Top 10 Family & Kids Shows in West End, London 2026 Guide

Planning a family day out in London this summer? The West End and London's theatres have plenty to choose from, whether you're introducing your child to live theatre for the first time or looking for a spectacular production the whole family will enjoy.

This summer's lineup includes everything from Disney favourites and Roald Dahl classics to dinosaurs, pirates, circus spectaculars and brand new adventures. You'll also find shorter productions designed for toddlers, educational shows that make learning fun, and large-scale musicals that continue to rank among the city's biggest attractions.

The guide below brings together 20 of the best family shows running across London during summer 2026. You'll find age guidance, running times, what each show is about, why it's worth seeing, where it's playing, and practical information to help you decide which production is the best fit for your family.

Whether you're travelling to London during the school holidays or looking for something special to do over the weekend, these are the family shows worth booking this summer.

The Little Mermaid: Song of the Sea

Greenwich Theatre - July 31 to August 23, 2026

If your children love magical adventures, mythical creatures and original musical theatre, The Little Mermaid: Song of the Sea is one of this summer's most interesting new productions.

This musical returns to Hans Christian Andersen's original story while introducing an entirely new score and fresh stage adaptation.

The story follows a young mermaid whose curiosity about the human world leads her into a dangerous bargain with the Sea Witch. In exchange for the chance to live on land, she gives up the one thing that truly defines her: her voice. What follows is a story about courage, sacrifice and discovering where you truly belong.

The production comes from the creative team behind Dick Whittington and His Cat, making it a strong choice if you're looking for something beyond familiar film adaptations.

The musical has been created with families in mind, combining colourful staging, memorable new songs and accessible storytelling for younger audiences while remaining engaging for adults.

Quick information:

• Theatre: Greenwich Theatre
• Address: Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES
• Nearest stations: Cutty Sark DLR or Greenwich Station
• Running dates: July 31 to August 23, 2026
• Running time: Approximately 2 hours
• Recommended age: 5+

Oliver!

Gielgud Theatre - Now Running

Few family musicals have stood the test of time quite like Oliver!

Based on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, Lionel Bart's classic musical continues to introduce new generations to one of Britain's best-loved stories.

Young Oliver escapes the harsh conditions of the workhouse before finding himself caught up in Fagin's gang of pickpockets in Victorian London. Along the way he meets unforgettable characters including the Artful Dodger, Nancy and Bill Sikes while searching for somewhere he truly belongs.

For many parents, this is also a chance to revisit songs they grew up with. Numbers including 'Food', 'Glorious Food', 'Consider Yourself', 'I'd Do Anything' and 'As Long As He Needs Me' remain some of the most recognisable songs ever written for the stage.

This production is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award winner Matthew Bourne, whose work on productions including 'Swan Lake' and 'Cinderella' has helped bring fresh energy to classic stories.

Although the production remains faithful to Lionel Bart's original musical, Bourne's choreography gives it a more contemporary pace while preserving everything audiences love about the show.

Quick information:

• Theatre: Gielgud Theatre
• Address: Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 6AR
• Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus
• Running time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes including interval
• Recommended age: 7+

The Gruffalo

Lyric Theatre - Until September 6, 2026

If you're introducing a young child to theatre for the first time, The Gruffalo remains one of London's safest recommendations.

Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's bestselling picture book, the story follows a clever little mouse who invents a terrifying creature called the Gruffalo to frighten away hungry predators roaming the deep dark wood.

The only problem is that the Gruffalo turns out to be real.

Tall Stories' adaptation has become one of London's longest-running family favourites because it captures everything children love about the original book while adding songs, humour and lively performances.

At just 55 minutes with no interval, it is specifically designed for younger audiences who may struggle with longer productions. For many families, this becomes a child's very first live theatre experience.

Quick information:

• Theatre: Lyric Theatre
• Address: 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES
• Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus
• Running until: September 6, 2026
• Running time: 55 minutes with no interval
• Recommended age: 3+
• Best suited for: Ages 3 to 7 and first-time theatre visits

A World Elsewhere

Sam Wanamaker Playhouse - July 25 to August 30, 2026

If you're looking for something a little different from traditional children's theatre, A World Elsewhere offers one of the most imaginative family productions in London this summer.

