Which Broadway Shows are Appropriate for Kids?

Updated May 2024

If you're planning a family trip to New York City and Broadway is on your must-list, you already know that there are many questions that make decision making complicated.

Is my child mature enough to appreciate a Broadway show?

Is this show age-appropriate for my kid?

Is my child even old enough to even get into a Broadway show?

Theatre tickets are a commitment- of both your time and your money- so before you make your decision, it's important to understand how to best determine which Broadway musical or play might be best for your whole family. Below, we break it down into two simple steps:

1. Follow the age recommendations

If you have a specific show in mind for your kid, first check the show's official website for age restrictions. Typically, you'll find the informations you need in the FAQ section, or where you purchase tickets (ie: Ticketmaster or Telecharge).

NOTE:

-Most shows will offer both a recommended aged limit and minimum age requirements. Generally, children under the age of 4 are not permitted at Broadway shows.

- All audience members require a ticket to see a Broadway show, regardless of age. Even if you intend to seat your child on your lap during the show, both you and your child will need tickets to get into the building.

Official age recommendations for currently-running Broadway shows:

& Juliet: Recommended for ages 8+ with adult language.

Aladdin: Intended for ages 8+ and is not recommended for anyone under the age of 4.

Back to  the Future: Suitable for a general audience aged 6 and up. 

The Book of Mormon: Parental advisory: explicit language. 

Cabaret: Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Chicago: May be inappropriate for 12 and under. 

The Great Gatsby: Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Hadestown: Recommended for ages 8+. 

Hamilton: Appropriate for ages 10+. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Suitable for ages 10 and up. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre. Children under the age of 15 will not be admitted to the theatre without the accompaniment of an adult.

Hell's Kitchen: Recommended for ages 12 and up.

The Hills of California: Recommended for ages 16 and up.

Job: Recommended for ages 16 and up.

The Lion King: Not intended for children under 4. The show is recommended for ages 8+.

McNeal: Recommended for ages 16 and up.

MJ the Musical: Recommended for ages 8 and older. 

Moulin Rouge!: Recommended for 12+. 

The Notebook: Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Oh, Mary!: Recommended for ages 14 and up

Once Upon a Mattress: Recommended for ages 5 and up

Our Town: Recommended for ages 8 and up

The Outsiders: Recommended for ages 10 and up.

The Roommate: Recommended for ages 13 and up

Six: Recommended for 10+. 

Stereophonic: Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Suffs: Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Water for Elephants: Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Wicked: Recommended age for children is 8 and up. 

Yellow Face: Children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the theatre.

2. Follow the Kid Critics' recommendations

Still unsure? Take the advice of our Kid Critics. Click here for lots more reviews!

Want to learn even more about Broadway? We've got info on all 41 Broadway theatres, the longest-running shows of all time, what's on tour, what dance captains do, which shows are best for high schools, plus tips on how to win a Broadway ticket lottery, when to buy tickets to a Broadway show, how to visit the stage door, how to get there, what to wear, what you can bring, where to eat, and where to drink.