Awesome Broadway Shows for Kids and Other Great Performances

Taking kids to New York City means checking out the latest Broadway shows for kids. The Big Apple has a wide variety of theater performances to fit every age and price range so you can bring along the whole family. From toddlers to teens, kids will enjoy these on and off-Broadway favorites.

Best New York City Shows For Little Kids (Preschool to early elementary)

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater – Nestled away in Central Park, this gem of a Marionette Theater is the perfect place for small kids to see a short performance usually based on a classic children’s tale. We’ve seen favorites such as Jack and The Beanstalk and holiday shows here and our latest trip was to see Neverland: Peter Pan Returns. Kids sit in the front rows with parents on the sides and back so everyone is guaranteed a good seat and after the show, performers demonstrate the Marionettes which is always a hit. Most performances are good for toddlers and up but for Neverland, I would say the sweet spot is four and older.

Gazillion Bubble Show – Little kids love bubbles so its no surprise that this one-hour bubble extravaganza is a family favorite. Kids will love the gigantic soap bubbles, walls of bubbles, helium bubbles and bubbles within bubbles. Add in some special effects (like lasers and strobe lights) and bubble magic and even the grown-ups will be mesmerized. Note: Your kids will beg to have their picture taken in a giant bubble so be prepared to buy the pricey photo. Great for toddlers and up.

Best Broadway Shows For Kids 5 and Up

Frozen: The Broadway Musical – For the first time in forever, Anna and Elsa have hit the Great White Way by storm. Disney’s Broadway version of the popular movie about sisterly love has been updated with a few new songs but the main premise remains the same. The St. James Theater turns into a winter wonderland with falling snow, stunning sets and the adorable Olaf but the phenomenal singing steals the show. Although little princesses will want to see this one, it is best for kids 6 and up.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical – Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants! This surprise runaway hit is popular with kids and adults for good reason…the set, acting, choreography and music are all phenomenal. Think Squidward tap dancing with undersea friends, a very believable sponge and a colorful cast of Bikini Bottom characters running around onstage and in the aisles. If your kids haven’t seen a Broadway show yet, this colorful, confetti-filled extravaganza is a perfect first show. Great for ages 4 and up.

The Lion King – When you mention Broadway shows for kids, this one tops every list. Imagine a bigger than life puppet extravaganza full of imaginative costumes (giant Giraffes, leaping gazelles and majestic lions), amazing music, and unbelievable sets. This award-winning story of Simba, a cub destined to be king of his pride, is sure wow parents and kids at the same time. A good option for a child’s first Broadway show assuming they are familiar with the story. There are a few somewhat scary scenes so I’m recommending for ages 6 and up but younger children are welcome.

Aladdin – A classic Broadway musical is always sure to please and one of my favorite kid-friendly picks is Disney’s Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre. The show features a great mix of dancing, singing, colorful costumes, spectacular sets, funny characters (OMG the Genie!) and witty repartee for the grown-ups. I love that there are no scary parts and that the storyline is easy for little kids to understand. When Jasmine and Aladdin go flying across the stage on the magic carpet, kids of all ages will be wowed. This show is two-hours and 30 minutes with one intermission so plan bathroom breaks accordingly. Tickets are pricey but all seats are good (even in the balcony) just be sure to grab boosters for small kids. If you’re looking for a theater outing with your favorite mom friends (and their kids), this is a great option. Ideal for kids 4 and up.

Best Off-Broadway Shows For Kids 5 and Up

Blue Man Group – This long-running show is perfect for kids (tots to teens) and adults too. My daughter describes this one as “kind of a circus, kind of a magic show and kind of a music show” which pretty much sums up this creative performance. The Blue Man characters, who remain silent and in-character throughout the show, do an amazing job entertaining as they toss cereal into each other’s mouths, interact with the audience, play drums, paint and perform other funny acts. My daughter was giggling throughout the entire show along with the other kids in the audience. The 90-minute show (no intermission) ends with gigantic streams of toilet paper flooding the seats from above so you warn small kids. Some scenes are loud so bring along headsets for sensitive ears. Stay and take pictures with the performers after the show but don’t expect them to chat. You can also catch Blue Man shows in Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Orlando or on their World Tour. Great for kids 5 and up.

STOMP – I first saw this show years ago when the East Village was super grungy and I was swinging single. I saw it again with my husband and daughter and it has stood the test of time. Located in the Orpheum Theatre, the one-hour and 45-minute performance (no intermission) is a great option for musical kids. The six-person cast uses rhythm and movements as they turn objects and body parts into musical instruments. There is no complicated storyline to follow and there is plenty of humor so young kids will definitely enjoy. Some parts of the show are very loud so earphones are a good option. You can also see Stomp on tour. Best for ages 4 and up.

Best New York City Shows For Tweens and Teens

Hamilton is the most popular pick among tweens, teens and adults and you cannot go wrong with this show. Getting tickets is tough and pricey and the language is complex so kids need to pay attention. The talented crew wows with their dance moves, rapping, wit and songs. Younger kids will miss the subtle sexual references but older kids will notice. It will definitely help if kids have some background on Hamilton and the American Revolution in advance so consider reading a Hamilton book or two before you go. My daughter has seen it twice and it is still her favorite show. Try to win the digital Hamilton lottery where you can get two tickets for just $20. Best for ages 8 and up as there is some strong language.

School of Rock, The Musical features an incredibly talented cast including several spunky children who play their own instruments. Based on the movie, with music by Andrew Lloyd Weber, this Broadway hit is full of humor, positive messaging and rock and roll. Jokes are geared to adults and children with some funny moments keeping us on the edge of our seats. The positive messages for adults (listen to your children) and children (be true to yourselves) really hits home. This is a great show the whole family will enjoy. Best for ages 7 and up.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – The world of Harry Potter has finally arrived on Broadway with an epic two-part play. The shows are set two decades after the final chapters of J.K. Rowling’s famed novels and the two plays can be seen on the same day or in two separate showings. These shows are long (2+ hours with a 20-minute intermission) so decide if you will see them back-to-back or separately. This show is popular so book as far in advance as you can. Tip: Make a lunch reservation if you are seeing both shows in one day. Great for Harry Potter fans (who are familiar with the books and movies) ages 8 and up.

Extra Resources for New York City Theater Lovers

Another recommendation for family-friendly (and affordable) programming is the New Victory Theater in Times Square. The shows we’ve seen here have always been unique with some featuring talented performers from around the globe. From acrobats to dance and magic performances, performances never disappoint. In addition, the central venue is gorgeous with a slew of kid-friendly amenities and interactive kids activities. The 2018/19 schedule is here so search by suggested age-range and you’re bound to find something great.

Have questions about a show not listed above?  Check out Petite Seat to keep up on the newest New York City shows for kids of all ages.

Have you seen any of these off-Broadway or Broadway Shows for Kids?  Tell me below in the comments.

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