Live performances like London theatre plays and musicals bring stories to life in a way that TV screens can’t. London shows for kids are visually engaging productions that spark creativity and encourage children to think outside the box while immersing them in magical worlds with adventure, music, and storytelling.
London shows for kids & family
Complete guide to London shows for kids
Think theater is just for grown-ups? Think again. London’s stages aren’t just filled with dramatic monologues and Shakespearean soliloquies—they’re bursting with color, music, and adventure for young audiences too. From magical musicals to interactive storytelling, London shows for kids offer a chance to dive into new worlds, meet unforgettable characters, and experience the wonder of live performance.
💎 What makes London shows for kids special?
Boosts imagination & creativity
Enhances learning
Many productions are based on classic books and historical events, making them a fun extension of school learning. London shows for kids like Matilda The Musical and The Lion King not only entertain but also introduce children to literature while instilling core values such as love, friendship, and bravery. Theatre fosters an affinity for storytelling and can enhance language skills and comprehension.
Builds confidence & social skills
London shows for kids inspire children to articulate themselves better by seeing actors perform with expressive body language and powerful speech. Theater is a great way for kids to develop emotional intelligence by experiencing different perspectives and emotions through storytelling. Attending a live show also encourages social interaction, whether it’s bonding with family or discussing the performance with friends!
Provides cultural exposure
London’s diverse theater scene offers everything from pantomimes and West End musicals to immersive experiences and bilingual productions. Kids get a taste of different cultures, storytelling styles, and traditions. West End shows also open doors to creative careers for kids!
📝 Things to keep in mind while choosing London shows for kids
A trip to London Theatre is the perfect opportunity for you to encourage creativity and cultivate curiosity in the minds of your children. This means that you need to be extremely careful while choosing London shows for your kids. Here are some pointers to help you discover the perfect West End show for your kids.
Age recommendations
While London Theatre does not have an age classification organization, every West End show comes with an age recommendation, along with minimum age requirements to help you make an informed decision. These recommendations will help you decide whether a particular show is appropriate for your children.
Content warnings
Some West End shows might use strong language or may contain explicit content that you do not want your children to see. Therefore, always be sure to check for any content warnings and special notices issued by the theatre.
Running time
If you wish to visit London theatres with a young child, it might be wise to choose a short play or musical that your child can sit through without getting bored or distracted. Avoid long shows that your child might find difficult to sit through.
Show timings
Keep in mind that theatres are not only for the night! Most plays and musicals have multiple timings so make sure that you choose the most convenient time slot for yourself and your child. What’s more, you will find that matinees can be less crowded than evening shows!
The right seats
While booking a London Theatre ticket, it is extremely important to ensure that you and your kids are comfortable. If you are with a small child and would require to vacate your seat regularly, it is recommended that you choose an aisle seat so as to not disturb those around you.
Kids week
Every year in August, West End organizes a Kids Week in order to introduce more and more kids to the theatre. You will find a number of West End shows for kids being staged with great discounts!
🥇Our Top Picks for kids' shows in London
Bring the magic of theatre to life for your little ones! From dazzling musicals to enchanting adventures, these hand-picked favourites promise fun for the whole family.
Matilda The Musical
An adaptation of Roald Dahl’s famous children’s book, Matilda tells us the story of a young girl with telekinetic powers. Watch Matilda grow and turn her life around in this award-winning musical.
Duration: 2 hr 35 min with 1 interval
Age: 6 yrs and above
Wicked
A story of two witches, Glinda and Elphaba, who choose very different paths later in life. Watch an unlikely bond develop between two drastically different individuals and how they make their own choices in life.
Duration: 2 hr and 45 min with 1 interval
Age: 5 yrs and above
The Lion King
Witness the inspiring story of a young cub Simba and his journey through life unfold as he navigates through multiple obstacles and fulfills his destiny at Pride Rock.
Duration: 2 hr 30 min with 1 interval
Age: 6 yrs and above
Back to the Future: The Musical
The story is set in the 80s, where a young boy McFly accidentally goes back in time, to the 50s, in a time-traveling car! He meets the younger version of the scientist who invented the machine and must repair the damage he causes by tampering with time.
