As a passionate theatre enthusiast, introducing my daughter to the magic of live performances started when she was just six months old. Fast forward to now, at 9 years old, she’s already enjoyed iconic productions like Wicked, Aladdin, and The Lion King—all before her third birthday!
From my experience, immersing children in the world of theatre from an early age not only fosters a love for the arts but also makes family outings to the theatre smoother and more enjoyable. If you’re looking for the best family-friendly shows in London, read on for tips and recommendations to make your theatre experience unforgettable.
Make sure you check out my post on the best ways to save money on theatre tickets.
The following theatres in London often have great shows for kids. Make sure you check them out!
- Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith
- Unicorn Theatre, Southwark
- Little Angel Theatre, Islington
- Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
- Arts Depot, North Finchley
- Half Moon Theatre, Tower Hamlets
- Beck Theatre, Hillingdon
- Watermans Art Centre, Brentford
- The Albany
Back To The Future Musical
Where: Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0NS
Running time: 2 hrs 40 minutes (including interval)
Dates: ongoing
Price: from £19.55
Age guidance: for kids 6 and up
Link to book: book here.
My Neighbour Totoro
Where:Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, Holborn, London WC2B 5PW
Running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes including interval
Dates: from 8th March 2025
Price: from £25
Age guidance: 6+ Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted into the theatre.
Link to book: book here.
Mrs Doubtfire the musical
Where: Shaftesbury Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8DP
Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes including a 20 minute interval.
Dates: from 12th May 2023
Price: from £25
Age guidance: for kids 6+
Link to book: book here.
Matilda The Musical
Where: Cambridge Theatre Seven Dials, 32-34 Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU
Running time: 2hrs 35 mins including a 20 minute interval
Dates: ongoing
Price: Tickets from £20
Age guidance: Recommended for ages 6+. Children under the age of 3 cannot be admitted.
Link to book: book here.
Wicked
Where: Apollo Victoria Theatre 17 Wilton Road
Running time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Dates: ongoing
Price: Tickets available from £22
Age guidance: It is recommended for ages 7+. Children under 3 cannot be admitted.
Link to book: book here.
Disney’s Hercules
Where: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine St, Covent Garden London WC2B 5JF
Running time: TBC
Dates: from June 2025
Price: from £25
Age guidance: recommended for a general audience aged 6 and up. Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted into the theatre.
Link to book: book here
The Lion King
Where: Lyceum Theatre 21 Wellington St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7RQ
Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes which includes one interval
Dates: ongoing
Price: from £23.50
Age guidance: The Lion King is recommended for ages 6 and up. Children under 3 years of age are not permitted to enter the Lyceum Theatre.
Link to book: book here.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Where: Palace theatre london.
Running time: Part One, 2 hours and 40 minutes (incl. 20 min. intermission) Part Two, 2 hours and 35 minutes (incl. 20 min. intermission)
Dates: ongoing
Price: tickets start from £15
Age guidance: The show is suitable for ages 10 and up. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
Link to book: book here.
101 Dalmatians The Musical
Where: Eventim Apollo Caroline Street, W6
Running time: TBC
Dates: 18th July 2025 – 30th August 2025
Price: from £24.50
Age guidance: for kids 4 and up
Link to book: book here
Ministry of Science live
Where: multiple locations
Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including 20 minutes interval)
Dates: from February 2025
Price: depends on the location
Age guidance: suitable for kids 6 and up
Link to book: book here.
Bing’s Birthday
Where: New Wimbledon Theatre 93 The Broadway, London SW19 1QG
Running time: 70 minutes
Dates: Tue 6 May – Wed 7 May 2025
Price: tickets available from £19.15
Age guidance: all ages
Link to book: book here.
The Smartest Giant in Town
Where: Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ.
Running time: 50 minutes
Dates: Wed 2 Apr – Thu 3 Apr 2025
Price: Tickets available from £16.78
Age guidance: all ages
Link to book: book here.
Dinosaur World Live
Where: Rose Theatre 24-26 High St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HL
Running time: 50mins (no interval), plus a 15min meet & greet with the dinosaurs
Dates: 9 April – 13 April
Price: Tickets available from £16
Age guidance: 3+
Link to book: book here.
Wonderful list, thank you for sharing ☺️
Author
Thank you 🙂
Author
Thank you 🙂