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Animal and Nature Songs. Animals and weather are favorite topics for preschoolers. These 7 songs build vocabulary, animal sounds, and early science ideas, and they’re perfect for singing with toys, puppets, and picture cards.
- 7 songs
- Ages 3–5
- 5–15 minutes
- Actions and ideas for every song
About the lyrics: this page lists song titles, what each song teaches, and ways to use it. It does not reprint lyrics. You can find the words and recordings in children’s songbooks, at your local library, or on official channels from the artists and publishers. Many of these songs are traditional, and versions can differ from place to place.
Quick Picks
Use this table to find a song by type and main skill. Tap a song name to jump to ideas for using it.
| # | Song | Type | Main skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Old MacDonald Had a Farm | Animal song | Animal sounds |
| 2 | The Farmer in the Dell | Singing game | Sequencing |
| 3 | Baby Shark | Modern action song | Family words |
| 4 | The Bear Went Over the Mountain | Singing song | Sequencing |
| 5 | Slippery Fish | Action song | Sequencing |
| 6 | Rain, Rain, Go Away | Nursery rhyme | Weather words |
| 7 | Mister Sun | Nature song | Weather |
Why Animal and Nature Songs Help Preschoolers
Animals and weather are favorite topics for preschoolers. These songs build vocabulary, animal sounds, and early science ideas.
Animal vocabulary
Children learn animal names and the sounds they make.
Early science
Songs about weather and animals introduce simple science ideas.
Sequencing
Songs that add an animal or character each verse build memory for order.
Imagination
Children love inventing new animals and sounds.
7 Animal and Nature Songs for Preschoolers
1. Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Animal song- Animal sounds
- Vocabulary
What it teaches: The best-known animal song. Each verse adds a new animal and sound, so children learn farm words and practice making sounds.
How to use it: Use farm toys or animal pictures. Let your child pick the next animal, even zebras or dinosaurs.
2. The Farmer in the Dell
Singing game- Sequencing
- Turn-taking
What it teaches: Characters are picked one by one in a circle, and the last one is chosen at the end. It teaches sequence and cooperation.
How to use it: Adapt the ending so no child is left standing alone. Everyone can join in at the end.
Safety and tip: Change the ending so that no child is left alone in the middle.
3. Baby Shark
Modern action song- Family words
- Rhythm
What it teaches: A modern favorite that goes through family members with a catchy beat and chomping hands.
How to use it: Use hand motions for each shark, and talk about sea animals. Sing it fast and slow.
4. The Bear Went Over the Mountain
Singing song- Sequencing
- Curiosity
What it teaches: A bear climbs a mountain to see what he can see. It invites children to guess what he sees.
How to use it: Use a binoculars craft and ask, ‘What do you think he saw?’ Draw the answer.
5. Slippery Fish
Action song- Sequencing
- Sound effects
What it teaches: A fish is swallowed by a bigger fish, and the fish keep getting bigger. It’s a funny way to learn about size.
How to use it: Use paper fish of different sizes, and make a big ‘gulp’ sound each time.
6. Rain, Rain, Go Away
Nursery rhyme- Weather words
- Rhyme
What it teaches: A short rhyme asking the rain to leave and come back another day. It’s a gentle way to talk about weather.
How to use it: Make raindrops with your fingers on the table. Talk about what you can do on a rainy day.
7. Mister Sun
Nature song- Weather
- Feelings
What it teaches: A cheerful song about the sun. Children can wave their arms like rays.
How to use it: Make a paper sun with strips for rays. Talk about how the sun helps plants grow, and about sunscreen and shade.
Safety and tip: Use this as a chance to talk about sun safety, like sunscreen, hats, and shade.
Tips for Singing Animal and Nature Songs
- Use toy animals or picture cards for each verse.
- Let your child pick the next animal, even a silly one.
- Take a nature walk and sing about what you see.
- Talk about how real animals live and how to treat them gently.
Pair These Songs with Activities
Animal and Nature Songs FAQs
How do animal songs help my child’s language?
Children learn new words, practice making different sounds, and hear sentence patterns repeated. Animal sounds are fun to copy, which gives children practice with many speech sounds.
Should I include both farm and wild animals?
Yes. Use whatever your child finds interesting. Farm, ocean, and forest animals all work well with songs.
How can I teach respect for animals through songs?
Add a verse about gentle touches or feeding pets. Talk about how animals need food, water, and a safe home, and teach children to leave wild animals alone.
Are weather songs part of this page?
Yes. Rain and sun songs are here because they connect to nature. You can find more weather and concept songs on the learning songs page.
More Song Types
- Nursery Rhymes (12)
- Action Songs (10)
- Finger Plays (7)
- Counting Songs (9)
- Alphabet and Language Songs (7)
- Animal and Nature Songs (7)
- Transportation Songs (7)
- Routine, Transition, and Friendship Songs (7)
- Lullabies and Calm-Down Songs (6)
- Circle and Singing Games (6)
- Songs for Colors, Shapes, Days, and More (7)
- All Preschool Songs
Keep the Music Going
Pair these songs with free printables, learning games, and our 12-month preschool curriculum.
Sources
This guide is general educational information for parents. It is not medical or legal advice. Always supervise young children during movement activities. If you are concerned about your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor or teacher.