Which Broadway Show Is The Best Fit For You And Your Family?

It’s time to plan that family vacation to New York City because Broadway is back! And some of the best shows now playing are also family-friendly. But which show meets your family’s personality? We’re outlining 10 of our family’s favorites to help you choose the best Broadway show for your family too.

Best Broadway shows for teens and best Broadway shows for families

Our at-home evenings may be filled with sports practices and not play rehearsals. In other words, I don’t even have kids who are very immersed in the arts. Yet, we find Broadway to be so worth the trip to New York City. Or worth a visit to a city nearby hosting a touring show.

Travel is learning after all. And Broadway is a great way to learn.

From seeing different eras of time come alive, to sparking creativity, theater makes learners out of all of us.

We’ve seen the curtain go up on lots of Broadway productions.

Some have been critically acclaimed, like Hamilton and Wicked.

Others, well, a little less so, like the Broadway production of Rocky. (Hey - the boys in the family deserve to pick one every once in while, right?)

All of them have been well worth it. (Yes, even Rocky. An actual boxing ring materializing out of nowhere has to count for something, right?).

The final curtain may have falken for some of our favorites, like Matilda and Mary Poppins. But, Broadway still has lots to offer.

In fact, we’re sure there’s a Broadway show that meets your family’s personality too.

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Best Broadway show for families who love great costuming and Disney story-telling

This Broadway production highlights spectacular costuming, scenery, and Disney songs. And bring the littles. It’s good for kids as young as 6.

Best Broadway shows for kids and families

The Lion King is one of the only shows whose production team recommends it for children ages 6 and up. (Most shows are recommended for ages 8+.)

And it’s no wonder that the show is expected to hold the attention of even younger kids. Although, it’s really a play for all ages, making it a perfect Broadway show for families.

The heartwarming story of bravery, family bonds, and good over evil is one of the longest running Broadway shows.

The costuming and puppetry is exquisite.

The sets are nothing short of gorgeous.

The songs are less kitschy Broadway and more classic Disney.

And it’s easy to become invested in all the characters. They range from wise Mufasa to funny Timon and Pumba to endearing Simba. They’ll all capture your heart by the end of your 2 1/2 hours in Minskoff Theater.

Best Broadway show for families who think they don’t like Broadway shows

Think you don’t like Broadway? This one just might change your mind. And make a history lover out of you in the process.

This Broadway production could have gone into a plethora of “best Broadway shows” categories.

One such category could have been “best production for families who want to get their kids excited about history.” History has never been as enthralling or entertaining as it is when told from Lin Manuel Miranda’s perspective.

See it once and you’ll know why it became a phenomenon. And why it had lots of kids ditching popular Tiktok songs for Broadway tunes.

The Hamilton musical tells the story of the impoverished son of a single mother who became a Founding Father. The play details both his important political contributions as well as his personal struggles and triumphs.

Parents should be there’s brief profanity and the depiction of an extramarital affair. (However, the profanity is quick. And the affair is pretty tame.)

Hamilton is very fast-paced. Brushing up on the history behind the show before you go to the theater will be well worth it.

The costumes are great and the revolving set makes dance numbers interesting.

But it’s really the music that takes center stage.

Hamilton is filled with rap, R&B, soul and traditional show tunes.

So, yes, it is worth the hype. Tickets might still be hard to come by. But, the effort will pay off.

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Best Broadway shows for families who want a feel-good story with an unexpected lesson

Teens and tweens may not have been born yet on the tragic day that inspired this story. But they’ll feel connected to the people who were after this Broadway production. Hope, compassion and the power of both come alive on stage.

Nonfiction comes to the stage again in the musical Come From Away.

The play tells what happened to 38 planes that had to land unexpectedly following the attacks of September 11, 2001. The airline passengers found themselves in Gander, Newfoundland, a small town with a big heart. The characters are based on some of the 7,000 stranded travelers that local residents housed and fed. And comforted through uncertainty.

Preteens and teens will be drawn to the personal stories of this monumental time in recent history. They (and you) will laugh and cry along with the characters.
The themes of kindness and perseverance will stick with everyone long after you leave the theater.

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Best Broadway show for families who want a new take on a nostalgic classic

This production has been on Broadway since 2003 and been performed in over 100 cities in 15 countries. And it’s no wonder. It appeals to all ages, offers a great storyline, and has beautiful costuming.

If you love the Wizard of Oz, you’ll adore Wicked the Musical.

Wicked is the back story to the beloved book and movie that made the yellow brick road so famous.

It’s a tale of friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. All of your favorites make an appearance in the show - the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and the flying monkeys. And audiences learn who the Wicked Witch of the East was and just how that tornado came to be.

It’s a story about friendship and being true to oneself. It sends the message that things may not always be as they seem. It’s apropos because even though it was written decades ago, the message is current. And it is really, truly funny. I was surprised how much I laughed and teared up during the performance.

It also has gorgeous costuming. Truly a show for the whole family.

