12 Songs for a Carefree Summer

Three weeks into summer, our summer idea board is a hit.

At dinnertime, our 6-year-old Abby loves thinking back to the fun parts of our day so we can add to the “done” section of the board. (And 1-year-old Bailey 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.

Photo by Nicki Varkevisser

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: iTunes | Amazon MP3

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: iTunes | Amazon MP3

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: iTunes | Amazon MP3

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: iTunes | Amazon MP3

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: iTunes | Amazon MP3

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: iTunes | Amazon MP3

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: iTunes | Amazon MP3

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: iTunes | Amazon MP3

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: iTunes | Amazon MP3

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: iTunes | Amazon MP3

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: iTunes | Amazon MP3

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: iTunes | Amazon MP3

Photo by John Davies

Want More?

Check out my post 12 Songs for a Rockin’ Family Dance Party. And for more summer fun ideas, follow my Pinterest board Playful Parenting.

Your Turn

What’s your favorite summer song? Share your pick in a comment below!

Hi, I'm Kelly. I'm a mom to three girls, a recovering perfectionist, and the author of Happy You, Happy Family. Parenting is hard enough without all the guilt we heap on top of ourselves. So let's stop trying to be perfect parents and just be real ones. Sound good? Get 25+ incredibly helpful cheat sheets that will ease your parenting struggles.