50 Fun Nursery Rhymes to Share with Your Little One
Nursery rhymes offer a simple and fun way to bond with your little one. Their catchy melodies and playful lyrics make them perfect for sparking laughter and encouraging creativity. Whether it’s during playtime, bedtime, or just a quiet moment together, these rhymes can create special memories.
In this article, we’ll share some nursery rhyme ideas that are sure to bring joy and help strengthen that special connection with your child. Let’s dive into these timeless songs that can make your everyday moments even more magical.
Fun Nursery Rhymes
1. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
This gentle lullaby is perfect for bedtime or calming moments. Its simple, repetitive lines about the wonder of the stars can captivate your child’s imagination. Singing this with your little one can create a peaceful and comforting atmosphere, making it a go-to rhyme for winding down.
Lyrics:
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
2. Mary Had a Little Lamb
A sweet story about a girl and her loyal lamb, this rhyme teaches children about friendship and compassion. The easy-to-remember tune makes it fun to sing along, and your child will love repeating the rhymes, helping build language skills in a playful way.
Lyrics:
Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow;
And everywhere that Mary went,
The lamb was sure to go.
It followed her to school one day,
Which was against the rule;
It made the children laugh and play,
To see a lamb at school.
3. Humpty Dumpty
Humpty Dumpty’s great fall is a classic tale that sparks imagination and storytelling. Children love this rhyme for its fun rhythm, and it introduces simple narrative concepts. It’s also a great way to practice sequencing, as kids remember the events in the rhyme.
Lyrics:
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall;
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men
Couldn’t put Humpty together again.
4. Itsy Bitsy Spider
This playful rhyme encourages coordination with its finger movements as the spider climbs up and down the spout. It teaches resilience, showing that even when the spider is washed away, it climbs back up again. It’s an excellent choice for interactive moments with your little one.
Lyrics:
The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the waterspout,
Down came the rain and washed the spider out;
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain,
And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.
5. Baa Baa Black Sheep
This simple, rhythmic rhyme introduces children to the concept of sharing and counting. The repetition and melody make it an engaging way for kids to practice numbers while singing about a generous black sheep. It’s a perfect rhyme for early learning.
Lyrics:
Baa baa black sheep, have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full;
One for the master, one for the dame,
And one for the little boy who lives down the lane.
6. Jack and Jill
Jack and Jill’s adventurous trip up the hill ends in a humorous mishap, and children love the lighthearted nature of this rhyme. It’s great for encouraging imagination and adding a bit of storytelling to your rhyme time. Kids will enjoy hearing about Jack and Jill’s playful journey.
Lyrics:
Jack and Jill went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water;
Jack fell down and broke his crown,
And Jill came tumbling after.
7. Row, Row, Row Your Boat
This soothing rhyme promotes a sense of teamwork and perseverance as you and your little one pretend to row together. The calming melody can be sung during quiet moments or playtime, making it a wonderful bonding activity that also introduces gentle life lessons.
Lyrics:
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream.
8. London Bridge Is Falling Down
With a fun melody and easy lyrics, this rhyme introduces concepts of construction and problem-solving in a playful manner. Children enjoy singing about London Bridge and imagining how it’s being rebuilt. It’s an interactive rhyme that can be used during playtime or group activities.
Lyrics:
London Bridge is falling down,
Falling down, falling down,
London Bridge is falling down,
My fair lady.
Build it up with silver and gold,
Silver and gold, silver and gold,
Build it up with silver and gold,
My fair lady.
9. Old MacDonald Had a Farm
This rhyme is a favorite for introducing children to different animals and the sounds they make. Its repetitive structure makes it easy for kids to join in, and they’ll love making all the animal noises. It’s a fun and engaging way to explore the world of animals together.
Lyrics:
Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O,
And on that farm, he had a cow, E-I-E-I-O.
With a moo moo here and a moo moo there,
Here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo moo,
Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O.
(Repeat with different animals: pig, duck, sheep, etc.)
10. Hickory Dickory Dock
Perfect for introducing the concept of time, this rhyme tells a playful story about a mouse running up a clock. The rhyme’s rhythm and catchy tune will capture your child’s attention, while they learn numbers and time in a lighthearted, entertaining way.
