There’s something magical about introducing a child to their very first show. The wonder in their eyes as the curtain rises for the first time is irreplaceable. For parents or grandparents, bringing a child to the theatre is more than just a moment for shared entertainment; it’s a chance to pass along a lifelong love of storytelling, music, and live performance. And with so many family-friendly productions playing in New York right now, this summer offers a golden opportunity to create unforgettable shared moments.
Whether your little one is just learning to clap in rhythm, or already dissecting song lyrics and set design, the right show can open a door to imagination and connection. From Off-Broadway surprises to beloved Disney musicals and Tony-winning hits, these five picks cover every age for the apple of your eye.
Make a date for a matinee, plan for ice cream afterward, keep the Playbill souvenir, and let this summer be the one where you passed on the magic of the stage.
Gazillion Bubble Show
Recommended for ages 2–5
Where: Off-Broadway, New World Stages
For those little ones too young to sit through a full-length Broadway musical but curious enough to be captivated by color, motion, and light, The Gazillion Bubble Show is the perfect theatrical introduction. This long-running off-Broadway hit delivers exactly what its name promises: a dazzling hour of bubble artistry that transforms ordinary soap into something utterly spectacular. Giant bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, bubble sculptures, the list of variations is endless as the shows bubble artisans craft an interactive spectacle that keeps toddlers wide-eyed and wiggling in their seats.
There’s no plot to follow and no characters to remember, just pure joy. And for parents, there’s something especially heartwarming about watching your child experience theatre for the first time with no expectations or agenda. Short, sweet, and low-stress, The Gazillion Bubble Show sets the stage for a lifelong love of live performance in the gentlest, most enchanting way possible.
The Play That Goes Wrong
Recommended for ages 6–9
Where: Off-Broadway, New World Stages
As children begin to develop their sense of humor (and their understanding that things don’t always go as planned) The Play That Goes Wrong becomes a riotous hit. This clever physical comedy tells the story of a well-meaning community theatre troupe attempting to put on a murder mystery. But everything, and we do mean everything, goes spectacularly awry: collapsing sets, misdelivered lines, vanishing props, and actors caught in physical gags worthy of a Buster Keaton film.
For younger audiences, it’s a masterclass in slapstick and timing, while adults will appreciate the theatrical in-jokes and expert choreography of chaos. Sharing this kind of hearty, helpless laughter bridges generations in a way few things can. If your little one gets their belly laughs from YouTube fall compilations, this show is sure to up the ante!
Aladdin
Recommended for ages 7–12
Where: Broadway, New Amsterdam Theatre
A flying carpet, a wisecracking Genie, and a magic lamp that changes everything—Disney’s Aladdin remains one of Broadway’s most visually dazzling and musically vibrant productions. For children familiar with the animated classic, the stage version is a thrilling expansion of a story they already love, full of show-stopping numbers and new characters that deepen the tale. For parents, it’s a nostalgic return to a film they likely watched on VHS (and maybe rewound a thousand times).
From the infectious energy of “Friend Like Me” to the sweeping romance of “A Whole New World,” Aladdin strikes the perfect balance between spectacle and sentiment. It’s also an ideal introduction to the traditional Broadway style, with lush sets, big ensemble numbers, and timeless themes of courage, integrity, and love. Best of all, it invites the whole family to experience a familiar story in an entirely new way—together, and in real time.
The Lion King
Recommended for ages 8–14
Where: Broadway, Minskoff Theatre
Even after more than 25 years on Broadway, The Lion King remains one of the most breathtaking shows in town. Julie Taymor’s visionary production, which transforms the animals of the African savanna into towering puppets and intricately costumed performers, continues to inspire awe in audiences of all ages. But it’s not just the visuals that make this show enduring—it’s the emotional depth of the story, and the universal themes of loss, identity, and the journey into adulthood.
For kids, The Lion King offers excitement and empowerment. For adults, it’s a deeply moving reminder of the cyclical nature of life—and the power of good parenting. When experienced together, the show becomes more than a performance: it’s a shared reflection on what it means to grow up, to let go, and to move on. Few productions make such a lasting impression, and even fewer invite so many conversations between generations after the final bows.
The Outsiders
Recommended for ages 13+
Where: Broadway, Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
For teens ready to explore more mature themes and more complex storytelling, The Outsiders delivers a powerful punch. Based on S.E. Hinton’s iconic novel, the winner of the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical is a raw and poetic adaptation exploring class conflict, chosen family, and yearning to belong. With an emotionally charged score and inventive choreography, it pulls audiences directly into the world of the Greasers and the Socs, asking urgent questions about identity, loyalty, and what it means to stay true to yourself.
Chances are, your kid will be reading the novel in school (probably at the same age you first read the book)—which makes this outing both educational and emotional! Sharing The Outsiders with a teenager is a chance not just to experience great theatre, but to open the door to meaningful conversation. The show resonates deeply with adolescents who are navigating their own transitions and trying to make sense of the world. And for parents or grandparents, it offers an opportunity to listen, reflect, and connect through a story that has now spanned multiple generations.
Interested in a trip to New York City or London? Use Playbill's Booking Engine to find the right hotel for your stay. Powered by Travelwits, the booking engine allows you to discover the best hotels in both cities, with added benefits like hotel credits, free breakfasts, rewards points, and more. Check out the fantastic hotels available to book, and make your experience that much more enjoyable!
