Going to the theatre with your toddler can be a magical and memorable experience. However finding shows for children under 5 can be a bit of a challenge, taking time to research.
With age limits at many theatres and new shows popping up all the time, it’s hard to know which ones are suitable for younger children. There is also the runtime and story to consider. You also want a show that’s interactive and easy for little ones to understand.
We’ve put together this list of London shows for toddlers. It includes all the information you need to choose the best show for you and your little one.
1. The Smartest Giant in Town
St Martins Theatre, Covent Garden, WC2H
Book from £12.00: The Smartest Giant in Town
Ages: 2 years+
Running time: 55 minutes (no interval)
About The Smartest Giant in Town
The Smartest Giant in Town tells the tale of George, the giant who has just bought a new outfit. He is now the smartest giant in town. But he soon encounters some animals who need his help and his clothes.
The play is based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The actors tell the story on stage using puppetry and music.
Cheap tickets to The Smartest Giant in Town
Tickets to the Smartest Giant in Town start at £12.00 online.
2. Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out
Theatre Royal Haymarket, St James’s, SW1Y
Book from £12.00: Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out
Ages: all ages
Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including interval)
About Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out
In this show, Peppa Pig and her friends have a big day out. They visit the zoo, followed by the beach and a special party. And your kids can join in along the way with singing and dancing.
This new live show will open for a limited run in the West End from 28 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Fans of the animated TV and book series will love watching this performance and entertaining Peppa’s world.
Cheap tickets to Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out
Tickets to Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out start from £12.00 online.
3. Stick Man
Bloomsbury Theatre, Bloomsbury, WC1H
Book from £27.26: Stick Man
Ages: 3 years+
Running time: 60 minutes
About Stick Man
Stick Man heads out one morning for a jog. However, he has quite the adventure as a dog plays fetch with him; a swan uses him in a nest, and he almost gets set on fire. The play has audiences asking if he will ever get back to the family tree.
Stick Man is based on the popular children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. It is an award-winning production for young audiences full of puppetry, live music and dance.
Cheap tickets to Stick Man
Tickets to Stick Man start at £27.26 online.
4. Room on the Broom
Lyric Theatre, Soho, W1D
Book from £11.60: Room on the Broom
Ages: 3 years+
Running time: 60 minutes
About Room on the Broom
Room on the Broom is the story of how the Witch and her cat pick up hitchhikers to ride on their broom. These include a dog, a bird and a frog. With these extra passengers, the broom cracks. And then a hungry dragon appears.
The show is based on the much-loved children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. It has also been nominated for an Olivier Award.
Cheap tickets to Room on the Broom
Tickets to Room on the Broom start from £11.60 online.
5. The Snowman
Peacock Theatre, Holborn, WC2A
Book from £20.88: The Snowman
Ages: all ages
Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including interval)
About The Snowman
Set in the wintery countryside, The Snowman takes you to a magical night where a young boy’s snowman comes to life.
This show from Saddler’s Wells brings Raymond Briggs’ picture book and the film directed by Dianne Jackson to the stage with music and dance. It is a delightful introduction for young children to watching dance.
We love…
The use of wires and effects for the flying scene accompanied by the classic song, “Walking in the Air,” is beautiful.
Cheap tickets to The Snowman
Tickets to The Snowman start from £20.88 online.
6. Baby Broadway
Theatres around London
Book from £13.00: Baby Broadway
Ages: all ages
Running time: 45 minutes
About Baby Broadway
Baby Broadway is a family concert with professional West End actors performing a selection of musical hits. The performances are designed to be interactive for all ages with bubbles, puppetry and dance.
The most recent programme featured songs from Hairspray, Frozen, Mary Poppins, Summer Holiday and Grease.
Cheap tickets to Baby Broadway
Tickets for Baby Broadway start from £13.00. Find a Baby Broadway venue near you on Loopla.
7. Cirque du Soleil – CORTEO
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, SW7
Book from £61.40: Cirque du Soleil – CORTEO
Ages: all ages
Running time: TBC
About Cirque du Soleil – CORTEO
Cirque du Soleil presents this spectacle, telling the story of Mauro, the clown. He dreams of a parade of revellers celebrating his life. It is a beautiful tale exploring the clown’s strengths and fragility and the humanity in each of us.
The show is a brilliant display of circus skills. This includes sequences of daring acrobatics, including swinging from chandeliers above the audience.
Cheap tickets to Cirque du Soleil – CORTEO
Tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s CORTEO start from £61.40 online.
8. The Gruffalo
ArtsDepot, Pentland Theatre, North Finchley, N12
Ages: 3 years+
Running time: 55 minutes
About The Gruffalo
Mouse walks through the deep, dark wood and encounters Fox, Owl and Snake, who all want to eat him. Will his tale of the Gruffalo be enough to scare them? Because there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo, is there?
