Discover the best toddler theatre shows that are perfect for keeping little ones entertained. For many parents of preschoolers, the theatre might have been overlooked, but it’s one of the most magical ways to introduce your child to storytelling and enjoy a fun family day out. The fantastic acting, dazzling lights, and catchy musical numbers will ignite your child's imagination. Whether you are looking for something to fill a Sunday morning or an activity to break up the mundane school holidays, here is our selection of the best toddler theatre shows that are scheduled this year.
You may be worrying, 'How will I be able to get my tot to sit through the whole theatre performance?' While we don't think they will wrap their little heads around Shakespeare, there are many brilliant shows with little ones in mind, just like baby-friendly cinemas you may have visited.
The best kids theatre shows at a glance:
To help you choose the theatre shows that might be best for toddlers, we've rounded up the most child-friendly shows in London and around the UK.
Many of the theatre shows we have included will be instantly recognisable to your child. From beloved TV characters like Bing to well-known bedtime stories like The Tiger Who Came to Tea, watch your child's face light up as they see their favourite stories and characters come to life right before their eyes.
The best theatre shows for kids of 2025
19 March - 2 August
Best toddler theatre show in 2025 overall
Mark Seniorwww.atgtickets.com
This interactive and heartwarming show brings Bing’s world to life with beautiful puppetry, original music, and catchy songs. It is the perfect first theatre experience for little ones.
It’s time to celebrate. Bing is having a birthday! Join Bing and his friends Sula, Pando, Coco, Amma, and, of course, Flop in Bing’s Birthday, a brand-new live theatre show designed especially for toddlers and their families.
Full of fun, surprises, and a few little hiccups along the way, Bing’s big day doesn’t always go to plan. But with the help of Flop and his friends, he learns that even unexpected moments can make a birthday extra special!
The theatre...It's A Bing Thing.
More tickets are available on the Bing Live website.
Age Recommendation: 2 and over
October 2025 - March 2026
Best interactive toddler theatre show
Justin Live Tourwww.ticketmaster.co.uk
Get ready to sing, dance, and rock out with Justin’s Band! Justin and his friends are forming a brand-new band, but with so many great songs to choose from, they need your help to decide which tunes to play.
Created and performed by Justin himself, this high-energy, interactive show is bursting with music, laughter, and plenty of silly fun. Packed with catchy songs, hilarious moments, and lots of chances for little ones to join in, Justin’s Band is the ultimate feel-good theatre experience for toddlers and their grown-ups.
Age Recommendation: 2 and over
July 2025 - September 2025
Best Olivier Award-nominated toddler theatre show
Theatre Royal Haymarketwww.londontheatredirect.com
The Tiger Who Came to Tea is back in London for the summer, bringing Judith Kerr’s beloved story to life on stage at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Join Sophie and her mummy as they welcome an unexpected (and very hungry) guest, a big, stripy tiger who’s ready to munch his way through teatime. Packed with magic, sing-along songs, and plenty of fun, this Olivier Award-nominated show is the perfect introduction to theatre for little ones.
With tickets always in high demand, don’t miss your chance to enjoy this delightful family favourite. Book now and maybe stock up on some extra snacks, just in case!
Age Recommendation: 3 and over
August 2025-September 2025
Best toddler musical
Ticketmasterwww.londontheatredirect.com
This musical version of the Roald Dahl classic will be performed at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre from 17 May to 8 June. It features a collection of colourful, mischievous puppets. While it's recommended for children over 4 years old, younger children are allowed (under two are free).
As the Enormous Crocodile weaves his way through the jungle for lunch, he's met by a crew of playful creatures with tricks up their sleeves to stop him! From Muggle Wump the Monkey to the Roly-poly bird, there are plenty of familiar characters that children will love. With showings at 10.45 and 1.15 pm, there are child-friendly timings to fit around naps!
Remember that this is an open-air theatre, so come prepared for the weather, whether that's hats, sun cream, or waterproofs!
