Drumming and Rhythmic Play with Kids

Looking for a fun, easy way to play and engage with your kids, no matter their age? Make music together! Drumming and rhythmic play are great ways to help your child develop their creativity, musicality, and focus.

Kids are usually really easy to engage in drumming, since they don't have any of those pesky hangups us adults have, like "I'm not musical," "I have no rhythm," or any other silly thing we tell ourselves. Kids just go for it! Play along with your kids, and allow yourself to follow their lead and be silly. There is no "wrong" way to play a drum; as long as you're smiling and having a good time, then you're playing it right! 

The benefits of drumming & rhythm for your baby and toddler:

Rhythm play is great for babies. It’s more than just fun; it actually helps their brains and bodies grow. Here’s how:

Boosts Brain Development Rhythm helps babies make sense of patterns, which supports language and math skills later on.

Builds Listening Skills When babies hear a beat and try to copy it (with their hands, feet, or even just watching), they’re learning how to listen and respond.

Supports Motor Skills Tapping, clapping, or bouncing to a beat helps babies coordinate their movements—even if they’re just wiggling to start.

Encourages Bonding Rhythm play is social. When you drum, bounce, or sing together, you’re strengthening your connection with your baby — and that’s huge for their emotional development.

How early can I start drumming with my kids?

You can start engaging in rhythmic play with your kids when they're just an infant! Just remember with very tiny babies: go slow, be soft, and keep stimulation low. When they are in the quiet-alert state, you might engage rhythmically with them for a couple of minutes at the most. Follow their cues; if they turn away, stop looking at you, or cry, take a break. 

Some early rhythmic games to play with your baby are:

• Softly tap the rhythm of their name or other phrases on their body such as their belly, thighs, or on the floor. For instance, tap “I love you, _____ (their name)” on their hands as they lay in front of you, or on their back as you hold them. Babies love the sound and feel of gentle, rhythmic touch.
• Mimic their rhythmic coos and other sounds. If they kick their legs in a specific pattern, mimic that by clapping, tapping, or saying “kick, kick, kick!”
• Sing to your baby. Make up songs on the spot about whatever you’re doing, like “we’re changing your diaper, your diaper, your diaper, we’re changing your diaper, here we GO!” 
• Echo Clapping: Clap a simple rhythm and have your child repeat it.
• Name Beats: Create a rhythm using the syllables of your child's name.
• Story Drumming: Tell a short story and use drum beats to represent actions or characters.

When drumming with your baby make sure to keep in mind:

Keep it short and sweet. Babies don’t need long rhythm jam sessions. A few minutes of drumming while singing or bouncing is plenty. Watch their cues—if they’re fussy or squirmy, take a break.

Babies love repetition. Try clapping or tapping in a rhythm like “pat-pat-pat, pause, pat-pat.” Repeating simple beats helps build their sense of timing and sound.

Make it part of your routine
Try drumming during playtime, tummy time, or even diaper changes. The more you weave it into everyday moments, the more natural and fun it becomes for both of you.

Be careful! If you do want to use tools to create sound, consider something as simple as a wooden bowl or metal pot, and wooden spoons as the "sticks." Just make sure everything is safe for curious mouths. Supervise your child if they are using mallets or any small pieces, such as jingle bells or egg shakers, and are still in the “put everything in my mouth” phase. The mallet stick could injure them if they put it in their mouth, and small pieces are a choking hazard.

What infant or toddler drums should I buy? 

Once your baby is a few months old and can hold something, you can start giving them age-appropriate rhythmic toys to play with. Once your baby is a little older and can sit up on their own, you can start introducing them to larger drums.  As your child continues to grow, you can let them play with any drum they want!  

Here are some of my favorite rhythm instruments for children. I suggest starting with at least one drum, a few maracas/shakers, a tambourine, and at least one funny sounding instrument (like the quack stick or frog). Drums made for toddlers are usually quieter and gentler by design.

Where can I take my kids to drum? 

Attend a community drum circle

I recommend taking your kids to community drum circles so they can partake in the cultural experience. You’ll always see some fun and interesting characters at a drum circle! As with any large event, supervise your kids at all times. I also recommend using ear protection for your children.

Worried about your little one's years at a drum circle or other loud event? These headphones are great for protecting your child’s ears at any loud event such as a drum circle. Even at safe volumes, it’s best to keep drumming sessions short—5 to 15 minutes is plenty for little ears (and attention spans).

Join a parent & infant or toddler music class

Salt Lake City has several excellent baby and toddler music classes that you can attend together with your child.

SOUND BEGINNINGS Introductory music classes for babies and toddlers in the Salt Lake area that help little ones learn through singing, instrument play, nursery rhymes, movement, stories, games, and listening activities.

SONG OF THE HEART STUDIOS For 26 years, Salt Lake City's Song of the Heart Studios has offered Kindermusik classes for kids from birth to age 7. Rooted in playful music-making, Kindermusik helps children grow in ways that go far beyond music—building skills that support lifelong learning and development.

HELLO MUSIC Offering Music Together^® classes in Salt Lake City. Children's growing music skills are supported and challenged in a playful environment.

I hope this post is helpful in giving you the basics of drumming with your kiddos. Now go make some music, and have FUN!