A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes—songs that make you feel happy when you sing them.
There are so many nursery rhymes that are popular with children!
There are songs about animals, songs about food, songs about the seasons—the themes are varied, and each song has its own mood.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of especially cheerful songs from among the most popular nursery rhymes all at once!
We’ve gathered lots of songs that will put you in a happy mood whether you listen to them or sing along.
Please sample the songs we introduce below, and be sure to enjoy listening to and singing your favorites!
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A collection of cheerful children’s songs: tracks that make you feel happy when you sing them (11–20)
Magic Shoes
Listening to it makes you feel positive—“Magic Shoes” is the perfect song for the start of summer when you want to try something new! It’s also popular with children and teachers.
The lyric “put on your magic shoes” is so adorable, isn’t it? It’s a thrilling song that makes you feel like taking on new challenges or going out somewhere.
With its bright tempo, try singing it together while happily chatting about your favorite shoes.
One, two, three
Let me introduce the upbeat song “One, Two, Three.” The lyrics feature animals like frogs and penguins.
It might be fun to change the way you jump for each animal, adding variety to your movements as you dance.
As you sing, it turns into an energizing song that fills you with hope and courage for the future.
Try dancing and enjoying it while imagining a bright future! Adding some hand claps might make it even more fun.
A Rainy Day on the Ranch
Set on a rainy day at a farm, this friendly song portrays the animals having fun.
Cows, sheep, and chickens play in the rain and stroll under umbrellas, all depicted with a bright and charming melody.
Released in September 2024 as an original song on the YouTube channel “LiaChaCha,” this piece is perfect for June, when indoor play increases during the rainy season, and is a tune kids can sing and enjoy together.
It’s sure to blow away those rainy-day blues.
I wish it were so.
It’s a popular song even on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” With a super fun rhythm and playful lyrics full of kids’ chaotic wishes and fantasies, it’s a delight.
Lots of kids—and adults too—love to daydream.
It’s a song that makes not only the singers but also the listeners smile.
You can’t help wanting to chime in with a “So true, so true!” It’s a cheerful tune that reminds you how wonderful a child’s imaginative dreams can be.
It’s a nursery song that both children and adults can enjoy singing.
Row the boat
We’d like to introduce the hand-play song “Ofune o Koide,” which is perfect for keeping things fun and cheerful even in the hot summer.
Moving in a way that feels like you’re rowing a boat to a pleasant rhythm naturally brings smiles to everyone’s faces.
The lyrics convey scenes like swaying waves and blowing wind, letting you feel as if you’re actually out at sea on an adventure.
It also sounds fun to sit facing a friend, hold hands, and do it together! Adding a sound effect like “Splash!” between sections of the song will make it even more exciting.
Give it a try for inspiration!
Ms. Himawari
Sunflowers, with their large yellow blossoms facing the sun, are uplifting just to look at, aren’t they? How about singing this sunflower-themed song, “Himawari-san,” together with the children? Its slow, gentle melody is easy to get familiar with, and the many repeated lyrics make it simple even for younger kids to remember—one of its charms.
When everyone sings, try forming a sunflower shape with both hands or stretching tall and singing up toward the sky; it’s a great way to nurture children’s expressive skills, so it’s highly recommended.
If you sing with big smiles and lots of energy, their hearts and bodies may grow quickly—just like summer sunflowers!
A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes: Songs that are fun to sing (21–30)
When the Dock (Japanese knotweed) blooms
Let me introduce “When the Dock Blooms,” a song with a gentle melody and a bright tempo.
It’s a song about a flower called sukanpo (dock) that blooms in spring.
This warm children’s song evokes nostalgia, depicting children playing happily and energetically in the fields.
Because it includes repeated phrases that help you feel the season, even children around two years old can enjoy joining in.
Of course, it’s also a soothing piece for babies from 0 years old to listen to.
Be sure to try singing it with your children.