BROADWAY/OFF-BROADWAY
All ages can take advantage of living in the greatest theater city in the world with our tips for family-friendly Broadway/Off-Broadway. Age ranges are very subjective; each kid is unique. Click through the show title to see details on language/sexual content/violence etc plus tips on saving on tix. Also see tips on seat selection, bathrooms and more.
Younger kids (or anyone looking for a deal) can start with Off-Broadway shows (shows are categorized by the theater's size, not location). See our list of all family shows and kid-friendly concerts for interactive/relaxed shows for squirmier theater goers (some of them free).
Save with our thorough guide to ticket discounts. Buy at the box office if you can to save on hefty online service fees (plus get personal advice on seats). Prices vary by date & time - weeknight tickets are usually cheapest.
⭐️ Subscribe to our email list and/or follow us on Instagram to be notified of promotions including the bi-annual 2-for-1 Broadway Weeks (February & September), Kids Night on Broadway (March 21) and $20 Off-Broadway tickets (March 20-April 9).
BROADWAY
Aladdin
214 W 42nd St
⏱ 2 hours 30 minutes
🎟 $57.50-$199.50, lottery available
* Ages 4+, lots of flash & no one dies
Hear all the classic songs from the 1992 animated film plus new ones that deepen the main character's stories. Abu has been replaced by a trio of goofy friends who provide comic relief as they try to assist Aladdin. Lots of spectacular costumes, sets and production numbers with great dancing, plus hilarious riffing from Genie. A great first Broadway shows for kids.
The Lion King
200 W 45th St
⏱ 2 hours 30 minutes
🎟 $109-$252, lottery available
* Ages 6+, it's a bit scary & sad
Puppets and live actors create a magical world to tell the story of Simba's rise to the throne in this worldwide sensation and winner of six Tony Awards. Based on the beloved 1994 movie, but very much a new re-imagining based on South African traditions with new songs, gorgeous African-inspired dancing, spectacular larger-than-life puppets and ingenious special effects.
& JULIET
200 W 45th St
⏱ 2 hours 30 minutes
🎟 $89-$338, rush available
* Ages 6+, some swearing, mature themes
This pop, feminist take on Shakespeare reimagines Juliet's story with humor and hip choreo. Songs from the ‘90s through today - including hits from Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Katy Perry and The Weeknd - are woven into the clever story as Shakespeare and his wife battle over the heroine's fate.
Wicked
222 W 51st St
⏱ 2 hours 45 minutes
🎟 $105-$232, lottery available
* Ages 7+, spectacular but can be scary with a complex plot
This mega-hit musical take on The Wizard of Oz tells the backstory of the the misunderstood, green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West and bubbly, popular Glinda. Their initial rivalry turns in an unlikely friendship as they discover that the labels good and evil can be misused. Memorable pop-sounding songs, a large cast in spectacular costumes and extravagant sets entertain all ages.
SIX
256 W 47th Street
⏱ 80 minutes with no intermission
🎟 $99-$399, lottery available
* Ages 7+, short & energetic but some innuendo
From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power. More like a rock concert than a traditional musical, with each of the wives singing her story in the style of pop stars like Beyonce and Ariana Grande. A short running time and relaxed atmosphere make it a great show for kids who can handle lots of noise and somewhat racy history.
PETER PAN GOES WRONG
256 W 47th Street
* March 17-July 9
⏱ 2 hours 5 minutes with one intermission
🎟 $99-$399
* Ages 8+, loud slapstick mayhem
The team behind Off-Broadway's The Play That Goes Wrong brings their trademark comic mayhem to the J.M. Barrie classic. Hapless members of The Cornley Drama Society battle against technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes on their way to Neverland with hilarious and disastrous results.
MJ
250 W 52nd St
⏱ 2 hours 30 minutes
🎟 $59-$250, lottery available
* Ages 8+, child abuse & creepy monsters
Centered around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, this flashy musical celebrates Michael Jackson's singular moves and signature sound. The plot is not much and avoids exploring problematic aspects of Jackson's life, but the lead actor Myles Frost's stellar performance and electrifying choreography dazzle, plus the songs are so good.
