Animal Songs for Toddlers
Moo, quack and tweet with Tuki the little blue bird: animal sound games, farm songs to sing and ways to learn animal names.
There's no official age for animal sounds, but the CDC uses one to show how to build a toddler's words. Its 18-month tips say: "Teach your child more words by adding to the words she says. For example, if she says 'Dog,' say 'Yes, that's a dog. Dogs say 'woof, woof.''" By 2 years, the CDC lists "Points to things in a book when you ask, like 'Where is the bear?'" as a milestone. On LumiLand, Tuki the small blue bird hosts animals for toddlers and preschoolers.
Coming soon to LumiLand
There isn't a LumiLand animal song yet. Our first episode is the ABC song for toddlers, and The Color Song is coming soon. If your child loves animals, the ABC song has plenty to spot along the way, like C for cat, L for lion and P for pig, ending with Z for zebra. In the meantime, the games on this page and a well-loved farm song are all you need.
Why animal sounds for toddlers are a great first step
Animal sounds are some of the first "words" many toddlers enjoy saying. A "moo" or a "quack" is short, fun to copy and easy to tie to a picture. That makes animal songs for toddlers a friendly way for a child to join in long before they can sing a whole line.
Sounds also open the door to names. When you sing "the duck says quack," your child hears the animal's name and its sound together. Over time, the sound becomes a handle for the word, and soon you'll hear "duck!" on its own.
How to sing animal songs together: listen, copy, move
Listen. Pick one animal and make its sound clearly. Pause and watch your child's face. Recognizing a sound is learning, even before they copy it.
Copy. Invite your child to make the sound with you. Change your voice to keep it playful: a tiny quiet "meow" for a kitten, a big low "moo" for a cow.
Move. Add the way the animal moves. Waddle like a duck, hop like a bunny, or flap like Tuki. Moving makes a song memorable and helps busy toddlers burn off some energy.
Farm animal songs for toddlers are a natural place to start because the animals are familiar and the sounds are distinct. The classic Old MacDonald Had a Farm is perfect for this. It repeats the same pattern with a new animal each verse, and your child can choose which animal comes next. Zoo animal songs for toddlers are fun later, once your child is ready for lions, monkeys and elephants.
More animal sound ideas
For a full list of animal sounds plus extra sing-along games, read our tips article on animal sounds for toddlers. It's a handy page to keep open on your phone for car rides, waiting rooms and walks to the park.
Coming soon to LumiLand
Sneak peekLumi's Animal Sound Game
Woof, moo or roar? Listen, look at three shadows and guess the animal with Lumi and Bobo. Coming soon.
Take a peek →
Sneak peekOld MacDonald in LumiLand
Farmer Bobo welcomes you to the LumiLand farm! Moo, quack, baa and oink along in a LumiLand version of the classic. Coming soon.
Take a peek →Games to play at home
No screen needed. Try one today.
Guess the animal
Make an animal sound and let your child guess who it is. Then swap and let them make the sound for you.
Tuki's flying game
Flap your arms like Tuki and 'fly' to different spots in the room. Each time you land, name an animal that lives there, like a fish in the bath.
Old MacDonald, your way
Sing Old MacDonald Had a Farm and let your child choose each animal. Silly picks like a dinosaur are welcome.
Animal parade
Move like different animals across the room: hop like a bunny, waddle like a duck, stomp like an elephant.
Window watch
Look out the window or go for a short walk and spot birds, dogs and squirrels. Say each animal's name and sound together.
Toy farm sort
Gather toy animals and sort them into farm, zoo and pets. Make each animal's sound as it goes into its group.
Questions parents ask
Why do toddlers love animal sounds so much?
Animal sounds are short, fun to copy and easy to say before longer words. A 'moo' or 'woof' lets a toddler join in a song or a story even with only a few words.
Which animal sounds should we start with?
Start with animals your child sees or hears often, like a dog, a cat, a duck or a bird. Farm animals such as cows, sheep and pigs make great next steps.
Is it OK to sing Old MacDonald at home?
Yes. Old MacDonald Had a Farm is a traditional song, and it is one of the easiest ways to practise animal names and sounds together. Let your child pick the next animal.
Is there a LumiLand animal song?
Not yet. Our first episode is the ABC song, and The Color Song is coming next. The ABC song does include animals to spot, like C for cat, L for lion and Z for zebra.
How do I help my child learn animal names, not just sounds?
Pair them every time: 'The cow says moo.' Point to pictures in books or real animals outside and pause so your child can fill in the name or the sound.
Tuki has new songs on the way
Subscribe free on YouTube to sing along with every new LumiLand episode.
