Find the right show for your younger children with The Daily Mumtra’s round up of the Best London shows for Toddlers (2023), a comprehensive guide to all children’s shows guaranteed to delight audiences 3+ (and often younger). Shows are listed in chronological order.
Hey Duggee (Now Closed)
Where: Rose Theatre
Nearest Station: Kingston
When: 31st May-4th June
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Join Dugee and the squirrels in this stage extravaganza of the Cbeebies hit show, bursting with music, puppets and side busting giggles. Hey Duggee the live theatre show descends upon Kingston for 5 dates only to coincide with May Half term before taking off on tour again. Be quick – of all the family friendly shows this one will sell out FAST. A WOOF!
- Age Guidance: Ages 3+
- Booster Seats: Not available
- Buggy Parking: Can be left in Foyer at own risk
- Babes in arms – under 18months
- Tickets from £20
Winnie The Pooh the Musical (Now Closed)
Where: Richmond Theatre
Tube: Richmond
When: 7th – 9th July
Running Time: 65mins
Fresh from a sellout US tour, this heart warming new Disney musical makes its UK debut in London this Spring. Adults and children will delight in this nostalgic reawakening of A.A.Milne’s treasured furry friends including Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore and the lovable Winnie himself. Expect life sized puppets and a sensational new score.
- Age Guidance – all
- Booster Seats? – TBC
- Buggy Parking? – TBC
- Babes in arms – yes up to 18 months
- Adults and Children – from £13
Mog The Forgetful Cat (Now Closed)
Where: The Old Vic
Tube: Waterloo
When: 11th – 29th July 2023
Another reworking of a Judith Kerr classic, Mog the forgetful Cat is not to be missed this Summer. Adapted by The Wardrobe Ensemble, songs and live music bring this timeless tale of family and friendship to a new generation of fans.
- Recommended age: 3+
- Booster Seats: TBC
- Buggy Parking:TBC
- Tickets: Adults £18 Children £12
Zog (Now Closed)
Where: Rose Theatre, Kingston
When: 12th – 16th July 2023
Ever wondered what it takes to become a dragon? Watch Madam Dragon put Zog and his friends through their paces at dragon school. From learning to breathe fire to rescuing a princess, none of it comes easy to hapless Zog until aspiring doctor Princess Pearl comes along to save the day. A thrilling adaptation of the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book by Freckle Production’s five person cast. Click here for The Daily Mumtra’s Review
- Recommended Age: 3+
- Buggy Parking: Can be left in Foyer at own risk
- Booster Seats: Limited
- Babes in Arms: Yes Up to 18 months
- Tickets: From £15
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (Now Closed)
Where: The Lyric, Hammersmith
Tube: Hammersmith
When: 25-30 July
Running Time: 50 mins
An invitation to dive into the bright and colourful world of Eric Carle. Using 75 lovable puppets, this show brings to life four of Carle’s timeless stories – Brown Bear Brown Bear, Ten Little Rubber Ducks, The very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
- Age Recommendation: 1+
- Buggy Parking: Yes
- Booster Seats: Yes
- Tickets: From £15, Family tickets for a family of 4 start at £50
Fireman Sam Saves the Circus (Now Closed)
Where: Rose Theatre
Train: Kingston
Dates: 21st – 28th August
Running Time: 60 Mins (No Interval)
Adventure to Pontypandy this February Half term where Norman Price has joined a travelling circus. When a tiger escapes, all hell breaks loose. Who will save the day? None other than Fireman Sam….with some help from his heroic audience members of course! A true theatrical treat for children of all ages.
A fun packed adventure that will have fans of the show on the edge of their seats. Meet and Greets with Fireman Sam, Penny and Norman take place after the show at additional cost.
- Age Guidance: Ages 3+
- Booster Seats: Not available
- Buggy Parking: Can be left in Foyer at own risk
- Babes in arms – under 18months
- Tickets from £20
Egg and Spoon (Now Closed)
Where: Polka Theatre
Tube: Wimbledon
Dates: 27th Sept -1st Oct
Running Time: 55 mins
A gentle and interactive introduction to the magic of theatre. Toddlers and babies can roam freely in this sensory exploration of the changing seasons – perfect for those with shorter attention spans or too excited to stay seated.
- Age Guidance: 1-3yrs
- Buggy Park: Yes
- Babes in arms under 12 months – £1
- Tickets: from £14
The Bed
Where: Little Angel Studios
Tube: Highbury and Islington
Dates: 30th September – 4 November 2023
Running Time: 45 mins (including 15 mins stay and play)
Snuggle up on this bedtime adventure which will transport you from the North Pole to outer space without even leaving the comfort of your bed. An enchanting show of fantasy and escapism, based on the Sylvia Plath poem. Little Angel Theatre presents two variations of this production for both babies (6-18 months) and toddlers (18 months – 3yrs).