Duration: 2 hr 40 min with 1 interval
Age: 6 yrs and above
The Play That Goes Wrong
There has been a murder at a country manor and an inspector is assigned to find who the culprit is. Watch the accident-prone thespians of The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society navigate through the mystery.
Duration: 2 hr 5 min with 1 interval
Age: 8 yrs and above
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
19 years after saving the wizarding world, Harry, Ron, and Hermione embark on a thrilling new adventure alongside a brave new generation at Hogwarts—featuring spectacular spells, time travel, and an epic battle for the future.
Duration: Part 1: 2 hr 40 min; Part 2: 2 hr 35 min (each with 20 min interval)
Age: 10 yrs and above
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Find out what happens when Sophie and her mother are visited by an anthropomorphized tiger. The resulting chaos forms the plot of this cute play.
Duration: 55 min with no intermission
Age: 3 yrs and above
My Neighbour Totoro
The story follows two sisters who move to the countryside to be near their ailing mother, discovering magical creatures and embarking on whimsical adventures with an ancient forest guardian, Totoro.
Duration: 2 hr 40 min with 20 min interval
Age: 6 yrs and above
💡 Parents' guide for watching West End shows for kids in London
- While watching West End shows for kids in London, ensure that you arrive early. You can use the extra time to settle your kids down and to make sure that they're comfortable. If you're going with toddlers, the theatre will have space to keep the pushchair.
- Most London theatres provide booster seats and cushions. If your child isn't able to view the stage, you can ask the theatre staff to provide you with the same. If your seat is at a considerable distance from the stage, you can get yourself and your kids a pair of binoculars.
- Children can get restless during the show. To ensure that they don't cause disturbance to those around you, educate your child about the rules of the theatre before show time.
- If you're taking your child to the theatres for the first time, tell them about the story beforehand and build games around it so that they develop an interest in the show and enjoy it to the fullest.
🔍 Discover more
Musicals
London's West End pulsates with a vibrant tapestry of musicals that transcend the ordinary. Whether you're drawn to timeless classics or cutting-edge new productions, London musicals offer an eclectic mix that caters to all tastes.
Fantasy
From epic adventures to whimsical tales, London’s theater scene offers a treasure trove of fantasy shows that transport audiences to mystical realms. Fantasy productions in the West End are perfect for dreamers and adventure-seekers!
Disney
Experience the magic of Disney shows in London’s West End! Experience beloved stories come to life with unforgettable performances, stunning sets, and timeless music. Perfect for families and theater lovers of all ages!
Classics
Classics never get old—they only grow more captivating with time. In London’s West End, the longest-running shows have stood the test of time, enchanting audiences for decades. Discover the legends that keep the spotlight shining.
Frequently asked questions about London shows for kids
A. Many London shows for kids are playing this year at West End including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Lion King, Wicked, Matilda, and more!
A. Age restrictions vary by show. Some productions recommend a minimum age (e.g., 6+ for The Lion King), while others are suitable for toddlers. Always check the age recommendations of a specific before booking.
A. No, some West End shows may contain explicit content or the use of strong language. Therefore, it is always better to check content warnings and special notices issued by the theatre.
A. Most shows last between 2 to 2.5 hours, including an interval. Shorter shows and matinee performances are often more suitable for younger audiences.
A. Yes, all audience members, including infants, typically require a ticket. Some theatres offer discounted child tickets for select performances.
A. While booking tickets for West End shows for kids, make sure that your kids can see the stage. Seats in the stalls or front of the dress circle offer the best views. Aisle seats are also helpful for quick exits if needed.
A. Yes, many theatres cater to families with booster seats, accessible restrooms, and family-friendly facilities. Some also offer relaxed performances for kids with sensory sensitivities.
A. Check out our list of off West End shows in London to know more about the shows playing this year for kids.
A. Top musicals for kids in London include The Lion King, Matilda, Wicked, Mrs. Doubtfire, and more.
A. Check out the guide to the best London plays to know more about the plays for kids.
