The West End (London’s equivalent of Broadway) has been perfecting family entertainment for generations. These aren’t dumbed-down productions with second-rate performers – we’re talking world-class theatre specifically designed to captivate audiences from 3 to 93. So, what are the best London shows for families? From classic musicals to adaptations of beloved books, magical stories to laugh-out-loud comedies, I’ll help you choose the perfect theatrical experience for your family.
Classic Musicals: Timeless London Shows for Families
The Lion King: Visual Spectacle Meets Beloved Story
Why It’s One of the Best London Shows for Families: The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre has been running since 1999 and remains one of the most spectacular London shows for families. Even people who aren’t typically musical theatre fans are blown away by this production.
The Story: You know it – young lion Simba’s journey from cub to king, the Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata, and that devastating stampede scene (bring tissues). The stage adaptation stays faithful to the Disney film while adding theatrical magic that movies can’t replicate.
Why Kids Love It:
- They already know and love the songs
- The opening “Circle of Life” sequence is jaw-dropping – full-size animal puppets, giraffes, elephants, and gazelles walking through the aisles
- The costumes and puppetry are absolutely mesmerizing
- It’s funny, sad, exciting, and visually stunning
- Recognizable characters they’ve loved since toddlerhood
- The music is phenomenal
- Perfect balance of spectacle and story
The Magic Moments:
- Opening sequence (genuinely breathtaking)
- Rafiki presenting baby Simba
- “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” romanticism
- The wildebeest stampede (technically amazing)
- Scar’s performance (he’s brilliantly villainous)
- Finale celebration
Age Appropriateness: Recommended for ages 3+, though the stampede scene and Mufasa’s death can upset very young or sensitive children. Most kids 5+ handle it well. The show runs about 2 hours 45 minutes with interval.
Practical Details:
- Theatre: Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7RQ
- Performance Times: Tuesday-Saturday 7:30 PM, Wednesday & Saturday matinees 2:30 PM, Sunday matinee 3:00 PM
- Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes including interval
- Ticket Prices: £25-150 depending on seats and booking time
- Booking: Book well in advance (3-6 months for good seats during school holidays)
Tips for Families:
- Book aisle seats if possible – kids love watching animals walk past
- Stalls (ground floor) give best view of puppetry overhead
- The interval has long toilet queues – go early or late
- Bring tissues for emotional moments
- Merchandise is expensive but kids will beg
- Some kids find Scar genuinely frightening (he’s a great villain)
- No photography during show (strictly enforced)
Best For: Families with children ages 5-12, Disney fans, first-time theatre-goers, anyone who loves spectacular visuals
Buy your tickets to The Lion King here.
Matilda: Roald Dahl Magic Comes Alive
Why It’s One of the Best London Shows for Families: Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book and is one of the most empowering, fun London shows for families. It celebrates clever kids, standing up to bullies, and the power of stories.
The Story: Brilliant young Matilda loves reading but faces obstacles from her neglectful parents and the terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchbull. With her kind teacher Miss Honey and her emerging magical powers, Matilda fights back against the adults who underestimate children.
Why Kids Love It:
- Matilda is a kid hero who outsmarts adults
- It’s genuinely funny with great physical comedy
- The “Revolting Children” number is empowering and exciting
- Miss Trunchbull is a brilliantly scary villain
- The staging includes magic tricks kids try to figure out
- Songs are catchy and clever
- Celebrates books and reading
- Kids relate to school struggles (even exaggerated ones)
The Magic Moments:
- “Naughty” opening – alphabet blocks everywhere
- “School Song” – brilliant choreography
- Any scene with Miss Trunchbull (she’s played by a man, which kids find hilarious)
- “When I Grow Up” – beautiful and touching
- Matilda’s magic moments
- “Revolting Children” finale – kids go wild
Age Appropriateness: Recommended for ages 6+. Some mild peril and mean adults, but handled with humor. Miss Trunchbull can seem scary but she’s comedic-scary rather than genuinely frightening. Runtime about 2 hours 40 minutes with interval.
