Summer’s here, and that means road trip season! If you’re doing any long-distance driving this year, you might be on the lookout for family-friendly road trip songs that will keep everyone entertained… while simultaneously not driving anyone crazy. If you’d rather not get “The Song That Never Ends” stuck in your head yet again (or — let’s be honest — anything from the Frozen soundtrack), you’re not alone.
It can be difficult to make everyone happy at all times — but we’ve got you covered, with our top picks for country lovers, pop fanatics, and oldies-rockers alike. Plus, this list is a little different from other road trip song lists in that it’s all parent-approved, family-friendly tunes.
Whether you’re looking for upbeat, happy songs that help burn off some energy or more calm tunes to encourage your kiddos to relax, our guide has you covered. With our list of 100 songs to choose from, there’s something to please everyone!
Ready to hit the road with your family? Add these best road trip songs to your playlist, and prepare to sing along!
Traveling Tunes
Trains, planes, and automobiles! The following road trip songs are all about traveling and being on the open road, rails, and water. From Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” to The Monkees’ “Last Train to Clarksville,” these tunes will make you and your crew catch the traveling bug in no time
“I’ve Been Everywhere” – Johnny Cash
“Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)” – Alabama
“Cruise” – Florida Georgia Line
“Real Gone” – Sheryl Crow
“Baby Lets Cruise” – Gwyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis
“Travelin’ Band” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Free Bird” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
“On the Road Again” – Willie Nelson
“Ramblin’ Man” – The Allman Brothers Band
“Dirt Road Anthem” – Jason Aldean
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver
“Road Trippin” – Josh Abbott Band
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) ” – Green Day
“Home” – Phillip Phillips
“Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac
“Take A Back Road” – Rodney Atkins
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) ” – The Proclaimers
“Good Directions” – Billy Currington
“Free and Easy” (Down the Road I Go) – Dierks Bentley
“Roam” – B-52s
“Running on Empty” – Jackson Browne
“Last Train to Clarksville” – The Monkees
“I Can’t Drive 55” – Sammy Hagar
“Life is a Highway” – Rascal Flatts
“King Of The Road” – Randy Travis
“Mustang Sally” – Wilson Pickett
“Mercury Blues” – Alan Jackson
“G.T.O. ” – Ronny & the Daytonas
“American Pie” – Don McLean
“Joyride” – Roxette
“Hey Little Cobra” – The Rip Chords
“Fast Cars and Freedom” – Rascal Flatts
“King of the Road” – Roger Miller
“Hit the Road Jack” – Ray Charles
“Low Rider” – War
“Little Red Wagon” – Miranda Lambert
“A Thousand Miles” – Vanessa Carlton
Songs for the Shore
Heading to the seaside? Crank up the volume on these beach-inspired car ride songs that will get you pumped for a vacation of fun in the sun. And if you haven’t already guessed it, yes, this playlist is entirely The Beach Boys!
“I Get Around” – The Beach Boys
“I Get Around” – The Beach Boys
“Little Deuce Coupe” – The Beach Boys
“Fun, Fun, Fun” – The Beach Boys
“California Girls” – The Beach Boys
“Good Vibrations” – The Beach Boys
“Barbara Ann” – The Beach Boys
“Surfin’ USA” – The Beach Boys
“Surfin’ Safari” – The Beach Boys
Songs for Working Out the Wiggles
Are the kids getting antsy? Don’t fret. The following fun family songs will encourage your kids to dance, shake, and sing along to work out all those wiggles and pent-up energy. Turn to these funny tunes for a silly distraction.
“Shut Up and Dance” – WALK THE MOON
“Shake A Tail Feather” – Ray Charles and the Blues Brothers
“Party in the U.S.A. ” – Miley Cyrus
“One Way or Another” – Blondie
“ABC” – The Jackson 5
“Firework” – Katy Perry
“Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” – Will Smith
“You’re the One that I Want” – Grease Soundtrack
“Ways To Go” – Grouplove
“22” – Taylor Swift
“I Want To Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles
“A Sky Full of Stars” – Coldplay
“Shake It Out” – Florence + The Machine
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” – Whitney Houston
“The Walker” – Fitz And The Tantrums
“Love Runs Out” – OneRepublic
“Funkytown” – Lipps, Inc.
