May 15 is International Day of Families, a global occasion established by the United Nations to recognize the importance of family and raise awareness about the challenges they face. It’s a day to honor the people who bring love, support, and encouragement into our lives, whether they are family by blood or by choice. What better way to mark this day than with an indoor cycling class that celebrates with a playlist inspired by the theme of family?
🎶 Bucket Playlist: Songs About Family
We’ve curated a bucket playlist with over 230 songs that celebrate different aspects of family life—from parents to siblings to children. You’ll find classic songs that bring back childhood memories, emotional tracks for moments of reflection, and upbeat anthems that evoke joyful family gatherings.
Whether you’re looking for a song to warm the heart or fire up your intervals, there’s something for every mood and terrain.
🚴♀️ Class Profile: It’s a Family Affair
For instructors looking for a ready-made profile, ICA contributor Fern Stancer created It’s a Family Affair, an interval-based ride designed to push your riders physically while offering opportunities to reflect on the people who make life meaningful.
Encourage your riders to dedicate each challenging section to someone who inspires them—perhaps a parent who always believed in them, a grandparent who shared their wisdom, or a sibling who’s always there for support. The emotional connection can provide a surprising boost during tough efforts.
You’ll find both the full profile and our massive family-themed playlist linked below—exclusively for ICA members.
😄 Lighten the Mood With a Laugh
To keep things fun, consider adding a short, silly track during a recovery in your family-themed ride. This quick 50-second song is perfect for a breather and a laugh. It’s a great way to break up the intensity and remind everyone that family moments are also full of joy and silliness.
🚴♂️ Honor Your Cycling Family
Don’t forget your studio crew! Consider dedicating part of your class to your cycling family. Invite riders to share what they appreciate about the group or why they love coming to class. These personal touches foster camaraderie and make the workout more meaningful.
🇨🇦 Use This Theme for Canada’s Family Day Too
This ride isn’t just for May 15. You can bring it back for Canada’s Family Day on the third Monday in February—or really, anytime you want to highlight the people who lift us up. Families come in many forms, and sometimes the strongest ones are found right in the studio.
Enjoy the ride, and remember—families, however you define them, make life’s journey worth pedaling through. 💜🚴♂️
As always, if you have a great song we’re missing from the playlist, drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear your suggestions!