Broadway with Kids: The Ultimate Parent's Guide to Shows, Tickets & Tips 2025

There’s a moment I’ll never forget: sitting in a darkened Broadway theater with my little ones, watching the curtain rise, and seeing their jaws drop at the spectacle unfolding in front of them. If you’re thinking about taking your kids to their first Broadway show, trust me — it’s one of those parenting experiences you’ll remember forever.

But let’s be honest: Broadway with kids can feel overwhelming. Which shows are actually kid-appropriate? How do you get tickets without paying a small fortune? And what if your child has special needs? Here’s everything I wish I’d known before I brought my little ones to the theater.

Which Broadway Shows Are Best for Kids?

If you're thinking about taking your kids on their first Broadway foray, the sweet spot is usually ages 6 and up — that’s when most kids can sit still long enough and really take it all in. Keep in mind though, not every show is intended for younger theatergoers (looking at you, Book of Mormon 👀).

Here are some family-tested favorites:

• The Lion King – Honestly, this is the Broadway starter show. The costumes, music, and puppetry? Pure magic that never gets old.
  Recommended age: 6+
• Aladdin – Perfect if your kids love a splashy, funny, song-filled adventure and are already familiar with Disney classic.
  Recommended age: 6+
• Wicked – A little more mature, but thanks to the wickedly talented Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, a whole new generation of fans has been born.
  Recommended age: 8+
• & Juliet – Imagine if Juliet didn’t take the tragic ending Shakespeare gave her, and instead got to rewrite her own story — all to the soundtrack of Max Martin’s biggest pop hits (think Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and Katy Perry). It’s upbeat, empowering, and just plain fun, with a strong girl-power twist that teens especially will love.
  Recommended age: 8+
• Maybe Happy Ending – For a quieter, sweeter change of pace, this one is a beautiful story about two retired helper robots who form an unlikely connection. The music is gorgeous (think gentle pop and soulful ballads) and it’s a truly heartfelt show about love, memory, and what it means to be alive. It’s incredibly moving without being heavy.
  Recommended age: 8+

• Six – Think of it as a pop concert that rewrites history. The six wives of Henry VIII take the mic and belt out their stories with music inspired by icons such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Avril Lavigne. It’s high-energy, funny, and impossible not to dance along with. There are a few cheeky lyrics that might spark questions you’d rather skip, but most of it flies right over younger kids’ heads. Recommended age: 10+
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Not a musical, but this sequel to the magical world of Hogwarts may be a nice foray into theater for any Potter-loving tween or teen. The stage effects will blow their minds. Recommended age: 10+
• Hamilton – With the full original cast performance streaming on Disney+, this is now the ultimate gateway musical for so many families. Yeah, the story is complex and it moves a mile a minute, but the hip-hop and R&B beats are so infectious that your kids will be rapping about the American Revolution before you know it. It’s a total phenomenon for a reason.
  Recommended age: 10+

How to See Broadway Without Blowing the Budget

Broadway tickets can be… a lot. But there are ways to make it affordable, especially if you're local and have flexibility:

• Lotteries – Your best shot at a crazy-good deal. Tons of shows run daily digital lotteries where you can snag up to two tickets for as low as $45. The best part? No more lining up outside the theater—you can enter from your phone on sites like Broadway Direct and Telecharge Lottery. For the ultimate steal, Hamilton has its own "Ham4Ham" app with a rolling lottery for a limited number of $10 tickets!
• Rush Tickets – Perfect if you’re feeling spontaneous. For same-day seats at a discount, just head to the box office when it opens. If you’d rather not leave it to chance (or the weather), some shows like & Juliet offer a digital rush on the TodayTix app. It’s basically a race for the fastest thumbs when tickets drop in the morning.

• TKTS Booth in Times Square – Not the most practical way to score discounted tickets when you have little ones in tow, but I would be remiss to not mention the old-school way to grab same-day tickets on the iconic red TKTS steps at up to 50% off.
• TDF Membership – If you qualify, this may be hands-down one of the best ways to see Broadway without draining your wallet. Tickets range from just $11–$60 (yes, really!), which can mean savings of up to 70% on shows — not just Broadway, but also dance and music performances. The best part? You can buy your tickets online in advance, sometimes even weeks ahead, so you’re not scrambling last minute. And every membership supports TDF’s amazing work in arts education and accessibility, so you’re giving back while saving big.

Who Can Join TDF?

Not everyone qualifies for a TDF membership, but lots of families do! Here’s who’s eligible:

• Students & Teachers – from elementary school through college, plus certain music, drama, and dance programs
• 30 and Under – because we all remember what it’s like trying to make ends meet as young adults in the city!
• Not-for-Profit Staff – you’re already giving back, here’s a way to be rewarded for your selflessness.
• Union Members – including government, health care, and arts unions
• Freelancers & Self-Employed – yes, you too!
• Members of the Armed Forces and Veterans
• Retirees & Seniors (62+)
• Clergy Members

If you fit into one of these categories, membership is only $42 a year — and it usually pays for itself after just one show. Apply today and start saving!

What About Kids with Special Needs?

One of the best things about Broadway right now is how much more inclusive it’s becoming. More and more theaters are making sure kids of all abilities can experience the magic of live performance. Here are a few ways Broadway is opening its doors wider:

• Sensory-Friendly Performances – Thanks to groups like TDF Autism Friendly Performances, some shows are specially adapted with lower sound levels, softer lighting, and a relaxed, judgment-free atmosphere. Kids are welcome to move, make noise, or take a break in designated quiet areas if they need to.
• Accessible Seating – Most Broadway theaters now offer wheelchair and companion seating, though the number of seats is limited. Always call ahead to make sure the accommodations your family needs are available.
• ASL-Interpreted and Open-Caption Performances – Many productions offer shows with sign language interpreters or captions projected near the stage, making it easier for anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing to follow along.
• Audio-Described Performances – For theatergoers who are blind or have low vision, specially trained describers narrate what’s happening on stage during pauses in dialogue — everything from costumes to choreography — so they don’t miss a moment.

If your child has special needs, you absolutely can share the Broadway experience — it just takes a little extra planning. Apply now for a TDF Accessibility Membership.

Final Tips for a Smooth Broadway Experience with Kids

• Pick a matinee – Evening shows can be tough on younger kids (and honestly, on us sleep-deprived parents too). Afternoon performances are usually a safer bet.
• Prep ahead – Listen to the soundtrack, watch clips, or catch the movie version if there is one. Knowing the music and story beforehand makes it so much easier for kids to follow along and stay engaged.
• Ask for a booster seat – Most Broadway theaters have free booster cushions for shorter audience members. Just ask an usher when you arrive — they’ll point you to where you can grab one. Boosters are first-come, first-served, but we've yet to have a problem with them running out.
• Plan for intermission snacks – Outside food isn’t allowed, but stepping out for a quick bite at intermission can work wonders. A well-timed snack = a much happier kid for Act II.
• Talk about theater etiquette – Unlike at the movies, the actors on stage can see and hear the audience. Before the show, remind your kids to whisper if they need to talk, stay seated, and clap at the right times. Honestly, mine usually get so caught up in the show that they forget to fidget or chatter — but a little prep goes a long way.

Taking your child to Broadway is more than just an outing — it’s giving them a front-row seat (sometimes literally) to storytelling, music, and creativity that they’ll remember for years. Whether it’s Simba stepping onto Pride Rock or Elphaba defying gravity, it’s the kind of memories you’ll both treasure long after the curtain falls.