for older children to request a song.
Run the music yourself or book a children’s DJ?
For a small party, you can prepare the music yourself. Want me to bring music, lights and games? Explore a birthday party or school party. The homepage explains how to hire a children’s DJ.