Lyrics:
Hickory dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock;
The clock struck one, the mouse ran down,
Hickory dickory dock.
11. The Wheels on the Bus
This playful rhyme is great for singing on road trips or during playtime. It teaches children about different parts of the bus (wheels, wipers, doors, etc.) while encouraging movement and interaction. It also introduces the concept of repetition, making it easy for kids to remember and join in.
Lyrics:
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
Round and round, round and round,
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
All through the town.
12. Ring Around the Rosie
This fun circle rhyme is perfect for group play. Children hold hands, spin, and fall down at the end, which helps with coordination and social interaction. It’s often used as a playful game during playdates or outdoor activities.
Lyrics:
Ring around the rosie,
A pocket full of posies,
Ashes, ashes,
We all fall down.
13. Pat-a-Cake
This interactive rhyme is a hand-clapping game that’s perfect for toddlers. It introduces children to the idea of baking while improving motor skills through hand movements. The clapping and singing make it a fun way to bond with little ones.
Lyrics:
Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man,
Bake me a cake as fast as you can;
Pat it, and prick it, and mark it with B,
And put it in the oven for baby and me.
14. Little Miss Muffet
This rhyme tells the story of Little Miss Muffet, who is scared by a spider. It’s a simple way to introduce children to storytelling, emotions, and imagination, making it a fun rhyme to act out or discuss.
Lyrics:
Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet,
Eating her curds and whey;
Along came a spider who sat down beside her,
And frightened Miss Muffet away.
15. Hey Diddle Diddle
A whimsical rhyme full of imaginative characters, this one encourages creativity and storytelling. The playful imagery of the cat playing a fiddle and the cow jumping over the moon delights young minds.
Lyrics:
Hey diddle diddle,
The cat and the fiddle,
The cow jumped over the moon;
The little dog laughed to see such fun,
And the dish ran away with the spoon.
16. This Little Piggy
This popular toe game is a hit with babies and toddlers. Each line corresponds to a toe, ending with a playful tickle. It encourages laughter and interaction while teaching simple sequencing.
Lyrics:
This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed home;
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none;
And this little piggy cried “Wee wee wee”
All the way home.
17. Three Blind Mice
This rhyme follows the adventure of three blind mice and their misfortune. It’s a great introduction to sequencing and storytelling, as children enjoy imagining the dramatic chase.
Lyrics:
Three blind mice, three blind mice,
See how they run, see how they run;
They all ran after the farmer’s wife,
Who cut off their tails with a carving knife,
Did you ever see such a sight in your life
As three blind mice?
18. Rock-a-Bye Baby
A soothing lullaby, perfect for bedtime, this rhyme helps comfort babies and prepare them for sleep. Its calming melody makes it ideal for winding down after a busy day.
Lyrics:
Rock-a-bye baby, on the treetop,
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock;
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall,
And down will come baby, cradle and all.
19. Hot Cross Buns
A simple rhyme used to introduce counting and rhythm, “Hot Cross Buns” is a fun way for children to practice numbers while imagining the tasty treat. The repetitive lines make it easy to sing along.
Lyrics:
Hot cross buns, hot cross buns,
One a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns;
If you have no daughters, give them to your sons,
One a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns.
20. Georgie Porgie
This rhyme tells the story of mischievous Georgie Porgie. It’s a playful and catchy rhyme that introduces kids to simple storytelling and character-based narratives.
Lyrics:
Georgie Porgie, pudding and pie,
Kissed the girls and made them cry;
When the boys came out to play,
Georgie Porgie ran away.
21. Little Bo-Peep
This rhyme tells the story of a young girl searching for her lost sheep. It encourages imagination and empathy as children follow Bo-Peep’s journey to find her beloved flock.
Lyrics:
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And doesn’t know where to find them.
Leave them alone
And they’ll come home,
Wagging their tails behind them.
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And spends her morning calling.
She prays they will find their way
Before the night comes falling.
22. Pop Goes the Weasel
A lively, fun rhyme that’s all about the sudden “pop” moment. Children love the surprise in the rhyme, and it’s perfect for teaching rhythm and timing. It’s a great way to engage kids with a sense of anticipation and excitement.