“Good Feeling” – Flo Rida
“Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
“Who Says” – Selena Gomez & the Scene
“Wooly Bully” – Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs
“Shout” – The Isley Brothers
“I Want Candy” – Bow Wow Wow
“Great Balls of Fire” – Jerry Lee Lewis
“The Monkees Theme” – The Monkees
“Walking on Sunshine” – KC and the Sunshine Band
“Brave” – Sara Bareilles
Family Road Trip Songs from the Big Screen
Who can guess which movies these songs are from? The first to answer correctly wins! When you play these family vacation songs, you and your kiddos will have a blast remembering these tunes from their favorite films. Between the classic numbers from “Mary Poppins” and more contemporary hits from “Shrek,” this playlist can lead to hours of car ride fun.
“Hurricane” – The Vamps (From “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”)
“Car Wash” – Christina Aguilera feat. Missy Elliott (from “Shark Tale”)
“Route 66” – John Mayer (from “Cars”)
“I’m a Believer” – Smash Mouth (from “Shrek”)
“A Spoonful of Sugar” – Harry Connick, Jr. (from “Mary Poppins”)
“Something That I Want” – Grace Potter (from “Tangled”)
“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – Randy Newman (from “Toy Story”)
“Fun, Fun, Fun” – Pharrell (from “Despicable Me”)
“Never Had a Friend Like Me” – Robin Williams (from “Aladdin”)
“The Circle of Life” – Elton John (from “The Lion King”)
“Hakuna Matata” (from “The Lion King”)
“Everything is Awesome” (from “The LEGO® Movie”)
“Under the Sea” (from “The Little Mermaid”)
“Summer Nights” (from “Grease”)
Calming Tunes
If you’re looking to take the energy down a notch, it might be time to turn to these chill songs. Some of the best family songs by artists like Jack Johnson and Coldplay will help calm your little ones down. And if you’re really lucky, these songs might even inspire a nap or two! It’s a win-win.
“Lullaby” – Jack Johnson and Matt Costa
“Over the Rainbow” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
“Imagine” – John Lennon
“Fireflies” – Owl City
“Strawberry Swing” – Coldplay
“Upside Down” – Jack Johnson
“I Turn to You” – Christina Aguilera
“Come Away With Me” – Norah Jones
“Where Are You Going” – Dave Matthews Band
“Tiny Dancer” – Elton John
“No Such Thing” – John Mayer
“Stand By Me” – Ben E. King
“I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
“Free” – Donavon Frankenreiter
With these 100 best road trip songs on hand, you and your family will be ready to take on any trip! So hop in the car, turn up the volume, and let these tunes become the soundtrack to the best family road trip ever.
Think you’ve got the next Taylor Swift in the backseat?
Singing along with your kids is a great way to get them excited about music, as well as find out what they’re interested in! Does your daughter love crooning along with T-Swift? Your son can’t stop moving and grooving when any beat comes on? Encouraging your children to explore their interests in music, dance, and the arts from an early age will bolster their confidence. And once they’re ready, private singing lessons, music lessons, or dance lessons can take them far! When you sign up with us, you can choose a certified tutor who can help bring out your child’s musical talents.
Ready to get started? Search for a teacher near you.
Road Trip Tips for Families
Of course, the perfect road trip playlist isn’t the only thing you need for a successful family vacation. As you’re planning, here are some helpful guides to check out:
- The Ultimate Guide to Family Road Trips
- Family Road Trip Must Haves (via Staying Close to Home)
- Tip Sheet: Road Trips (via MiniTime)
- Family Road Trip Survival Guide – Activities for Kids (via Frugal Family Times)
Readers, what other family road trip songs would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo by Ben Francis
Suzy S.