One of London’s best attractions for families is the wide choice of theatre, festivals and art shows on offer. Whether your young one is a regular theatre goer or you want to introduce them to the magical world of performing arts, you should be able to find the perfect show to wow them. From musicals, puppet shows, immersive art and traditional art galleries to circus through to live music or ballet – we have compiled the best (mostly) family friendly shows London has to offer. Keep up to date with more family-friendly fun by following us on Instagram.
Kids Week offers free theatre tickets for young Londoners when accompanied by an adult paying full price. This year, this theatrical event takes place between 20July and 31August. Tickets on sale now.
Arthur is a magical new musical adventure where two eras collide in a quest to save Britain. On the Winter Solstice of 2026, young Grace is stuck in a bustling A&E with a piece of Lego up her nose. Meanwhile, on the Summer Solstice of 526 AD, a determined Arthur sets out on a legendary journey to retrieve the sword for the future King. This unlikely duo must learn to cooperate as they brave a fearsome beast, navigate a perilous ancient forest, and hunt for Excalibur. Blending Arthurian legend with original songs, this enchanting play explores the power of teamwork, the drive to be taken seriously, and the timeless quest for a better world. At Polka Theatre from 27 Jun – 9 Aug. Tickets from £14.35
Dust off your orange glasses and get ready for the ultimate family adventure because the all-new Be Like Blippi Tour is officially heading to London! This high-energy, interactive stage show invites children and their grown-ups to dance, laugh, and explore alongside fan-favorites Blippi and Meekah. At The Arts at Marble Arch until 30 August 2026. Tickets from £26.75
This summer, Brainiac Live brings its unique brand of mischievous mayhem to the Garrick Theatre for a strictly limited season from 26 July to 30 August. Designed for ages 5 and up but genuinely thrilling for adults too, Brainiac Live is a rare breed of family entertainment that bridges the gap between education and pure, unadulterated spectacle.
Paddington the Musical brings the charm of Michael Bond’s beloved Paddington bear with his polite personality, love for marmalade and his knack for getting into well-meaning trouble. The show runs at Savoy Theatre. Tickets from £40.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is the West End play that follows on the acclaimed Netflix series taking us back to the beginning, revealing Hawkins’ story before the world turned upside down. Come to experience theatrical storytelling and out of this world stagecraft that has the power to transport the audience to a whole new dimension brought to life by a multi-award-winning creative team to your. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is at Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End. Tickets from £25.
Little London Ballet: Cirque Carnival on 27 & 28 June at Pentland Theatre (ArtsDepot) celebrates the talent and hard work of dancers from the Emma Del Monaco LLB dance school. This production bursts with passion and creativity, bringing the magic of carnival and dazzling of circus to stage.Tickets from £25.
Set against the backdrop of the towering Smoky Mountains, Dark of the Moon is a spellbinding new musical that explores a forbidden romance caught between two fiercely polarized worlds. The story follows Barbara Allen, a mortal girl from a provincial Appalachian town, and John, a curious witch-boy from the mystical realm above, as they defy their deeply prejudiced communities to build a life together. Their passionate struggle is brought to life by a thrilling, genre-bending score that clashes traditional country and bluegrass against raw rock melodies. At Charring Cross Theatre until 8 August.
Whatever the Weather is a vibrant, artist-designed playscape where children (aged 0 – 7) and adults can dive into nature’s wonders together. Co-created with brilliant ideas from local kids, this immersive, interactive space invites families to splash through indoor rain, bask in sunshine, and frolic in the snow. It is a joyful celebration of natural, uninhibited play that inspires curiosity, sparks the imagination, and reveals the beautiful ways the weather shapes our everyday lives. From 3 July to 16 August. Tickets from £5.5
Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show Experience the magic of this timeless fairy tale, reimagined in a breathtaking ballet spectacle where dancers dazzle in enchanting glow-in-the-dark costumes.
Four gifted dancers ignite the story, captivating audiences in their radiant costumes. Tickets from £35.70.
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SIX is the show for all seasons, running at Vaudeville Theatre, telling the story of the six wives of Henry VIII. This West End hit musical, lets the Tudor Wives reclaim their crowns and retell their stories of love, loss, and the infamous ex they all share. At Vaudeville Theatre. Tickets from £34.50. Ages 10+.
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Oliver! , is based on Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist and is one of London’s West End classic with shows running since 1960. The show follows a young orphan, Oliver Twist, as he navigates a world of pickpockets, danger, and unexpected friendships. At the Gielgud Theatre, tickets from £24.
From ancient myths to centre stage, Hercules bursts into life at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Disney’s legendary hero hits the West End with epic songs by Alan Menken, dazzling choreography, and plenty of laughs. Directed by Broadway heavyweight Casey Nicholaw, this is one heroic musical full of sass, soul, and sandals. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Tickets from £29.50
Avenue Q is back!
After two decades, the three-time Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q returns to the West End. The story follows Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad searching for purpose, who finds himself in a shabby apartment on a rundown New York street. This mischievous and charming musical opens this March 2026 at Shaftesbury Theatre. Tickets £30
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express is at the specially designed Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. This is a classic show for all ages bursting with music, energetic choreography, stylish costumes and an incredible cast of 40. As a child’s train set magically comes to life and the engines race to become the fastest in the world, Rusty the steam train has little hope of winning until he is inspired by the legend of the ‘Starlight Express’. Tickets from £29.50 more info and booking here.
Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King continues to captivate audiences with its stunning visuals and memorable music. A timeless story that resonates with all ages is currently running at London’s Lyceum Theatre. Starting from £35 more info and bookings here.
My Neighbour Totoro is the stage adaptation of the beloved Studio Ghibli animated film, directed by Phelim McDermott brings the magical world of Totoro and the Kusakabe family to life with stunning visuals, innovative puppetry, and a heart warming narrative. Set in 1950s rural Japan, the story follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move to the countryside and discover the forest spirit Totoro, who leads them on a series of whimsical adventures. The show captures the essence of childhood wonder, family bonds, and the beauty of nature, making it a must-see for audiences of all ages. The show is at Gillian Lynne Theatre. Tickets from £55. More information and booking here.
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Wicked has been running for nearly two decades, making it one of the longest-running musicals in West End history. Tickets from £29.50. Discounts available for school groups.