Music to Go: Easy kindermusik Activities for Waiting Rooms, airports, & Beyond
- wendynutini
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
In Kindermusik, we love creating meaningful moments of connection through music and movement for young children - moments where you and your child are fully present to share a smile, a song, or a rhythm together.
These little sparks of joy don’t have to stay in the classroom. In fact, they can travel with you anywhere - to the doctor’s office, the dentist, or even the dreaded layover at an airport. Music has a wonderful way of bringing comfort, structure, and happiness to everyday transitions and moments of waiting.
Below are a few easy music and movement activities for toddlers and preschoolers you can tuck into your back pocket to use anytime they’d be helpful:
1. Sing a Familiar Song
That favorite tune - like Old MacDonald, the hello or goodbye song from class, or another Kindermusik favorite - can be a soothing tool during transitions. Singing softly while you wait helps your child feel secure, signaling, “This is our safe and familiar world, even here.”
2. Play Simple Fingerplays
Think of the ones we use in class like “Open, Shut Them” or “A Green Speckled Frog” hand games. They’re short, interactive, and require no materials - just your hands, voice, and presence. Even the familiar Itsy Bitsy Spider would work so well for this! Playfully climb a “finger spider” up their body, on their head, and then do the rhyme together.
3. Use Seated Movement to a Beat
While you probably can’t move freely around the room, try smaller movements to a beat, like rocking gently, swaying side-to-side, or even a playful lap bounce from class. Rhythm grounds children and gives their busy bodies a calming sense of structure.
These motions mimic the vestibular experiences in Kindermusik, reassuring children while keeping them regulated. You could pretend to be boats rocking in the water or balance “on a horse” while playfully bouncing back-and-forth!
4. Turn Small Toys Into Instruments
That little car, rattle, or even a snack container in your bag can become a shaker or drum! Tap it gently, shake it with the beat, and let your child join in. Everyday items transform into instruments for kids, sparking creativity and musical exploration wherever you go.
Bonus Tip: Quietly turn on your favorites from your Kindermusik App to enjoy a play-along!
5. Echo Their Sounds
Repeat your child’s babbles, words, or silly sounds just like we do in Kindermusik vocal play. This back-and-forth builds language skills, models active listening, and lets them know they’re important through your listening and responding.
6. Celebrate the Small Wins
Clap after they put a toy back in your bag, or whisper “ta-da!” when they hop off the chair. These tiny celebrations keep waiting time joyful and little spirits lifted.
WHY MUSIC ON THE GO MATTERS
Waiting rooms and traveling can feel long, stressful, or unpredictable for both you and your child. When you bring Kindermusik-inspired activities on the go, you fill that space with comfort, engagement, and connection - all wrapped in music and love. It’s a reminder that no matter where you go, your bond is always strong and present enough to comfort them.
And that’s the real beauty of Kindermusik: the music goes with you. Always.
Join the Fun!
Come enjoy a one-time Kindermusik Playdate with your little one(s) at Tuneful Journey! This month’s Halloween Playdate is packed with music, movement, and playful spook-tacular fun.
Enjoyed these activities? Learn more about our ongoing Kindermusik classes to keep the music, movement, and connection in your weekly routine!
(515) 451-7787
