When you become a parent, your record collection might suddenly feel a bit too “grown-up” for your little one. Prince? Not ideal. Nick Cave? Probably not for the kids. So, you dive into children’s music—and let’s be honest, it can be a bit of a mixed bag. You either love it, or it makes you want to stick knitting needles in your ears. The challenge is that once a kid finds something they like, they want to hear it over and over again. You want your kids to enjoy music, but you also want to keep your sanity!
Sure, you could throw on a random track and walk away, but family time is all about shared experiences. As parents, we also want to pass on the music from our own childhoods while staying open to the newer sounds we might have missed. Sharing our musical and cultural heritage creates a connection with the past, but kids should have a voice in what they enjoy too.
Luckily, children’s music can be just as heartfelt and exciting as any other genre. It helps kids develop language skills, explore rhythms, recognize instruments, and, of course, sing along. The best part? Parents can have just as much fun as their little ones. While newer children’s albums aren’t often pressed to vinyl, there are still plenty of great options. Here are ten fantastic vinyl albums for kids that will keep the whole family entertained and your ears safe from the dreaded repetition.
Ella Jenkins: I’ll Sing A Song And You’ll Sing A Song
Children’s music doesn’t always have to be overly silly or fast-paced to capture a child’s attention. Music can be calm and thoughtful, and still make a big impact. Ella Jenkins, known as “The First Lady of the Children’s Folk Song,” has built her legacy around using multicultural rhythms in call-and-response songs that engage children in an interactive learning process.
Her classic album I’ll Sing A Song And You’ll Sing A Song (1966) introduces young listeners to both traditional and original songs, making music education a fun and interactive experience. With her warm voice and ukulele, Jenkins, alongside the Urban Gateways Children’s Chorus, invites children to sing along—not just listen. The album features beloved tracks like the title song, “Shabot Shalom,” “Did You Feed My Cow?” “This Train,” and “Miss Mary Mack.”
If any song lyric perfectly encapsulates Jenkins’ music philosophy, it’s this one: “You’ll sing a song and I’ll sing a song and we’ll sing a song together, you’ll sing a song and I’ll sing a song in warm and wintry weather.” Now over fifty years old, this album remains a timeless treasure for both kids and parents alike—making it an essential vinyl for any collection.
The Beatles: Yellow Submarine
Released in 1969, Yellow Submarine is the soundtrack to the iconic animated film of the same name. This album includes the beloved “Yellow Submarine” and “All You Need Is Love,” along with four previously unreleased tracks, plus the film’s orchestral score on side two. The title track, “Yellow Submarine,” is a perfect sing-along, with Ringo Starr’s distinctive voice encouraging everyone to join in. The story, told by a sailor narrating his adventurous life, is easy to follow and enjoyable for both kids and adults.
Families can dance and sing along to catchy songs like “All Together Now,” “Hey Bulldog,” and “All You Need Is Love.” The first side of the album offers a perfect length for young children to play, sing, and dance. Once they’ve let out their energy, the serene orchestral score on side two provides a calming background for quiet time or focused activities.
Be warned: Yellow Submarine is likely to become a favorite, with kids requesting to hear the title track on repeat, which may lead to uneven groove wear. It might be a good idea to get a second copy for your own enjoyment. This album is a must-have for family vinyl collections, offering both fun and relaxation in one classic package.
Rockabye Baby!: Lullaby Renditions of The Flaming Lips
If you’re a parent, you’re likely familiar with the Rockabye Baby! series, which transforms popular rock, pop, and rap hits into soothing instrumental lullabies. One standout in this series is Lullaby Renditions of The Flaming Lips (2011), which is also available on vinyl. The quirky arrangements of this psychedelic rock band blend perfectly with child-friendly instruments like xylophones, bells, and even chirping crickets.
