Music Games for Preschoolers: 6 Activities to Improve Coordination

You don’t need to be a musician to help your preschooler start building rhythm and coordination. All it takes is a few minutes, a favorite song, and a whole lot of fun.

At Ducklings Early Learning Center, we love using music to bring out the best in young learners. Whether they’re making their own beats or dancing like nobody’s watching, rhythmic activities are a great way to build coordination skills while keeping kids engaged. These music games for preschoolers help support everything from body awareness to balance.

The best part? They’re easy enough to do right in your own living room.

Why Music Games Matter in Early Childhood

Music and movement are essential parts of early childhood development. Learning how to match rhythm with motion can help children improve gross motor control, balance, timing, and even listening skills. These are the same foundational abilities that support reading, handwriting, and classroom confidence later on.

So what are you waiting for? Turn up the tunes and get moving!

6 Music Games to Improve Coordination at Home

These music games for preschoolers are simple enough that you can try them at home today — and engaging enough that your little one won’t even realize they’re learning! Each activity is designed to support coordination, rhythm, and creative movement. 

Don’t forget to play along with your child! It will make the experience even more memorable for both of you.

1. Freeze Dance

What you need: A speaker (or your phone) and a playlist of your child’s favorite tunes.

Crank up the music and encourage your child to dance, then pause the music at random intervals. When the music stops, everyone has to “freeze” in place and hold the pose until the music starts again.

Why it works: This activity builds listening skills, reaction time, and body control. Your child will need to stop mid-motion and hold a pose, which helps strengthen their balance and focus. It’s also a great way to burn energy indoors on a rainy day!

2. Drum March

What you need: A hand drum, a pot and spoon, or anything else you can tap a steady beat on.

Tap a slow, steady rhythm and have your preschooler walk, stomp, or tiptoe along to the beat. Speed up the drumming to make them move faster, or slow it down for giant, silly steps. 

Why it works: Drum March turns rhythm into movement, helping your child connect sound with action. It supports listening skills, timing, and full-body coordination while giving you both a chance to move in a fun, purposeful way.

3. DIY Rhythm Shakers

What you need: Empty containers (such as spice jars or water bottles), rice or pasta, and tape or glue.

Create your own musical instruments using items from around the house. Fill containers with dry rice or pasta, seal them shut, and shake along to music. Encourage your child to explore different sounds by using varied materials, such as beads, lentils, or dried corn.

Why it works: This activity strengthens fine motor skills and helps kids recognize tempo, beat, and sound variation. Plus, your child will love getting to decorate their own instruments!

4. Ribbon Dancing

What you need: Lightweight scarves, ribbons, or dish towels.

Put on soft, flowing music and encourage your child to wave their scarf through the air to the sounds. Have them try making shapes like circles, zig-zags, or waves. You can also call out different movements to build vocabulary and creativity.

Why it works: This activity builds spatial awareness and rhythm. It also encourages expressive movement and coordination between the arms and torso.

5. Parachute Play 

What you need: A flat sheet, blanket, or toy parachute.

Clear a space on the floor and lay the “parachute” flat. Show your child how to help you lift and lower it in time with the music. For added fun, you can also toss light toys or stuffed animals on top of the sheet to make them “dance” with each beat.

Why it works: Parachute games require teamwork, timing, and gross motor stabilization, which all help your child develop their coordination.

6. Clap and Tap 

What you need: Just your hands!

Sing a familiar nursery rhyme or one of your child’s favorite songs, and add in simple clapping patterns. Take turns or clap together, gradually increasing the speed to make it more challenging.

Why it works: Clapping games build bilateral coordination and rhythm skills. They also support memory, timing, and social interaction when done with a partner.

Tips for Playing Music Games 

• Keep music play short and engaging. Think of it like a dance break, not a concert. Just 5–10 minutes of rhythmic fun can make a big impact on your preschooler.
• Let your child help you choose songs or instruments to keep them invested.
• Encourage creativity! There’s no “wrong” way to move when the goal is having fun.
• Use everyday items. There’s no need to buy anything new when you can DIY instruments and other supplies right at home.

Music and Movement at Ducklings Early Learning Centers

At Ducklings Early Learning Center, music is more than background noise — it’s part of how we teach. Our proprietary curriculum blends music and movement into every classroom through activities such as:

• Group sing-alongs and rhythm games
• Musical transitions to support routine and focus
• Sensory play set to song and tempo
• And more!

Our goal is to help children strengthen the same coordination skills they’re building at home. These music games for preschoolers will help you lay the foundation for confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Want to learn more about how our dedicated educators make movement and music a part of each child’s day? Find your nearest Ducklings Early Learning Centers location to schedule a tour.