Practical Details:
- Theatre: Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London WC2H 9HU
- Performance Times: Tuesday-Saturday 7:30 PM, Wednesday & Saturday matinees 2:30 PM, Sunday matinee 3:00 PM
- Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes including interval
- Ticket Prices: £25-135 depending on seats
- Booking: Popular during school holidays – book 2-3 months ahead
Tips for Families:
- Great for bookish kids – celebrates reading and libraries
- Miss Trunchbull swings kids around (stage trickery) – prepare sensitive kids
- The show has some adult humor that goes over kids’ heads
- Excellent for families with multiple age children (appeals to wide range)
- Front rows might get “involved” in certain scenes
- Merchandise includes books – better value than usual theatre merch
Best For: Families with children 6-14, Roald Dahl fans, kids who love magic and books, families wanting empowering messages
Buy your Matilda the Musical tickets here.
Wicked: The Wizard of Oz Reimagined
Why It’s One of the Best London Shows for Families: Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz and has become one of the most beloved London shows for families with older children and teens. It’s been running since 2006 for good reason.
The Story: Before Dorothy arrived, there was Elphaba (who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch). This is their origin story – a tale of friendship, standing up for what’s right, and how history gets written by the winners.
Why Kids (Especially Tweens/Teens) Love It:
- Flips the villain/hero narrative
- Incredible vocal performances – “Defying Gravity” is breathtaking
- Complex female friendship at the center
- Deals with themes of prejudice, discrimination, and standing up for beliefs
- Humor balanced with emotional depth
- “Popular” is hilarious
- The Wizard of Oz connection adds interest
- Empowering for teenage girls
- Spectacular staging and costumes
The Magic Moments:
- “Defying Gravity” – Elphaba flying, one of theatre’s great moments
- “Popular” – comedy gold
- “No Good Deed” – powerful vocals
- The friendship between Elphaba and Glinda
- Seeing Oz story from new perspective
- The reveal moments
Age Appropriateness: Recommended for ages 8+, though really best appreciated by 10+. Some themes are sophisticated (political intrigue, discrimination, moral complexity). Not scary but emotionally complex. Runtime about 2 hours 45 minutes with interval.
Practical Details:
- Theatre: Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1LG
- Performance Times: Tuesday-Saturday 7:30 PM, Wednesday & Saturday matinees 2:30 PM, Sunday matinee 2:30 PM
- Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes including interval
- Ticket Prices: £25-150 depending on seats
- Booking: Popular year-round – book 2-4 months ahead
Tips for Families:
- Better for older kids who can appreciate complex themes
- Younger children may struggle with length and less action-focused plot
- Knowing Wizard of Oz story enhances enjoyment but isn’t essential
- The ending is bittersweet, not typical “happily ever after”
- Great choice for mothers and daughters
- Brilliant vocals – some of West End’s best singers
- The flying effects in “Defying Gravity” are truly spectacular
Best For: Tweens and teens 10+, Wizard of Oz fans, families with older children, theatre lovers who appreciate strong vocals
Buy your Wicked tickets here.
Les Misérables: Epic Story and Powerful Music
Why It’s One of the Best London Shows for Families (with older kids): Les Mis at the Sondheim Theatre is London’s longest-running musical (since 1985) and while intense, it’s one of the most powerful London shows for families with teenagers.
The Story: Set in 19th-century France, it follows Jean Valjean’s redemption journey, the student revolution, and interweaving lives affected by poverty, justice, and love. It’s based on Victor Hugo’s epic novel.
Why Older Kids Love It:
- Epic, sweeping story
- “One Day More” is incredibly powerful
- Themes of justice, redemption, sacrifice resonate with teens
- Historical revolution storyline
- Emotional depth and complexity
- Gavroche (street urchin child) is a kid hero
- “Do You Hear the People Sing” is rousing and empowering
- No dancing or “musical theatre cheese” – it’s sung-through opera style
- Teenagers appreciate the serious themes
The Magic Moments:
- “One Day More” – the entire ensemble, goosebumps every time
- “Do You Hear the People Sing” – revolution anthem
- “I Dreamed a Dream” – heartbreaking solo
- The barricade scenes
- “Bring Him Home” – beautiful prayer
- Emotional finale
Age Appropriateness: Recommended for ages 10-12+. Deals with heavy themes: poverty, prostitution (not explicit but referenced), death, war, injustice. Main characters die. Can be emotionally overwhelming. Not scary but intense and sad in parts. Runtime about 2 hours 55 minutes with interval.
