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.
Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure
OVO Arena, Wembley, HA9
Book from £20.75: Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure
Ages: all ages
Running time: 60 minutes
About Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure
Join all your favourite pups, including Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Rubble, Skye, Tracker and Zuma! Together, they set out on a new mission to find lost treasure!
It is a musical theatre experience for all ages with singing, dancing and clapping along. Paw Patrol Live! is in London for two dates this summer.
Cheap tickets to Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure
Tickets to Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure start from £20.75 online.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Theatre Royal Haymarket, Central London
Book from £10.00: The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Ages: 3+
Running time: 55 minutes
About The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Based on Judith Kerr’s much-loved picture book, this Olivier Award-nominated production brings the story to life with magic, sing-along songs, and plenty of surprises. Perfect for young theatregoers, it’s an ideal introduction to stage shows — with a very hungry tiger at its heart.
Cheap tickets to The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Tickets start from £10. Catch it this summer at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Bach to Baby
Various venues across London
Book from £15.00: Bach to Baby
Ages: all ages
Running time: 45–60 minutes
About Bach to Baby
Bach to Baby is a classical concert series created for families, where top-quality musicians perform in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Children of all ages — including babies — are free to roam, dance, and join in while parents enjoy beautiful live music.
Each concert features a mix of classical repertoire, from Bach to Debussy, alongside engaging introductions and a few surprises.
Cheap tickets to Bach to Baby
Tickets for Bach to Baby start from £15, with discounts for siblings. Find your nearest Bach to Baby concert on Loopla.
Mini Jam
The Four Thieves, Clapham Junction, SW11
Book from £19.50: Mini Jam
Ages: 0-5 years
Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes
About Mini Jam
Mini Jam’s Friday gigs are created for toddlers and early years. Their live gigs see performances from gypsy jazz to soul classics. It’s a relaxed environment where you can chat, feed, change nappies and leave when needed.
Cheap tickets to Mini Jam
Tickets to Mini Jam gigs start from £13.50 online.
Ready Steady Go!
Unicorn Theatre, London Bridge
Book from £12.50: Ready Steady Go!
Ages: 3–7
Running time: 45 minutes
About Ready Steady Go!
This interactive show at the Unicorn Theatre invites children to create their own cardboard cars and take part in a joyful, imaginative journey around the world. Blending storytelling, sound, and movement, it’s a hands-on theatrical adventure designed for curious and creative little ones.
Cheap tickets to Ready Steady Go!
Tickets start from £12.50. Running at the family-focused Unicorn Theatre near London Bridge.
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.