Hitting the road soon? It’s time to compile the perfect playlist for the long drive. Whether you’re planning to spend time in nature, splash at the waterpark, fly high at an amusement park or visit a big city, here’s a road trip playlist to pump you up for whatever vacation your family has in store.
Note: Some of the songs on these playlists might not be suitable for younger children. Many of these songs have Kidz Bop versions, which are more appropriate for little ones. Use your discretion.
Best songs for unplugging in nature
If exploring nature is more your speed and you’re hitting up a small or secluded town this summer, here’s a perfect playlist to get your family in the mood to unplug from the chaos of day-to-day life.
Old Town Road, Little Nas X
A catchy mix of pop, rap and country that’s a must for a drive to a tiny country town.
Road to Nowhere, Talking Heads
Because you’re heading out to the middle of nowhere, after all.
Free Bird, Lynyrd Skynryd
The chance to get away from it all might have you and your family feeling like a flock of free birds.
What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong
Celebrate all the beauty of this world in one classic song.
Where the Streets Have No Name, U2
The U2 tune about breaking free from the city is a must for this playlist.
Sitting on the Dock of the Bay, Otis Redding
The song is about finding the beauty in life and there’s nothing more beautiful than being out in nature.
Small Town, John Mellencamp
The name says it all! You can’t visit a small town without blasting this song on the way.
The Way It Is, Bruch Hornsby and the Range
This tune just hits different when you’re driving down a tree-lined winding road.
Woods, Bon Iver
This walk in the woods might act as a lullaby for your kiddos during the car ride.
Take Me Home, Country Roads, John Denver
This ‘70s gem about going home to rural West Virginia will give you that country feeling.
A big city playlist
If you’re road tripping to a major urban destination, add these songs to your car ride playlist:
(Theme From) New York, New York, Frank Sinatra
If your kids aren’t familiar with ol’ blue eyes, this is the perfect song to acquaint them and of course get them excited for time in a big city.
Empire State of Mind, Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
Another New York anthem that’s oh so catchy.
Uptown Funk, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars
The upbeat hit will have your kids ready to be “livin’ it up in the city.”
Miami, Will Smith
This ode to Will Smith’s “second home” will get you fired up for time in a tropical location.
California Gurls, Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg
Who doesn’t love the catchy shout out to California girls?
Summer in the City, The Lovin’ Spoonful
Because you’re spending summer in the city, after all.
Havana, Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug
This salsa-inspired song pop song, which mentions Havana and Atlanta, keeps with the big city theme.
Beverly Hills, Weezer
OK, so maybe you’re not driving to Beverly Hills, but Weezer’s ode to the California city is a must.
Viva Las Vegas, Elvis
Give your kiddos a taste of the ‘60s with the title song of the famous flick.
Red Lights, Tiesto
Throw this track from the Godfather of EDM on your playlist to pump your kids up — but don’t actually run those red lights.
Welcome to the Jungle, Gun N’ Roses
The ‘80s hit about leaving a small town for a new life in the big city of Hollywood is rock ‘n roll at its finest — and if your kids don’t know it by now, it’s time to introduce them.
A playlist for waterparks and amusement parks
A waterpark, amusement park or both — these are arguably the best vacations for families. Blast these tunes on your road trip:
Cake by the Ocean, DNCE
This oh-so-catchy tune will certainly have you dancing in your seat.
Splish Splash, Bobby Darin and The Fleetwoods
Since you’re going to be splishing and splashing in the pool, at the waterpark or at the beach, you have to blast this tune at this least once on the ride.
Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid
From the moment the piano starts to play, this adorable, upbeat Disney tune is sure to make your kids smile.
Swimming Pool Summer, Capital Cities
The perfect song title for the ultimate summertime swimming playlist.
Swimming Song, Cocomelon
While mom and dad might get tired of hearing yet another Cocomelon song, the kids are sure to sing along.
Happy, Pharrell Williams
The ultimate feel-good song that will certainly pump up the kids for their first amusement park ride.
Danger Zone, Kenny Loggins
The Top Gun tune immediately makes you think of living on the edge.
Born to be Wild, Steppenwolf
Get the adrenaline pumping with this hard rock tune.
We Will Rock You, Queen
Another pump-you-up jam to play before a rollercoaster ride.
Funkytown, Lipps Inc.
If you’ve ever been to Cedar Point, you’ve heard this song while on your favorite ride — so why not play it on the way?