Practical Details:
- Theatre: Sondheim Theatre, 51 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 6BA
- Performance Times: Monday-Saturday 7:30 PM, Wednesday & Saturday matinees 2:30 PM
- Duration: 2 hours 55 minutes including interval
- Ticket Prices: £25-135 depending on seats
- Booking: Consistently available but book 1-2 months ahead for best seats
Tips for Families:
- Best for teenagers and mature preteens
- Very emotional – bring tissues
- Historical context helps (French Revolution, poverty in 1800s)
- It’s long – make sure kids can handle nearly 3-hour runtime
- Sung-through opera style – no spoken dialogue
- Some kids study this in school – great tie-in
- Prepare kids for sad moments and character deaths
- Not lighthearted – this is serious theatre
Best For: Families with teenagers, history buffs, serious theatre lovers, mature audiences who can handle emotional intensity
Buy your Les Misérables tickets here.
Modern Hits: Newer London Shows for Families
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Magic Returns
Why It’s One of the Best London Shows for Families: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre is THE London show for Potter fans and one of the most unique London shows for families because it’s a two-part play (seen in one day or across two days).
The Story: Set 19 years after Deathly Hallows, it follows Harry’s son Albus and Draco’s son Scorpius as they navigate Hogwarts, friendship, and time-traveling adventures that threaten the wizarding world.
Why Kids Love It:
- It’s HARRY POTTER – need I say more?
- Incredible magic effects (seriously, how do they do that?)
- Beloved characters return (older versions)
- New generation of characters
- Time travel plot twists
- Spectacular staging and illusions
- Seeing Hogwarts and the wizarding world live
- Easter eggs for book/film fans throughout
- The friendship between Albus and Scorpius
The Magic Moments:
- The train scene to Hogwarts
- Dementors appearing (genuinely scary and brilliant)
- Polyjuice potion transformations
- Time-turner effects
- Spellcasting battles
- The staircase illusions
- Seeing beloved characters
- Every magic effect (truly spectacular)
Age Appropriateness: Recommended for ages 8+ (though theatre says 10+). Younger Potter fans can enjoy it but it’s long and some effects are intense. Dementors can frighten sensitive kids. Each part runs about 2 hours 40 minutes.
Practical Details:
- Theatre: Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5AY
- Performance Times: Various – two parts can be seen in one day (matinee + evening) or across two consecutive days
- Duration: Part One: 2 hours 40 minutes; Part Two: 2 hours 35 minutes (must see both)
- Ticket Prices: £30-250 per part (need tickets for both parts)
- Booking: Book months in advance, especially school holidays. Friday Forty (£40 tickets released each Friday for following week’s performances)
Tips for Families:
- Must see BOTH parts – story incomplete otherwise
- One-day viewing (matinee + evening) is exhausting but doable for committed fans
- Two-day viewing is more relaxed but requires two trips to theatre
- Spoilers are everywhere – avoid them before seeing show
- Kids should know Harry Potter story (books or films)
- No photography allowed (strictly enforced)
- Some fans prefer the original books/films – manage expectations
- The illusions are genuinely mind-blowing
- Friday Forty lottery offers cheaper tickets for those flexible
Best For: Harry Potter fans ages 8+, families who can commit to 5+ hours of theatre, magic and illusion lovers
Back to the Future: The Musical
Why It’s One of the Best London Shows for Families: Back to the Future at the Adelphi Theatre brings the beloved 1980s film to the stage as one of the newest London shows for families, with incredible special effects and nostalgic fun.
