Introducing our children to timeless truths and beautiful melodies is a gift that keeps on giving. Hymns, with their rich history and profound messages, offer a fantastic way to do just that. They’re not just old songs; they’re powerful tools for spiritual development, moral education, and even musical enjoyment. But with so many options, how do you find the best hymns for kids that will truly resonate with them?
We get it! You want songs that are engaging, easy to understand, and packed with positive messages. That’s why we’ve dived deep to find some of the top collections and resources specifically designed to introduce children to the wonderful world of sacred music. Whether your little one loves to sing along, wants to learn piano, or just enjoys listening to cherished tunes, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore some fantastic options to enrich your family’s faith journey!
Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Hymns for Kids
1. Favorite Hymns for Kids (Volume 1): A Collection of Five…
This delightful collection is a wonderful starting point for introducing young ones to the beauty of traditional Christian songs. Designed with children in mind, Volume 1 presents five beloved hymns in a format that’s accessible and engaging for little learners. It’s perfect for family singalongs, Sunday school activities, or simply as gentle background music that instills spiritual values.
- Features:
- Collection of five popular hymns
- Tailored for young audiences
- Easy-to-follow format
- Pros:
- Excellent introduction to classic sacred music
- Encourages group participation and worship
- Simple enough for young children to grasp
- Cons:
- Limited to only five hymns in this volume
- May require additional resources for deeper musical engagement
- User Impressions: Parents appreciate how this volume makes cherished hymns approachable for their kids, noting that the selection sparks genuine interest and provides a lovely foundation for early spiritual learning.
See it on Amazon here
2. PreTime Piano: Hymns – Primer Level | Christian Songs for…
For the budding pianist in your family, this Primer Level book from Faber Piano Adventures is a gem! It thoughtfully introduces Christian songs arranged specifically for beginners, making the journey of learning piano intertwined with faith-based music. It’s a used book, which means you’re getting a great deal while still providing a high-quality educational resource that integrates musical education with spiritual themes.
- Features:
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Primer Level arrangements for piano
- Focuses on Christian songs/hymns
- Pros:
- Introduces piano skills with familiar, faith-based melodies
- Cost-effective due to being a used item
- Part of a reputable piano curriculum (Faber Piano Adventures)
- Cons:
- Being a used book, it might have minor wear or previous markings
- Requires piano instruction or a basic understanding of piano
- User Impressions: Piano teachers and parents love how this book seamlessly blends foundational piano techniques with uplifting hymn tunes, reporting that kids stay motivated by playing songs they recognize from church or home.
See it on Amazon here
3. ShowTime Piano: Hymns – Level 2A | Beginner Christian…
Stepping up from the Primer level, ShowTime Piano: Hymns Level 2A continues the Faber Piano Adventures journey, offering more challenging yet still accessible arrangements of beginner Christian songs. This used edition provides excellent value for students ready to expand their piano repertoire with beautiful hymns. It’s ideal for building confidence and developing musicality while keeping spiritual music at the heart of their practice.
- Features:
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Level 2A arrangements for beginner pianists
- Expands on Christian song repertoire
- Pros:
- Progresses piano skills with meaningful, inspiring music
- Good value for money as a used resource
- Encourages continued engagement with faith-based musical expression
- Cons:
- May show signs of previous use
- Requires a certain level of prior piano experience (Level 2A)
- User Impressions: Many find this book perfect for bridging the gap between very basic and more complex pieces, with students appreciating the familiar melodies and the sense of accomplishment from playing these slightly more intricate hymn arrangements.
See it on Amazon here
4. Favorite Hymns for Kids (Volume 2): A Collection of Five…
Following the success of its predecessor, Favorite Hymns for Kids (Volume 2) offers another engaging collection of five uplifting hymns tailored for young audiences. This volume ensures that the joy of learning and singing spiritual songs continues, building upon the foundation laid by Volume 1. It’s a great way to expand your child’s repertoire of sacred music, perfect for repeat singalongs and deepening their connection to timeless melodies.
- Features:
- Another collection of five popular hymns
- Designed specifically for children
- Continues the accessible format of Volume 1
- Pros:
- Adds new beloved hymns to your child’s collection
- Great for fostering ongoing spiritual learning through music
- Maintains an engaging and simple approach for kids
- Cons:
- Still a relatively small collection with only five hymns
- May need to be supplemented with other resources for broader variety
- User Impressions: Families enjoy the consistency and quality of this series, reporting that their children quickly pick up the new songs and love having more options for their hymn-singing sessions.
