Best Musical Toys & Apps for Children
Music has a special way of weaving itself into childhood memories, from lullabies at bedtime to impromptu kitchen discos. Beyond the fun, it plays a powerful role in children’s learning and development, helping to boost communication, creativity and confidence, while strengthening memory and supporting emotional regulation.
Introducing music early can help children grow, learn, and express themselves. We’ve rounded up some of the best musical toys and apps that blend play and learning to support your child’s unique developmental journey.
Musical Rings
Perfect for the youngest music makers, these colourful, durable rings are just the right size for little hands. Each one makes its own gentle sound when shaken, delighting babies with movement and colour while encouraging early cause-and-effect learning. Lightweight and easy to carry, they’re an ideal sensory toy for playtime at home or on the go.
Our Little World – Cat Xylophone
This cheerful cat-themed instrument introduces children to scales and rhythm. It is sure to inspire performances filled with laughter, lively tunes and a healthy dose of creativity as children experiment with different sounds. With its bright design and sturdy build, children will return to it again and again as their confidence grows.
Little Fox Nursery Rhymes app
Perfect for preschoolers, this interactive app brings classic songs to life with playful animations and surprises to tap and explore. Children can sing along, record themselves and even create their own musical compositions, building confidence, memory and language skills while experimenting with sounds and rhythm. A lovely introduction to music for young learners.
Hape Magic Touch Piano
Toddlers love this colourful piano because it plays real sounds with just a gentle tap, no heavy pressing required. Parents love it because it sneaks in lessons about pitch, rhythm and coordination. Slip in the colour coded music cards and suddenly your child is playing simple songs – a magical moment for any budding pianist, and one that can spark a lasting interest in music.
Hey Duggee Sing & Learn Microphone
For children who love performing (and Duggee), this toy is pure joy. Packed with songs and phrases inspired by the hit TV show, it’s a great way to boost language and memory while letting little ones experiment with their voices. Its interactive features and friendly design will encourage even shy children to take a turn and discover their inner performer.
My Singing Monsters app
A fun musical app where children can collect, breed, and build their own world full of singing monsters. Each monster makes a different sound, and as more are added, the game turns into a lively, ever-changing song. Children can explore rhythm, melody and composition, arranging notes and creating their own tunes in a colourful and engaging virtual world.
Sounds of the Forest
Sometimes music is about slowing down, not speeding up. This toy invites children to explore gentle woodland sounds like birdsong, rustling leaves and soft melodies, creating a peaceful atmosphere for imaginative play. It works beautifully as a calming tool before nap time or bedtime, and children will enjoy combining sounds to create their very own forest soundtrack to accompany the story.
Mussila Music app
The Mussila Music app turns learning music into an adventure. Children join colourful characters on a journey through games that teach piano, rhythm and melody – all without requiring previous musical knowledge. With its playful design and structured learning path, Mussila is like a music teacher in your pocket, blending fun with real musical learning.
Tips for Parents
- Make music part of the day: sing during routines, from getting dressed to bath time to create opportunities for learning and language development.
- Play together: children learn by watching and copying, so don’t be shy about joining in and making the experience more enjoyable for them.
- Celebrate effort, not perfection: the joy is in making the noise, no matter how it sounds!