The Story: Marty McFly accidentally travels back to 1955 in Doc Brown’s DeLorean time machine, where he must ensure his parents fall in love so he can exist, then get back to 1985.
Why Kids Love It:
- The DeLorean on stage actually works (it’s spectacular)
- Fun, adventurous story
- Comedy throughout
- 1950s vs 1980s contrast is entertaining
- Doc Brown is hilarious
- Time travel concept fascinates kids
- Skateboarding and guitar scenes
- Special effects are mind-blowing
- Upbeat, energetic production
The Magic Moments:
- The DeLorean taking off/landing
- Marty’s guitar performance at the dance
- Skateboard chase scene
- Doc Brown’s inventions
- The clock tower sequence
- 88 miles per hour effect
- Seeing 1955 come to life
Age Appropriateness: Recommended for ages 8+. Some mild peril and romantic storyline but family-friendly overall. Runtime about 2 hours 30 minutes with interval.
Practical Details:
- Theatre: Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0NS
- Performance Times: Tuesday-Saturday 7:30 PM, Wednesday & Saturday matinees 2:30 PM, Sunday matinee 2:30 PM
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes including interval
- Ticket Prices: £25-175 depending on seats
- Booking: New and popular – book 2-3 months ahead
Tips for Families:
- Helps if kids know the film but not essential
- The DeLorean effects alone worth admission
- Some 1980s references go over kids’ heads but doesn’t affect enjoyment
- Great for families with kids who love cars or science
- Very energetic production – keeps attention
- Some nostalgic moments for parents
Best For: Back to the Future fans, families with kids 8-14, anyone who loves special effects and time travel
Buy your tickets to Back to the Future here.
Mamma Mia!: ABBA Hits and Feel-Good Fun
Why It’s One of the Best London Shows for Families: Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre uses ABBA’s greatest hits to tell a fun, uplifting story and is one of the most joyful London shows for families who love music and comedy.
The Story: Sophie is getting married and wants her father to walk her down the aisle – problem is, she doesn’t know who he is. She invites three of her mother’s old flames, and chaos ensues. The plot is a vehicle for ABBA songs, and it works brilliantly.
Why Kids (and Adults) Love It:
- Everyone knows ABBA songs
- Upbeat, happy, feel-good energy
- Comedy throughout
- Greek island setting is colorful and fun
- Strong female characters
- Wedding storyline appeals to many kids
- “Waterloo” is hilarious
- Audience leaves dancing and singing
- No heavy themes – pure entertainment
The Magic Moments:
- “Dancing Queen” – everyone knows it
- “Mamma Mia” title song
- “Waterloo” – comedy gold
- The wedding scene
- “Super Trouper” lighting
- Curtain call disco party – audience often dances
Age Appropriateness: Recommended for ages 6+. Very mild adult themes (past relationships, implied sex but not explicit). Joyful and family-friendly. Runtime about 2 hours 30 minutes with interval.
Practical Details:
- Theatre: Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4LD
- Performance Times: Tuesday-Saturday 7:45 PM, Wednesday & Saturday matinees 3:00 PM
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes including interval
- Ticket Prices: £25-145 depending on seats
- Booking: Usually available with 1-2 months notice
Tips for Families:
- Great for kids who love music and dancing
- Plot is secondary to music – don’t overthink it
- Audience participation at curtain call – kids love it
- Good choice for multi-generational groups
- Less spectacular than some shows but high energy and fun
- Film knowledge not necessary but kids who’ve seen movie enjoy comparisons
Best For: ABBA fans, families wanting upbeat entertainment, ages 6+, anyone needing a mood boost
Buy your Mamma Mia! tickets here.
Shows for Younger Children: Best London Shows for Families with Little Ones
The Gruffalo: Perfect First Theatre Experience
Why It’s One of the Best London Shows for Families: The Gruffalo at various London venues (touring production, check current location) is specifically designed as one of the best London shows for families with toddlers and preschoolers.
The Story: Based on the beloved picture book, a clever mouse invents a monster called the Gruffalo to scare predators, only to meet a real Gruffalo.