Imagine your toddler dreaming of giant pink robots or supermen while listening to these gentle renditions. Put on “Watching the Planets” for tummy time or as your little one plays with their latest Play-Doh creation. Other classic Flaming Lips tracks like “She Don’t Use Jelly,” “Fight Test,” and “Do You Realize??” are given a soothing, lullaby twist that will charm both kids and parents alike.
With mellotron instrumentals, croaking frogs, and quirky squeaking sounds, this album is a unique addition to any vinyl collection. Embrace the soothing power of the Lips and enjoy a calming, yet whimsical, soundtrack for your little one’s world.
Larry Groce & The Disneyland Children’s Sing-Along Chorus: Disney’s Children’s Favorites, Vol. 1
When you’re facing a meltdown over a broken crayon or a toddler refusing to go outside, the solution is simple: a sing-along dance party! If you’re a parent, Disney’s Children’s Favorites, Vol. 1 is your go-to soundtrack for soothing and entertaining your little ones. Released in 1979, this album is the first in a series of four volumes from Walt Disney Records and has since been reissued on CD multiple times. Featuring classic children’s songs like “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” it’s perfect for keeping kids engaged with easy-to-follow, short, and sweet tunes.
Larry Groce, a talented folk singer-songwriter from the 1970s, was commissioned by Disney to record these playful tracks after his work with children’s music through the National Endowment for the Arts. His recordings of “This Old Man,” “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” and “The Hokey Pokey” are the definitive versions that parents and kids alike can enjoy for years to come.
If you’re looking for a fun and nostalgic way to engage your children, this album is a must-have for your vinyl collection. Let the songs keep things moving and make any moment a joyful sing-along experience!
Suni Paz: Canciones Para El Recreo/Children’s Songs for the Playground
Empathy and cultural understanding start with learning about others, and folk singer Suni Paz understands that children enjoy exploring different cultures through music. Her 1977 album Canciones Para El Recreo (Children’s Songs for the Playground), released on Folkways Records, is a delightful collection of folk songs Paz learned during her time in Argentina and Chile.
Paz’s work played a significant role in the bilingual education movement of the 1970s, promoting the use of multicultural music in schools. By introducing children to Latin American culture, she showed them that music doesn’t always have to be in English to be enjoyable. The album features charming songs like “Llega La Mañana” (about the morning), “Cocoroco” (a song about an unfortunate rooster), and “Resfalosa de Mi Escuela” (a Chilean folk dance).
With its intimate arrangements and inclusion of lyrics in both Spanish and English, Canciones Para El Recreo offers a wonderful opportunity for children from all backgrounds to experience Latin American instruments, learn Spanish, and connect to vibrant rhythms. This album is a fantastic way to introduce kids to a diverse musical world, making it a must-have for families seeking to broaden their musical horizons.
Laura Veirs: Tumble Bee: Laura Veirs Sings Folk Songs For Kids
After becoming a mother, singer-songwriter Laura Veirs turned her attention to creating a children’s album, but she wasn’t interested in the typical “Old MacDonald” songs. Instead, she drew inspiration from Civil War-era tunes, folk traditions, and contemporary songs. Tumble Bee: Laura Veirs Sings Folk Songs for Kids (2011) may be labeled as a kids’ album, but its soothing, haunting arrangements make it just as enjoyable for adults.
This album stands out because it doesn’t sound like a typical children’s album. With tracks like “The Fox” (where a fox threatens to eat some ducks) and the haunting lullaby “All The Pretty Little Horses,” there’s a certain depth and darkness that makes the music captivating for all ages. But don’t worry – the album balances this with lighthearted and fun tracks like “King Kong Kitchie Kitchie Ki-Me-O” and “Little Lap Dog Lullaby.”
Laura Veirs: Tumble Bee is a soulful folk album that brings a unique twist to family music time, making it a must-have for both kids and adults who appreciate timeless folk tunes.
