Hand Clapping Games

Hand Clapping Games

Hand Clapping Games and Lyrics

Hand clapping games have been the source of fun entertainment for children around the world for generations. Such games are some of the simplest, most accessible activities that kids can enjoy together - all they need is a little bit of space and a sense of creativity.

Not only do these games help kids stay active and burn off excess energy, but they can also be incredibly educational. Through playing, kids strengthen their problem-solving skills and develop better comprehension of language and music. They learn teamwork as well as rhythm, making them more well-rounded as individuals.

Plus, it's always loads of fun! Hand clapping games keep kids laughing and creating memories with their friends that will last a lifetime.

hand clapping pat a cake game

How to Play Classic Hand Clapping Games with Kids 

Hand clapping games are a great way to engage kids and teach them some fun rhymes. Whether you’re looking for an activity to pass the time at a playdate or just want something new for your kid to learn, hand clapping games have been around for years and have stood the test of time.

Hand Clapping games can be played in a group circle or with two players. There are countless variations of hand clapping games, each with its own unique lyrics and patterns.

Let's take a look at some classic hand clapping games and their lyrics.

Pat-a-cake

"Pat-a-cake" is a simple hand clapping game played by two people. The game goes like this:

The players stand facing each other and begin by clapping their hands together once, then alternating right and left hands. they then recite the rhyme "Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man. Bake me a cake as fast as you can!" while clapping their hands together in different patterns and alternating right and left hands. At the end of the rhyme, they hold both hands up and take a bow!

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man.
Bake me a cake as fast as you can;
Roll it and pat it and mark it with a B.
Put it in the oven for Baby and me.
 
Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man!
Roll it and roll it up throw it in a pan.
Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man!

Miss Mary Mack 

This game is one of the most popular hand clapping songs out there! Here’s how it goes: 

(Clap twice) Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack (clap twice) 
All dressed in black, black, black (clap twice)
With silver buttons, buttons, buttons (clap twice)
All down her back, back, back. She asked her mother mother mother (clap twice)
For fifty cents cents cents (clap twice)
To see the elephants elephants elephants (clap twice)
Jump over the fence fence fence. They jumped so high high high (clap twice)
They reached the sky sky sky (clap twice)
And he didn't come back back back (clap once & point behind you).
'Til the fourth of July ly ly. 

You can keep going for as long as you like by repeating verses 1-4

Kids playing hand clapping games with lyrics

Double Double This This

Double Double That That
Double This, Double That
Double Double This That

Down Down Baby

Down down baby, down by the roller-coaster
Shimmy, shimmy baby, oh how I love you so.
Shimmy shimmy cocoa pop
Shimmy shimmy ride!
Shimmy shimmy cocoa pop
Shimmy shimmy ride!
I like coffee, I like tea
I like another boy, her likes me
Up and down and side to side
all around and shake it little ride
P O P spells pop!

Different version:

Down down baby, down by the roller coaster
Sweet sweet baby, I'll never let you go,
Shimmy shimmy cocoa pops,
Shimmy shimmy pow!
Shimmy shimmy cocoa pops,
Shimmy shimmy pow!
Gramma gramma, sick in bed,
Called the doctor and the doctor said,
Let's get the rhythm of the head - ding dong
Let's get the rhythm of the head - ding dong
Let's get the rhythm of the hands - clap, clap
Let's get the rhythm of the hands - clap, clap
Let's get the rhythm of the feet - stomp, stomp
Let's get the rhythm of the feet - stomp, stomp
Let's get the rhythm of the - hot dog
Let's get the rhythm of the - hot dog!
Put it all together and what do you get?
Ding dong, clap clap, stomp stomp, hot dog!
Put it all backward and what do you get?
Hot dog, stomp stomp, clap clap, ding dong!

Lemonade

Lemonade (Up Down Clap)
(Triple Clap)
Crunchy ice (Up Down Clap)
(Triple Clap)
Sip it once (Up Down Clap)
(Triple Clap)
Sip it twice (Up Down Clap)
(Triple Clap)
Lemonade (Up Down Clap)
Crunchy Ice (Up Down Clap)
Sip it once (Up Down Clap)
Sip it twice (Up Down Clap)
Turn around (Turn around)
Touch the ground (Touch the ground)
Kick your boyfriend out of town (stomp)
Hand Clapping Games with Lyrics

Hand clapping games are good for children for several reasons:

  • Physical development: Hand clapping games involve hand and finger coordination, which can help with fine motor skills and dexterity.
  • Social skills: Hand clapping games are typically played in a group setting, allowing children to interact with others and develop their social skills, such as teamwork, communication, and taking turns. 
  • Cognitive development: Hand clapping games can improve memory skills, as children have to remember and repeat sequences of hand motions and lyrics.
  • Confidence: Hand clapping games provide opportunities for children to perform in front of others, helping them to build confidence and self-esteem.
  • Fun: Hand clapping games are fun and entertaining for children, providing a playful and engaging activity that can be enjoyed with friends or family.

Here are some popular nursery rhymes that you can play as hand clapping games. They are all great for kids to practice their rhythm and coordination.

A sailor went to see

To see, what he could see, see, see
But all that he could see, see, see
was the bottom of the deep blue sea, sea, sea

Down by the Station:

Down by the station early in the morning,
See the little pufferbellies all in a row,
See the engine driver pull the little handle,
Toot toot - chug chug - off they go

London Bridge Is Falling Down  

This is another classic children’s song that’s easy to play with hands and sing along too! Here’s how it goes: 

London Bridge Is Falling Down,
Falling Down, Falling Down
London Bridge Is Falling Down, My Fair Lady
 
London Bridge Is Falling Down,
Falling Down, Falling Down
London Bridge Is Falling Down, My Fair Lady
 
Build it up with Iron Bars
Iron Bars, Iron Bars
Build it up with Iron Bars, My Fair Lady 
 
Build it up with Iron Bars
Iron Bars, Iron Bars
Build it up with Iron Bars, My Fair Lady

The Farmer in the Dell  

This song has been around since 18th century Germany but has become incredibly popular among children in recent years thanks to its catchy tune! Here are the lyrics:

The farmer in the dell.
The farmer in the dell.
Hi-ho, the derry-o
The farmer in the dell. 
 
The farmer takes a wife.
The farmer takes a wife.
Hi-ho, the derry-o
The farmer takes a wife.

Playing hand clapping games is not only fun for kids but also teaches them rhythm and organization skills as well as increases their auditory memory capacity. They can be played individually or as part of a group game perfect for sleepovers or birthday parties! Why not ge the whole family invoolved and playing along. Give these classic hand clapping games a try today your kids are sure to love them! Happy singing!

Grandparents playing hand clapping games

More Fun Games For Kids

Circle games are perfect for when you need to keep kids entertained. They're easy to set up and can be played indoors or outdoors. From classic games like Duck, Duck, Goose to new favorites like Green Glass Door, we've got you covered. So grab a few friends and get ready to have some fun!

Kids will love these fun hand and feet games that are perfect for indoor play on a rainy day. These games are easy to set up and can be played by kids of all ages. Plus, they're a great way to get your little ones moving!