There’s something magical about seeing a Broadway show, whether you’re 8 or 80. The Lion King is roaring through its third decade, and Wicked has also been casting spells for more than 20 years, proving that family favorites can stand the test of time.
But sometimes the best family-friendly shows are the ones you least expect. Plenty of new productions are just as likely to spark a conversation as they are to dazzle your senses—and who knows, they might even boost those homework scores (yep, seriously!). So when you’re planning your next family outing to the theater, check out these shows that promise to entertain and inspire.
While some shows are designed with the attention span of young children in mind, most run longer than two hours. Be sure to check the age recommendation and running time. Note that children under 4 or 5 may not be allowed into theaters.
& Juliet. Photo: Evan Zimmerman
& Juliet
Best for: 8+
Running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: This jukebox musical gives Juliet Capulet a second chance at happiness—and introduces the bubblegum pop hits of the ’90s and ’00s (think “Baby One More Time,” “Roar,” “Since U Been Gone” and other hits from producer Max Martin) to a whole new fan base. While the source material is lightly Romeo & Juliet, you won’t have to decode iambic pentameter. Instead, Juliet embarks on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment and some serious girl power, joined by a lively cast of characters, including her hilarious nurse and a few familiar faces from Verona. The show has also become known for buzzy limited-run casting featuring famous faces from music, TV and social media, including NSYNC’s Joey Fatone, This Is Us star Chrissy Metz and Dance Moms alum Kenzie Ziegler. Expect a blend of pop-culture references and timeless themes, all wrapped up in a feel-good musical extravaganza whose soundtrack will be a regular in your family’s playlist rotation.
Aladdin. Photo: Carlos Somonte
Aladdin
Best for: 6+
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: The great thing about seeing Disney movies adapted into Broadway shows is that they’re so well known you probably already know the plot so you can focus on the details. Adults and children delight in the reinterpretation of Genie, whose characterization plays homage to jazz greats like Fats Waller. And the “real” flying carpet above the stage during “A Whole New World” is a fan favorite; there are also gorgeous costumes, high-energy choreography and a Cave of Wonders you’d be tempted to walk into. But the reason the show has staying power—it’s been on Broadway for more than 12 years—is its blend of humor and heart.
Courtesy, The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby
Best for: 10+
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic 1920s novel gets the full Broadway treatment, complete with glittering parties, flapper fashion and a jazz-pop score. A quick 10th-grade English refresher: After moving to Long Island, Nick Carraway is drawn into the orbit of his mysterious neighbor Jay Gatsby, whose lavish lifestyle conceals a single-minded desire to reunite with Nick’s cousin Daisy. For teens reading the novel in school, the production offers a chance to see the “green light,” the “billboard eyes” and all that “yearning across the bay” brought to life, with considerably more dancing than the homework version. Younger audience members may recognize Disney Channel favorites China Anne McClain (Descendants) as Daisy and Corbin Bleu (High School Musical) as Nick. Parents should know that beneath the jazzy sparkle are adult themes involving drinking, infidelity, violence and death.
Hadestown. Photo: Matthew Murphy
Hadestown
Best for: 8+
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: This Tony-winning show, which took Broadway by storm in 2019, reimagines the ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with a fresh, modern twist. Written by Anaïs Mitchell, the show blends the allure of 1920s New Orleans with the timeless drama of Greek mythology. Familiar figures like Hermes, Persephone and Hades come to life in a setting that’s as soulful as a jazz club at midnight. The newest cast also features a few faces Gen Z may recognize, including Yellowjackets and Scream star Jasmin Savoy Brown as Eurydice and American Idol alum Kayko as Orpheus. Hadestown is perfect for students who’ve dipped their toes into Greek mythology at school. This visually stunning and emotionally charged tale is sure to leave a lasting impression, sparking imagination and conversation about love, loyalty and fate.
Hamilton, The Musical. Photo: Joan Marcus
Hamilton
Best for: 10+
Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s cultural phenomenon follows Alexander Hamilton from his arrival in New York City as an ambitious Caribbean immigrant through the American Revolution, the creation of the nation’s financial system and his fatal rivalry with Aaron Burr. Many tweens already know the songs, and Miranda’s rapid-fire cadence will feel familiar to anyone raised on Encanto. His lyrics make the cabinet debates sound fast and fresh—but they also move quickly, so this is one show where it helps if kids have already covered the Revolutionary War in school. Even then, the nearly three-hour production can feel long and occasionally bogged down in history. Kids who know the filmed version will get the thrill of seeing the revolving stage and intricate choreography unfold in front of them; newcomers may want to listen to a few songs first. Expect some strong language, adult relationships and loud simulated gunfire during the duels.
Courtesy, AKA NYC
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Best for: 8+ (children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult)
Running time: 3 hours, 55 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: It’s nearly two decades since they’ve graduated Hogwarts, and Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy are sending their own sons off to school. The children become unlikely friends, facing challenges that become more complex over the next couple of years. The crux of the plot focuses on the “Time-Turner” (a magical object that turns back time) and the pair attempting to follow a “what if” scenario that changes the fate of their parents—and their own. The play has received universal acclaim for its amazing special effects, but the relatively long running time makes it ideal for patient teens and the most ardent of Harry Potter fans.
