If there’s one thing that guarantees giggles from a group of kids, it’s a truly silly song. From wacky lyrics to animal sound effects and goofy dance moves, music is one of the fastest ways to turn an ordinary day into a belly-laughing adventure. Whether you’re planning a road trip, looking to liven up chore time, or need a break from screen time, these silly songs that will have kids laughing are perfect for lightening the mood. Even grown-ups might catch themselves humming along. Ready to press play on the laughter? Let’s dive in.
1. “Banana Phone” by Raffi
“Banana Phone” is as catchy as it is absurd. With its repetitive rhymes and the ridiculous image of a banana-shaped telephone, it’s impossible to listen without smiling. Raffi’s smooth vocals and the playful tone make it a crowd favorite for preschoolers and parents alike. It’s a great choice for car rides when you need to shake off a case of the grumps. Among silly songs that will have kids laughing, this one ranks high for both fun and fruit.
2. “The Duck Song” by Bryant Oden
With its memorable chorus and a duck that just really wants some grapes, this song is internet-famous for a reason. The repetitive storyline and escalating silliness keep kids engaged from the first “got any grapes?” to the final quack. The punchline is unexpected and often sends kids into fits of laughter. It’s a simple tune that’s perfect for playdates or snack time sing-alongs. You’ll likely hear “again!” the moment it ends.
3. “Boom Chicka Boom”
This call-and-response song is made for giggles and group fun. Each verse lets kids change up the voice and style—like doing it in a robot voice or a whisper—which adds layers of silly creativity. It’s great for classrooms, birthday parties, or just rainy afternoons when everyone’s feeling wiggly. “Boom Chicka Boom” encourages participation and movement while keeping the mood light. It’s a classic example of silly songs that will have kids laughing and shouting along.
4. “There Was a Moose” (a campfire favorite)
This camp favorite is part song, part story, and all ridiculous. The lyrics involve a moose drinking juice and the drama that follows, with each verse building in complexity and goofiness. Kids love the escalating chaos and the opportunity to shout out parts of the song. It’s also great for acting out with silly gestures. If you’ve got energetic kids, this one keeps them engaged and laughing.
5. “I Like to Eat Apples and Bananas”
This song takes a simple theme—loving fruit—and turns it into a vowel-twisting giggle-fest. Each verse changes the vowel sounds, turning “I like to eat apples and bananas” into things like “I lake to ate ay-ples and ba-nay-nays.” Kids love the silly sounds and trying to sing along with the wacky pronunciations. It also helps build phonetic awareness without them even realizing it. That combination of education and fun is what makes it one of the top silly songs that will have kids laughing.
6. “On Top of Spaghetti”
A meatball that rolls off the table and meets an unfortunate fate? Hilarious in a kid’s world. This song takes the familiar tune of “On Top of Old Smokey” and adds a delightfully goofy twist. The exaggerated drama and visual storytelling make it easy for kids to follow and chuckle at. It’s perfect for mealtime, especially if spaghetti is involved. Just beware of real meatballs rolling off plates afterward.
7. “Do Your Ears Hang Low?”
With questions about ears swinging and tying in knots, this classic silly song brings a fun mix of nonsense and physical comedy. Add hand gestures or silly dances to enhance the humor. Kids love testing out whether their ears could really do all the things the song describes. It’s one of those tunes that sticks with them for years. Whether they’re toddlers or tweens, it brings out the giggles.
8. “Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley
An old-school novelty hit, this song is about a one-eyed, one-horned flying creature that loves to eat people—but only purple ones. It’s weird, it’s catchy, and it’s packed with absurd images that spark laughter. The retro beat makes it stand out from more modern songs, and kids love the sound effects and silly voice. It’s great for Halloween or anytime you want a burst of unexpected silliness.
9. “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed”
This silly counting song features monkeys who just can’t seem to stop jumping—and the predictable consequences that follow. Kids love the repetitive rhythm and the chance to act it out with finger puppets or stuffed animals. It’s also a fun way to introduce basic subtraction. The humor builds as each monkey falls off the bed, and by the last one, it’s usually full-on giggle mode. Educational and funny? Yes, please.
10. “Baby Shark (But Make It Silly)”
Okay, we know—it’s been done. But when you add your own twists to “Baby Shark” (like changing the animals or using silly voices), it turns a familiar tune into a laugh-out-loud experience. Kids love the predictability mixed with unexpected variations. Add dance moves, funny faces, or costume accessories to kick it up a notch. With the right twist, this song earns its spot on any list of silly songs that will have kids laughing.
A Playlist Full of Laughter
Silly songs have the power to turn frowns upside down, energize a sluggish afternoon, and create shared joy across all ages. Whether you’re blasting these in the car, singing them at bedtime, or choreographing a kitchen dance party, they remind us that childhood is meant to be playful. These silly songs that will have kids laughing aren’t just fun—they’re little moments of magic disguised as music.
What’s your child’s all-time favorite silly song? Drop your top picks in the comments so we can keep the laughter going!
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Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.
