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.
- Minimum age: Not recommended for children under 3 years old. Tickets are required for children of any age.
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.
- Minimum age: Children over 3 years old are allowed, but it is recommended for children over 7 years old. Tickets are required for children of any age.
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.
- Minimum age: Children over 5 years of age are admitted. Tickets are required for children of any age.
Paddington The Musical
Paddington is playing at the Savoy Theatre in 2026, with family performances on its regular schedule. It is a good option if your children know the books or film. Check the official performance calendar and age guidance before booking; holiday weeks can have different times.
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.
As you may have seen, most of the musicals in London that are among the best musicals in the city are recommended for children over the age of 3, so we have included some plays that are recommended for going with younger children.
Schedule
Most of the theatres where the best musicals in London for kids are performed offer two shows, one at 2.30 pm and one at 7.30 pm approximately, although this may vary depending on the theatre and the day. If it is one of the best musicals in London for kids, like The Lion King or Wicked, there will usually be kids at both sessions, so don’t worry if you think you are better off with the 7.30 pm session.
I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the show starts.
Recommended age
Many theatres will not admit children under the age of 3, although some plays or musicals aimed at children of all ages will allow access even to babies in arms. For this reason, I always recommend paying attention to the information about each musical.
Strollers
Virtually no theatre will allow strollers into the bleachers or seating areas. Still, there is usually a checkroom area where it is possible to leave strollers, although some will charge approximately £1 to £3 for stroller storage.
Booster seats for children
Practically every theatre we have been to in London with the kids have booster seats for the children, but I have to say that they are usually limited. They are normally just as you enter the doors into the seating area, and I would say to grab one as soon as you can as they go very quickly, especially if it´s a very child-friendly performance you´re going to watch.
Baby changing facilities
Most theatres do not have a baby changing table in the restrooms.
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.