Age Recommendation: 3 and over
Best toddler theatre show in Blackpool
In The Night Garden co.uk
Step into the magical world of In the Night Garden Live, where Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka, and friends come to life in an amazing theatrical experience designed especially for toddlers. In production, Igglepiggle’s Busy Day, little ones will follow Igglepiggle as he searches for his friends, guided by their playful sounds until he finds them all.
With full-size costumes, enchanting puppetry, and the show’s beloved music, this immersive performance captivates young audiences from start to finish. And for an extra touch of magic, the world’s only real-life flying Pinky Ponk soars above the crowd, an unforgettable moment for little fans.
This production is now in its 16th year, and In the Night Garden Live remains one of the UK’s most cherished theatre experiences for young children.
More tickets available on The Night Garden Live
Age Recommendation: 2 and over
6.
Stick Man
December 2025 - January 2026
Best toddler theatre show for Christmas
Stick Man Livewww.seetickets.com
Stick Man is back on stage, bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story to life in a joyful, action-packed production perfect for toddlers and their families.
One moment, he’s out for a jog; the next, he’s being chased by a playful pup, mistaken for a nest by a swan, and even tossed onto a fire! With so many unexpected twists, will Stick Man ever find his way back home to the family tree?
Bursting with energy, music, puppetry, and fun, this award-winning adaptation by Freckle Productions (Zog, Zog and the Flying Doctors) is a wonderful first theatre experience.
Full of laughter, adventure, and a touch of magic, it’s a treat the whole family will love just in time for Christmas, making this our favourite theatre show for the festive season.
Age Recommendation: 3 and over
March 2025-May 2025
Best theatre show for young children
There's a Monster in your Showwww.monsterinyourshow.com
Tom Fletcher's brilliant children's book has been reimagined as a musical by the man himself, bringing the original's heartwarming joy and quirky storyline to the stage. It's on tour in theatres around the UK until May 2025, so check out the schedule to see if it's coming to a town near you.
No spoilers, but the musical centres on a group of performers who are preparing to start the show, but a Little Monster wants to be part of the fun, too! Expect comedy, chaos, and a charming reminder of the importance of reading and friendship.
At just 50 minutes of high-energy performance, with lively original music, There's a Monster in Your Show is perfect for smaller tots and is recommended for children 2+.
Our Digital Writer, Rebecca, saw the show with her daughter, and it comes highly recommended by both. "You can expect 50 minutes of high-energy performance, audience participation, colour, infectiously catchy songs, and plenty of laughs. I can honestly say that I’ve never enjoyed a kids’ show as much as There’s a Monster in Your Show, and as the theatre-loving parent of two children aged 7 and 10, I’ve been to my fair share!"
Age Recommendation: 2 and over
8.
Kidz Bop
October 2025 - November 2025
Best performance for toddlers who love music
Kidz Bop While Kidz Bop Live isn’t technically a theatre show, it’s an unmissable live experience that’s just as exciting and engaging for children three plus. This high-energy concert brings the popular Kidz Bop crew to the stage, performing family-friendly versions of today’s biggest chart hits with plenty of dancing, singing, and interactive fun.
With dazzling choreography, vibrant visuals, and an electric atmosphere, this is the perfect first concert experience for little ones. The show encourages audience participation, so expect plenty of clapping, dancing, and singing along to all their favourite songs.
If your toddler loves music and moving to the beat, this lively performance is a fantastic alternative to traditional theatre shows!
Age Recommendation: 3 and over
April 2025 - July 2025
Best brand-new toddler theatre show
Mark Seniortallstories.org.uk
Get ready for a colourful, fun-filled journey into the jungle with The Elmer Adventure! Brought to life by the multi-Olivier Award-nominated Tall Stories (who have brought The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom to the stage), this brand-new World Premiere show brings three classic Elmer stories to the stage in a magical theatrical experience for children aged 3 and up.
Join three friends on a quest to find the legendary patchwork elephant as they journey deep into the jungle, sharing their love for Elmer and celebrating Elmer Day along the way. Featuring Tall Stories’ signature storytelling, puppetry, music, and plenty of playfulness, this heartwarming adventure explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and embracing what makes us unique, just like Elmer himself!
