Best Musicals for Kids and Families: 12 Great First Shows

A child’s first musical can spark a lifelong love of theater. The right show has a story they can follow, songs they’ll hum on the way home, and enough spectacle to keep them on the edge of their seat. The wrong one can mean a long, fidgety evening for everyone.

This list collects 12 musicals that work well as a first show for kids and families. We’ve included Disney favorites, modern hits and classics that have charmed generations. For each one, we note the age range it tends to suit best. Always check the official age guidance for the specific production you plan to see, since theaters set their own rules.

What Makes a Great First Musical?

We looked for shows that:

• Tell a clear, engaging story.
• Feature songs that are catchy and easy to follow.
• Include humor, spectacle or both.
• Avoid content that might be too scary or mature for younger viewers.
• Are widely produced, so you’re likely to find them near you.

1. The Lion King

Disney’s stage version of The Lion King, directed by Julie Taymor, opened on Broadway in 1997. Its puppetry and masks bring the animals of the Pride Lands to life in a way that amazes children and adults alike. The story of Simba growing up and finding his place is familiar and emotional, with songs by Elton John and Tim Rice alongside African-inspired music.

There are a few intense moments, so very young or sensitive children may need some reassurance. Learn more in our Lion King musical complete fan guide.

Good for: Ages 6 and up.

2. Matilda the Musical

Matilda, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly, is based on Roald Dahl’s novel. It was first produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2010 before moving to London’s West End and later Broadway.

It’s funny, clever and a little bit naughty, celebrating a brilliant young girl who stands up to unfair adults. Songs like “Naughty,” “When I Grow Up” and “Revolting Children” are favorites. Some scenes, including the fearsome headmistress Miss Trunchbull, can be a bit scary for the youngest viewers.

Good for: Ages 7 and up.

3. Aladdin

Disney’s Aladdin opened on Broadway in 2014. With the Genie’s dazzling “Friend Like Me,” a flying carpet and plenty of comedy, it’s an easy choice for families. The story is light and fun, and the songs are familiar from the film.

Good for: Ages 6 and up.

4. Frozen

Frozen opened on Broadway in 2018, with songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Kids who know the film will love seeing Elsa and Anna on stage, and “Let It Go” is a big moment. The stage version adds new songs too.

Good for: Ages 5 and up, especially fans of the film.

5. Annie

Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and a book by Thomas Meehan, opened on Broadway in 1977. It follows a plucky orphan in 1930s New York who finds a new home with the wealthy Oliver Warbucks.

Songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” are classics. It’s warm, hopeful and a great introduction to traditional musicals. It’s also one of the most frequently staged shows by schools and community groups.

Good for: Ages 5 and up.

6. The Sound of Music

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music opened on Broadway in 1959. It tells the story of Maria, a young woman who becomes governess to the von Trapp children in Austria. The songs, including “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things” and “Edelweiss,” are among the most beloved in musical theater.

The story does involve the political tensions of the late 1930s, which older kids can appreciate. Younger children will enjoy the songs and the children’s characters.

Good for: Ages 6 and up.

7. Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins, co-produced by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, opened in London in 2004. It combines songs from the 1964 film with new material, and Mary’s flying and the “Step in Time” dance number are magical moments for kids.

Good for: Ages 5 and up.

8. Beauty and the Beast

Disney’s first Broadway musical, Beauty and the Beast, opened in 1994. It’s a romantic fairy tale with lively songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Gaston.” The Beast may look a little scary at first, but the show is very family-friendly.

Good for: Ages 5 and up.

9. School of Rock

School of Rock, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Glenn Slater, is based on the 2003 film. It opened on Broadway in 2015. The kids in the cast play their own instruments live, which is a thrill for young audiences, especially music-loving ones.

There’s some mild language and attitude, but nothing beyond what most older kids hear in films.

Good for: Ages 8 and up.

10. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Joseph began as a short piece for a school in the late 1960s and grew into a full-length show. It retells the Bible story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, with songs in a dizzying range of styles, from country to calypso to French ballad.

It’s colorful, silly and short compared with many musicals, making it ideal for younger attention spans.

Good for: Ages 5 and up.

11. Shrek the Musical

Based on the DreamWorks film, Shrek the Musical has music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. It opened on Broadway in 2008. It’s full of fairy-tale characters, jokes and songs like “I’m a Believer,” which comes from the film’s soundtrack.

Good for: Ages 6 and up.

12. Wicked

Wicked is a great choice for older kids and tweens. The story of Elphaba and Glinda, two young witches in Oz, is about friendship, standing up for what’s right and not judging people by appearances. “Popular” and “Defying Gravity” are huge favorites. Some themes are more mature, but many families make it a first big-musical outing. See our Wicked complete fan guide.

Good for: Ages 8 and up.

Tips for Taking Kids to Their First Musical

• Listen to the cast album first. Familiar songs keep kids engaged.
• Explain the basics. Tell them there’s an intermission, that they should stay quiet during songs and that clapping is welcome at the right moments.
• Choose matinees. Afternoon shows can suit younger children better than late evenings.
• Check age rules. Many theaters have minimum ages, and some require every child to have a ticket regardless of age.
• Plan for breaks. Use the intermission for bathroom trips and snacks.

Keep exploring: see our Lion King musical songs explained and Wicked songs explained.

Where to Listen Legally

Each of these shows has an official cast recording on Spotify, Apple Music and other major platforms. Many productions post clips on official YouTube channels. Some, like the filmed versions of shows on streaming services, can help kids get excited before a trip. Disney’s stage shows also often have related content on Disney+.

FAQ

What’s the best first musical for a young child?
Disney shows like The Lion King, Frozen or Aladdin are great options, along with classics like Annie. For very young kids, a shorter show like Joseph can work well.

How long are most musicals?
Many full-length musicals run around two to three hours, including an intermission. Check the specific production.

Are there musicals made just for kids?
Yes. Many shows also have shorter “junior” versions licensed for schools and youth groups.

Is Wicked appropriate for kids?
It’s generally suited to children around 8 and older, though it depends on the child.