“The Circle of Life,” from The Lion King. © Disney. Photo: Deen Van Meer
The Lion King
Best for: 6+
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: Even if you’ve seen the film versions approximately 1,200 times, the Broadway version will blow you away. That’s because it was directed by visionary Julie Taymor, who reimagined all the animals of Pride Rock and the Shadowlands as larger-than-life puppets. The result is a visual stunner, augmented by the familiar movie soundtrack, with a few new songs added in. The show debuted on Broadway back in 1997, and its magic hasn’t faded.
The Lost Boys. Photo: Matthew Murphy
The Lost Boys
Best for: 11+
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: The cult 1987 movie becomes a rock-fueled vampire musical. When teenager Michael moves to the California beach town of Santa Carla with his younger brother Sam and their mother, he becomes friends with David, the magnetic leader of a local band offering the freedom and belonging Michael craves. One problem: David and his bandmates are vampires. Kids probably won’t know the original movie (and it may predate plenty of their parents), but teens who love Wednesday, Stranger Things or anything with a little goth energy should feel right at home. The production is directed by Michael Arden, the visionary behind Maybe Happy Ending and Parade, so expect aerial stunts and theatrical spectacle. Beneath it all is a relatable story about fitting in, sibling loyalty and a family trying to hold itself together. Parents of sensitive kids should be prepared for blood, violence and some genuinely frightening imagery; these vampires do not sparkle.
Maybe Happy Ending. Photo: Matthew Murphy
Maybe Happy Ending
Best for: 8+
Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes (no intermission)
What happens: In a future where robots are more than just gadgets, Maybe Happy Ending tells the quirky and heartfelt tale of two slightly out-of-date androids who stumble upon love. Directed by Tony winner Michael Arden (Parade, Once on This Island) and starring Emmy winner Darren Criss (Glee), this musical blends the surreal with the relatable. As these two robots navigate their unexpected connection, the show explores universal ideas of love, acceptance and the longing to belong. It’s a story that’s both futuristic and timeless, making you see your Roomba in a whole new light—and maybe even be a little kinder to Alexa. The mix of humor and heart may encourage teens and adults to walk away with a fresh perspective on what it means to connect.
Operation Mincemeat. Photo: Julieta Cervantes
Operation Mincemeat
Best for: 10+
Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: A musical about a true World War II operation involving a dead body sounds like it could be macabre, but this one is a comedy! In 1943, British intelligence officers devised an improbable plan to fool the Nazis by planting fake invasion documents on a corpse dressed as a military officer. A cast of just five performers plays dozens of characters, switching roles, accents and costumes at breakneck speed. Kids who enjoy history, wordplay or sketch comedy will have the easiest time keeping up—and if yours have discovered old Monty Python clips on YouTube, they’ll recognize the brand of British silliness. A quick family refresher on World War II may help everyone else follow the mission. While the deceased is central to the story, the treatment is more absurd spy caper than horror show. Beneath the jokes, the musical also gives families plenty to discuss about courage, sacrifice and the overlooked people who helped change history.
The Outsiders. Photo: Matthew Murphy
The Outsiders
Best for: 10+
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: The Outsiders takes a classic middle school must-read and turns it into a musical that’s as raw and real as adolescence itself. Fresh off winning four Tonys in 2024, including Best Musical, this show dives deep into the world of 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis and his crew of outsiders, or Greasers, as they navigate life in Tulsa, Oklahoma, always at odds with the rich, privileged Socs (pronounced “sosh-iz,” as in “social”). Middle schoolers will vibe with Ponyboy’s search for identity and belonging, while adults will appreciate the nostalgia and emotional depth. The haunting score by Jamestown Revival, blending guitar and piano, helps capture the bittersweet essence of growing up.
Six. Photo: Joan Marcus
Six
Best for: 10+
Running time: 80 minutes (no intermission)
What happens: When the six ex-wives of 16th-century British monarch King Henry VIII get together for a singing competition to assess who had it worse, the competition is fierce—after all, three of them died, two by beheading. But the show brings a contemporary sensibility, lots of laughs (many of which will go over the heads of tweens and younger teens) and a whole new way to look at history, er, herstory. Each queen has a solo number, painting a broad biographical brushstroke on their fate, which will captivate any student who feels history is boring. The infectious energy, catchy pop-infused songs and vibrant performances make Six a spectacle, but the empowering messages in them may stay with you as much as the melodies.
Courtesy, Wanted
Wanted
Best for: 13+
Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: In 1893 Texas, Black twin sisters Mary and Martha Clarke pass as white, hide in plain sight and eventually become outlaws in a desperate attempt to save their mother and protect their family’s legacy. The mostly true story comes from the playwright’s own family history, passed down through generations before becoming a soulful new musical. Solea Pfeiffer and Liisi LaFontaine play the sisters, alongside Grammy-winning singer Ledisi and R&B artist Luke James. Older teens may be drawn in by the sisterhood and outlaw adventure, but the show also raises complex issues about race and the more troublesome parts of American history. Expect mature themes, racism and violence; this is a substantive night at the theater, not a breezy Western.