Why Little Kids Love It:
- They know the book
- Shorter runtime (55 minutes, no interval)
- Puppets and costumes bring characters to life
- Songs are catchy and simple
- Interactive elements for audience
- Not scary (despite monster)
- Colorful and engaging
- Familiar story reduces anxiety
Age Appropriateness: Perfect for ages 2-7. First theatre experience for many children. Short enough for toddler attention spans.
Practical Details:
- Venues: Various – check Tall Stories website for current location
- Duration: 55 minutes, no interval
- Ticket Prices: £15-30 depending on venue
- Booking: Popular during school holidays
Tips for Families:
- Arrive early so kids can settle
- Read the book before attending
- No interval means no break – bathrooms beforehand essential
- Some theatres have special sensory-friendly performances
- Perfect introduction to theatre
Best For: First theatre experience, ages 2-7, Gruffalo fans, toddlers and preschoolers
Buy your tickets to The Gruffalo’s Child here.
Special Considerations for London Shows for Families
Choosing Age-Appropriate Shows
For Ages 3-5:
- The Gruffalo
- Frozen (if they’re huge fans and can sit still)
For Ages 6-8:
- The Lion King
- Matilda
- Frozen
- Mamma Mia!
- The Gruffalo (younger end)
For Ages 9-12:
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- Matilda
- The Lion King
- Wicked
- Back to the Future
- Les Misérables (mature 12-year-olds)
For Ages 13+:
- Wicked
- Les Misérables
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- Back to the Future
- Most adult shows with parental discretion
Booking Tips for London Shows for Families
When to Book:
- 3-6 months ahead: School holidays, Christmas, summer
- 2-3 months ahead: Weekends, popular shows
- 1 month ahead: Weekdays, off-season
- Last minute: Day seats, rush tickets, returns
Where to Book:
- Official theatre websites: Best for customer service, legitimate tickets
- Official ticket agencies: TKTS booth in Leicester Square (day-of discounted tickets)
- Avoid: Unofficial resellers, scalpers, too-good-to-be-true deals
Getting Cheaper Tickets:
- Book well in advance for early bird rates
- Midweek performances cheaper than weekends
- Matinees sometimes cheaper than evenings
- TKTS booth for same-day discounts (limited selection)
- Lottery and rush tickets for some shows
- Family packages at some theatres
- Restricted view seats (check reviews first)
Ticket Price Ranges:
- Budget: £20-40 (restricted view, upper balcony, weekday matinees)
- Mid-range: £40-80 (good seats, most performances)
- Premium: £80-150+ (best seats, prime times, popular shows)
Theatre Etiquette and Practical Tips
Before the Show:
- Arrive 20-30 minutes early for first-timers
- Use bathrooms before show (interval queues are long)
- Turn off phones completely
- Explain theatre expectations to kids
- Visit the theatre beforehand to reduce anxiety (many offer tours)
During the Show:
- No talking (even whispering carries)
- No photography or recording (strictly enforced, can be ejected)
- Stay seated during performance
- If you must leave, wait for a scene break
- Unwrap any sweets before show starts (crinkly wrappers are loud)
- Keep phones completely off (not just silent)
What to Bring:
- Tickets (print or digital)
- Booster cushions if theatre doesn’t provide (ask ahead)
- Light jacket (theatres can be cold)
- Tissues (for emotional moments)
- Water in interval (expensive at theatre)
- Small quiet toy for very young kids during interval
What NOT to Bring:
- Large bags (security checks)
- Food and drinks (not allowed in auditorium)
- Crinkly snacks
- Light-up toys
- Anything that makes noise
Food and Drinks:
- Expensive at theatres (£4-7 for ice cream, £3-5 for drinks)
- Pre-order interval ice cream to skip queues
- Water fountains usually available
- Nearby restaurants for pre/post-theatre meals
- Many theatres near Covent Garden, Leicester Square (many dining options)
Accessibility and Special Needs
Most London theatres offer:
- Wheelchair accessible seating (book in advance)
- Audio description performances
- Captioned performances
- BSL interpreted performances
- Sensory-friendly/relaxed performances
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Step-free access to most areas
For Sensory-Friendly Performances:
- Lights kept slightly on
- Sound levels reduced
- Freedom to move/make noise
- Quiet spaces available
- Staff trained for special needs
- No one removed for typical special needs behaviors
Check individual theatre websites for specific dates and booking procedures.
