If you’ve ever watched a group of toddlers singing and moving along to a song, you’ll know just how much joy these simple hand motions and finger plays bring. Action songs are a perfect way to get excess energy out on bad weather days, boost fine motor skills, and build body awareness in young children.
They’re also a great way to sneak in some learning, helping with language skills, memory, and even social skills during circle time.
These favorite movement songs are so versatile. You can use them at home, during a nursery rhymes session at the library, in a classroom, or even when visiting grandparents who will love singing the same classic rhymes they remember from their own childhood. Whether it’s a brain break, a silly dance contest, or a simple sit down activity with fingerplay songs, these fun action songs are sure to be a hit.
The Best Toddler Songs with Actions that Will Make Your Kids Giggle
Below you’ll find our top picks for toddler songs with motions, complete with the lyrics and an explanation of how to do the movements.
From traditional songs to newer hits like Baby Shark, this list covers the entire song experience, so without further ado, let’s jump in!
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Lyrics:
The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout.
Down came the rain and washed the spider out.
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.
And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.
Motions:
Make your hands crawl up like a spider with wiggle fingers and index finger touching the opposite thumb, then show rain falling down the front of body with your hands. Spread your arms wide for the sun, then crawl the spider back up. This classic nursery rhyme is a favorite way to combine finger rhymes with simple hand movements.
Five Little Ducks
Lyrics:
Five little ducks went out one day,
Over the hill and far away.
Mother duck said “quack quack quack quack,”
But only four little ducks came back.
(Repeat counting down until no ducks return, then finish with all five returning.)
Motions:
Hold up your hand and wiggle fingers as the little ducks, then flap arms like a duck for the quacking. This great song is not only fun but also helps toddlers with counting and body parts awareness as they use their fingers.
Baby Shark
Lyrics:
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo,
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo,
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo,
Baby shark!
(Continue with Mommy Shark, Daddy Shark, Grandma Shark, Grandpa Shark, and “Let’s go hunt” verse, ending with “Safe at last.”)
Motions:
Use your right hand and left arm to make little jaws for baby shark, then bigger arms for the parents and grandparents. Pretend to swim, hide, and be safe. This is one of the most popular preschool songs ever and a fun way to get the sillies out.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Lyrics:
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, show your shoe.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, that will do.
Motions:
Children copy each line by spinning, bending, and pointing to body parts. A fun song that encourages physical activity while also being a classic rhyme toddlers love.
Rolly Polly
Lyrics:
Rolly polly, rolly polly,
Up, up, up.
Rolly polly, rolly polly,
Down, down, down.
Rolly polly, rolly polly,
Out, out, out.
Rolly polly, rolly polly,
In, in, in.
Motions:
Roll your hands around each other as you sing “rolly polly,” then raise them up high, lower them down, stretch them out in front of body, and pull them back in close. This simple song is one of the favorite finger rhymes for toddlers and a fun way to practice opposites and body awareness.
Little Bunny Foo Foo
Lyrics:
Little Bunny Foo Foo, hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the field mice and bopping them on the head.
Down came the good fairy, and she said:
“Little Bunny Foo Foo, I don’t want to see you,
Scooping up the field mice and bopping them on the head.”
Motions:
Hop like a bunny, scoop with your hands, then tap your fist to your palm for the “bopping.” This fun song adds a silly story that toddlers always find hilarious.
Five Little Monkeys
Lyrics:
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off and bumped his head.
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”
Motions:
Hold up five fingers, bounce your hand up and down like the monkeys, then point to your head. Use your hand as a pretend phone for the doctor. This fun action song is a great way to burn off excess energy.
Hokey Pokey
Lyrics:
You put your right hand in, you put your right hand out,
You put your right hand in and you shake it all about.
You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!
Motions:
Follow the lyrics with simple movements—using each body part like left arm, right hand, or even whole self. This dance song is a great way for young children to learn body awareness while having much fun.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Lyrics:
We’re going on a bear hunt,
We’re going to catch a big one.
What a beautiful day!
We’re not scared.
Motions:
March in place for the hunt, pretend to swish through grass, splash through water, and tiptoe through caves. This entire song is a perfect song for building imagination and storytelling with motions.
Row Row Row Your Boat
Lyrics:
Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream,
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.
Motions:
Sit down facing your toddler and row together, pulling arms back and forth. This classic nursery rhyme doubles as a gentle bonding song.
This Little Piggy
Lyrics:
This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none,
And this little piggy cried “wee wee wee” all the way home!
Motions:
Starting with the big toe, gently wiggle each of your child’s toes as you say the rhyme. When you get to the last line, tickle up their foot or leg as you say “all the way home.” This classic nursery rhyme is one of the simplest fingerplay songs and always gets giggles—it’s also a sweet way to connect with toddlers while helping them learn sequencing and language rhythm.