This long-running show from Tall Stories adapts the classic children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The set and costumes are brilliant, bringing the characters of the book to life with music and performance.
Cheap tickets to The Gruffalo
Tickets to see The Gruffalo start from £12.00 online.
9. Cinderella Pantomime
King’s Head Theatre, Islington, N1
Book from £13.92: Cinderella Pantomime
Ages: all ages
Running time: 2 hours (including interval)
About Cinderella Pantomime
Set in a rainy London, this panto of Cinderella is given a North London theme. Will Cinderella and the Prince meet and help each other find the courage to change their lives? Will the selfish stepsisters, Peckham and Dalston, get in their way? Follow the story with the Fairy Godmother to find out.
This new pantomime is written and directed by the award-winning Andrew Pollard. Expect entertaining performances of songs and comedy. There is also puppetry by Little Angel Theatre.
Cheap tickets to Cinderella Pantomime
Tickets to Cinderella start from £13.92 online.
10. Hullabaloo
Big Penny Social, Walthamstow, E17
Book from £15.87: Hullabaloo
Ages: all ages
Running time: 2 hours 45 minutes
About Hullabaloo
The Bees’ Knees Ups is an immersive theatre show and party from Hullabaloo. The first part is a participatory theatre show, Fox & Rat’s Woodland Adventure. Fox and Rat are invited to the best party in the woods. Only they are not sure how to get there. The kids get involved with songs, dancing and solving clues to help the two creatures get to the party.
At the Bees’ Knees Ups party, all join in with music, dancing, games, crafts, puppets and a fashion show.
Hullabaloo was created by artists & mums Kat and Meg. They combine theatre shows and parties with music, dance, characters and activities.
Cheap tickets to Hullabaloo
Tickets to Hullabaloo’s Bees’ Knees Ups cost £15.87 for the theatre show and party or £8.30 for a party-only ticket.
11. Rosie Robin and the Christmas Post
Little Angel Studios, Islington, N1
Ages: 2-5 years
Running time: 35-45 minutes
About Rosie Robin and the Christmas Post
This show tells the tale of Rosie Robin, who sets out to deliver the Christmas post. Only a snowstorm sweeps into Clover Leaf Wood. With the help of the other animals, will Rosie be able to deliver the post in time for Christmas?
From Little Angel Theatre comes this comforting and festive story with puppetry, physical performance and song.
Cheap tickets to Rosie Robin and the Christmas Post
Tickets to Rosie Robin and the Christmas Post start at £12.00. Book online at Little Angel Theatre.
12. The Elmer Adventure
Southbank Centre, Southbank, SE1
Book from £16.00: The Elmer Adventure
Ages: 3 years+
Running time: 55 minutes
About The Elmer Adventure
The Elmer Adventure shares the stories of Elmer, the patchwork elephant, getting up to all kinds of mischief hiding in the jungle. This touring production comes to London’s Southbank this half-term.
This show is created by Tall Stories, the production company behind the hugely popular Gruffalo adaptations. The kids are also encouraged to wear their brightest colours to celebrate Elmer’s patchwork!
Cheap tickets to the Elmer Adventure
Get tickets to the Elmer Adventure starting at £16.00. Book online at the Southbank Centre’s website.
What shows are on for toddlers in London?
Shows on for toddlers in London are Stick Man and The Smartest Giant in Town, inspired by the books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Rosie Robin and the Christmas Post and The Snowman are also great festive shows for toddlers. The Snowman is an excellent introduction to dance and ballet.
If you are a fan of musicals, Baby Broadway is a fun musical show to sing along to your favourite songs with your little one.
Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out is always a popular choice with lots of recognisable characters. It is also very reasonably priced for a ticket from £12.00.
The cheapest theatre show for toddlers in London is Room on the Broom, with tickets from £11.60. It is also an Olivier Award-nominated show.
FAQs
What is the best theatre show in London for children?
The best theatre show in London for children is Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out or The Snowman for young children. For ages 3 years+, shows such as Dogs Don’t Do Ballet and Stick Man are great choices. Theatre shows in London for children aged 6 years+ include musicals Matilda and The Lion King.
Which musical is best for kids?
The best musical for kids is Matilda or The Lion King, alongside many other brilliant shows. These shows are created for a family audience and tell stories kids can follow and engage with. For these and more, see our top 10 Magical West End Musicals for Kids.
What age are West End shows for?
West End shows are usually for 5 years+, though every show will have its own criteria. There are lots of shows for families and children of all ages. Other shows will have an age limit due to the story or themes covered.
Can I take a 2-year-old to the theatre?
Yes, you can take a 2-year-old to the theatre. Find a child-friendly show and check the age recommendations.
