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 plotting 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 toddlers in mind, most run longer than two hours. Be sure to keep age guidelines and run times in mind and note that children under 4 or 5 may not be allowed into theaters.
Courtesy, AKA NYC
& Juliet
Best for: 10+
Running time: 2 hours, 30 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. 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.
Courtesy, Disney
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 audience during “A Whole New World” is a fan favorite; there’s 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 just celebrated its 10-year anniversary on Broadway—is its blend of humor and heart.
Courtesy, AKA NYC
Back to the Future
Best for: 6+
Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: Back to the Future takes the beloved 1985 movie and turns it into a high-energy musical that’s aimed at the whole family. The show follows Marty McFly as he races to the past to fix the future, just like in the film. Conceptualized by the original writers, the musical features well-known tracks like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Back in Time,” making it a nostalgic trip for fans of the movie. While the show stays true to the film’s script, it ups the ante with a flying DeLorean that’s a jaw-dropping, must-see spectacle. Pro tip (if you don’t mind spoilers): watching the movie beforehand will keep those “what just happened?” moments to a minimum.
Hadestown. Photo: Matthew Murphy
Hadestown
Best for: 8+ (children under 5 not admitted)
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 Persephone 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. 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.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Photo: Matthew Murphy
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Best for: 8+ (children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult)
Running time: 3 hours, 30 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 as they age. The crux of the plot focuses on a 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 run time makes it ideal for patient teens and the most ardent of Harry Potter fans.
"Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" Brandon A. McCall as Simba and Pearl Khwezi as Nala in The Lion King on Broadway. © Disney. Photo: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
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 is well into its third decade on Broadway, and its magic hasn’t faded.
Maybe Happy Ending
Best for: 10+
Running time: 90 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.
Previews begin October 16
Once Upon a Mattress. Photo: Joan Marcus
Once Upon a Mattress
Best for: 5+
Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: A Broadway classic gets a fresh, fun update in this revival adapted by TV royalty Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and starring the incomparable Sutton Foster (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Younger). Loosely based on The Princess and the Pea, the story follows Princess Winnifred (call her Fred, please), who’s bold, unconventional and anything but your typical princess. When Fred arrives at the castle to win the hand of Prince Dauntless, she must prove her worth by passing an absurd test involving—you guessed it—a pea under a stack of mattresses. This musical is great for kids who are all about the “happily ever after” but also understand that life’s a bit more complex than fancy gowns and magic kisses.
The Outsiders. Photo: Matthew Murphy
The Outsiders
Best for: 10+ (children under 4 not admitted)
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, always at odds with the rich, privileged Socs (pronounced “soashes”). 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.
Romeo + Juliet. Photo: Sam Levy
Romeo + Juliet
Best for: 13+
Running time: 2 hours (one “brief pause”)
What happens: You know the story—star-crossed lovers, family drama and a tragic ending—but you’ve never seen Romeo + Juliet like this. With a fresh soundtrack by indie powerhouse Jack Antonoff (the producer for stars like Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift) and a star-studded cast featuring Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) and Kit Connor (Emmy winner from Heartstopper), this version brings Shakespeare’s timeless tale to life in a way that’ll make even the most reluctant English lit students take notice. Staged at the cozy Circle in the Square theater, it promises to be an intimate experience that reminds audiences how electric Shakespeare can be.
September 26, 2024–February 16, 2025
Courtesy, Six
Six
Best for: 10+
Running time: 80 minutes, no intermission
What happens: When the six ex-wives of 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.
Suffs. Photo: Joan Marcus
Suffs
Best for: 10+ (children under 4 not admitted)
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: Suffs isn’t your typical history lesson. This high-energy musical dives into the fierce battle leading up to the 19th Amendment in 1920, giving women the right to vote. But creator Shaina Taub doesn’t just paint a picture of the past; she brings it to life with all its messy, relatable humanity. You’ll meet trailblazers like Alice Paul and Ida B. Wells, real people with flaws, strengths and powerful friendships. The all-women cast and orchestra create an electric atmosphere that should resonate with today’s audiences; for the young Gen Alpha, it’s a powerful reminder of why their voices and votes matter more than ever.
Sunset Boulevard. Photo: Marc Brenner
Sunset Blvd
Best for: 12+ (children under 5 not admitted)
Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes (one intermission)
What happens: Sunset Boulevard takes the 1950 film and transforms it into a gripping musical experience, penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. Originally making waves on Broadway 30 years ago for its lavish sets—including an oversize gilded staircase—this new production starring Pussycat Dolls alum Nicole Scherzinger strips away the excess for a sleek, modern take. With film-based visual effects, this version pulls the classic tale into the TikTok era, offering a fresh perspective on fame and the question of what happens when the spotlight fades. The drama comes with a side of social commentary that’s more pointed than a parent saying “get off your phone” for the thousandth time.
Previews begin September 28
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.
See our Broadway guide for a complete list of what's playing right now.