Johnny Cash: The Johnny Cash Children’s Album
Yes, Johnny Cash released a children’s album! In 1975, the legendary “Man in Black” dropped The Johnny Cash Children’s Album, featuring 11 tracks, most of which were penned by Cash himself. This collection is pure gold and perfect for family game nights or car rides, offering timeless music with Cash’s signature storytelling style.
At this point in his career, Cash had embraced a more family-friendly side, appearing on variety shows and even Sesame Street. This shift made his children’s album a natural fit. Tracks like “Nasty Dan,” which tells the tale of a miserable man and his equally miserable family (and made an appearance on Sesame Street in 1974), add a touch of humor that kids and parents can enjoy together.
The album also features songs about a dinosaur, various animals, and even a bit of math with “One and One Makes Two.” If you’re looking to introduce your kids to the iconic sound of Johnny Cash and his simple yet compelling storytelling, this album is a must-have for every family’s music collection.
Harry Nilsson: The Point!
Released in 1971, The Point! by Harry Nilsson is an allegorical pop masterpiece that blends imaginative storytelling with catchy tunes. Inspired by an acid trip in the woods where Nilsson noticed that everything had a point, he created a whimsical tale that became a made-for-TV animated movie, with the album serving as its soundtrack.
The story takes place in a land where everyone has a conical head – except for a boy named Oblio, who has a rounded head and is considered “pointless.” Exiled with his faithful dog Arrow, Oblio embarks on a journey through the Pointless Forest, meeting strange characters and eventually discovering that even the pointless things around him have their own purpose. The story’s deeper meaning is subtle, allowing listeners of all ages to reflect on life without feeling overwhelmed.
With memorable tracks like “Me and My Arrow” and “Think About Your Troubles,” Nilsson masterfully blends warmth and humor. His smooth narration and the catchy melodies make this album a timeless classic that parents and kids alike will want to listen to repeatedly. The Point! is a perfect introduction to music and meaningful storytelling for the whole family.
Sesame Street: Platinum All-Time Favorites
First released on CD in 1995 and later pressed on vinyl in 2015, Platinum All-Time Favorites is a cherished compilation of Sesame Street’s most iconic songs from the ’70s, ’80s, and early ’90s. That same year, it was even inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural, artistic, and historical importance – yes, Oscar the Grouch’s “I Love Trash” is now officially in the Library of Congress.
This collection brings together beloved tracks like the original 1970 version of the Sesame Street Theme, Ernie’s playful “Rubber Duckie,” the uplifting “Sing,” and the Count’s hilarious “Lambaba,” where he counts sheep to the rhythm of the lambada dance craze. Fans can also enjoy Kermit the Frog’s heartfelt rendition of “Bein’ Green” and dance along to “Elmo’s Song” with Elmo, Big Bird, and Snuffleupagus.
Whether you’re revisiting your childhood or introducing Sesame Street’s magic to the next generation, Platinum All-Time Favorites is the perfect album for family fun, nostalgia, and an unforgettable musical journey down Sesame Street.
Mary Poppins Original Soundtrack
Released in 1964, Mary Poppins is widely regarded as one of Disney’s greatest movie musicals, and its original soundtrack remains unmatched in its charm and timeless appeal. The film set new standards for movie-making, introduced Julie Andrews to audiences (who won an Oscar for her iconic role as Mary Poppins), and featured the legendary Sherman Brothers’ songwriting. Iconic songs such as “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Jolly Holiday,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and “Feed the Birds” became instant classics.
From start to finish, the Mary Poppins soundtrack perfectly captures the magic and whimsical adventures of the film. Expect to see children filled with excitement, trying to sing and dance along to the lively and energetic numbers like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Step in Time.” But the soundtrack also offers quiet, heartfelt moments with songs like “The Perfect Nanny,” “Stay Awake,” and “Feed the Birds,” providing a perfect blend of upbeat tunes and soothing lullabies.
Whether you’re revisiting the film’s memorable songs or introducing them to a new generation, the Mary Poppins Original Soundtrack offers a magical musical experience that will last a lifetime.