Will the kids like a musical? Will whatever show we choose be age-appropriate? What’s the best way to buy Broadway tickets for the entire family? If you’ve had any of these thoughts, we’ve got you.
A Broadway show is simply a must when planning a trip to New York City. It’s also often a bucket list item for parents to experience with their children. But you only get one “first” Broadway show as a kid, and if you’re the parent in charge, it can be difficult to decide between the amount of options.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best shows on Broadway for both children and adults to enjoy, from Disney musicals the kids will adore to a Harry Potter sequel that will bring magic to life in front of their eyes. You can also grab Broadway tickets on Ticketmaster.
Aladdin
A beloved Disney classic is a perfect entry point to introduce kids to the magic of Broadway, and Aladdin should be at the top of your list. A veritable magic carpet ride of fun, the story of Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, Genie, Jafar and Iago is filled with familiar songs like “A Whole New World,” “One Jump Ahead,” “Friend Like Me” and “Prince Ali.” By show’s end, your kids will be thanking you for introducing them to the whole new world of Broadway delights.
Back to the Future
Great Scott! When it comes to children’s Broadway shows, young fans of Back to the Future will love this take on the time-traveling 1985 sci-fi comedy, now playing at the Winter Garden Theatre. The DeLorean-powered family friendly musical features popular songs from the film starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, like “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode” and “Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine),” as well as original music by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard.
Get Back to the Future tickets here.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Lumos! There’s no better show to light up kids’ love of Broadway plays than Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. A continuation of the globally beloved series of children’s books, Cursed Child may be the only show on this list without any music, but its mind-blowing pyrotechnics and onstage magic will have kids and adults alike asking “How did they do that?” as the next generation of Potters and Malfoys try to save Hogwarts and live up to their fathers’ legacies. (Note: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is recommended for muggles and wizards age 8 and up, and features scary imagery including Dementors and a terrifying visit from He Who Must Not Be Named.)
Get Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets here.
The Lion King
For nearly three decades, kids of all ages have flocked to The Lion King for its story of Simba’s journey to become king of the savanna. The lion cub comes to thrilling life alongside Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki and more at the Minskoff Theatre — complete with fantastical costumes and eye-popping puppets that will keep kids riveted to the action happening onstage and singing along to favorite songs like “Hakuna Matata,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and “He Lives in You.” When it comes to shows in NYC, The Lion King is a guaranteed crowdpleaser.
Get The Lion King tickets here.
Wicked
If your little munchkins find themselves spellbound by The Wizard of Oz, Wicked is the perfect Broadway musical to help their imaginations take flight. As a prequel to the iconic 1939 film starring Judy Garland, the Broadway sensations sends audience members back over the rainbow to a time before Elphaba and Glinda were the most famous witches in Oz and, instead, started out their parallel paths down the yellow brick road as roommates at Shiz University. (Note: Wicked is recommended for kids 8 and up, what with all the magic potions and flying monkeys zooming around the Gershwin Theatre.
SIX
For kids who are A) budding history buffs and B) fans of superstars like Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, consider the pop extravaganza that is SIX. The musical, which is fast becoming a modern classic, reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as a girl group competing to share their stories and determine who had the worst experience as the king’s spouse, blending history with empowering contemporary flair. SIX is recommended for ages 10 and up — perfect for the tween who’s already seen Hamilton five times.