Quick Overview – Best Family Shows to Book in 2025
London’s West End and beyond are packed with productions that delight children, charm adults, and create memories long after the curtain falls. The 2025 line-up blends timeless favourites, touring hits, and a few exciting premieres.
Here’s a snapshot before we dive deeper:
| Show | Venue | Age Range | Running Dates | Good to Know |
| The Lion King | Lyceum Theatre | 5+ | Ongoing | Relaxed, captioned & signed performances available |
| Matilda the Musical | Cambridge Theatre | 6+ | Ongoing (UK tour Oct 2025–Jan 2027) | Midweek best for tickets |
| Frozen | Theatre Royal Drury Lane | 4+ | Ongoing | Relaxed performances offered |
| The Gruffalo’s Child | Garrick Theatre (tour stop) | 3–6 | Winter 2025 | Short & gentle option for little ones |
| Wicked | Apollo Victoria Theatre | 9+ | Ongoing | Great for tweens and teens |
| Shrek the Musical | Dominion Theatre (tour stop) | 5+ | Summer 2025 | Loud, silly, heartwarming |
| Back to the Future: The Musical | Adelphi Theatre | 8+ | Ongoing | 80s nostalgia + flying DeLorean |
| Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Palace Theatre | 10+ | Ongoing | Two-part epic adventure |
| Alice’s Adventures Underground | Labyrinth Waterloo | 11+ | Ongoing | Immersive, quirky, adventurous |
| Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show! | Theatre Royal Haymarket | 3–8 | 5 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 | Festive favourite; stroller rules apply |
| Paddington: The Musical | Savoy Theatre | 6+ | From 1 Nov 2025 | World premiere; runs through May 2026 |
| Kids Week (promotion) | Across participating venues | Under 18 | 21 Jul – 31 Aug 2025 | Kids go free with full-paying adult |
Families often use SeatPlan to get the best price tickets for West End shows, as well as to check seat views before booking.
1. The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre, ongoing
From the opening drumbeat of Circle of Life, jaws drop. Puppetry, costumes, and live music turn the stage into a breathing savannah.
Ages: 5+ (stampede scene may overwhelm little ones)
Tickets: Wide price range; matinees have more choice
Accessibility: Relaxed, captioned, and BSL performances available
Even kids who struggle to sit through a film often stay mesmerised. The giraffes striding down the aisles and the life-sized elephant get as many gasps from adults as children.
2. Matilda the Musical, Cambridge Theatre
Roald Dahl’s sharp humour shines, with Tim Minchin’s songs giving adults plenty to chuckle at while kids cheer for Matilda’s bravery.
Ages: 6+ (nearly 3 hours with interval)
Tickets: Midweek seats are easier; check sightlines in high balconies
Fun fact: Begins a new UK and Ireland tour in late 2025
Miss Trunchbull’s gym class number is a show-stealer. Kids roar with laughter, parents grin knowingly, and by the time the chalkboard moves on its own, the theatre is united in applause.
3. Frozen, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Elsa’s palace glitters on stage, with new songs and richer character depth making this more than a film retread.
Ages: 4+ (2h 30m runtime)
Tickets: Side circle often half-price with minimal angle loss
Accessibility: Relaxed performances available
The falling snow during Let It Go is pure stage magic. Some families even coordinate visits with the Christmas lights outside in Covent Garden.
4. The Gruffalo’s Child, Garrick Theatre, winter 2025
Running just under an hour, this Julia Donaldson favourite is a colourful, gentle starter show for little ones.
Ages: 3–6
Tickets: Usually under £20; half-term dates go quickly
Its playful storytelling style keeps children engaged. Parents often say it feels more like storytime with songs than serious theatre.
5. Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre
A soaring score, dazzling effects, and a tale of friendship make this Oz prequel a tween and teen favourite.
Ages: 9+ (dark themes, nearly 3 hours long)
Tickets: Midweek matinees cheaper
That first-act finale, Elphaba rising into the air belting Defying Gravity, still gives goosebumps. Teens love the message of finding your voice, while parents see layers of political satire.
6. Shrek the Musical, Dominion Theatre, summer 2025
Loud, silly, and heartwarming, this tour stop celebrates friendship and spoofs fairy tales.
Ages: 5+
Tickets: Family ticket bundles often available
Expect fart jokes, tap-dancing rats, and a fire-breathing dragon puppet. And yes, the dragon really breathes fire.
