Being a dad doesn’t mean you have to stop listening to rock music. But just like any other genre, you have to be careful what you play in front of the kids. I think of myself as a dad first, and everything else second. My kids are my life. That being said, I love my hobbies just like everyone else. So I took to the internet looking for articles about rock music artists that might be suitable for children, and I didn’t feel like I was finding what I was looking for. Rock has turned into such a nebulous term over the years. I kept asking myself, “where are the classics though?” while going through these. 

That’s when it hit me, I know these bands well enough! So I ended up making a list of my own. There are plenty of great rock bands out there that are kid-friendly – and dad-approved, too. So anyway, hope this list helps you!

1.     Queen

With iconic hits like “We Are the Champions,” “We Will Rock You” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” Queen is band you can listen to with your kids. Sure, not all of the band’s music is family-friendly – Bohemian Rhapsody may not be the best tune for your little ones to hear – but you can break up the monotony of listening to Recess Monkey on repeat with a little Queen now and then.

2.     Bon Jovi

You probably grew up listening to Bon Jovi – and there’s no reason your kids shouldn’t either. It may not be “hardcore” rock, but hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “I’ll Be There For You,” and “It’s My Life,” are easy listening, and can teach your kids some life lessons, too.

Bon Jovi’s newer music is especially family-friendly (“Who Says You Can’t Go Home” and “Because We Can”), so don’t be afraid to add him to your playlist. 

3.     White Stripes

If you’re looking for something a little more modern to add to your playlist, the White Stripes is a good choice. “Fell in Love with a Girl” and “We’re Going to Be Friends” are two kid-friendly songs, but many other songs from the band are clean and easy to listen to.

4.     Joni Mitchell

One of the most influential musicians of all time, Joni Mitchell may not be classic hard rock, but her music is family-friendly and can send important messages to your kids. Joni Mitchell was an advocate for peace, and that comes through in her music.

Try adding “Big Yellow Taxi,” “River” or “The Circle Game” to your playlist. Most of Mitchell’s music is kid-friendly, so if you’re a fan of her music, don’t be afraid to listen with your children.

5.     Pink Floyd

One of the most iconic rock bands, most of Pink Floyd’s music is family-friendly, and many can teach kids some heavy life lessons. “Wish You Were Here,” “Learning to Fly,” “Comfortably Numb,” and even “Another Brick in the Wall” are all great picks for your playlist.

Most of Floyd’s music catalog is fair game, and you can feel good about exposing your kids to one of the best rock bands of all time.

6.     Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley – the king of rock and roll. It’s hard to imagine that any of Elvis’s songs would be off limits, but kids will especially love “Hound Dog,” “All Shook Up,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “That’s All Right Mama.”

Elvis is great fun to listen to, and his music is sure to get your kids dancing and moving.

7.     Buddy Holly

An old-time band and one of the pioneers of rock and roll Buddy Holly has hits like “Peggy Sue,” “Early in the Morning,” “Bo Diddley,” “Oh Boy” and “Everyday.”

Most of Buddy Holly’s music is positive, with songs mostly about love. And the upbeat tempo will get your kids moving around.

These 7 rock bands are family-friendly and give you an opportunity to share some of your own favorite music with your kids. While you’ll still need to be careful with some bands, like Queen and the White Stripes, most of the songs from these bands are fair game for listening in the car or jamming in the living room on a Saturday afternoon. Just make sure you get mom’s approval first.