Managing Expectations
Be Realistic About:
- Show length – 2+ hours is long for young kids
- Attention spans – not every child will sit still perfectly
- Timing – evening shows mean late nights
- Cost – West End isn’t cheap
- Availability – popular shows sell out months ahead
Set Kids Up for Success:
- Watch film version if one exists (but explain theatre is different)
- Read plot summaries together
- Listen to soundtrack beforehand
- Explain theatre etiquette clearly
- Build excitement but not anxiety
- Have backup plans if child can’t handle full show
- Accept that it might not be perfect – that’s okay
Planning Your Theatre Visit
Combining Shows with Other Activities
Pre-Theatre:
- Light lunch (full meal makes kids sleepy)
- Visit nearby attraction (Covent Garden street performers, Leicester Square)
- Arrive at theatre early to explore
- Use bathrooms before entering auditorium
Post-Theatre:
- Walk through lit-up West End
- Quick dessert at nearby cafe
- Discuss favorite moments
- Purchase soundtrack if kids loved it
Making It Special:
- Dress up a bit (not required but fun)
- Programme purchase (£5-8, makes nice souvenir)
- Interval ice cream tradition
- Post-show photo at theatre entrance
- Share experience on social media if kids are old enough
Best Neighborhoods for Theatre and Family Activities
Covent Garden/West End:
- Highest concentration of theatres
- Street performers
- Restaurants for all budgets
- London Transport Museum nearby
- Easy public transport
Leicester Square:
- Central location
- TKTS booth for last-minute tickets
- M&M’s World and LEGO Store
- Chain restaurants kids recognize
South Bank (National Theatre, Young Vic):
- River walks
- Street performers
- Tate Modern nearby
- More alternative/contemporary shows
The Bottom Line on London Shows for Families
The best London shows for families aren’t just entertainment – they’re magical experiences that create lifelong memories. Whether you’re watching animals parade through the aisles in The Lion King, seeing Elphaba defy gravity in Wicked, experiencing DeLorean time travel in Back to the Future, or introducing toddlers to theatre with The Gruffalo, London’s West End offers world-class productions specifically designed to captivate audiences of all ages.
The beauty of London shows for families is the incredible range. Got a Disney-obsessed five-year-old? Frozen or The Lion King will blow their mind. Have a Harry Potter fanatic? The Cursed Child is essential. Traveling with a sophisticated teenager? Wicked or Les Misérables offers emotional depth and spectacular performances. Need something for a toddler’s first theatre experience? The Gruffalo runs just 55 minutes.
Yes, West End tickets are expensive. But they’re also some of the best theatre in the world. These aren’t community theatre productions – these are spectacular professional performances with incredible talent, stunning sets, and production values that rival (often exceed) anything you’ll see elsewhere.
Some shows are worth the splurge for genuine fans. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for devoted Potterheads. The Lion King for its jaw-dropping opening sequence. Matilda for empowering young readers. Choose shows that align with your children’s interests, not just the most famous titles.
My kids remember The Lion King opening sequence years later. They still sing songs from Matilda. They talk about the magic effects in Harry Potter and how the DeLorean worked in Back to the Future. These aren’t just shows they sat through – they’re experiences that sparked imagination, inspired creativity, and showed them what live theatre can accomplish.
Book in advance for best prices and seat selection. Choose age-appropriate shows. Prepare kids with etiquette expectations. Arrive early to reduce stress. And most importantly, enjoy the magic of live theatre with your family.
The curtain is rising on the best London shows for families. The West End is ready. The performers are waiting. Go create theatrical memories that’ll last a lifetime!
