Nursery rhymes I want to sing in July: fun summer songs
July, the beginning of summer, is hot but such a fun season, isn’t it?
How about singing joyfully in the hot summer to blow the heat away?
To prevent kids from getting heatstroke, spending time indoors singing fun songs is also recommended!
Here, we’ve gathered classic children’s songs and ones often sung at nurseries and kindergartens.
There are songs you can enjoy with hand play, too.
There are lots of songs children love, so sing and play together and feel the summer!
You can have a great time at home as well.
Use this as a guide so both kids and adults can have fun together!
- [Childcare] Summer songs: Full of fun! Summer nursery rhymes & finger-play songs
- [For Seniors] Speaking of July, it’s this song! A selection of tunes to enjoy the hot summer
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- Children’s Songs You Can Sing in August: Summer-Friendly Kids’ Songs and Fingerplay Rhymes
- Children’s songs to sing on a rainy day / children’s songs with a rain theme
- [Tanabata Children's Songs] Fun hand-play songs and a nostalgic collection of traditional nursery rhymes and folk songs
- Masterpieces that color the hot season! Summer songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Get pumped with popular songs from “Okaasan to Issho”! A collection of timeless tunes everyone will want to sing together
- [July Karaoke Songs] Carefully selected summer classics and popular Japanese summer hits!
- A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes—songs that make you feel happy when you sing them.
- [July Songs] A selection of Japanese summer tunes perfect for the start of the season!
- Recommended summer songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Showa-era summer tunes [2026]
Nursery rhymes to sing in July: Fun summer songs (71–80)
Balloon Song
Animals and fruits of various kinds appear to match the colors of the balloons.
Since you can rearrange the animals and fruits into other items like cars or trains, you can sing it in many different ways without getting bored.
If you handcraft illustrations to match the lyrics and show them like a picture-story play while singing along to the melody, little children can enjoy singing while learning the different types of animals and fruits.
If you cut out balloons from colored paper and draw illustrations on the back or make them together, it also sounds like a fun summer craft.
We are children of the sea.
When it comes to summer children’s songs often sung in nursery schools and kindergartens, “Ware wa Umi no Ko” (I Am a Child of the Sea) is a classic.
It’s a refreshing piece that helps soften the intense heat of July when temperatures soar.
Although it was composed as a song about a child born by the sea, today it’s known for evoking a wide range of images.
The lyrics that conjure a breezy summer ocean and the melody—both powerful and pop—leave a strong impression.
It’s a song that can channel the overflowing energy of children spending time indoors into singing.
Teachers, please enhance the children’s voices with piano accompaniment and the like.
Let’s dance, Ondo!
This is a participatory Bon Odori song that everyone can enjoy moving their bodies to.
The comical vocals and lively rhythm combine to create an atmosphere that naturally makes you want to dance as you listen.
The choreography that matches the lyrics is easy to follow, making it perfect for getting everyone excited at preschools or local summer festivals.
With moves like fireworks and hand claps, you’ll listen on with anticipation, wondering what comes next.
The instrumental tones are vibrant, and the balance with the vocals is exquisite.
A major appeal is that children can shout along, move their bodies, and have fun together.
Whether dancing in yukata or hero costumes, this song lets you fully feel the bustle of summer.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Hand play with a song everyone knows! Let’s introduce “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” It’s also one of the songs often sung as a lullaby.
How about incorporating it into your activities as a hand play this time? Imagine your palms as stars and express the sparkling, shining stars.
The choreography is easy to understand and doesn’t have any complex movements, so it seems enjoyable from infant to preschool classes.
Try adding “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to eurhythmics, morning meetings, or closing circles.
What shall we make with rock-paper-scissors? Tanabata version
Let’s try arranging a classic hand game! I’d like to introduce the Tanabata version of “What Can You Make with Rock, Scissors, Paper?” This idea is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy Tanabata, the once-a-year festival.
Many children are probably familiar with the hand game “What Can You Make with Rock, Scissors, Paper?” This time, let’s try a Tanabata-themed arrangement! The choreography and lyrics inspired by Tanabata are so cute.
Be sure to give it a try!
I want to see you on July 7.
Let’s sing it to the melody of “Yankee Doodle”! We’re introducing “I Want to See You on July 7th.” Isn’t “Yankee Doodle” a tune everyone has heard before? This time, let’s enjoy the hand game “I Want to See You on July 7th” set to that melody! The choreography is short and simple, so it seems easy for both children and adults to try.
If you incorporate it along with the origin of Tanabata and the meaning of the festival, it should help deepen children’s understanding, too.
Wish Upon a Star
We would like to introduce “When You Wish Upon a Star,” a song used in Disney’s film Pinocchio.
As one of the world’s most beloved classics, “When You Wish Upon a Star” is likely a tune everyone has heard at least once.
Try adding simple hand motions to the relaxed rhythm and beautiful melody.
The choreography follows the lyrics, making it easy for both children and adults to learn.
Consider incorporating “When You Wish Upon a Star” as this month’s featured song or as the theme song for your Tanabata event.