Lyrics:
All around the mulberry bush
The monkey chased the weasel
The monkey stopped to pick up his hat
Pop! Goes the weasel
A penny for a spool of thread
A penny for a needle
That’s the way the money goes
Pop! goes the weasel
23. The Farmer in the Dell
This rhyme is commonly used as a circle game, where children take turns acting out the roles of the farmer, wife, dog, and more. It introduces kids to the concept of sequencing, while promoting social play and collaboration.
Lyrics:
The farmer in the dell
The farmer in the dell
Hi-ho, the derry-o
The farmer in the dell
The farmer takes a wife.
The farmer takes a wife.
Hi-ho, the derry-o
The farmer takes a wife.
The wife takes the child.
The wife takes the child.
Hi-ho, the derry-o
The wife takes the child.
24. Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater
This rhyme introduces kids to the concept of rhyming and rhythm with a simple story about Peter and his pumpkin. It encourages the use of imagination, while also giving children exposure to food and home-related vocabulary.
Lyrics:
Peter Peter pumpkin eater,
Had a wife and couldn’t keep her;
He put her in a pumpkin shell,
And there he kept her very well.
25. To Market, To Market
A fun rhyme that takes children on a trip to the market to buy a pig. It is a great way to introduce kids to the concept of shopping, animals, and the excitement of going to the market.
Lyrics:
To market, to market, to buy a fat pig,
Home again, home again, jiggety jig.
To market, to market, to buy a fat hog;
Home again, home again, jiggety jog.
To market, to market to buy a plum bun,
Home again, home again, market is done.
26. Simple Simon
This rhyme follows Simple Simon and his encounter with a pie-man. It’s a playful introduction to storytelling and character-building, teaching children how to follow a narrative.
Lyrics:
Simple Simon met a pieman,
Going to the fair;
Says Simple Simon to the pieman,
“Let me taste your ware.”
27. Rub-a-Dub-Dub
This rhyme about three men in a tub encourages children to use their imagination while they picture the silly scenario. It also introduces basic professions, sparking curiosity about different jobs.
Lyrics:
Rub-a-dub-dub,
Three men in a tub,
And who do you think they be?
The butcher, the baker,
The candlestick maker,
And all of them gone to sea.
28. Ding Dong Bell
This rhyme tells the story of a cat that falls into a well, which helps children understand storytelling, consequences, and the emotions of the characters involved. It’s also useful for teaching compassion and empathy.
Lyrics:
Ding, dong, bell,
Kittyís in the well.
Who put her in?
Little Johnny Flynn.
Who pulled her out?
Little Tommy Stout.
What a naughty boy was that,
To try to drown poor Pussycat,
Who neíer did him any harm,
But ate all of the mice in the farmer’s barn.
29. Old King Cole
A rhyme about a merry old king and his love for music. This is a fun introduction to musical instruments and joyful imagery, encouraging children to explore music and rhythm in their own playful way.
Lyrics:
Old King Cole was a merry old soul,
And a merry old soul was he;
He called for his pipe, and he called for his bowl,
And he called for his fiddlers three.
30. There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe
This rhyme paints a picture of a woman with many children in a humorous and imaginative setting. It introduces the concept of family dynamics and caregiving, while engaging children’s imagination with its whimsical narrative.
Lyrics:
There was an old woman
Who lived in a shoe.
She had so many children,
She didn’t know what to do.
She gave them some jam
To go with their bread.
Then kissed them all soundly
And put them to bed.
31. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
This interactive rhyme encourages movement and coordination as children act out the actions described in the rhyme. It’s perfect for playtime, helping children engage their bodies while following simple directions.
Lyrics:
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, jump up high.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the sky.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, wiggle your nose.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch your toes.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, nod your head.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, go to bed.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn out the light.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, say “Good night.”
Teddy bear, teddy bear, peekaboo.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, I love you.
32. Hush, Little Baby
A soothing lullaby often sung to calm babies before bedtime. The rhyme reassures the baby with promises of various gifts and distractions, making it a comforting tune for winding down.
Lyrics:
Hush little baby don’t say a word,
Mama’s going to buy you a mockingbird.
