When parents hear my husband is in a band, they assume we are a very musical family. Which we are, but I would say it’s more musically-inclined. While there is lots of singing, banging and guitar strumming with our stockpile of musical instruments and toys, most of it is in the enjoyment of hearing oneself make a joyful noise than anything organized. Even though I would love to recreate a Von Trapp family sing-a-long, too many of us want to be the glory hound (thank you to our friend for providing that image).

But, one thing we try to do is expose our kids to music, and music that my husband and I enjoy. A big event we have done as a family for the past four out of five years (from 1 child, to 2, and now 3 kids in tow) that seems to leave a lasting warm-and-fuzzy feeling about music is the Newport Folk Festival.

Newport Folk Festival: #FolkFamily 

The Newport Folk Festival, held at the Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI, is in its 59th year of providing a magical music environment for festival goers. It’s mostly a no-fuss environment (no big theatrical stage productions) except for the stunning view of Newport Harbor.

And, this is a great festival to experience music with your kids. You can bounce from stage-to-stage (which have big screens, food trucks nearby, easy water bottle refill stations, usually a yummy snack bar to sample, and space to pop up a shade tent), and when you are ready for a longer break, park yourself under the Late July Family Tent.

Thanks to the sponsorship from Late July Snacks (and the incredibly yummy chips you can enjoy inside the tent all weekend long, plus the awesome arts and crafts tables provided by them that keep little hands busy), your family can see musicians up close on the Late July Family Tent stage. Like, you are eating a picnic and a bard happens to pass by your blanket – that close. Some musicians take this as an opportunity to sing old children’s songs (with crowd participation floating in the air). Others sing from their songbook. No matter what’s sung, hearing musicians in such a close, joyful, intimate, crowd-rousing setting, is sure to get little eyes opened wide to the amazing noises of music.

But you definitely don’t have to haul your family to a major music festival to enjoy live music as a family. Check out public school performances, performances by a local community orchestra or family concerts in a park. Kids can feel the enjoyment of music played, no matter the size of the stage.

Nurturing a Musical Environment at Home

At home, we try to nurture an enjoyment of music by creating a music-friendly environment. The main one is enjoying it ourselves – whether it’s my husband strumming a guitar, dancing to songs, or making up silly songs to made up beats. We also keep a big bin of musical instruments and toys in our family room, so little hands can explore and play whenever it strikes their fancy. Their friends know this music bin fondly, and when a big group gets together, you can hear muffled tooting and honking from the closed door.

For toddlers, preschoolers, and even early elementary-aged children, hear are our recommended toys and musical instruments and toys to kick off a musical environment:

Starter Kit for Musical Toddlers

Why mom approves: a perfect starter kit with lots of instruments to bang and shake

For toddlers and preschoolers, this bright-colored musical instruments kit from Ehome ($33.99) is a great starter kit. It features 15 different types of musical wooden percussion instruments that little ones can shake, beat, blow and tap. This kit is great for play dates, as there are 22 pieces, more than enough to share. And, the backpack makes for easy storage or for taking the toys on the go for a traveling, pint-sized musician.

A Guitar that Mimics the Real Thing

Why mom approves: little ones will love this mini version

Having a musical instrument and toy that looks just like the “mom or dad” version is a thrill for little ones. The child will want adults to play theirs while he or she strums away on the mini version. We like this Hape guitar (around $27) because it’s made of durable wood, and features strings than can be easily strummed and knobs that can be easily tuned.

Sometimes, just buy the real thing 

Why mom approves: when it comes to a keyboard, buy one that grows with them

We adore those mini toy grand pianos for toddlers, they are too cute! But, if you want something with more staying power in your home (but not as big of a commitment as an upright or grand piano), look to an electronic keyboard. I know, as a piano purist in a previous life, I can’t believe I just typed that sentence. However, electronic keyboards have come a long way since I was a child in the ’80s. The weighted keys, especially those found on the Casio Privia PX160 ($499), feature a touch response and feel similar to traditional pianos. It will win you over. This piano will grow with a child – from banging on it as a toddler, to making up songs as a preschooler, to starting lessons as a early elementary school student.

Skeet, Skat – a Mini Jazz Band 

Why mom approves: these wind and brass instruments are a riot

The mini clarinet, trumpet and saxophone ($35.99) are sure to be a big musical instrument hit, especially for preschoolers. Little ones are familiar with drums, pianos, even guitars, but it’s the novelty of these instruments (that maybe a favorite book or television show character plays) that will make these one of the most selected instruments from the music bin. When it comes to play brass and wind instruments, the sounds from these are less tinny and more of a honk. These musical instruments do have colored keys so little ones could technically learn one of the songs provided in the box. Whether a song is learned or not, they will look ever the part of a jazz musician with these.

Bluetooth Microphone 

Why mom approves: the child will love singing along to favorite songs

If you know a 4 to 6 (or even older) year old who loves to sing, this Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone ($30.99) will be a hit. You can easily synch your phone through Bluetooth, and soon, Imagine Dragon’s ‘Thunder’ or Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’ is being belted. Don’t be surprised if mom and dad will want a turn. 

Cajon

Why mom approves: an all-in one percussion instrument

We first saw this percussion instrument at a singer/songwriter night. The stage was small at the coffee house/wine bar; however one of the musicians was playing this “box” which I found out later was called a cajon. It plays bass and snare sounds, depending where you hit. The Meinl Cajon ($99.99) is more compact than a drum set, and gives the child the chance to make the fun drum sounds they hear in songs. But, let’s be honest, they will just have fun slapping it.

Other instruments to consider? Egg shakers. Any music class you attend with a child has these, and children always go crazy for them. Harmonicas are also a pretty indestructible and inexpensive instrument, sound rather pleasant, and are easy and fun for a child to play. You also can’t go wrong with a tambourine.