The 10 Best Musicals for Kids

If you’re looking for family-friendly theater trips, you may be overwhelmed by the number of choices. This list has you covered!

Here are 10 family-friendly musicals you have to check out. Which of these performances are the best? The answer, of course, lies in your child’s tastes. So be sure to keep reading!

1. The Lion King

THE LION KING MUSICAL | NEW Trailer! 2018 | Official Disney UKTHE LION KING MUSICAL | NEW Trailer! 2018 | Official Disney UK

The Lion King Musical has grown to become one of the most popular Broadway shows for young kids.

The music is instantly recognizable to anyone who grew up in the 1990s, and the story is faithful to the original animated film. The Lion King has been a stage phenomenon for kids since 1997.

2. Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins Returns | Official TrailerMary Poppins Returns | Official Trailer

As you know, the original Mary Poppins movie was an absolute classic! The musical does not follow the original story exactly, but it contains many of the same characters and some of the same dialogue.

The show is an entertaining way for kids to learn about music and creative expression. Poppins has been staged by a number of theaters on Broadway and in the West End, and in many other countries as well.

3. Annie

Annie The Musical | Official TrailerAnnie The Musical | Official Trailer

The series follows Annie and her dog Sandy as she tries to find her parents, who abandoned her when she was a baby.

Annie was originally based on a popular comic strip, and it tells the story of a young orphan who ends up in the lap of a rich billionaire Oliver Warbucks during the Depression years.

4. The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music Production Trailer | Festival 2023 | Chichester Festival TheatreThe Sound of Music Production Trailer | Festival 2023 | Chichester Festival Theatre

The Sound of Music is perhaps the most beloved family musical of all time. This wonderful musical is a true classic and is packed full of great songs.

The show, which has won multiple awards for its original Broadway production, has been adapted for the stage by the creators of Disney’s High School Musical and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

5. Frozen

FROZEN The Musical: Official Broadway TrailerFROZEN The Musical: Official Broadway Trailer

If you have a toddler or preschooler, you’re probably familiar with the Disney movie Frozen. You also know that their children love to sing the songs, act out the scenes, and talk about it non-stop!

If your kids have seen the movie more than once, or if you’re looking to introduce them to the movie, then you may want to check out the latest offering from Disney: a live musical.

6. Mean Girls

Show Clips - MEAN GIRLSShow Clips – MEAN GIRLS

This is a great one for older kids (We would recommend at least 12+ years, but it’s down to your judgement based on your own child).

“You can’t sit with us” became the iconic catchphrase from the 2004 hit movie Mean Girls. Now you can experience the phrase with a whole new meaning, as a musical version of the movie is on Broadway!

7. Aladdin

ALADDIN London - Official TrailerALADDIN London – Official Trailer

The hit Disney movie Aladdin is now a stage musical. The stage play debuted on Broadway in 2014 and is still running strong.

If your child is a fan of the movie, then the Aladdin Broadway musical will be a must-see for them.

8. Beauty & The Beast

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast the Musical | Now Playing in SydneyDisney’s Beauty and the Beast the Musical | Now Playing in Sydney

The show, which was adapted from the movie of the same name, told the same classic story, but with fewer of the “scary” parts.

This show was designed for younger family members and let them enjoy the music and dancing, while also conveying a message that children would understand.

9. The Music Man

Broadway Center Stage: The Music Man | The Kennedy CenterBroadway Center Stage: The Music Man | The Kennedy Center

The Music Man is a popular musical that has been running on Broadway since the 1950s and was made into a movie starring Shirley Jones in 1962.

Like many musicals, the story is set around a boy and a girl who fall in love and it’s up to a charming con man to save the day. It’s a simple story that is easy to follow, which is why it appeals to children.

The characters are all lovable and the music is fun. It’s not surprising that The Music Man was a Broadway hit, winning five Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize.

10. Wicked

Wicked UK | Official TrailerWicked UK | Official Trailer

The story of “Wicked” is based on “The Wizard of Oz,” but from the point of view of the Wicked Witch of the West. It chronicles the rise of her equally wicked sister and their relationship with the Wizard of Oz.

The story is told through song, with a variety of musical styles such as rock, pop, and techno. The show is suitable for all ages and is a great way to introduce kids to theatre.

Conclusion

Musicals are a great way to get young children involved in the performing arts. They are best known for upbeat songs and catchy tunes. Musicals are entertaining for the whole family.

Musicals don’t need to be Broadway shows. Almost any church, community organization, or whatever can put on a show.

Featured Image by: “Lion King @ Minskoff Theatre on Broadway” by BroadwayTour.net is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0