And if that mockingbird don’t sing,
Mama’s going to buy you a diamond ring.
And if that diamond ring turns to brass,
Mama’s gonna buy you a looking glass.
And if that looking glass gets broke,
Mama’s gonna buy you a billy goat.
33. Miss Polly Had a Dolly
A playful rhyme about a little girl who takes care of her sick doll, calling the doctor to make it better. It introduces children to the concepts of caregiving and health in a fun and imaginative way.
Lyrics:
Miss Polly had a dolly who was sick, sick, sick.
So she called for the doc-tor to be quick, quick, quick.
The doctor ca-me with his bag and his hat.
And he kno-cked on the do-or with a rat-a-tat-tat.
He looked at the dolly and he shook his head.
He said “Miss Pol-ly, put him straight to bed”.
If you want to make him feel his best, best, best.
This dolly needs to go- get some rest, rest, rest.
34. The Grand Old Duke of York
This marching rhyme is great for encouraging children to move along with the song. It introduces simple directional concepts, such as up and down, and is perfect for group activities or playtime.
Lyrics:
Oh, the grand old Duke of York,
He had ten thousand men.
He marched them up to the top of the hill
And he marched them down again.
And when they were up, they were up,
And when they were down, they were down.
And when they were only halfway up,
They were neither up nor down.
35. Five Little Ducks
A counting rhyme that helps children learn numbers in a fun and repetitive way. The story of ducks wandering off and then returning teaches kids basic math while entertaining them with a cute animal narrative.
Lyrics:
Five little ducks went out one day
Over the hill and far away
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack”
But only four little ducks came back
1, 2, 3, 4
36. Hot Potato
A lively rhyme often paired with a game of passing an object around. The rhyme encourages quick thinking and coordination as children try to avoid holding the “hot potato” when the rhyme ends.
Lyrics:
Hot potato, hot potato (hot potato, hot potato)
Hot potato, hot potato (hot potato, hot potato)
Hot potato, hot potato (potato), potato (potato)
Potato, potato, potato
Cold spaghetti, cold spaghetti (cold spaghetti, cold spaghetti)
Cold spaghetti, cold spaghetti (cold spaghetti, cold spaghetti)
Cold spaghetti, cold spaghetti (spaghetti), spaghetti (spaghetti)
spaghetti, spaghetti, spaghetti
Whooo, wiggy wiggy wiggy
Whooo, wiggy wiggy wiggy
Gimme that, gimme that, gimme that, hoo
Whooo, wiggy wiggy wiggy
Whooo, wiggy wiggy wiggy
37. I’m a Little Teapot
This rhyme encourages physical activity and coordination as children mimic the shape of a teapot with their bodies. It’s a fun and interactive way to get kids moving while enjoying a catchy tune.
Lyrics:
I’m a little teapot
Short and stout
Here is my handle
Here is my spout
When I get all steamed up
I just shout
Tip me over and pour me out
38. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
A simple counting rhyme that helps children learn numbers in a rhythmic and repetitive way. It’s great for early learners who are just starting to recognize numbers and sequences.
Lyrics:
One, two, buckle my shoe. Three, four shut the door and five six
pick up sticks, seven, eight now lay them straight. Nine, ten a big
fat hen, sounds pretty good, let’s do it again singing…
39. Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
This rhyme is often paired with a circle game, encouraging movement and coordination. It describes various daily activities like washing clothes or brushing hair, making it relatable and educational for children.
Lyrics:
Here we go round the mulberry bush,
The mulberry bush, the mulberry bush,
Here we go round the mulberry bush,
So early in the morning.
This is the way we brush our teeth,
we brush our teeth, we brush our teeth,
This is the way we brush our teeth,
So early in the morning.
This is the way we wash our face,
wash our face, wash our face,
This is the way we wash our face,
So early in the morning.
40. The Muffin Man
A fun, engaging rhyme that introduces children to the concept of neighborhood and community. The repetition and familiar imagery make it easy for kids to remember and sing along.
Lyrics:
O do you know the muffin man,
The muffin man, the muffin man.
O do you know the muffin man,
Who lives in Drury Lane?
