Sometimes it can be hard going through the vast number of musical albums written for children. There are so many good options, decision paralysis sets in and many just default to Kidz Bop. We have a number of great music albums for kids that just rock. 

Find these great selections on hoopla. If you’ve never used hoopla before, you can download the app for free from the App Store, Google Play Store or Amazon. If you have trouble accessing it, check out Niche Academy for an overview and instructions, or reach out via our Ask Us a Question form.  

Great Seasonal Tunes

These great selections will get young ones in the mood for this most spooky of seasons. 

Stylized skeleton character stands at stone gate against a large full moon, with "The Nightmare Before Christmas" movie title text in gothic font.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Special Edition

This album is perfect for Halloween, and it is completely family friendly. It also features the voice of an Oingo Boingo-era Danny Elfman. We also have this album in our on our shelves, so win-win.

Cartoon characters stand in a pumpkin patch at night with a large full moon and a dog’s silhouette in the background. Text above reads: "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Vince Guaraldi.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

While some kids may not know of The Great Pumpkin, it is the perfect time of year to teach them. This all-ages album is full of the whimsical, and yet still impressive, jazz featured in the movie. 

Mickey Mouse dressed as a mummy holding a jack-o’-lantern bucket, with "Mickey's Monster Bash" and "Fun and Frightful Songs and Sounds" text on the cover.

Mickey’s Monster Bash

This is full of Halloween songs and spooky sounds sung by your favorite Disney characters. It’s great for a kids party or for Disney lovers. An October necessity.  

Favorite Characters

Young ones will be eager to get moving and grooving with songs from their favorite characters.

A blue cartoon cat wearing sunglasses that say "Pete the Cat" on the lenses, with a yellow background and small animal characters in the lower left.

Pete the Cat

This album features the music from the animated show. The songs are short, catchy and mellow. Easy listening, and a big win for Pete the Cat fans. You can find this title on our shelves, too.

Cover art shows Peppa Pig holding a microphone, with colorful music notes, hearts, and the text "Peppa Pig My First Album" on a blue background.

Peppa Pig: My First Album

Peppa’s first album is full of cheerful songs and gentle music. It’s great for a road trip or relaxing at home. Peppa Pig fans will love it. 

Three cartoon superheroes in green, blue, and red costumes stand in front of a city background. The text reads "PJ Masks: Time to Be a Hero Live! Original Cast Recording.

PJ Masks: Time To Be a Hero! (Live)

PJ Masks fans rejoice! This album features the original cast performing the musical show live on stage. Young ones can listen along as the PJ Masks save the day to energetic tunes! Find this on our shelves when you come in next.

Before Bed

Everyone needs a break, and kids especially sometimes struggle with bedtime and getting to sleep. Here is some music to help.

Illustration of a cat in a tuxedo and a blue owl with music notes in the background. Text reads "Classical Lullaby Vol3.

Classical Lullabies, Vol. 3

This volume in the Classical Lullabies series features a number of very well known classical pieces. The Cat and Owl are veteran lullaby creators, and this simple collection demonstrates that. Check out their other albums, too.

Album cover for "Lullapop Lullabies" featuring a cartoon baby with headphones and a microphone, surrounded by colorful geometric shapes, with the tagline "Today's Biggest Hits Lullafied for Your Baby.

Lullapop Lullabies

Why reinvent the wheel? All of these catchy pop songs have been lovingly and faithfully recreated as lullabies by Gary Phillips. You can also find the CD on our shelves.

Album cover shows a teddy bear lying on a radio, with a space-themed background and the text “Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star.” Subtext reads: “Lullaby Versions of Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack.”.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star Lullaby Versions of the Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack

Honestly, how great was the Guardians of the Galaxy’s soundtrack? Answer: Really great. Now you and your young one can drift off with these lullaby versions. Check out hoopla’s extensive collection of Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star albums. 

Mom and Dad Music That’s Safe for Kids

Sometimes, the constant barrage of media for young audiences is too much, and parents need to enjoy something that aligns more with their own interests. Here are two family friendly suggestions. 

Album cover featuring a sepia-toned photo of a man sitting, with the text "Jim Croce Greatest" in bold letters.

Jim Croce Greatest

Jim Croce’s acoustic folk songs are sometimes sweet, sometimes cheerful and pretty much always fun. Many of us grew up bopping along to You Don’t Mess Around with Jim. With tongue-in-cheek lyrics fairly free from adult allusions and masterful songwriting, this is a great folk album for the entire family. 

Album cover for "The 18th Letter" by Rakim, showing a close-up of Rakim's face with abstract art in the background.

The 18th Letter

Rakim’s lyrical mastery is on full display in this solo album. While Rakim was always a fairly clean rapper, his solo work shows a concerted effort to keep it clean. You don’t have to go too far to find hip hop you can bring home to the family.

These are just a very few of the amazing music albums we have available for children and families in hoopla! Be sure to explore even more for yourself.