It’s a great time to introduce your kid to the musical magic on offer in London.
The West End is booming, setting a new box office record last year. Tickets are great value, with real-term prices having fallen since 2019. And most exciting of all, 2026 will welcome some exciting new shows like Broadway’s massive hit Beetlejuice! this summer.
As for right now, London is brimming with wonderful family friendly musicals to choose from. To help you find the perfect fit for your kid, we rounded up our favourites below.
London’s best kid-friendly musicals in spring 2026
Paddington The Musical
Book from £35.50: Paddington The Musical
A rather wonderful musical adventure has begun in London’s West End.
Bringing one of Britain’s best-loved characters to life on stage, Paddington The Musical is jam-packed with irresistible songs, dazzling choreography – and of course, marmalade sandwiches.
Event details
Dates: Till 30 May 2027
Ages: 6 years+
Where: Savoy Theatre, WC2R
Prices: Tickets from £28
Hercules the Musical
Book from £35.50: Hercules the Musical
Based on the Disney film, this musical is a zero-to-hero journey set in Ancient Greece. Can Hercules go the distance and defeat Hades? Kids get to enjoy plenty of wisecracks and catchy tunes while finding out.
Event details
Dates: Till 5 Sep 2026
Ages: 6 years+
Where: Drury Lane, WC2
Prices: Tickets from £35.50
Matilda the musical
Book from £24: Matilda the musical
Matilda, the musical, is based on the beloved children’s novel of the same name. It tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a courageous young girl with unique abilities.
She uses her talent to deal with an unloving family and a mean headmistress to forge her own destiny.
Event details
Dates: Till 17 Jan 2027
Ages: 6 years+
Where: Cambridge Theatre, WC2
Prices: Tickets from £24
The Lion King musical
Book from £39: Disney’s The Lion King
The Lion King’s live singing takes the iconic Disney songs to a whole new level of wonder and awe. Together with the stunning costumes and props that mimic the animals of the savanna very realistically, it creates a magical atmosphere.
Event details
Dates: Till 16 Dec 2026
Ages: 6 years+
Where: Lyceum Theatre, WC2E
Prices: Tickets from £39
Wicked the musical
Book from £28.25: Wicked
Wicked is an award-winning musical that tells the surprising untold story of the wicked witch from The Wizard of Oz.
The catchy, uplifting songs will have young ones humming along. But the special effects are the biggest surprise, with life-size props adding to the drama.
Event details
Dates: Till 30 May 2027
Ages: 7 years+
Where: Apollo Victoria Theatre, W1D
Prices: From £28.25
MAMMA MIA!
Book from £18: Mamma Mia
Mamma Mia! is a feel-good tale that follows the story of a bride-to-be looking for her real father on an idyllic Greek island.
We love the upbeat, iconic ABBA songs, and the heartwarming story about love and family. However, be mindful that the cast makes some revealing body gestures during the show. So it might not be suitable for younger children.
Event details
Dates: Till 26 Sep 2026
Ages: 5 years+
Where: Novello Theatre, WC2B
Prices: Tickets from £18
Back to the Future the Musical
Book from £23: Back to the Future
Back to the Future the Musical is an adaptation of the 1985 sci-fi classic of the same name.
Follow Marty and Doc Brown as they travel through time to correct the course of history and save the McFly family. The fast-paced, emotional acting brings the audience to the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Note that younger viewers may not appreciate the humour. This one is more likely to appeal to tweens and teens.
Event details
Dates: Till 12 Apr 2026
Ages: 6 years+
Where: Adelphi Theatre, WC2R
Prices: Tickets from £23
SIX
Book from £40: SIX
This vibrant and upbeat musical isn’t your usual period drama.
Set in the context of a pop concert, Henry VIII’s wives come together to share their unique stories and personalities. The goal? To secure the position of leader in their girl group.
Event details
Dates: Till 31 Jan 2027
Ages: 10 years+
Where: Vaudeville Theatre, WC2R
Prices: Tickets from £40
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Book from £22: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Showstopper the Improvised Musical is a great one for older kids. It’s a comedy show that uses cues from the audience to create a totally unique performance.
The story centres on a musical writer working to a tight deadline, who is in dire need of an imaginative audience. From your suggestions for setting, musical styles, and title, the talented performers create a hilarious tale with show-stopping dance numbers.
If you and your family love musicals, Showstopper the Improvised Musical is a great chance to see numbers from your favourite shows reimagined on stage – whether that’s Les Mis, Chicago or The Wizard of Oz!
Event details
Dates: Mon 30 Mar + 20 Apr
Ages: 12 years+
Where: Cambridge Theatre, WC2
Prices: Tickets from £22
Starlight Express
Book from £33: Starlight Express
Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Starlight Express is playing in the specially designed Starlight Auditorium.
It’s the perfect way to see this classic musical, where a child’s train set magically comes to life. As engines race to become the fastest in the world, can Rusty the steam train pull off a shock win?
Event details
Dates: Till 3 May 2026
Ages: 3 years+
Where: Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, HA9
Prices: Tickets from £33
Hamilton
Book from £24: Hamilton
Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, the immigrant who became one of America’s founding fathers. It does so through a blend of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway so electrifying that it earned a record-breaking 16 Tony award nominations.
This family-friendly production has huge energy, sharp writing and unforgettable songs. For kids aged 10 and up, it’s one of the most exciting shows in London’s West End.
Event details
Dates: Till 13 Mar 2027
Ages: 10 years+
Where: Victoria Palace Theatre, SW1E
Prices: Tickets from £24
Oliver!
Book from £24: Oliver!
Oliver! Is a retelling of Dickens’ classic story, with a sensational score and memorable characters like Oliver, Fagin and the Artful Dodger.
It is a brilliant choice for a family musical, packed with famous songs, strong performances and plenty of spectacle.
Event details
Dates: Till 14 Mar 2027
Ages: 6 years+
Where: Gielgud Theatre, W1D
Prices: Tickets from £24
Midnight in the Toyshop
Book from £17.50: Midnight in the Toyshop
Midnight in the Toyshop is a magical family musical in which the toys in a toyshop spring to life and go on an adventure to save their home. With catchy songs, lively dancing and a warm message about friendship and imagination, it looks like a joyful Easter holiday theatre treat for younger children.
Event details
Dates: 7 Apr – 12 Apr 2026
Ages: 3 years+
Where: St Martin’s Theatre, WC2H
Prices: Tickets from £17.50
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Book from £30: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is an uplifting new musical suitable for families with young kids aged six and above. It’s based on the true story of William Kamkwamba, a boy in Malawi who tries to save his village by building a windmill.
Promising heart, hope and inspiration, this powerful story of resilience should really move audiences.
Event details
Dates: Till 18 Jul 2026
Ages: 6 years+
Where: @sohoplace, W1D
Prices: Tickets from £30
The Karate Kid The Musical
Book from £15: The Karate Kid The Musical
The Karate Kid The Musical brings the beloved 1984 film to the stage. It follows Daniel LaRusso’s journey as he learns balance, discipline and self-belief from Mr Miyagi.
With dynamic choreography, a familiar story and plenty of nostalgic appeal, it should be a fun, crowd-pleasing choice for families and musical theatre fans alike.
Event details
Dates: 28 Apr – 9 May 2026
Ages: 6 years+
Where: New Wimbledon Theatre, SW19
Prices: Tickets from £15
Which West End musical for kids to choose
London’s West End is a theatre district full of magic.
Whether your child is mesmerised by the vibrant spectacle of The Lion King, or sings along to the ABBA tunes of Mamma Mia, you’re sure to have a captivating experience at a London musical!