Children’s Songs You Can Sing in August: Summer-Friendly Kids’ Songs and Fingerplay Rhymes
Here are nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs for August that you can sing and enjoy! We’ve got a full lineup: songs that capture the fun of summer, tunes about tasty foods you’ll crave in the heat, and songs perfect for August events.
We also introduce tracks you can enjoy with fingerplays and dances, so try using them for indoor play during the sweltering summer or for activities in childcare settings.
Many are classic summer songs that have been passed down for generations, making them perfect for family time at home as well.
Teach children summer songs and enjoy a delightful time together while reminiscing about the past!
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Children’s Songs You Can Sing in August: Summer Songs and Hand-Play Rhymes (1–10)
Whale BusLyrics by Takao Ide / Music by Takeshi Shibuya
This piece is a song brimming with dreams about a giant sea creature that transforms into a bus, carrying squid and tuna on a journey to Antarctica.
The lyrics were written by Takao Ide, and the music was composed by Takeshi Shibuya, who is also a jazz pianist.
Released in June 2006 as a song on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it has since been performed by a variety of singers.
It’s perfect for parents and children to enjoy together—swaying along to playful sound effects like engine noises and imagining where the story is headed.
Its cool, refreshing world makes it an ideal choice for indoor play during the hot summer months.
There's no such thing as ghosts.Lyrics by Minori Maki / Music by Akira Mine
It’s a song that very uniquely expresses a child’s feelings: being scared of ghosts, yet still wanting to meet one.
First aired in 1966 on NHK’s program “Minna no Uta,” it has remained a beloved classic that continues to capture children’s hearts.
Summer is the season when we feel like listening to ghost stories, and talk of the supernatural tends to increase.
But those kinds of stories can be too scary for little kids.
At times like that, put on this song and enjoy a summery vibe without the fright!
Fruit punch!gaagaaS
It’s a super lively dance song with the theme of desserts you crave in summer.
Like a fruit punch that becomes even tastier when colorful fruits come together, it conveys the joy of everyone dancing as one.
The dance video released in 2020 has been viewed over 2 million times, and the song is even used at AEON Group facilities.
On hot summer days when you’re craving cold, delicious fruit, pick your favorite fruit with your child, get into character, and dance your heart out!
[Children’s Songs You Can Sing in August] Summer-Friendly Kids’ Songs & Hand-Play Rhymes (11–20)
La-la-la! Tropicarnival!gaagaaS
This is a kids’ exercise song with a cheerful rhythm that evokes a tropical carnival.
By shouting together and copying the adorable moves—like sticking your bottom out with a playful pop—it’s sure to spread smiles all around.
Created by the children’s music duo gaagaaS, the song has been adopted by over 1,100 childcare facilities since August 2024 as part of measures to cope with extreme heat.
It’s perfect for indoor play on hot summer days or for parents and children to move together.
Through the dance, you might just add another happy summer memory.
Kaikaizokuzoku Pirate SongBonbon Academy × Daisuke Yokoyama
A song by Daisuke Yokoyama and BonBon Academy that makes you want to become a lively pirate and set off on an adventure.
It humorously portrays a brave figure searching for Treasure Island without being defeated by big waves, as well as a slightly timid side, sparking children’s imaginations.
This track is included on Daisuke Yokoyama’s album “Egao ni Dokkyuun!” released in April 2024.
It’s perfect for singing while playing pirate games at home in the summer or in childcare settings! Enjoy an exciting world of adventure as you come up with original choreography together as a parent and child.
Mambo Jimbetatsu!Lyrics and Music: Nodoka Beppu
This fun song features one beloved sea creature after another, and just listening to it makes you feel like you’re in an aquarium.
The names of ocean sunfish and whale sharks are repeated rhythmically, so you’ll find yourself humming along.
Known for her work with the unit gaagaaS formed in October 2013, her signature playful touch shines in this piece, making it perfect for indoor summer play or recreational activities in childcare settings.
If kids freely dance as if they were the animals themselves, their smiles are sure to burst forth!
It’s summer—time for the pool!Lyrics and Music: Naomi Abe
A song packed with the fun of becoming underwater creatures—swimming smoothly like a frog, floating gently like a jellyfish, and playing in full character.
The cheerful chorus everyone can sing together will boost the excitement for water play.
Created by Naomi Abe, a leading figure in children’s music, this piece is also included on the February 2016 album “Asobiuta-den: Shunkashūtō Tora no Maki.” It’s perfect as a warm-up before getting into the pool—sing while moving your body with lots of energy! Make summer memories by imitating underwater creatures together as parent and child.