The Best Kid-Friendly Broadway Shows of 2025

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 whole 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.

Before you get ready to buy tickets, we’ve compiled a list of the best shows on Broadway (and Off) for both children and adults to enjoy, from Disney musicals the kids will adore to a hit wizard sequel that will bring magic to life in front of their eyes. You can also buy Broadway tickets on Ticketmaster.

Best Broadway Shows for Kids

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 everyone’s favorite kind-hearted Agrabah thief — along with 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.

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, this show may be the only one 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: 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.)

MJ the Musical

Wanna be startin’ something? Grab tickets and take the kids to MJ the Musical, the jukebox biopic about the life and legacy of the late, great Michael Jackson. Filled with hit after hit from the King of Pop’s songbook, the Tony Award-winning production traces Jackson’s Motown roots as Little Michael to his ascendance as pop music royalty — all set against the backdrop of preparations for his 1992 Dangerous World Tour. (Plus, check out an exclusive pre-show playlist from MJ’s current leading man, Elijah Rhea Johnson.)

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, this one is a guaranteed crowdpleaser.

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. The Tony Award-winning SIX is recommended for ages 10 and up — perfect for the tween who’s already seen Hamilton five times.

The Gazillion Bubble Show

Kiddos will have an un-bubble-lievably fun time at The Gazillion Bubble Show. Hosted by “Master of Bubbles” Fan Yang with help from his entire family, the show turns soapy suds into eye-popping magic and massive bubble masterpieces. Some kids in the audience might even find themselves inside a gigantic bubble before The Gazillion Bubble Show’s end! But honestly, this one is perfect for the whole family.

Broadway for Kids – Frequently Asked Questions

Can my 4-year-old see The Lion King on Broadway?

Yes, The Lion King on Broadway is suitable for a 4-year-old to attend, but keep in mind the show is recommended for ages 6 and up. While the content is family-friendly and appropriate for younger children, the show is long (approximately 2.5 hours), and younger children might struggle to sit through it.

Is Wicked on Broadway kid-friendly?

While Wicked on Broadway can be a fantastic experience, it’s generally recommended for children aged 8 and up. The show’s storyline, while not overly mature, delves into themes like popularity, discrimination, and self-discovery, which may be complex for younger children to fully grasp. There are also some potentially scary moments, like the appearance of the Wizard of Oz’s mechanical head and the flying monkeys, that could be frightening for sensitive children.

Is & Juliet appropriate for 12-year-olds?

Yes, & Juliet is considered appropriate for 12-year-olds, as it’s recommended for ages 8 and up. The show contains some strong language and references to alcohol use, but the overall content is suitable for younger audiences.

What is the best first Broadway show for kids?

For a child’s first Broadway experience, Aladdin and MJ: The Musical are consistently recommended as excellent choices. These shows offer a blend of familiar stories, catchy music, and visually stunning effects that are especially engaging for young audiences. Additionally, Wicked is another popular option for older kids.

What are kid-friendly musicals?

Kid-friendly and family-friendly musicals that are currently playing in NYC include:

• The Lion King
• Wicked
• MJ: The Musical
• & Juliet

What is the best Broadway show for a family?

For families seeking Broadway entertainment, highly recommended options include Wicked, MJ: The Musical and & Juliet. These musicals often offer a mix of spectacle, familiar stories, and age-appropriate themes that appeal to a wide audience.

What Broadway shows are for children?

Several popular Broadway shows are well-suited for children, including MJ: The Musical and Wicked. Other options for older kids include & Juliet and Hadestown. Some shows, like The Gazillion Bubble Show, are shorter and better suited for younger children.

What is the best show to take kids to on Broadway?

Here are some of the best Broadway shows to take kids to:

• Wicked
• Hadestown
• & Juliet
• MJ: The Musical
• Six
• Hamilton