Wicked. Photo: Joan Marcus
Wicked
Best for: 8+ (children under 5 not admitted)
Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
What happens: Based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel, this Stephen Schwartz musical opened in 2003 and has been captivating fans since. The show takes a new perspective on the Oz origin story, framing Glinda the Good Witch (call her Galinda, please) and the Wicked Witch of the West as unlikely roommates turned fast friends. The plot centers on the power of friendship and what “goodness” means; hits like “Defying Gravity” have turned into pop staples. Younger children may be frightened by some fantastic elements, but older kids will thrill as Elphaba (aka the Wicked Witch of the West) takes to the skies on her broomstick.
Coming Soon:
The Fantasticks. Courtesy, SpotCo
The Fantasticks
Best for: 13+
Running time: 2 hours (one intermission)
Previews begin: October 22, 2026
What happens: Two neighboring mothers pretend to feud in hopes that their sons will rebel by falling in love. Naturally, the plan works and then becomes considerably more complicated once the young men discover they’ve been tricked. For this revival, original writer Tom Jones reimagined the famously long-running musical as a gay love story, a recasting that makes it feel sparklingly modern without losing songs like “Try to Remember.” The show is sweet and sentimental, but also smart about first love, especially how quickly fantasy meets reality. That makes it a lovely choice for teens beginning to encounter love for the first time. Theater nerds will also appreciate the simple staging and the way it creates magic out of almost nothing.
Galileo. Courtesy, DKC O&M
Galileo
Best for: 10+
Running time: Approximately 2 hours, 40 minutes (one intermission)
Previews begin: November 10, 2026
What happens: The astronomer from the science textbook becomes a rock-musical rebel in this new show about Galileo Galilei’s discoveries and the powerful people who wanted him to stop talking about them. Raúl Esparza stars as Galileo and Tony nominee Joy Woods plays his daughter, Virginia, as curiosity, faith and authority collide over humanity’s place in the universe. Students studying the Scientific Revolution will arrive with useful context, but the rock score and high-stakes fight over who gets to define the truth should keep the story from feeling like homework. At nearly three hours, this is best for curious tweens, teens and budding science kids.
Courtesy, Dolly: A True Original Musical
Dolly: A True Original Musical
Best for: 12+
Running time: To be announced
Previews begin: December 7, 2026
What happens: Dolly Parton tells her rags-to-rhinestones story, from a childhood in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains to country superstardom. Three performers portray Dolly at different ages as she navigates the what it took to become far more than a big voice and bigger hair. The score mixes classics like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You” with new songs Parton wrote for the show. Her death just months before its Broadway debut will inevitably cast a shadow over the production, which she co-wrote and helped shape. But her team says going forward was Dolly’s wish, making the musical both a celebration of her life and a chance for families to introduce a new generation to the talent, humor and legacy behind the legendary songs.
Evita
Best for: 12+
Running time: Approximately 2 hours, 25 minutes (one intermission)
Previews begin: February 27, 2027
What happens: Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical traces Eva Perón’s rapid ascent from poverty to fame and political power as Argentina’s first lady. She becomes a symbol of hope to millions (and a deeply divisive figure to others) as the show asks where genuine conviction ends and carefully manufactured celebrity begins. Rachel Zegler reprises the performance that won her an Olivier Award in London’s West End, but the bigger story may be director Jamie Lloyd, who has made a specialty of rebuilding Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals for a very modern audience. As he did with Sunset Blvd., Lloyd leans on live video and pop-concert energy, making a decades-old musical feel like an event happening right now. The score is rich with songs like “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall”—ready-made inspiration for the next round of high school musical auditions.
The Sound of Music
Best for: 8+
Running time: To be announced
Previews begin: March 23, 2027
What happens: A spirited would-be nun becomes governess to seven children, brings music back into their home and falls for their stern widowed father just as Nazi Germany closes in on Austria. Even kids who haven’t seen the Julie Andrews movie probably know some songs, such as “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things” and the title number. Jasmine Amy Rogers, who earned a Tony nomination for BOOP! The Musical, takes on the role of Maria in the show’s first Broadway revival in nearly 30 years. The singing children make this a natural first Broadway experience, but families should prepare younger audience members for the darker political turn.
Paddington The Musical
Best for: 6+
Running time: Approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes (one intermission)
Previews begin: March 30, 2027
What happens: Please look after this bear, and don’t assume he’s only for little kids. Inspired by Michael Bond’s books and the hit movies, the musical follows Paddington from Peru to London, where a chance encounter with the Brown family gives him plenty of opportunities to cause marmalade-fueled chaos. The show is a smash in London, winning seven Olivier Awards and inspiring critics to call it everything from a triumph to a theatrical miracle. Much of the excitement comes from seeing how Paddington himself is brought to life through a combination of puppetry, animatronics and live performance. Younger kids will love the spectacle, but the story about immigration, belonging and chosen family give older kids and adults plenty to hold on to. One note for families with young children: At nearly three hours, it’s a long outing for little cubs.
See our Broadway guide for a complete list of what's playing right now.