See it on Amazon here
5. PlayTime Piano: Hymns – Level 1 | Faith-Based Faber Piano…
PlayTime Piano: Hymns – Level 1 is another fantastic resource from Faber Piano Adventures, offering beloved hymns specially arranged for early piano students. This book is an excellent supplementary material for those learning piano, blending musical instruction with cherished faith-based songs. It makes practicing piano enjoyable and meaningful, as students get to play melodies that speak to their hearts.
- Features:
- Favorite Hymns Arranged to Offer Excellent Supplementary Material for Piano Students
- Arranged for Piano, Standard Notation
- Publisher: Faber Piano Adventures
- 24 Pages
- Pros:
- High-quality arrangements from a respected publisher
- Ideal for reinforcing piano skills with inspiring music
- Encourages a love for both music and spiritual themes
- Cons:
- Requires piano knowledge (Level 1)
- Might not appeal to children who prefer secular music exclusively
- User Impressions: Students and instructors alike praise this book for its well-crafted arrangements and how it makes learning piano fun by incorporating familiar and uplifting worship songs. The clear notation and progressive challenges are a huge plus.
See it on Amazon here
6. Favorite Hymns for Kids (Volume 3): A Collection of Five…
Completing the initial series, Favorite Hymns for Kids (Volume 3) brings yet another collection of five timeless hymns beautifully adapted for young listeners and singers. This volume is perfect for families who have enjoyed the previous editions and wish to further enrich their children’s exposure to sacred music. It continues to provide a gentle, inviting way to introduce foundational Christian songs.
- Features:
- The third collection of five popular hymns
- Specifically designed for children’s engagement
- Consistent, easy-to-use format
- Pros:
- Expands the collection of accessible hymns for kids
- Reinforces spiritual lessons through repetitive listening and singing
- Great for family devotionals or children’s church activities
- Cons:
- Like its predecessors, it offers a limited number of hymns per volume
- Best used as part of the series for full benefit
- User Impressions: Parents often comment on how their children eagerly anticipate new volumes, and this one doesn’t disappoint, providing more beloved tunes that kids quickly learn and cherish.
See it on Amazon here
7. Just Hymns for Christmas (Volume 1): A Collection of Ten…
As the holiday season approaches, Just Hymns for Christmas (Volume 1) becomes an indispensable resource for families looking to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas through music. This collection features ten cherished Christmas hymns, offering a wonderful way to teach children about the nativity story and the joy of the season. It’s perfect for holiday singalongs, school pageants, or simply creating a festive, spiritual atmosphere at home.
- Features:
- Collection of ten classic Christmas hymns
- Ideal for the holiday season
- Focuses on the spiritual aspect of Christmas
- Pros:
- Perfect for celebrating Christmas with faith-based music
- Introduces children to the stories behind the carols
- Offers a good variety of ten songs
- Cons:
- Primarily seasonal, limiting year-round use
- May require accompaniment for full musical effect
- User Impressions: Families adore this collection for its ability to bring a deeper, spiritual meaning to their Christmas celebrations, with many saying it has become a beloved tradition to sing these hymns together.
See it on Amazon here
8. Easy Piano Hymns: A Book of Music for Praise and…
If you’re looking for simple, straightforward arrangements of hymns that anyone with basic piano skills can play, “Easy Piano Hymns” is a fantastic choice. This book is designed for praise and worship, making it accessible for beginners or those who just want to enjoy playing familiar tunes without complex arrangements. It’s a wonderful tool for inspiring self-accompaniment during personal devotion or small group worship.
- Features:
- Easy-to-read piano arrangements
- Suitable for praise and worship
- Wide selection of hymns
- Pros:
- Very accessible for beginner pianists of all ages
- Encourages personal worship and musical expression
- Provides a broad range of well-known hymns
- Cons:
- May be too simplistic for advanced players
- Lacks specific learning guidance often found in curriculum books
- User Impressions: Users consistently praise this book for its true “easy play” nature, making it a go-to for casual playing, accompanying singalongs, and helping those new to piano feel successful and inspired.
See it on Amazon here
9. Favorite Christmas Hymns for Kids (Volume 1): A Collection…
Specifically curated for the youngest hearts, Favorite Christmas Hymns for Kids (Volume 1) delivers a joyful collection of holiday songs that are easy for children to learn and love. This volume is an excellent complement to “Just Hymns for Christmas,” focusing particularly on kid-friendly renditions. It’s perfect for reinforcing the Christian message of Christmas in a fun and memorable way, encouraging little ones to sing along with enthusiasm.