7. Back to the Future: The Musical, Adelphi Theatre
A flying DeLorean, 80s hits, and wild stagecraft keep kids and parents grinning.
Ages: 8+ (teens especially love it)
The car actually takes off, complete with smoke and flashing lights. Parents relive their youth while kids discover Marty and Doc for the first time.
8. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Palace Theatre
This two-part epic expands the Potter universe with jaw-dropping magic effects and a darker edge.
Ages: 10+ (long and intense)
Tickets: Premium pricing; parts may be booked separately
It is not a quick outing. Many families spread the two parts across two days, turning it into an event in itself.
9. Alice’s Adventures Underground, Labyrinth Waterloo
An immersive twist on Wonderland, best for older kids who enjoy quirky adventures.
Ages: 11+
Tickets: £35–£85
This is not your typical sit down and watch production. You wander tunnels, meet characters, and even choose your own path.
10. Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show!, Theatre Royal Haymarket
Interactive, short, and festive, perfect toddler intro to theatre.
Ages: 3–8
Dates: 5 Dec 2025 to 4 Jan 2026
Notes: Strollers must be collapsible and stored in cloakroom
Toddlers squeal with joy when Peppa waves directly at them. It is less about story and more about simple interaction, which is exactly what keeps little ones smiling.
11. Paddington: The Musical, Savoy Theatre, from 1 Nov 2025
A brand-new world premiere with original songs by Tom Fletcher, this is set to be a marmalade-filled hit.
Ages: 6+
Tickets: Runs into May 2026, book early for weekends
Paddington’s blend of humour and kindness is perfect for theatre. Expect silly mishaps, heartfelt songs, and a sticky sandwich or two.
12. Kids Week, West End Promotion, 21 Jul to 31 Aug 2025
Not a show but a must-know deal. One child goes free with a paying adult, plus two more at half price.
Booking: Tickets went on sale 10 June 2025 via Official London Theatre
Extras: Many shows offer workshops and behind-the-scenes fun
The workshops are worth noting. Kids might learn choreography, explore costumes, or handle props.
Why Family Shows Matter
For children, live theatre is unforgettable. Ask an adult about their first musical and they will often recall it decades later.
It is more than spectacle. Watching Matilda outwit adults or Paddington navigate London teaches resilience and kindness. Even very young children benefit. Sitting in an audience teaches patience, listening, and empathy.
And for parents, it is a rare moment of sharing something magical, away from screens. You laugh together, gasp together, and sometimes even cry together.
Choosing the Right Show
Ages 3 to 6: Peppa Pig, Gruffalo’s Child, Paddington
Ages 7 to 10: Frozen, Matilda, Shrek
Ages 11+: Wicked, Harry Potter, Alice
Relaxed shows like Frozen and The Lion King often include sensory-friendly options. Most West End theatres are wheelchair accessible, but book early as spaces are limited.
Got a mix of ages? One approach is to choose two outings: a shorter afternoon show for little ones, and a bigger evening production for older kids.
Booking Tips
- Buy early for school holidays
- Look for Kids Week in August
- Same-day lotteries at shows like Matilda and Wicked
- Matinees suit younger kids with calmer foyers and earlier finishes
SeatPlan and similar platforms offer best seats, perfect for families willing to be flexible. Box offices sometimes release day seats too, often at the lowest prices.
Avoid resale sites that are not official. Stick to box offices, reputable outlets, or TKTS in Leicester Square.
Practicalities for Families
Booster seats are usually available, sometimes free, sometimes with a small deposit.
Cloakrooms store large bags and strollers, though rules vary. It is best to travel light.
Toilets can be crowded at interval, so plan ahead. Parents with toddlers often slip out five minutes before the break.
Snacks are part of the fun. Theatre ice cream is iconic, though most venues do not allow outside food.
There is no dress code. Children are welcome in comfortable clothes, and plenty attend in jeans and trainers.
Family Dining Ideas Near Theatres
- Dishoom Covent Garden, naan rolls keep kids happy
- Homeslice Neal’s Yard, enormous pizzas to share
- Rainforest Café, rainforest noises and animal décor
- Pizza Pilgrims, Garrick Street, quick and close to many theatres
- Wahaca Covent Garden, tacos with speedy service
- Byron Burger, Leicester Square, reliable classics
- Franco Manca, Seven Dials, affordable sourdough pizzas
And do not forget treats. Venchi gelato in Covent Garden, churros in Leicester Square, or crepes on Charing Cross Road.
