Taking the family’s youngest members to see one of the best musicals in London for kids can be an unforgettable experience.
For a family theatre trip in late 2026, check the current schedules for long-running shows such as Matilda, The Lion King and Wicked, or the newer Paddington musical. Age guidance, admission rules and performance dates vary by production; smaller children may prefer a shorter seasonal show.
If you want your family trip to London to be spectacular, consider checking out one of the best musicals in London for children.
Best West End Musicals in London for kids
The Lion King
The Lion King Musical in London is undoubtedly one of the favourites to go with the family and our first option when people ask us for the best musicals in London for Kids.
Both adults and children know the fabulous story of Disney that tells how Simba, a lion cub, comes to the throne to become the Lion King. A musical without a shortage of famous songs from the movie will excite real Disney fans.
One of the details I have to mention is that the animals pass through the aisles in the stalls as soon as the show starts, so in my opinion, a good option is to choose the seats next to the aisle to see the animals up close. The Lion King is certainly the first of the musicals in London for children that I would recommend.
Information about The Lion King Musical:
- Theatre: Lyceum Theatre (See map)
- Nearest tube station: Covent Garden or Temple.
- Duration: The Lion King show lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission.
- Child boosters: They do not have child boosters for the seats but will accept your own.
- Age rule: Recommended for ages 6+. Children under 3, including babies in arms, are not admitted. Everyone needs a valid ticket, and guests aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
Wicked
The musical Wicked in London is another of the best musicals in London for children, as it tells the untold story of the true friendship of two very different witches, the Wicked Witch of the East and the good witch of Oz. A story full of magic and spectacular costumes and dresses that will make our imagination fly, a fabulous musical to take the little ones but in my opinion is especially recommended to go with girls.
Information about Wicked The Musical:
- Theatre: Apollo Victoria Theatre (See map).
- Nearest tube station: Victoria.
- Duration: The Wicked musical lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including the 15 mins interval.
- Boosters: Boosters are available.
- Age rule: Recommended for ages 7+. Babies and children under 5 are not admitted. Everyone needs a ticket, and guests aged 15 or under must sit next to an accompanying adult aged 18 or over.
Matilda
Matilda is another of the most famous musicals for children in London, a musical in which none of the characters of the famous novel by Roald Dahl is missing, and of course, a theatrical performance full of special effects and choreography that will leave the whole family with their mouths open. One of the things I like most about this musical is that many children participate, making it an undoubtedly inspiring experience for the family’s youngest members.
Useful information:
- Theatre: Cambridge Theatre (See map)
- Nearest tube station: Covent Garden
- Duration: The London musical of Matilda lasts approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including the 15 minutes interval.
- Children boosters: Available for seats located in the stalls.
- Age rule: Age guidance is 6+ and the production is not considered suitable for children under 6. Children under 4, including babies in arms, are not admitted to standard performances, and every child must occupy their own seat. Relaxed performances can have different arrangements.
Paddington The Musical
Paddington is playing at the Savoy Theatre in 2026. It is a good option if your children know the books or films. The production recommends ages 6+; children under 3 are not admitted, everyone needs a ticket, and guests aged 16 or under must sit next to an accompanying adult. Check the official FAQs and performance calendar before booking because schedules can change.
Other musicals and theatre shows for children in London
In addition to the famous London musicals, numerous plays and musicals in London throughout the year are mainly aimed at a family audience with children in mind. They are usually plays based on children’s stories or movies, and some of these plays are interactive and more adapted to go with children under 3 years old.
Shorter family productions
Shows based on children’s books, such as The Tiger Who Came to Tea, can be easier for younger children than a full-length musical. Its London runs are seasonal, so check the venue’s live listings instead of relying on a past summer schedule.
The Snowman
This musical is based on Raymond Briggs’ story The Snowman and his film, which are a classic during the Christmas season throughout the UK. It is a story known to all English children in which a snowman comes to life and leads a boy to discover a magical world. This musical takes place during Christmas in London and is one of the most famous for going with the family during these important dates.
Confirmed 2026–27 dates: The Snowman is scheduled at the Peacock Theatre from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Check Sadler’s Wells for the performance time, access information and age guidance on the date you choose.
Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre often have children-friendly performances and other interactive activities, especially during school holidays, so I´d recommend checking out their website: Southbank centre what´s on.
What do I need to know before seeing one of the best musicals in London for children?
How to choose the Musical
Deciding which of the best musicals in London for kids is not always easy because of the many different musicals and plays available.
One of the best ways to choose one of the musicals in London for kids is to look for productions based on movies, books, or TV shows that your children know and love. Seeing the characters they are familiar with come to life on stage can be a magical experience and one of the best ways to get them fully immersed in the story.
Many musicals are based on books and movies, such as The Lion King or Matilda, and a good idea is that a few days before travelling, they watch the movie or read the book at home so that they have the story fresh in their minds and come with the illusion of going to see the musical or so that you can give them a big surprise when they arrive at the theatre.
Do not treat a recommendation as an admission rule: each production and venue sets its own minimum age, accompaniment policy and ticket requirement. The major musicals above are generally recommended for ages 6 or 7+, while their minimum admission ages range from 3 to 5. For younger children, a shorter daytime production designed for their age group may be a better choice.
Schedule
Matinee and evening times vary by production and day, and not every show performs twice daily. Check the exact date on the official calendar before arranging meals or transport. For younger children, a matinee is often easier than a long evening performance.
I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the show starts.
Recommended age
Always check both the production’s age guidance and its hard admission rule. Babies in arms are not automatically allowed, and many venues require every person to have their own ticket and seat. Recheck shortly before booking because venue policies can change.
Strollers
Pushchairs are generally not allowed in the auditorium. Storage space, cloakroom availability and any charge are venue-specific, so contact the theatre before travelling rather than assuming a pushchair can be left there.
Booster seats for children
In our experience, many London theatres have a limited number of booster seats, but this is not universal and some productions or seating areas do not allow them. Ask the venue in advance and collect one early if they are available.
Baby changing facilities
Baby-changing facilities vary greatly between venues. Check the theatre’s access or family information in advance if you need them.
Visiting London with Kids
If you are visiting London as a family, we have a complete section on visiting London with kids. There is a long list of London attractions that are perfect to go with kids, but there are also many other options to enjoy London as a family.
Little ones will enjoy visiting some of London’s best museums, as they are normally interactive and can keep kids busy for hours. You will also find themed restaurants in London. A stroll through the parks of London or walking along the Southbank can also be a perfect plan for a day out in London with the kids.
Have you seen our list of the best 30 things to do with kids in London?
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.