O yes I know the muffin man,
The muffin man, the muffin man,
O yes I know the muffin man,
Who lives in Drury Lane.
41. Five Little Monkeys
A playful rhyme where five little monkeys jump on the bed, and one by one, they fall off and bump their heads. It’s great for counting and teaching children about numbers and consequences in a fun way.
Lyrics:
Five little monkeys
jumping on the bed.
One fell off
and bumped his head.
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”
42. Ladybird, Ladybird
A short rhyme about a ladybird (ladybug) being warned to fly away home. It introduces children to insects and outdoor play, sparking curiosity about nature.
Lyrics:
Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home.
Your house is on fire and your children are gone.
All except one, and her name is Anne
And she crept under the frying pan
43. This Is the Way
This rhyme is often used to teach children daily routines, like brushing their teeth or washing their face. It’s interactive and helps children learn important life skills in a playful manner.
Lyrics:
This is the way we wash our face,
wash our face, wash our face.
This is the way we wash our face.
Early in the morning.
Wash wash wash wash.
Wash wash wash.
This is the way we comb our hair,
comb our hair, comb our hair.
This is the way we comb our hair.
Early in the morning.
Comb comb comb comb.
Comb comb comb.
44. Horsey, Horsey
This fun rhyme is often sung while bouncing a child on a knee, mimicking the ride on a horse. It’s playful and brings giggles while introducing the concept of animals and movement.
Lyrics:
Horsey horsey don’t you stop
Just let your feet go clippety-clop
Your tail goes swish and the wheels go round
Giddy up, we’re homeward bound.
We`re not in a hustle, we`re not in a bustle
Don’t go tearing up the road
We`re not in a hurry, we`re not in a flurry
And we don`t have a very heavy load.
45. A Sailor Went to Sea
This rhyme encourages children to participate with actions and introduces them to the world of sailors and the sea. It also helps develop rhythm and hand-eye coordination.
Lyrics:
A sailor went to sea sea sea
To see what she could see see see
But all that she could see see see
Was the bottom of the deep blue sea sea sea
A seahorse!
A sailor went to sea sea sea
To see what she could see see see
But all that she could see see see
Was a seahorse swimming in the sea sea sea
A jellyfish!
A sailor went to sea sea sea
To see what she could see see see
But all that she could see see see
Was a jellyfish swimming and a seahorse swimming in the sea sea sea
46. The Ants Go Marching
A lively counting rhyme that teaches children numbers as they imagine a parade of ants marching. The repetitive rhythm and the growing number sequence make it an engaging counting exercise.
Lyrics:
The ants go marching one by one.
Hoorah! Hoorah!
The ants go marching one by one.
Hoorah! Hoorah!
The ants go marching one by one.
The little one stops to suck his thumb.
And they all go marching down to the ground.
To get out of the rain.
Boom, boom, boom, boom!
47. Five Little Speckled Frogs
This rhyme is about frogs sitting on a log, one by one jumping into the pond. It’s a fun counting rhyme that introduces children to numbers while incorporating animals and outdoor themes.
Lyrics:
Five little speckled frogs
Sat on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs
Yum Yum
One jumped into the pool
Where it was nice and cool
Now there are four green speckled frogs
Glub Glub
48. Round and Round the Garden
A short and playful rhyme that’s often paired with a gentle finger game, tracing circles on a child’s hand. It’s perfect for interactive bonding and sensory play.
Lyrics:
Round and round the garden
Like a teddy bear.
One step, two step,
Tickle you right there!
Round and round the forest
Like a little deer
One step, two step
Tickle you here!
Round and round the garden
In the wind and rain
One step, two step
Tickle you all over again!
49. Ten in the Bed
This rhyme helps children with counting backward as ten animals or children fall out of bed, one by one. It’s great for bedtime and introduces simple subtraction concepts.
Lyrics:
There were ten in the bed
And the little one said
Roll over, roll over
So they all rolled over and one fell out
50. If You’re Happy and You Know It
This is an interactive song that encourages children to participate by clapping, stomping, or shouting, depending on the verse. It’s a great way to develop listening skills and coordination.
Lyrics:
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (Clap-clap)
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (Clap-clap)
If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (Clap-clap)