Created by the Olivier Award-nominated team behind Rough Magic and Midsummer Mechanicals, the story follows young Cass and a group of imaginary companions. Together, they journey through shipwrecks, mythical creatures, dangerous villains, and magical adventures inspired by Shakespeare’s works.

The production celebrates storytelling itself, introducing younger audiences to themes, characters and ideas drawn from Shakespeare in an accessible and playful way.

The setting also makes this production particularly memorable.

The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is Shakespeare's Globe's indoor theatre, illuminated largely by candlelight. Simply stepping inside creates an atmosphere unlike any other theatre in London and gives children the chance to experience performance in a beautifully intimate historic setting.

Quick information:

• Theatre: Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare's Globe
• Address: Bankside, London SE1 9DT
• Nearest stations: London Bridge or Mansion House
• Running dates: July 25 to August 30, 2026
• Running time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Recommended age: 5+

Mermaids and Pirates

St Martin's Theatre - July 21 to July 26, 2026

If your family will be in London during the second half of July, Mermaids and Pirates is one of the most time-sensitive productions on this list.

Running for just six days, this colourful family musical combines pirate adventures, Caribbean-inspired music and plenty of comedy into a fast-paced one-hour performance.

Inspired by Treasure Island, the story follows Long Gone Silver and an eccentric pirate crew who arrive on an island expecting treasure, only to discover that nothing unfolds quite as planned.

The production features calypso-inspired music, lively audience interaction and colourful staging designed specifically for younger children.

Its one-hour running time without an interval makes it another excellent option for preschool and early primary school audiences.

Because of its very limited run, early booking is strongly recommended if you're planning to include it in your summer itinerary.

Quick information:

• Theatre: St Martin's Theatre
• Address: West Street, London WC2H 9NZ
• Nearest station: Leicester Square
• Running dates: July 21 to July 26, 2026
• Running time: 1 hour with no interval
• Recommended age: 3+
• Note: Six-day limited run only.

Arthur

Polka Theatre - June 27 to August 9, 2026

If your children enjoy adventure stories with knights, legends and time travel, Arthur offers something refreshingly original.

Created by Bucket Club, the production reimagines the legend of King Arthur for modern audiences. It introduces Grace, a child from 2026 who unexpectedly finds herself transported back to sixth-century Britain. There she meets a young Arthur before he becomes the legendary king and joins him on the search for Excalibur.

The story blends humour, original songs and fantasy while exploring friendship, bravery and believing in yourself.

Arthur is a completely new piece of theatre. That originality makes it particularly rewarding if you're looking for something your family hasn't already seen.

Polka Theatre has long specialised in producing high-quality theatre for younger audiences, and this production continues that tradition with imaginative staging and plenty of audience engagement.

Quick information:

• Theatre: Polka Theatre
• Address: 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB
• Nearest stations: South Wimbledon or Wimbledon
• Running dates: June 27 to August 9, 2026
• Running time: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes including interval
• Recommended age: 6 to 12

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Theatre Royal Haymarket - June 22 to September 6, 2026

Few children's books have remained as popular as Judith Kerr's 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea'.

More than fifty years after it was first published, this charming story continues to delight new generations, and its stage adaptation has become one of London's most dependable family theatre experiences.

The story begins with Sophie and her mother sitting down for afternoon tea when an unexpected visitor knocks at the door. The visitor happens to be an enormous tiger. He politely accepts the invitation inside before eating every sandwich, every cake, every biscuit, drinking all the tea, finishing everything in the cupboards and even emptying the taps.

What follows is a wonderfully simple story filled with imagination, gentle humour and memorable songs.

Adapted by David Wood OBE, one of Britain's leading children's playwrights, the production captures the warmth and playfulness of Judith Kerr's original illustrations while introducing music, colourful staging and magical theatrical moments.

Because it lasts just 55 minutes with no interval, it is one of the easiest West End shows for younger children to enjoy from beginning to end.

Quick information:

• Theatre: Theatre Royal Haymarket
• Address: 18 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HT
• Nearest stations: Piccadilly Circus or Charing Cross
• Running dates: June 22 to September 6, 2026
• Running time: 55 minutes with no interval
• Recommended age: 3+
• One of London's longest-running family productions

Matilda the Musical

Cambridge Theatre - Now running

If you only plan to see one family musical during your London trip, Matilda the Musical remains one of the strongest choices available.

