Unsure about grabbing tickets for a show in New York City while traveling with the young ones? Fret not; there are plenty of kid- and teen-friendly options to choose from both on Broadway and Off, whether girl-powered musicals or retellings of favorite stories. You’ll find long-running classics like The Lion King and Wicked as well as newer fare like the Shakespearean jukebox-musical & Juliet and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, featuring characters from Eric Carle’s books. Read on for seven of the best Broadway (and Off-Broadway) shows to see during your next trip with the kids.
While some shows are designed with the attention span of toddlers in mind, most run longer than two hours. Be sure to keep age guidelines and run times in mind, and note that children under 4 or 5 may not be allowed into theaters.
For more information, visit broadway.org.
& Juliet. Courtesy, AKA NYC
& Juliet
Best for: Ages 10 & up
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: This delightful jukebox musical, which opened in 2022, turns Shakespearean tragedy into a comedic tale as it gives Juliet Capulet a second chance at life and love. & Juliet explores what may have happened if the lovestruck teen hadn’t given it all up for Romeo. The show uses the pop hits of producer Max Martin, so expect favorites like “Since U Been Gone‚” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling” as the heroine’s second chance at life and love are realized. Romeo who?
Aladdin on Broadway. Michael James Scott (Genie) and Michael Maliakel (Aladdin). Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.
Aladdin
Best for: Ages 6 & up
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: This glittering adventure through Agrabah follows Aladdin as he releases the Genie from a magical lamp and uses his three wishes to try to win Princess Jasmine’s favor. While the story (adapted from Disney’s animated film) may well be familiar to young fans, the show offers plenty of thrilling theatrical feats—including a “real” flying magic carpet and flashy stage adaptations of beloved musical numbers such as “Friend Like Me.” Its homage to musical theater and jazz history (Genie is based on jazz greats Cab Calloway and Fats Waller) is a boon for accompanying adults.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Photo: Matthew Murphy
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Best for: Ages 8 & up (Note: children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Running time: 3 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: A continuation of J.K. Rowling’s fantastical series, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a new chapter in Harry and Draco Malfoy’s contentious relationship, 19 years after they graduated from Hogwarts. Their sons, Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy, become unlikely friends when they begin their own journeys at the wizarding school, with exciting adventures like a magical race through time and battles fought with wands. The show has a longer running time than most, so be sure any younger attendees can handle sitting still for its duration.
The Lion King. Photo: Joan Marcus
The Lion King
Best for: Ages 6 & up
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: This Disney musical follows young lion cub Simba, who is destined to become king of the jungle, and the adventures, friendships and challenges he faces along the way. The familiar tale of love, loss and familial betrayal is told with the help of ornate costumes and stunning set design, as well as unforgettable renditions of the hits “Circle of Life” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” written by Elton John and Tim Rice. Having passed the 25-year mark, The Lion King is the third-longest-running show on Broadway—and for good reason.
Six. Photo: Joan Marcus
Six
Best for: Ages 10 & up
Running time: 80 minutes (no intermission)
What happens: Henry VIII was known for his liberal use of the axe, but this Tony Award–winning musical featuring an all-female cast brings the king’s many wives to the fore. From Anne Boleyn to Catherine Parr, this show is laced with fascinating histories (did you know that Parr was the first woman author in England to publish under her own name?) of Henry’s VIII’s six captivating, albeit ill-fated, wives. You’ll also experience a number of girl-power anthems, stunning costume design and a comedic showcase, presented as a pop concert for the ages.
Courtesy, Wicked on Broadway
Wicked
Best for: Ages 8 & up (children under 5 not admitted)
Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes (one intermission)
What happens:
In 1900 L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz brought readers the fantastical tale of Dorothy and Toto. Wicked goes back in time even farther to understand two of the fascinating characters who made Dorothy’s journey through Oz so magical and tumultuous: Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch). The young rivals become unlikely friends, but as time passes, their friendship is challenged by opposing ideals and clashing personalities until Elphaba ultimately experiences a fall from societal grace. The show’s insightful look at friendship and its challenges raises topical themes for preteens and teens—and you’re likely to find earworms in its famed soundtrack, from the bubbly “Popular” to the powerful “Defying Gravity.”
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Best for: All ages
Running time: 60 minutes (no intermission)
What happens: Young Eric Carle fans will love watching his brilliant illustrations and stories come to life. This production includes a telling of The Very Hungry Caterpillar—complete with a giant caterpillar and butterfly—as well as stories from the illustrator’s other beloved books. Bonus: this Off-Broadway production is only an hour long and features 75 vibrant, multicolored puppets, so even the smallest (and wiggliest) of audience members can make it through.
