London’s theatre scene is set to dazzle families this summer with a variety of shows catering to all ages. Here’s a curated list of best family-friendly productions you won’t want to miss. To keep up to date with more family-friendly fun follow us on Instagram. For more London theatre and performing arts shows visit our Theatre & Dance page.
Now in its third year, Little Angel Theatre Children’s Puppet Festival runs between 8 and 31 August and comes packed with plenty of inventive, imaginative and puppet magic shows from award-winning companies that celebrate the art of puppetry in all its forms. Tickets from £13.
Transport Explorers is a brilliant hands-on live show at the London Transport Museum Cubic Theatre for kids aged 4–11. Young adventurers are invited on a storytelling journey through London’s transport history. Packed with games, challenges and STEM-based fun, it is an ideal summer day out. Running throughout the summer holiday. Tickets from £12.
My neighbour Totoro Experience the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli’s beloved film brought to life on stage. This adaptation has garnered critical acclaim for its imaginative storytelling and captivating visuals. It is on for 2 hours 30 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Recommended for children over the age of 6. The show is at Gillian Lynne Theatre. Tickets start from £15. Info and bookings here.
London Theatre’s Kids Week is back for the summer!
Children under 17 can take advantage of FREE theatre tickets when accompanied by an adult paying full price, additional children can have their tickets for half price. Kid’s Theatre Week runs from 21 July to 31 August with tickets on sale now.
Rough Magic returns to Shakespeare’s Globe this summer with a riotous remix of Macbeth’s Weird Sisters. Expect spells, silliness and supernatural shenanigans in the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Come dressed as your favourite magical creature and help cook up the chaos. Ages 5+. Tickets from £15.
101 Dalmatians The Musical
This classic canine story is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistible puppies at Eventim Apollo this summer! Come and see Pongo, Perdi, their litter of adorable tail-wagging young pups and friends messing up Cruella de Vil’s grand fashionista dreams. 101 Dalmatians The Musical runs from Friday 18 July to Saturday 30 August 2025. Tickets from £24.50. Age guidance 5+
Krafty the Urban Fox: Tales from the Tower Block – is a night-time adventure aimed at theatre goers aged 2 – 5. This 35minutes show delights the audience with singing and grooving and characters that teach us about friendship and finding beauty in unexpected places. Runs until 27 July at Little Angel Theatre. Tickets from £15.
Family Freestyle at Sadler’s Wells East is a series of free dance workshops for children aged 2-4 and their parents led by professional dance artists. Runs until 12 July. Booking is required.
Roald Dahl’s the Enormous Crocodile returns to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre after a successful season in 2024.
This musical, inspired by Roald Dahl’s book, features music by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, a book and lyrics by Suhayla El-Bushra, and additional contributions from Tom Brady. Directed by Emily Lim, it showcases puppets designed by Toby Olié, with set and costume design by Fly Davis and puppetry co-designed by Daisy Beattie.
I want my hat back at Polka Theatre is about a lost and found bear’s hat! The trilogy brings together, on stage, Jon Klassen’s beloved books, ‘I Want My Hat Back’, ‘This is Not My Hat’ and ‘We Found A Hat’. Kid’s favourite characters like Bear, Little Fish and the Turtles will be making an appearance in this one-of-a-kind trilogy. The show runs until 10 August and also comes with fun storytelling workshops. Tickets from £16.
The Daughter of Time is a brand-new stage adaptation of Josephine Tey’s classic crime novel having its world premiere at the Charing Cross Theatre this summer. Adapted by playwright M. Kilburg Reedy and directed by Jenny Eastop, the production begins performances on Friday 18 July 2025 for a strictly limited run until Saturday 13 September. Suitable for ages 10+. Tickets from £20.
Back to the Future: The Musical. Adapted from the much loved blockbuster film this musical is one of the best on London’s West End and our firm favourite! Read our review here.
Runs at Adelphi Theatre. Age guidance 6+. Tickets from £22.68.
This hilarious hip-hop magical adventure is a brilliant high-energy stage adaptation of Lenny Henry’s bestselling book with the same title. This magical adventure follows a 12 year old boy who discovers his true potential after growing wings! The Boy With Wings is running at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon until 16 August and is suitable for children aged 7+. Tickets from £10.
The Lion King Disney’s award-winning musical 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.
The Baddies
From the superstar team behind The Gruffalo, Zog, and Stick Man, The Baddies features a trio of hilariously inept villains who are trying (and failing) to be bad. Mischievous mayhem with catchy songs and plenty of audience laughs. The Baddies run at Cadogan Hall, Chelsea between 1 – 24 August. Ages 3+. Tickets from £19.50.
Mathilda the Musical Roald Dahl’s beloved story of an extraordinary girl comes to life in this Olivier Award-winning musical, featuring music by Tim Minchin. Running at the Cambridge Theatre. Tickets from £25 more info and bookings here.
Wicked Discover the untold story of the witches of Oz in this spellbinding musical running at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. One of the longest running musicals, this show is one of the favourites for Londoners of all ages and visitors alike. Tickets start from £22 more info and bookings here.
For the latest reviews, updates and recommendations follow @younglondonist on Instagram. For more ideas of things to do with the kids in London, visit our events and activities area which provides details of free events and special offers in London’s finest museums, galleries, parks and gardens.