The Best Thanksgiving Songs for Kids

It’s that time of year again! That magical moment when your uncle says something strange and unexpected, and your grandfather falls asleep at the table again. We are talking about it Thanksof course.

If you have little ones running around, it can be hard to get them into the turkey time spirit of the whole thing, but luckily there are songs to help with that. Thanksgiving songs are a true tried-and-true tradition, and a great way to get everyone in the spirit of the season. While there are plenty of Thanksgiving songs for adults, what about the ones for the little ones in your family?

While many of the songs are children’s staples, we do get a few celebrity cameos like Lion of Bridges and Baby sharks.

Don’t worry, we’ve listened to (what feels like) thousands of songs to find the perfect ones to add to your kids’ playlists. The following songs hit all the right notes: they’re easy to remember, sing along to and fun for the whole family. No more please, let’s talk turkey.

“Turkey’s Stop”

This is a fun song to dance too! It has some moves similar to “Simon Says”, but incorporates a fun “stop” in each line, so the kids can not only sing along, but have a blast dancing too.

“Thank you my friends”

This Thanksgiving banger features a young Leon Bridges singing about the power of friendship during the season. He first appeared on an episode of Sesame Streetand features Bridges’ silky vocals focused on a positive and uplifting message.

“Gobble Gobble Turkey Wobble”

Another easy crowd with built-in dance moves. It’s hard to imagine the kids not loving this one, with its easy melody and instructions. The video is also a lot of fun, with people of all shapes and sizes doing the Turkey Wobble.

“It Smells Like Thanksgiving”

This one features everyone’s favorite jug instrument: The fiddle. Very repetitive, and the ability for young children to replace their own foods “in the oven.” There are also fun dance breaks.

“10 Little Turks”

This is a fun counting song that is easy to sing at home. It has a very easy rhythm, and the lyrics are repetitive enough that children should pick them up fairly easily. By the time we’re down to one turkey, everyone should be able to sing along to this fun tune.

“Across the river and through the woods”

This one started out as a fun nursery rhyme, but now it’s set to music. It’s instantly familiar and catchy, and super easy to sing along to after a few listens. Because it is so well known, there is a good chance that older members of the family will be able to sing as well.

“Turkey Hokey Pokey”

A classic Thanksgiving. Instead of putting out your hand, you are putting out your wings, and various other parts of the birds body. This is one you may have to hear over and over again if it resonates with the kids.

“Baby Shark Thanksgiving”

Few children’s songs have captured the world’s attention in recent times the way “Baby Shark” did when it burst onto the scene in 2015. So what list of children’s songs would be complete without some version of the song? In this one, sharks are making Thanksgiving dinner, and singing along.

Song Tofurkey

Here’s a fun one for all the little vegans and vegetarians out there. Or, if your child is curious about why – or how – non-turkey eaters make their way through the holiday, then this informative guide will clear that up for you.

“Thanksgiving Theme”

A generational banger that appeals to adults out of nostalgia. The theme is Thanksgiving from A Charlie Brown Christmas, and it is a great pleasure. You can almost see the little ones Charlie Brown rascals dance up a storm.

“VeggieTales: A Song of Thanksgiving”

A great faith-based children’s song about gratitude. It tells the story of a family that doesn’t have much, but a daughter who finds a way to be grateful for everything around her. The video is, of course, in the classic Veggie Stories style and appearance.

“If You Are Thankful and You Know”

The song is “If you are happy and you know it”, but turned into a Thanksgiving song easily. The kids will be clapping, clapping, and shouting their way into a season like no other. It’s nice and slow to help with listening skills, and it’s tailored for everyone to sing at home.

“Powwow: A Thanksgiving Song”

This Native American song encourages children to get up and move, and think about the natural world around them. It is full of Folk sounds and dances that are easy to imitate. The singer imitates different animals in nature, and makes easy variations on them, with dance. It is educational and fun at the same time.

Turkey Albuquerque

Children’s song legend Dr. Jean has always been known for songs that help children learn rhymes and wordplay in simple, easy-to-understand ways, and this season is no different. Set to the tune of an American Western country ballad Oh my dear, Clementineyour kids will be dancing and practicing around this one in no time.

“Good”

It’s always good to introduce children to new cultures and ideas, and this Hawaiian-inspired song explains that “Mahalo” means “grateful.” There is also a performer who interprets the song’s lyrics in ASL, for the hearing impaired out there. A perfect thanksgiving song for everyone.

“Turkish Dance”

Remember “Turkey Stop?” If this one doesn’t top it, it’s at least as good. With easy-to-teach dance moves and highly repetitive lyrics, this one is a dance-and-song type. It is perfect for all ages, but on the sweet spot for children age 4 and up.

“Little Pilgrim”

This one has the tune “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” so the tune will be instantly recognizable to kids and adults alike. It tells the story of the first Thanksgiving, and reminds children to be grateful for everything they have in the world.