Family favourites

“Just because you’re little, you can do a lot.” A surprisingly powerful musical that inspires little ones just finding their footing in the world, and gives us adults an uplifting, knowing wink as we navigate the chaos of grown-up life. The songs are unbelievably catchy and go down a treat on car rides, and the overarching message of courage and self-belief lingers long after the curtain falls.

The one families keep coming back to. The Lion King is a Broadway-to-West-End musical packed with jaw-dropping puppetry, bold visuals, and songs everyone already knows. The theatre’s a short walk from the Covent Garden piazza, so you’re never far from a quick bite or something to keep the kids’ attention, meaning you can make a proper outing of it and still be home before anyone crashes. It’s one of those rare shows that fills a whole day without leaving you wiped.

If your under-11s insist they’re “eight and a half, actually,” then this hits the sweet spot.

Expect big mythological quests, monsters, and high-energy musical numbers, with stellar performances from the Muses and a knowing sense of humour that lands just as well for grown-ups.

Bonus: The Delaunay restaurant is nearby, where TodayTix members get 10% off their bill. A little extra reward for planning ahead!

Struggling to get your kids off their screens? Harry Potter and the Cursed Child just might be the breakthrough you're looking for. The practical effects on stage will leave them wide-eyed, and once they’ve experienced the story in person, the rest of the wizarding world becomes irresistible. As a two-part play, it’s longer than most shows in this list, so best for older children, but completely absorbing.

Tickets have been in high demand since day one, so this is one to plan ahead. Paddington translates the beloved story from the book and film into a warm, funny musical with a big heart and plenty of visual charm. Politeness, kindness, and gentle chaos run through it all, and you’ll likely spot a few teary smiles in the audience along the way.

A calm, visually beautiful adaptation that leans on puppetry, movement, and atmosphere rather than big dialogue —for those after a calmer, gentler adventure that still leaves a big impact, My Neighbour Totoro is sure to be your new best friend. Nestled near Holborn, on the quieter side of central London, it’s easy to get around and plan a relaxed outing. And, if sitting still is still a work in progress, the show offers ‘chilled performances’ that let you move in and out of the auditorium at your own pace.

The coming-of-age musical many of us wish we’d seen earlier. Beneath the spectacle, Wicked explores friendship, loyalty, and questioning unfairness in a way that really lands with pre-teens. It’s a brilliant “first big musical” and perfect for those “can so-and-so come too?” days that quietly turn into lifelong memories.

Classic British slapstick with everything falling apart on purpose. Kids love the chaos; adults appreciate the precision behind it. It moves quickly, needs no theatre knowledge, and rewards arriving early with a mini pre-show that gently eases younger audiences into the experience before total mayhem begins.

Two hours of pure, screen-free wonder that works across ages and attention spans. In fact, it's so impressive that the next time they threaten to run off and join the circus themselves, you might just pause for a moment.

Many of us met Oliver! via school productions, but seeing it done properly is a completely different experience. Packed with young performers, big ensemble numbers, and songs that span generations, it’s a reminder of how many theatre careers started right here. A great pick for kids already curious about performing.

Staged on roller skates and in a custom-built auditorium, Starlight Express is unlike anything else on the list. Its Wembley location might be a little off the usual West End track, but secret tip: that’s a huge win for parents. You avoid the central London chaos and get to enjoy slightly more relaxed surroundings. Particularly good for kids who love speed, movement, and larger-than-life staging.