- Features:
- Collection of popular Christmas hymns specifically for kids
- Designed for easy learning and enjoyment by children
- Focuses on age-appropriate holiday content
- Pros:
- Makes Christmas hymns highly accessible and fun for children
- Great for fostering holiday traditions and spiritual understanding
- Encourages festive family singalongs
- Cons:
- Seasonal use only
- Limited number of songs within the volume
- User Impressions: Parents find this book invaluable for engaging their kids during the Christmas season, noting that the simple arrangements and familiar tunes quickly become family favorites.
See it on Amazon here
10. ChordTime Piano: Hymns – Level 2B | Inspirational Sheet…
For piano students at Level 2B, ChordTime Piano: Hymns offers inspirational sheet music that builds on previous levels with more sophisticated chord structures and arrangements. This Faber Piano Adventures book is perfect for students ready to explore richer harmonies and more complex rhythms while still playing beloved hymns. It provides an excellent bridge to more advanced sacred music, ensuring their musical and spiritual growth continues hand-in-hand.
- Features:
- Level 2B arrangements focusing on chords
- Inspirational sheet music
- Part of the Faber Piano Adventures series
- Pros:
- Develops more advanced piano skills through chord play
- Offers inspiring and faith-building musical content
- Seamlessly integrates with established piano learning progression
- Cons:
- Requires a solid foundation in piano (Level 2B)
- Might be challenging for students not yet at this level
- User Impressions: Piano teachers highlight this book as a fantastic resource for deepening students’ understanding of harmony and melody within the context of meaningful hymns, with many students feeling a strong sense of accomplishment.
See it on Amazon here
Why Introduce Kids to Hymns?
Introducing children to hymns isn’t just about teaching them old songs; it’s about sowing seeds of faith, history, and musical appreciation. These sacred melodies often carry profound messages about love, hope, and kindness, helping to shape a child’s character and moral compass. Plus, singing is a fantastic way to boost language development and memory skills!
Hymns can also be a beautiful way to connect with generations past, understanding the traditions and beliefs that have sustained communities for centuries. Whether they’re learning to play “Amazing Grace” on the piano or singing “Jesus Loves Me” in the car, these experiences become cherished memories that underscore their spiritual journey. When searching for the best hymns for kids, consider how they can contribute to both their spiritual and personal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the benefits of teaching hymns to children?
A1: Teaching hymns to children offers numerous benefits, including fostering spiritual growth, introducing them to rich theological concepts, developing musical appreciation, improving memory and language skills, and providing a sense of comfort and stability through timeless melodies and messages.
Q2: At what age should I start introducing hymns to my child?
A2: You can start introducing simple hymns as early as infancy, by singing them gently or playing them softly. As children grow into toddler and preschool age, they can begin to sing along and understand basic concepts. Books and piano resources designed for beginners are perfect for school-aged children.
Q3: How can I make learning hymns fun and engaging for kids?
A3: Make it interactive! Use songbooks with colorful illustrations, play instruments, sing during car rides, act out the stories within the hymns, or incorporate them into bedtime routines. For older kids, learning to play them on an instrument like the piano can be very rewarding.
Q4: Are these hymn collections suitable for Sunday school or children’s ministry?
A4: Absolutely! Many of these collections and piano books are ideal for group settings. They provide accessible arrangements and popular selections that can be easily incorporated into worship time, lessons, and special performances, making them some of the best hymns for kids in a church context.
Q5: What’s the difference between “Primer Level,” “Level 1,” and “Level 2A/2B” piano books?
A5: These levels refer to the progression in difficulty for piano students. “Primer Level” is for absolute beginners, focusing on basic notes and simple rhythms. “Level 1” introduces slightly more complex patterns. “Level 2A” and “2B” build upon these skills, introducing new keys, chords, and more intricate musical structures, providing a gradual learning curve.
Q6: Should I prioritize classic hymns or contemporary Christian songs for my child?
A6: Both classic hymns and contemporary Christian songs have their merits! Classic hymns offer historical depth, rich theology, and timeless melodies. Contemporary songs often use modern language and musical styles that can feel more immediately relatable. A balanced approach, introducing a mix of both, can provide a well-rounded spiritual and musical education.
Q7: How do “used book in good condition” items differ from new ones?
A7: A “used book in good condition” means it has been previously owned but is still fully functional and readable. It might show minor signs of wear like slight creasing on the cover, minor highlighting, or pencil marks. The main advantage is often a lower price point compared to a new book.
We hope this guide helps you discover the best hymns for kids that will bring joy, comfort, and spiritual growth to your family. Happy singing and playing!