57 awesome family dance party songs

Little kids love to dance—especially when Mom, Dad, Grandpa, or Grandma joins in the fun! The great thing is, dancing is a very fun way to get some physical activity in your day. And, according to the World Health Organization, regular physical activity provides significant physical and mental health benefits for both children and adults.

So, if you’re in the mood to boogie, try doing it as a family! We’ve put together an Epic Family Dance Party Songs Playlist by polling the team at Active for Life, as well as our readers on Facebook, for their very favourite family dance songs. You can play it on Spotify or read on to get ideas for new tunes to add to your family’s playlist.

Best family dance songs of the 1950s

Get the whole family moving with these timeless classics. When you want to introduce your little ones to some iconic tunes, this list of family-friendly songs is the best way to get everyone on their feet.

• James Brown – Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag
• Danny and the Juniors – At the Hop
• The Spaniels – Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight
• Bill Haley & His Comets – Rock Around the Clock
• Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock
• The Coasters – Yakity Yak
• Richie Valens – La Bamba
• Little Richard – Tutti Frutti
• Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode

Best family dance songs of the 1960s

Step back in time with these sounds from the sixties! From the twist to twisting and shouting, the 1960s has so many energetic tunes that are perfect for all ages. When you’re looking for something fun to do at home, here are some tracks to get everyone dancing together, and making memories with every move.

• Ray Charles – Hit The Road Jack
• Chubby Checker
  • The Twist
  • Let’s Twist Again
• The Tokens – The Lion Sleeps Tonight
• Ella Fitzgerald – Jersey Bounce
• Ben E. King – Stand By Me
• The Beatles
  • Twist & Shout
  • Octopus’s Garden
• The Rolling Stones – You Can’t Always Get What You Want
• Tom Jones – What’s New Pussycat
• Little Eva – The Loco-motion
• Martha Reeves and the Vandellas – Dancing in the Streets

Best family dance songs of the 1970s

The 70s introduced us to disco, funk and classic pop, and now you can introduce them to your little ones! From Stayin’ Alive to the YMCA, these feel-good tunes will have your whole family up and dancing, moving and grooving.

• Commodores – Brick House
• Queen
  • Don’t Stop Me Now
  • We Are The Champions
  • Bohemian Rhapsody
• Sister Sledge – We Are Family
• ABBA – Dancing Queen
• The Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive
• Village People – YMCA

Best family dance songs of the 1980s

Pump up the volume and get moonwalking! For many, the 1980s are a nostalgic time, and perfect for every family dance party. These hits will have all of you dancing and celebrating the decade.

• Men At Work – Down Under
• Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
• Kenny Loggins – Footloose
• Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
• The Bangles
  • Walk Like An Egyptian
  • Manic Monday
• Boy George – Karma Chameleon
• Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
• Kool and the Gang – Celebration
• Technotronic – Pump Up The Jam

Best family dance songs of the 1990s

From hip hop to pop, the 90s had so many catchy beats that are perfect for dancing together. Whether you’re vogueing or vibing, these 90s jams will get all of you up and moving.

• C&C Music Factory – Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now!)
• Shania Twain – Man, I Feel Like a Woman!
• Buena Vista Social Club – De Camino a la Vereda
• Tones and I – Dance Monkey
• Inti-Illimani – La Fiesta Eres Tu
• Jamiroquai – Canned Heat
• Madonna – Vogue

Best family dance songs of the 2000s

Get ready to hit the dance floor with upbeat pop anthems and catchy hip-hop tracks. These 2000s tunes are perfect for creating fun, unforgettable memories.

• Juanes – Luna
• will.i.am – I Like To Move It
• Maraca – Maria Rosa
• Jack Johnson – Upside Down

Best family dance songs from 2010 to today

With these chart-topping hits you’ll be both full of energy and good times. There’s nothing like a modern, feel-good anthem to get everyone up and shaking it off!

• Shakira
  • Try Everything (from Zootopia soundtrack)
  • Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)
• Ed Sheeran – Perfect
• Taylor Swift – Shake it Off
• Owl City – When Can I See You Again? (from Wreck It Ralph soundtrack)
• Classified – Inner Ninja
• Justin Timberlake – Can’t Stop The Feeling (from Trolls soundtrack)
• Alvin and the Chipmunks – Home
• Pharrell Williams – Happy

Got a favourite song we missed? Let us know in the comments!

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Editor’s note: This article was originally published on April 3, 2020.