Zoom Zoom Zoom, We’re Going to the Moon
Lyrics:
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon,
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’ll be there very soon.
If you want to take a trip,
Climb aboard my rocket ship!
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon.
(Countdown 5–4–3–2–1… Blast off!)
Motions:
Rub hands together for the “zoom” sound, pretend to climb into a rocket, then crouch down for the countdown. Jump high in the air for “blast off.” A great song for circle time and a fun way to use up excess energy.
The Wheels on the Bus
Lyrics:
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
Round and round, round and round.
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
All through the town.
(Continue with verses like “The wipers on the bus go swish swish swish” or “The horn on the bus goes beep beep beep.”)
Motions:
Make circles with your arms for wheels, swipe your arms side to side for wipers, and press your hands like a horn for beeping. This is one of the most popular preschool songs and perfect for group singalongs.
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
Lyrics:
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,
Knees and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,
Knees and toes.
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose,
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes.
Motions:
Touch each body part as you sing the words. Speed it up each time for more fun. This classic nursery rhyme is the perfect song to teach body parts and build body awareness.
If You’re Happy and You Know It
Lyrics:
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it,
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
(Add verses: stomp your feet, shout hooray, turn around, etc.)
Motions:
Clap hands, stomp feet, and act out each verse. A fun action song and a great way to lift the mood on bad weather days.
Open, Shut Them
Lyrics:
Open, shut them, open, shut them,
Give a little clap, clap, clap.
Open, shut them, open, shut them,
Put them in your lap, lap, lap.
Motions:
Open and close hands, clap, then place hands on your lap. This simple song is a gentle fingerplay that helps toddlers with fine motor skills and self-regulation.
Down in the Jungle
Lyrics:
Down in the jungle where nobody goes,
There’s a big fat elephant washing his clothes.
With a rub-a-dub here and a rub-a-dub there,
That’s the way he washes his clothes!
Motions:
Mime scrubbing clothes, stomping like an elephant, and swishing like animals. This is a fun song for movement and dramatic play.
I’m a Little Teapot
Lyrics:
I’m a little teapot, short and stout,
Here is my handle, here is my spout.
When I get all steamed up, hear me shout,
Tip me over and pour me out!
Motions:
One arm on your hip for the handle, the other arm out straight for the spout, then lean sideways like you’re pouring. A classic rhyme and perfect song for young children.
Shake Our Sillies Out
Lyrics:
We’re gonna shake, shake, shake our sillies out,
Shake, shake, shake our sillies out,
Shake, shake, shake our sillies out,
And wiggle our waggles away!
Motions:
Shake arms and legs, wiggle, clap, jump, and stretch along with each verse. This fun song is the perfect brain break for preschool and nursery.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Lyrics:
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Motions:
Wiggle fingers high above your head for twinkling stars, make a diamond shape with your hands, then stretch arms upward. A soothing classic nursery rhyme and favorite movement song at bedtime or circle time.
A fun variation we have used is twinkle twinkle traffic light, which can be used with DIY musical shakers.
Wind the Bobbin Up
Lyrics:
Wind the bobbin up, wind the bobbin up,
Pull, pull, clap, clap, clap.
Wind it back again, wind it back again,
Pull, pull, clap, clap, clap.
Motions:
Roll hands in circles for “wind,” mime pulling, then clap hands. Point up, down, left, and right with your arms for the later verses. A traditional song that’s simple and loved by toddlers everywhere.
These fingerplay songs and fun action songs are favorite songs in nurseries everywhere and are great for circle time. They are perfect for a little physical activity and burning energy.
Why These Songs Work So Well
Toddler songs with motions are a fun way to combine music, movement, and learning. They help toddlers develop fine motor skills, learn body parts, and build language skills, all while having fun. Whether you use them as finger plays, brain breaks, or favorite movement songs in preschool, they’re a great way to connect with young children.
So next time you’re stuck inside on a rainy day, planning a circle time, or just looking for a fun way to get the sillies out, try one of these simple songs. You’ll soon see why they’re such a big part of early childhood.
More simple mother and baby games
More Music and Movement Activities for Kids
If your little ones love these toddler songs with motions, you’ll also enjoy exploring more fun music and movement ideas. From dance songs to simple finger plays, there are so many great ways to get kids moving while building language skills and confidence.
- Free Printable Animal Movement Activities for Children
- Free Printable Summer Movement Cards for Kids
- Free Printable Animals Charades Cards for Kids
- 63 Best Fun Halloween Songs for Kids
- Best Christmas Songs for Kids
- Physical Activities and Exercises Your Kids Will Love (with free Printables)
If you found this list helpful, please share this blog post with friends, family, or teachers who might enjoy it too. It’s always more fun when everyone joins in the singing and dancing!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.