Taking the family’s youngest members to see one of the best musicals in London for kids can be an unforgettable experience.
Generally speaking, children over 6 will enjoy some of the big West End Shows, such as Matilda, the Lion King or Frozen. Smaller children may not be able to attend these big West-End production shows, but throughout the year there are many theatre shows and musicals aimed at smaller children.
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.
Frozen The Musical
The beloved animated film that always gives us chills – is now playing in London’s West End. For the first time in forever, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane has reopened its doors, bringing Elsa and Anna’s story to the stage in this heart-melting theatrical production: Frozen The Musical.
With all the incredible special effects you can expect from a Disney production, jaw-dropping scenery, and all the songs you know (and sing!) and love, it will be an unmissable experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
Even the biggest FROZEN fans will be in for surprises, as the production features new music from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the unforgettable Let It Go writers.
More information about Frozen:
- Theatre: Theatre Royal Drury Lane (Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF)
- Nearest tube station: Charing Cross
- Duration: The duration of Frozen The Musical is 2 hours 30 min (inc interval)
- Minimum age: Recommended for ages 6+. Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted.
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.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
The Tiger who came to tea is a theatrical adaptation of a best-selling children’s book by Judith Kerr. The performance is filled with colourful and comical characters and is a fun and lively mix of song, dance and drama.
The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mom sit down to tea – who could it be? They certainly don’t expect to see a big, striped tiger at the door! Join the tea-eating tiger in this delightful family show; filled with lots of magic, sing-along songs and awkward mayhem! A stunning theatrical adaptation of the classic story of teatime mayhem … expect to be amazed!
Useful information:
- Dates: From July 2023.
- Theatre: Theatre Royal Haymarket (See map)
- Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus, Charing Cross
- Running time: 55 minutes, no interval.
- Children boosters: Available for seats located in the stalls.
- Minimum age: Recommended for children over 3 years, but children of all ages are admitted free. Children under 18 months are admitted for free when seated with an adult and not occupying another seat, but they still need to have a ticket.
SpongeBob Musical
SpongeBob and his friends in Bikini Bottom face the total destruction of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world!
Useful information:
- Dates: 26 July – 26 August 2023
- Theatre: Southbank Centre
- Nearest Tube Station: Waterloo
- Running time: TBC
- Children boosters: Available for seats located in the stalls.
- Minimum age: Recommended for children over 3 years old, but children of all ages are allowed.
The Smeds and The Smoos
Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up.
Useful information:
- Dates: 20 July – 3 September 2023
- Theatre: Lyric Theatre
- Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus
- Running time: 1 hour (no interval)
- Children boosters: Available.
- Minimum age: Recommended for children over 3 years old, but children of all ages are allowed.
Dinosaur World Live
Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this interactive new show for all the family.
Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a prehistoric world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan and Segnosaurus, to name a few!
Useful information:
- Dates: 11 August – 3 September 2023
- Theatre: Open Air Theatre in Regent´s Park
- Nearest Tube Station: Baker Street
- Running time: 50 minutes (no interval) + 15 mins post-show Meet and Greet with the Dinosaurs.
- Minimum age: Recommended for children over 3 years old, but children of all ages are allowed. Over two-year-olds will need a ticket.
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.
More information:
- Dates: Christmas 2023
- Theatre: Not confirmed yet
- Nearest Underground Station: Covent Garden / Temple
- Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes (including the interval)
- Children boosters: Available for seats located in the stalls.
- Minimum age: Recommended for children 3 years and older.
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?