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 of toddler theatre shows will light a spark in children's imaginations.
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. That's why we've rounded up the very best theatre shows for kids in the coming months.
The best kids theatre shows at a glance:
•Best for TV show characters: Bluey's Big Play
•Best musical for kids: Disney Frozen
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 Winnie the Pooh, watch your child's face light up as they see their favourite stories and characters come to life right in front of their eyes.
The best theatre shows for kids of 2024
Best for TV show characters
events.bluey.tvwww.ticketmaster.co.uk
Description
Bluey's going on a worldwide tour, and he's trying to get Dad to join in with Sunday fun and games, with the help of Bingo, of course. You can catch Bluey's Big Play in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, USA or Abu Dhabi - how exciting!
Best musical for kids
Ticketmasterwww.ticketmaster.co.uk
Description
The beloved Disney film Frozen has been taking centre stage in a theatrical performance in London's West End since 2021. Your little prince or prince will melt at the sight of Anna, Elsa and Olaf. And, we all know that some things are worth melting for.
Best for Disney fans
Disneywww.ticketmaster.co.uk
Description
Moana, Mickey and The Little Mermaid on stage? Yes, please! If your family are fans of Disney, this promises to be a magical show. Watch all of your favourite characters take the stage to perform breathtaking routines on ice.
Best for the circus
Ticketmasterwww.ticketmaster.co.uk
Description
Witness amazing acrobatics and non-stop movement in this magical insect-based circus show. It features trampolining crickets and a spider moving in her web.
Best for puppetry
dinosaurworldlive.com
Description
Got a dinosaur-mad tot on your hands? Then this roarsome interactive show is a must-see. Grab your compass and join an intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing dinosaurs from the Tyrannosaurus Rex to the Segnosaurus! Recommended for children 3+ but all ages are welcome.
What age can my child go to the theatre?
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult (aged 16+). Each venue will have its own rules and regulations, so please ensure you check prior to purchasing tickets.
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.
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.