Phantom of the Opera
245 W 44th St
* Closing April 16
⏱ 2 hours 30 minutes
🎟 $38-$268, lottery available
* Ages 8+, gothic scares
Catch the longest-running show in Broadway history before it closes in April. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s gothic mega-musical based on Gaston Leroux’s horror novel tells the story of the disfigured Phantom, who haunts the stage of the Paris Opera, obsessed (in a creepy way) with a beautiful young soprano. Elaborate sets & costumes, thrilling spectacle and an unforgettable musical score - memorable and spooky.
BAD CINDERELLA
249 West 45th Street
⏱ 2 hours 30 minutes
🎟 $39-$318, lottery & rush available
* Ages 9+, innuendo & sexy vibes
A campy, confusing adaption of the classic fairy tale has spectacular sets and costumes, strong singing and dancing, and some fun updates - if you don't think too hard about the plot holes. Andrew Lloyd Webber's signature soaring score entertains, especially in scenes with the hilarious Stepmother and Queen Charming - if you don't listen too closely to the cliched lyrics.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
214 W 43rd St
⏱ 3 hours 45 minutes
🎟 $59-$199, lottery available
* Ages 9+, scary & super long
A sequel centered around Harry and Draco's teen sons is best for those who have read/watched the whole series to avoid confusion and spoilers. Expect exciting time travel, spectacular spells and epic battles with excellent acting, impressive puppetry, stunning theatrical special effects and a magical atmosphere. A special treat for Potterheads who can handle the violence in the series and listen quietly for almost 4 hours.
FUNNY GIRL
254 W 52nd St
⏱ 2 hours 40 minutes
🎟 $69-$219, lottery & rush available
* Ages 9+, long with adult themes
See a classic musical comedy starring (after some off-stage drama) Glee's Lea Michele as the indomitable Fanny Brice, an early 1900s girl from the Lower East Side who dreams of being a Ziegfeld star. Features iconic songs like “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People" and an excellent supporting cast with Ramin Karimloo, Tovah Feldshuh and tap sensation Jared Grimes.
Even with updates, the 1964 plot is dated, weak and episodic. Overall the show is dependent on the talent of the lead (originally Barbara Streisand) and Lea Michele pulls it off. Long-time understudy Julie Benko takes over every Thursday night with a star performance - and tickets are easier to get.
Hamilton
226 W 46th St
⏱ 2 hours 45 minutes
🎟 $159-$399, lottery available
* Ages 10+, profanity, deaths & adult situations
This Tony/Grammy/Pulitzer Prize winning hip-hop musical phenomenon lives up to the hype – and is a great way to get the young, scrappy and hungry excited about US history. See our tips and resources for learning more about the moment and movement.
We know some mega-fans under 10 years old; depends on the kid and the parent's comfort level
OFF BROADWAY
GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW
340 W 50th St
⏱ 1 hour
🎟 $59, discounts available
* All ages
Bubble lovers can get their fix at this long-running show that combines spectacular light and laser effects with masterful bubble artistry. Great first show for all ages with only 60 minute running time and casual atmosphere.
Wake Up, Daisy!
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
1 hour
Fri-Sun 11 am & 1 pm
$12, $8/ages 1.5-12 years
* All ages
Marionettes and music tells the story of a lively little girl living in the heart of New York City in an apartment overlooking Central Park in an update on Sleeping Beauty. Intimate seating is on benches in the historic, charming Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre.
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW
103 East 15th Street
50 minutes
$45-$110, lottery + discounts available
* All ages
Faithful adaptations of author/illustrator Eric Carle's Brown Bear, Brown Bear and The Very Hungry Caterpillar feature fantastical larger-than-life puppets and audience participation.
THE LITTLE MERMAID
115 MacDougal Street
*Closing April 9
75 minutes with no intermission
$42-$102, part of 20at20
* Ages 2+
See an intimate, interactive musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale (not the Disney version) with a live percussion ensemble playing original songs. Join free family art workshops with the cast and artistic team before some shows.
