With half term coming up and the summer holidays just around the corner, you'll probably be looking for some summer holiday activities to entertain your little ones. If you have pre-schoolers, you might have discounted the theatre as an option, but don't! Theatre is one of the most magical ways to introduce your little one to storytelling and a great day out for all the family. The fantastic acting, bright lights and musical numbers, not to mention some wonderful puppet theatre toys, of toddler theatre shows will light a spark in children's imaginations. Additionally, you might want to consider a spring day out for babies and toddlers, exploring nature trails and gardens as the weather gets warmer.
You may be thinking, 'How will I be able to get my tot to sit through the whole theatre performance?' While we don't quite think they will wrap their little heads around Shakespeare, there are lots of brilliant shows that have little ones in mind, just like baby-friendly cinemas you may have visited.
To help you choose the theatre shows that might be suitable for toddlers, we've rounded up the very best theatre shows for kids in London and around the UK, like the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival in the coming months. From puppetry to song and dance, these shows are fun for all the family!
The best kids theatre shows at a glance:
• Best theatre show for young children: There's a Monster in your Show
• Best for TV show characters: Bluey's Big Play
•Best classic children's book theatre: The Tiger who came to Tea
•Best kids theatre show for ice skating: Disney on Ice
Many of the theatre shows we have included will be instantly recognisable to your child. From beloved TV characters like Bluey 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 in front of their eyes.
Kids Theatre Week 2024
If you're thinking of heading to the theatre with kids in summer 2024, you might want to add the 11th June to your diary. This is when booking opens for Kids Week. Kids Week actually runs from 24th July - 6th September and children can get a free theatre ticket for participating shows when accompanied by a full paying adult. So whether you're looking for toddler theatre shows or kids theatre shows, it's worth keeping an eye on Kids Week.
The best theatre shows for kids of 2024
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 heartwarming joy and quirky storyline of the original to the stage. It's showing at London's Riverside Studios from 14th July- 1st September but is also on tour in theatres around the UK from October 2024 - 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 and 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!"
Best for TV show characters
events.bluey.tvwww.ticketmaster.co.uk
The heeler pups are on tour, and they might be coming to a town near you soon! This worldwide tour is running throughout 2024 and is travelling across the UK, US, Canada, Asia & Europe. This fun-filled show takes all the bits you love from the show and puts them on the stage with the help of brilliant puppets, world-class puppeteers and new music composed exclusively by Bluey's composer, Joff Bush.
No spoilers, but expect to see Dad wanting a little Sunday afternoon downtime, while Bluey and Bingo have other ideas!
Bluey's Big Play is suitable for all ages and runs for 50 minutes with no interval, so hopefully your little ones will be wriggle-free and have their attentions captured by the larger than life puppets and hilarious storyline. There's even a spot of audience participation after the show, with games of “Keepy Uppy” with balls filled with air or bubbles!
Best musical for older kids
Ticketmasterwww.ticketmaster.co.uk
Now, we didn't want toddlers to have all the fun, so this is one for slightly older children - six years and over is the recommended age for Frozen. The beloved Disney film has been taking centre stage in a theatrical performance in London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane since 2021, but if you haven't seen it yet, you need to be quick. The curtain is coming down for good on 8 September 2024.
Our Digital Writer, Rebecca, saw this with her daughter and was "moved to tears by the sheer magic of the set, the staging and the whole performance." But that's not surprising when you consider that the performance has an incredible 154 costumes, including the showstopping ice dress which sparkles with 10,000 crystals. Drury Lane is transformed into a winter wonderland, with a vast ice bridge and a palace set with over 50,000 crystals - it's a magical, awe-inspiring sight for children and adults alike.
Frozen isn't just loved by kids (and their parents!), it's also won seven WhatsOnStage Awards – the most of any production – and been nominated for four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. Your little prince or princess will melt at the sight of Anna, Elsa and Olaf. And we all know that some things are worth melting for.
Best open air theatre for kids
Ticketmasterwww.londontheatredirect.com
This musical version of the Roald Dahl classic is being performed at the Regents Park Open Air theatre from 17th May - 8th June and features a collection of colourful, mischievous puppets. While it's recommended for children over 4 years old, younger children are allowed (under twos are free).
As the Enormous Crocodile weaves his way through the jungle in search of 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's plenty of familiar characters that children will love. With showings at 10.45 and 1.15pm, there are child-friendly timings to fit around naps!
Bear in mind that this is an open air theatre, so come prepared for the weather, whether that's hats and sun cream or waterproofs!
Best kids theatre show for puppetry
dinosaurworldlive.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 come face to face with the dinosaur cast.
Dinosaur World Live was an Olivier Award winner for Best Family Show 2024, so grab your tickets now before it sells out. It's touring the UK from August 2024 to February 2025 so check out the tour dates and see if it's heading to a city to town near you soon!
The running time is 50 minutes, followed by a 15 minute meet and greet. It's recommended for children 3+ but all ages are welcome.
Best kids theatre show for ice skating
Disney on Icewww.ticketmaster.co.uk
Disney's skating stars are back with a new storyline that's as dazzling and dramatic as previous tours. Featuring famous faces from Moana, Frozen, The Lion King, Toy Story and Aladdin, Mickey heads off on an exciting adventure that will take them on a crazy road trip to favourite Disney destinations including the rooftops of London, the sun-drenched shores of Motunui, and a colourful carnival with Woody and Forky.
Disney on Ice is fun for all the family, and while toddlers not follow the full storyline, the colours, characters and songs are likely to keep them entertained for the show which lasts around 1.5 hours- 2 hours with an interval.
Disney on Ice will be touring the UK from October 2024 -January 2025 and tickets go on sale from 24th May.
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.
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 bigger chance they will enjoy it.
Arrive early - There's nothing worse than rushing around and getting flusters. 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 - It can be tempting to try and beat the crowd. No one wants to stand in a long line to leave. However, many of the shows listed will have lots of 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.
Hannah Carroll is a Senior Parenting, Lifestyle and Home Product 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.