Going to the theatre with your toddler can be a magical and memorable experience. But finding the right show for under-5s isn’t always easy.
Age limits vary between productions, new shows appear all the time, and you need to think about how long the performance runs and if your little one will follow the story. The best shows for toddlers keep them engaged with plenty of interaction and simple storylines.
We’ve put together this list of the best shows for toddlers in London running right now. It includes all the information you need to choose the best show for you and your little one.
Shows for Toddlers in London: Must-See Theatre Guide 2025
The Smeds and the Smoos
Lyric Theatre, Soho, W1
Book from £11.60: The Smeds and the Smoos
Ages: all ages (recommended 3 years+)
Running time: 60 minutes
About The Smeds and the Smoos
The Smeds and Smoos live on a far-off planet together but they can’t be friends. So what will happen when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love?
This show is from the company behind The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom stage shows. It adapts another of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning books. Expect music, familiar characters and laughs.
Cheap tickets to The Smeds and the Smoos
Tickets to The Smeds and the Smoos start from £11.60 online.
4. Disney On Ice: 100 years of Wonder
OVO Arena, Wembley, HA9
Book from £25.75: Disney On Ice: 100 years of Wonder
Ages: all ages
Running time: 1.5-2 hours
About Disney On Ice: 100 years of Wonder
This special edition of Disney On Ice comes as part of Disney’s 100-year celebrations. The touring show arrives in London this February and is packed with favourite characters. Mickey Mouse takes to the ice with Moana, Nemo, and characters from Toy Story and Frozen. The show also features characters from Encanto for the first time!
Talented performers tell these familiar stories with spectacular skating, lights and music. The show is suitable for all ages, making it a good option for a family outing.
Cheap tickets to Disney On Ice: 100 years of Wonder
Tickets to Disney On Ice: 100 years of Wonder start from £25.75 online.
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.
The Dinosaur That Pooped
New Wimbledon Theatre, SW19
Book from £16.50: The Dinosaur That Pooped
Ages: 3 years+
Running time: 60 minutes
About The Dinosaur That Pooped
Danny and Dino’s favourite rock band are playing their last concert, so they set off to get the last two tickets. What follows is an adventure featuring a villainous band manager, rock music and Dino’s rumbling tummy.
The show is touring the UK, with scheduled dates in Wimbledon and Alexandra Palace this year. It’s adapted from the books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter. They have written new songs for the show too!
Cheap tickets to The Dinosaur That Pooped
Tickets to The Dinosaur That Pooped start at £16.50 online.
Bing’s Birthday
artsdepot, North Finchley, N12
Book from £12.00: Bing’s Birthday
Ages: 2 years+
Running time: 50 minutes
About Bing’s Birthday
Join CBeebies favourite Bing and his friends live on stage as they prepare to celebrate Bing’s Birthday.
Younger audience members are encouraged to dress up and join in with the singing and birthday celebrations. The show has unique puppets, new songs and a new story.
Cheap tickets to Bing’s Birthday
Tickets to Bing’s Birthday start from £12.00 online.
Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1
Book from £19.50: Disney Jr. Live On Tour
Ages: all ages
Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes
About Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play
Audiences can join Mickey Mouse as he prepares for a playdate with friends at the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Minnie, Goofy, Ariel, the Puppy Dog Pals, and Ginny & Bitsy from SuperKitties look forward to the fun. But mysterious weather interferes with the fun. Can Team Spidey help save the day?
Disney Jr. Live On Tour is in the UK for the first time. The show features costumed characters and lots of music, dance, and colours.
Cheap tickets to Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play
Tickets to Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play start from £19.50 online.
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.
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.