Based on Roald Dahl's much-loved novel, the story follows Matilda Wormwood, an exceptionally intelligent young girl whose love of reading sets her apart from the adults around her. While her parents dismiss her abilities and the terrifying Miss Trunchbull rules Crunchem Hall with fear, Matilda discovers both her courage and an extraordinary power that changes everything.

Since opening in London, Matilda has become one of the defining British musicals of the last decade.

Tim Minchin's witty, emotionally rich songs combine perfectly with Dennis Kelly's script, while Matthew Warchus' production balances comedy, heart and spectacle in equal measure.

The show has won seven Olivier Awards, four Tony Awards and continues to attract audiences from around the world more than fifteen years after its premiere.

Children are drawn to the mischievous humour, energetic choreography and unforgettable characters, while adults often appreciate the clever writing and emotional depth that runs beneath the story.

It's also one of the rare family musicals that rewards repeat visits because there's so much happening on stage that you'll almost certainly notice something new each time.

Quick information:

• Theatre: Cambridge Theatre
• Address: Earlham Street, London WC2H 9HU
• Nearest station: Covent Garden
• Running time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes including interval
• Recommended age: 6+
• Awards: Seven Olivier Awards and four Tony Awards
• Now in its fifteenth year in the West End

My Neighbour Totoro

Gillian Lynne Theatre - Until August 30, 2026

If your family loves Studio Ghibli films, My Neighbour Totoro is one of the most magical productions currently playing in London.

Adapted from Hayao Miyazaki's beloved 1988 film, the musical follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move to the Japanese countryside while their mother recovers in hospital. As they begin exploring their new surroundings, they discover a hidden world filled with magical forest spirits, soot sprites and the gentle giant Totoro.

The stage adaptation has received international acclaim for its extraordinary puppetry, which brings these iconic creatures to life with astonishing realism.

Combined with Joe Hisaishi's beautiful music and richly detailed staging, the production captures the wonder and emotional warmth that made the original film so beloved.

Quick information:

• Theatre: Gillian Lynne Theatre
• Address: 166 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5PW
• Nearest stations: Holborn or Covent Garden
• Running until: August 30, 2026
• Running time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes including interval
• Recommended age: 6+
• Children under 4 are not permitted

Dinosaur World Live

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre - July 28 to September 6, 2026

If your child knows every dinosaur by name, Dinosaur World Live is almost guaranteed to become the highlight of your London trip.

This interactive production takes children on an educational expedition where they come face to face with life-sized dinosaur puppets inspired by creatures that once roamed the Earth.

A fearless explorer guides the audience through encounters with species including Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and the show's biggest star, the Tyrannosaurus rex.

The puppetry is remarkably realistic. Each dinosaur moves, breathes and reacts with surprising lifelike detail, making younger audiences feel as though they are meeting these prehistoric giants for the first time. The production also encourages participation throughout the show, with children helping the explorer solve problems and interact with the dinosaurs as the story unfolds.

Because it runs for only around 50 minutes, it holds younger children's attention exceptionally well while still delivering plenty of excitement.

Quick information:

• Theatre: Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
• Address: 1 Fulton Road, Wembley Park, London HA9 0TL
• Nearest station: Wembley Park
• Running dates: July 28 to September 6, 2026
• Running time: Approximately 50 minutes
• Recommended age: 3+
• Best suited for: Dinosaur lovers aged 3 to 10

Tips before you book your tickets in London

• Summer is one of the busiest periods for family theatre in London, particularly during the school holidays. Booking in advance is strongly recommended for popular productions such as ‘Matilda’, ‘Dinosaur World Live’, ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ and ‘Mermaids and Pirates’, as many performances sell out weeks ahead.
• Always check the recommended age guidance before booking. While younger children may technically be allowed into some productions, shows with longer running times and intervals are generally better suited to children aged six and above.
• If you're travelling into central London, Underground stations are within walking distance of every theatre featured in this guide, making public transport the easiest way to travel.
• For first-time theatre visits, shorter productions of around an hour without an interval are often the most enjoyable experience.

London's family theatre scene has rarely offered as much choice as it does this summer.

If you're planning a family day out in London this summer, booking one of these productions is easily one of the best ways to create memories together.

Whichever show you choose, arrive early, collect your programme, settle into your seats and enjoy one of the world's greatest theatre cities through your child's eyes.