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Best Broadway Show for families who love an Enchanted story

Magic carpets. A hilarious genie. And the chance to be transported to a faraway land. These things and more make this musical a treat for the whole family.

Other Broadway musical princess stories we have seen, like Anastasia and Beauty and the Beast, are no longer in production.

But, one tried and true classic still opens its curtains for theater goers - Aladdin the Musical.

Don’t worry though, my fellow boy moms. My son gave this “princess” play a thumbs up. Special effects, like a flying carpet, and tons of humor, thanks to the genie, make this production a hit. Even for boys.

Fans of the movie of the same name will love the familiar songs, like “Friend Like Me” and “Prince Ali.”

New songs like “These Palace Walls” and “A Million Miles Away” are equally as good though.

And the theme that all things are possible if you believe in yourself will leave you feeling inspired.

Best Broadway Show for FamiliesWho Who Love Harry Potter

J.K. Rowling’s storyline comes to the stage in a fantastic, magical way. Fans of the series are sure to love revisiting Hogwarts through this Broadway production.

Does your family love the books and movies based on a certain wizard and his pals? Then Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the play for you.

Prior to the pandemic, the play was a 2 part-show performed on consecutive nights. Now condensed to one sitting, it still packs the same jaw-dropping punch.

My kids absolutely loved the spectacular special effects. (And after much discussion, we still can’t figure out how they did some of them.)

In fact, my two youngest kids call this show their absolute favorite!

The plot is based on the adventures of Harry’s son. Lots of favorite characters from the movies and books play a role in the story.

Those who haven’t read the books or watched the movies may be a little lost. But, they’ll still be able to appreciate the innovative effects.

Best Broadway Show for families who want to sing along to songs they know

Pop music meets Broadway in this toe-tapping musical. And the sea-of-red stage makes an eye-ycatching backdrop for all the fun.

Ok. I know. A show about burlesque dancers for a family outing to Broadway?

Yes, this one may require some parent discretion. But, Moulin Rouge: The Musical, which won 10 Tony Awards in 2021, makes the list, albeit most suitably for older kids. (And honestly, on the stage this plays out more as a PG-13 French dance troupe than true burlesque.)

You’ll be singing right along with over 55 pop songs. From Adele to Britney Spears to David Bowie, you’re sure to know the words.

Moulin Rouge also features a set that effortlessly transports you to the turn of the 20th century in Paris. Dancers in cages, a huge windmill, and an elephant adorn the rheater before the show even begins.

And the overall message of the show is love, a theme that’s hard to find fault with.

Best Broadway Show For Teens About Teens

The mature themes in this Broadway show make it most appropriate for older kids. The topics make it a show that every teen and parent can relate to.

With topics like suicide and bullying an integral part of the show, Dear Evan Hansen may sound dark and depressing.

Yet, while this show is about some heavy topics, it is anything but just sad or dark.

Suicide, bullying, family secrets, and the need we all have to connect to others is presented in a relatable way. Chances are you’ll see yourself or someone you know in each of the characters.

Yes, you may shed a tear along with the characters. But, you’ll also laugh along with them too. And you’ll relate to the life the characters lead as the plot unfolds through communication that happens cyber-fast.

Mature themes (and the most “f Bombs” of any other show on our list) makes this one best for older kids. But, it’s a great one for your high school theater goer.

Wondering how just by being here you’re helping to make the world in which we travel a little better? Check out our charities page HERE.

Best (Off) Broadway Show for families who want to dance in their seats

This show comes with the lower price tag of off-Broadway but still packs the punch of a fantastic performance.

Who ever said a show had to be in prime Broadway real estate to be amazing?

One of the best “Broadway” shows for families is the off-Broadway production of Stomp.

For starters, children as young as four can enter the show. It’s just an hour and 45 minutes, so even kids who have trouble sitting for long periods can enjoy it. It’s also likely a cheaper ticket price than on Broadway, making it family-budget friendly.

But, the real reason to see the show isn’t because it’s less expensive or shorter than on Broadway. The real reason is because it’s fantastic.

It is a loud, feel-it-in-your-bones production that appeals to all ages. Musicians use brooms, garbage cans, metal lids, and lots of other props to create electrifying rhythms.

And of course, there’s no sitting still for those on stage. Movement and dance round out the entertainment.

In short, you just might be considered cool in the eyes of your teen for picking this show to see.

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Best Broadway Show for families to celebrate the holiday season

Nothing rings in the holiday season like this classic tale. And this immersive show is great for everyone in the family.

The Christmas season calls for a special, nostalgic show. What better fit is there than A Christmas Carol on Broadway?

Your kids may have seen the Disney version while you remember the classic. None-the-less, the timeless story of the 3 Christmas spirits is never as vibrant as it is onstage.

We had the chance to see the production several years ago.

This year, the classic story will be retold in a brand new way at the Nederlander Theater. Tony award winner Jefferson Mays will play over 50 roles in the production.

Whether you see this re-imagined production or catch an off-Broadway show, it’s a sure holiday hit.