The show encourages little ones to get involved and invites audiences to come dressed in their brightest, most colourful outfits. As Tall Stories’ Director Toby Mitchell says, “Elmer is such a wonderful character that so many people love. He’s full of fun, but underneath, he is always thinking of others around him. We wanted to capture the magical spirit of Elmer through Tall Stories’ unique design and audience interactions.”
With Elmer's books selling over 10 million copies in more than 60 languages, this much-loved character has inspired generations, and now families can experience his world live on stage.
Age Recommendation: 3 and over
April 2025
Best kids theatre show for puppetry
Dinosaur World Livedinosaurworldlive.com
Got a dinosaur-mad tot on your hands? Then this roarsome show is a must-see. Grab your compass and join an intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a prehistoric world of astonishing dinosaurs, from Tyrannosaurus Rex to Stegosaurus. This interactive show also features a meet-and-greet afterwards so children can meet the dinosaur cast.
Dinosaur World Live was an Olivier Award winner for Best Family Show 2024, so grab your tickets now before they sell out. It's touring the UK from August 2024 to February 2025, so check out the tour dates and see if it's heading from city to town near you soon!
The running time is 50 minutes, followed by a 15-minute meet and greet.
Age Recommendation: 3 and over
11.
The Paper Dolls
10 May–20 July
Best short toddler theatre show
Little Angel Theatrewww.littleangeltheatre.com
Step into a world of imagination with The Paper Dolls, a charming stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb’s beloved book.
Perfect for toddlers and their grown-ups, this enchanting show brings to life the story of a little girl and her handmade paper dolls: Ticky, Tacky, Jackie the Backie, Jim with two noses, and Jo with the bow, as they embark on a whirlwind adventure through her home and garden.
From escaping a toy dinosaur’s Jurassic clutches to dodging the snapping jaws of an oven-glove crocodile, the dolls dance, fly, and twirl through a world of wonder.
With gentle storytelling, beautiful puppetry, and a sprinkle of magic, The Paper Dolls is a heartwarming tale about childhood, memory, and the power of imagination, perfect for little theatre-goers and their families.
Age Recommendation: 3 and over
What age can my child go to the theatre?
Every show is different and will have its own restrictions, so make sure you check with the venue before you buy tickets. In general, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult (aged 16+) and some shows, for instance, Frozen, won't admit children under 4 years old. Some are open to all, and some will have more relaxed showings for children with additional needs who might need a more relaxed experience.
Our top tips for taking children to the theatre
Choose a show your child will love - Pick a show your child will enjoy. No one is more obvious than an uninterested child. They are likely to make it known that they want to leave.
Make sure it is age-appropriate - Choosing a child-friendly show is key, as kids have a shorter attention span. Children's theatre shows are likely to be shorter and have lots more engaging elements.
Snacks and drinks - We are firm believers that kids snacks solve most problems. A hungry child is not a happy child. Drinks are also essential but remember, what goes in must come out.
Preparation**:** Explain to your child where you are going and what you will be doing before the main event. Talk about the characters and who you are hoping to see. The more excited they are, the better their chances of enjoying it.
Arrive early - There's nothing worse than rushing around and getting flustered. Ensure you arrive early so that you can locate your seats and get comfortable with plenty of time before the show starts.
Grab a booster seat - Many theatres provide booster seats you can get on the way in so your little one can sit higher and hopefully get a better view of the stage.
**Don't rush home—**Trying to beat the crowd can be tempting. No one wants to stand in a long line to leave. However, many of the shows listed will have many families in attendance. So try to chill in your seat after the show or head to a nearby location to avoid getting stuck in loud, overcrowded areas.
How to get cheap kids' theatre tickets
Treat your family to unforgettable shows this summer without stretching your budget in Kids Theatre Week. Every year, for one week in summer, children aged 17 and under get free entry to any participating performance when they come along with an adult ticket. Plus, you can snag up to two extra children’s tickets at half price, with no booking fees involved. This is a great way to delight your little ones and keep your wallet happy. Be sure to bookmark this page, as we will bring you more details about Kids Week 2025 as soon as they become available.
Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.