Taking the kids to a show in London is one of those things they’ll talk about for years. There’s something genuinely magical about watching their faces light up when the curtain goes up — especially when it’s a story or character they already love. And the good news is, there’s never been more choice for families.
Whether you’ve got little ones who love Disney, teenagers who are into Harry Potter, or a mixed group of different ages, there’s a show in London that will work brilliantly. We’ve picked out some of the very best below — from long-running West End hits to seasonal favourites that pop up during school holidays.
Show dates and availability change regularly, so always check before booking travel or accommodation.
The Big Family Favourites
These shows have been delighting families for years — tried, tested and absolutely loved by audiences of all ages.
The Lion King
Lyceum Theatre, London
Hands down one of the best family shows in the world. The costumes and puppetry are jaw-dropping, the music is brilliant and kids absolutely love every single minute. Circle of Life at the opening will give you goosebumps — guaranteed. Suitable for ages 6 and up.
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Matilda the Musical
Cambridge Theatre, London
Based on the wonderful Roald Dahl story, this show is funny, clever and surprisingly moving. The children in the cast are absolutely incredible and the whole thing is just brilliant from start to finish. Adults enjoy it just as much as the kids — possibly more!
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Wicked
Apollo Victoria Theatre, London
The untold story of the witches of Oz — and it’s absolutely magical. Brilliant for older children and teenagers especially, though adults love it just as much. Defying Gravity is one of the great West End moments and will leave everyone buzzing. Best for ages 7 and up.
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Mamma Mia!
Novello Theatre, London
A feel-good, sing-along show packed with ABBA classics that the whole family will know. Funny, warm and joyful — by the end everyone is on their feet. A brilliant choice for a family trip with older children, teenagers and adults. Pure sunshine from start to finish.
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Paddington the Musical
Savoy Theatre, London
Everyone’s favourite bear from darkest Peru is now a West End star — and it’s every bit as lovely as you’d hope. Perfect for younger children who love the films and books, and genuinely charming for the grown-ups too. Sweet, funny and full of heart. Suitable for ages 4 and up.
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Disney’s Hercules
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London
The Disney classic gets a spectacular West End makeover. Action-packed, funny and full of brilliant music, this is a fantastic choice for Disney-loving families. The sets and staging are incredibly impressive and the whole show has an energy that kids absolutely love. Great for ages 5 and up.
Check TicketsFor the Harry Potter Fans
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child — Palace Theatre
If your family loves Harry Potter, this is an absolute must. Set nineteen years after the original stories, it follows Harry’s son Albus — and the stage magic is genuinely astonishing. You’ll see things on stage and genuinely not know how they did it. Best for children aged 10 and up who know the Harry Potter stories well.
Important — this is one story told in two parts. You need tickets for both Part 1 and Part 2. You can watch them back to back on the same day (afternoon and evening) or on two consecutive days. Most families do both on the same day — it’s a long but absolutely brilliant day out.
Check Tickets — Harry PotterMore Family Shows — Seasonal & Touring
Lots of brilliant family shows run during school holidays, half terms and the Christmas season. These tend to have shorter runs so it’s always worth checking what’s on around your travel dates. Some of the shows that appear regularly include:
- The Gruffalo
- The Tiger Who Came to Tea
- Dinosaur World Live
- Dog Man the Musical
- Cirque Alice
- Brainiac Live
- Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular
- Now You See Me
- High School Musical
- Jesus Christ Superstar
- Malory Towers
- Be Like Blippi
- Billy Elliot
- Heathers the Musical
- Pirates of the Caribbean
Always check the age guidance for each show — some are perfect for toddlers, while others are better suited to older children or teenagers. Use the link below to search what’s currently available.
Browse All Family ShowsTips for a Brilliant Family Theatre Trip
Check the age guidance first — this is the most important one. Every show has a recommended minimum age and some have content that isn’t suitable for young children. Always check before you book.
Think about running time — most West End shows run for around two to two and a half hours including an interval. That’s a long time for a young child to sit still! For under 5s, look specifically for shorter children’s shows designed for little ones.
Book your seats carefully — stalls seats are great for adults but if you have small children who might struggle to see over the person in front, the dress circle can give a better view of the whole stage. Check the theatre’s seat map before buying.
Evening or matinee? — for younger children, a Saturday matinee (afternoon performance) is usually much better than an evening show. They get to enjoy it fully without being tired, and you’re not rushing home late at night.
Plan your day around it — a theatre trip to London is a brilliant opportunity to make a full day of it. Arrive early, explore a bit of the city, grab some food nearby and then head to the show. The kids will remember the whole day, not just the performance.
Book early for school holidays — family shows during half term, Easter and summer sell out very quickly. If you’re planning a trip during the school holidays, get your tickets sorted as early as possible.
Make it a proper London break: Theatre Breaks • Hotels in London • Things to do in London • Museums & Galleries
More shows to explore: West End Musicals • West End Plays • Comedy Shows • Regional Theatres