12 Songs for a Carefree Summer
Three weeks into summer, our summer idea board is a hit. At dinnertime, our 6-year-old loves thinking back to the fun parts of our day so we can add to the “done” section of the board.
(And our 1-year-old loves to play possum, grab the completed sticky note from her sister’s hand, and run around the house while we chase her.)
One sticky note in particular made it to the done section on the first day of summer and has had almost daily repeat requests: have a family dance party.
In the spring, we made a family dance party playlist. But I wanted something fresh to fit our carefree summer fun.
12 Songs for Your Summer Playlist
If you’re sick of playing Happy† on repeat for the kids, listen to these songs and add what you like to your summer playlist.
Play it on your road trips, at the kids’ lemonade stand, and at your July 4th barbecue party.
Roll down your windows, crank up the volume, and have a happy summer!
1. The Sound of Sunshine by Michael Franti and Spearhead
And we say that’s the sound of the sun going down
And the people of the world start to paint the town
The day that’s long is a day complete
So kick off your shoes and relax your feet
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
2. Where the Boat Leaves From by Zac Brown Band
There’s a place where the boat leaves from
It takes away all your big problems
You got worries you can drop them in the blue ocean
But you gotta get away to where the boat leaves from
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
3. Race You by Elizabeth & The Catapult
1 2 3 set, ready set go
May heaven help you if you’re slow
We’re gonna run like bandits
While the flames are chasin’
Racin’ racin’ racin’ racin’ back home
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
4. Every Day Is a Holiday by Alex Mercier
I think it’s time for us to get away
Where life is beautiful in every way
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
5. The Heart by Needtobreathe
Ain’t no gift like the present tense
Ain’t no love like an old romance
Got’sta make hay when the sun is shinin’
Can’t waste time when it comes time to dance
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
6. Brighter Than the Sun by Colbie Caillat
Oh, we could be the stars, falling from the sky
Shining how we want, brighter than the sun
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
7. On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons
I’ve been waiting to smile,
Been holding it in for a while,
Take you with me if I can
Been dreaming of this since a child
I’m on top of the world.
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
8. Constellations by Jack Johnson
This one is a little slower than the others—perfect for naps on long car rides or for sweet daddy-daughter dances.
It was just another night
With a sunset
And a moonrise not so far behind
To give us just enough light
To lay down underneath the stars
Listen to papa’s translations
Of the stories across the sky
We drew our own constellations
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
9. One of Those Days by Joy Williams
It’s all mine this kind of life of hurry up and wait
So many bills, too little frills, and not enough flowers
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
10. Life Is a Highway by Rascal Flatts
There’s a world outside ev’ry darkened door
Where blues won’t haunt you anymore
Where brave are free and lovers soar
Come ride with me to the distant shore
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
11. Rhythm of Love by Plain White T’s
I told her, “I love the view from up here
Warm sun and wind in my ear
We’ll watch the world from above
As it turns to the rhythm of love”
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
12. We’re Going to Be Friends by The White Stripes
Walk with me, Suzy Lee
through the park and by the tree
we will rest upon the ground
and look at all the bugs we found
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
Want More?
Check out 12 Songs for a Rockin’ Family Dance Party.
Before you go, get my FREE cheat sheet: 75 Positive Phrases Every Child Needs to Hear
Your Turn
What’s your favorite summer song? Share your pick in a comment below!
Social media photo by Nicki Varkevisser.
wow what an awesome list! Love the songs! It was really nice to listen to them right here on your page and not have to chase a million links….Jess found you from pinterest what to do when your child gives up
My new favorite this summer is “Impossible” by Building 429… but this is a great list. Love Rascall Flatts and Imagine Dragons:)
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