BLUE MAN GROUP
434 Lafayette Street
⏱ 1 hour 40 minutes with no intermission
🎟 $54.50-$102, see current discounts
* Ages 3+, strange & safe for all able to sit still
Three bizarre bald blue men make music with innovative instruments and interact with each other and the audience without words in a fusion of comedy, theater, rock concert and dance party. Hard to explain and thoroughly entertaining for all ages.
DOG MAN
340 W 50th St
* Closing April 30
1 hour 40 minutes with no intermission
$20-$116, see current discounts
* Ages 3+, fast-moving & fun, some cartoon violence
See a hilarious musical based on the worldwide bestselling series Dog Man from Dav Pilkey, adapted for the stage by acclaimed TheaterWorksUSA. A brilliant soundtrack (we love the Evil ABCs) and excellent cast tell the story of 5th graders George and Harold making a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and all hero.
FISH IN A TREE
410 West 42nd Street
* Closing April 9
1 hour
Sat-Sun 11 am & 2 pm
$17.50-$54.50, part of 20at20
* Ages 5+, some mature topics
Live video technology, dance, and music explore the journey of Ally, a smart girl with a big imagination and dyslexia.
Little Shop of Horrors
407 West 43rd Street
⏱ 2 hours
🎟 $69-$139, lottery available
* Ages 6+, violence is campy & comic
The world’s most ravenous plant sings retro rock in an award-winning Off-Broadway revival of the 1982 horror-sci-fi-musical comedy by Disney legends Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. A hapless resident of 1950s Skid Row discovers a fascinating, blood-thirty plant and figures out how to feed him. Featuring an all star cast of Broadway faves.
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
340 W 50th St
⏱ 2 hours
🎟 $79-99, lottery available
* Ages 7+, rambunctious slapstick comedy
In this hilarious hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes, the opening night of a murder mystery play-within-a-play quickly goes from bad to utterly disastrous. A silly play (not a musical) with slapstick, physical comedy.
TIPS
Make sure kids of any age are ready to sit quietly through the entire running time; let them know they can only ask questions/make comments quickly during applause. Be ready to leave if your kid is being disruptive. Perhaps bring a quiet snack to see them through (fruit snacks work well).
Aisle seats on the side orchestra are great for quick escapes, cheaper then center orchestras and provide a clear view to the stage for shorties. Mezzanines are also good for shorter bodies, though the front row sometimes has high bars in the way.
⭐️ Booster seats usually available first come-first served; ask an usher when you arrive.
Bathroom lines can get very long quickly, so run there as soon as Act I ends.
Masks and vaccinations recommended but not required for most shows.
PRESHOW READING
B Is for Broadway: Onstage and Backstage from A to Z
From AUDITIONS to ZIEGFELD, grab a ticket to this smash-hit, rhythmic alphabet book featuring favorite Broadway performers, creators, songs, and shows. Spot beloved stars and creators from today and yesterday, such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Patti LuPone, Ethel Merman, and Billy Porter, depicted in snappy text and vibrant illustration.
A portion of sale proceeds is donated to The Actors Fund.
Lulu the Broadway Mouse
Ratatouille meets Broadway in a charming middle grade novel about a little mouse with big dreams of starring on the Broadway stage (where she lives). A human girl in the cast of a show becomes Jayne's guide through the world of her theatre and its wonderfully kooky cast and crew as they try to make their starstruck dreams come true.
Better Nate Than Ever
In this hilarious and heartwarming behind-the-scenes chapter book for older kids (now a film on Disney+), a small-town boy hops a bus to New York City to crash an audition for E.T.: The Musical.
WHERE IS BROADWAY?
Learn about the development of the first New York theaters and the birth and evolution of the American musical in a lively and engaging chapter book (part of the popular Who is/Where is series). Get the inside story on favorite stars and shows (including Hamilton) and discover new favorites.