- Age Guidance – Babies (6-18months) and Toddlers (18 months-3yrs)
- Booster Seats -N/A
- Buggy Parking – Yes
- Babes in arms – tickets needed form 6 months
- Tickets from £12
Wow! Said the Owl
Where: Polka Theatre
Tube: Wimbledon
When: 4th – 8th October
Running Time – 40 mins
Be Sure not to miss Little Angel theatre’s heartening adaptation of the Tim Hopgood classic “Wow! Said the Owl’. Share in the wonderment of the little owl as he discovers the colourful world around him before conceding that the stars, illuminated by the night sky, are the most beautiful of all.
- Age Guidance: 2-5 yrs
- Booster Seats? No
- Buggy Parking?Yes
- Babes in arms ? – under 12 months – £1
- Tickets from £14 (£2.50 booking fee)
Under The Little Red Moon
Where: Polka Theatre
Tube: Wimbledon
Dates: 18th – 22nd October 2023
Running Time: 30 Mins
English Touring Opera presents this charming exploration into developing language with the help of music and movement. Made in consultation with paediatricians, this story for the youngest of theatre lovers starts with the rising red moon. But what happens when the moon turns blue? Is it crying? can the ladybirds and the rabbits tell us why?
- Age Guidance – 6-24 months
- Buggy Park – Yes
- Babes in arrms under 12 months – £1
- Tickets – from £14
Tales From Acorn Wood
Where: Arts Depot
Tube: North Finchley
When: 21st – 25th October
Running time: 55 mins
Poor old Fox has lost his socks!
Join Fox, Rabbit, Pig and Bear and other favourite characters in this sweet adaptation of the popular ‘lift the flap’ books. See Axel Scheffler’s furry friends bought to life with human sized puppets and toe tapping song, bought to you by the creative team behind ‘Dear Zoo’ and ‘Dear Santa’.
Love Julia Donaldson? Luckily London is awash with theatrical adaptations of her much loved classics. Check out my dedicated post London’s Best Julia Donaldson Theatre Shows 2022-2023
- Recommended Ages: 1-6 yrs
- Buggy Parking: Yes
- Booster Seats: Can be purchased for £3
- Babes in Arms: Yes up to 18 months
- Tickets: From £12
Peppa Pig Fun Day Out
Where: Theatre Royal Haymarket
Tube: Piccadilly Circus/Charing Cross
Dates: 30th Nov – 31st Dec
Running Time: 1hr 20 mins (with interval)
Peppa fans will delight in this jam packed celebration of everyone’s favourite piggy. Join Peppa and friends for a day out at the zoo and the beach in this colourful stage reimagining. This live theatre show is full of song, dance, giggles and of course – muddy puddles! An unforgettable Christmas Treat.
- Age Guidance – 0-4 yrs
- Booster Seats – TBC
- Buggy Parking – Collapsable buggies may be stored in cloakroom
- Babes in arms – under 12 months go free
- Tickets – from £10
Bluey’s Big Play
Where: Royal Festival Hall
Tube: Waterloo
Dates: 20th Dec -7th Jan
Running Time: 50 mins (no interval)
Be the first to catch this UK Premiere of the hugely popular, Emmy award winning TV show Bluey, adapted for the stage. Join Bluey, Bingo and Dad in this charming show brought to life with puppetry and based on an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm.
- Age Guidance – all
- Booster Seats – TBC
- Buggy Parking – TBC
- Babes in arms – under 18months go free
- Tickets – £20 – £29.50
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Where: Unicorn Theatre
Tube: London Bridge
When: 20th Jan – 18th Feb 2024
Running Time: 55 Mins
A magical treat for families with first time theatre goers.
Are you looking for a first spectacular musical for your toddler? Stiles and Drewe’s ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’ could be the perfect introductory musical experience. Join the three hungry goats as they endeavour to outwit the nasty troll and reach pastures green.
- Age Guidance – 3-7yrs
- Booster Seats? – TBC
- Buggy Park – Yes
- Babes in arms? – TBC
- Tickets: From £11-£27.50
The Tiger who came to Tea
Where: New Wimbledon Theatre
Tube: Wimbledon
When: 7th -8th April 2024
Poor Sophie and her Mum get more than they bargained for when a tea guzzling tiger shows up at their door. Will he ever stop eating? What will daddy say?
Nominated for a number of Olivier awards, this smash hit show based on the much loved Judith Kerr picture book is full of surprises. An all singing, all dancing whole family favourite set to delight London’s West End audiences this summer. Back by popular demand, after its successful 2023 Summer holiday Season The Theatre Royal Haymarket.
- Age Guidance: 3+
- Booster Seats? Yes
- Buggy Park?Yes
- Babes in arms -under 18 months
- Tickets – from £16.75
A note about Kids Week
London may be home to some of the best theatre but when it comes to buying theatre tickets for a family of 3+, its affordability is questionable. Every year for the month of August the Society of London Theatre run an incentive to make theatre accessible for families and younger audiences. During this month children aged 17 or under qualify for a free ticket when accompanied by a full paying adult. In addition up to two extra children’s tickets can be purchased at half price.
If you have your sights set on one of the high ticket west end musicals, such as Disney’s The Lion King Musical at the Lyceum Theatre or Frozen the musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, this would be a great time to catch a memorable live performance without breaking the bank. More info here.
And for older Children (6+)?
Looking for the perfect West End show to treat your slightly older children (6+)? Check out The Daily Mumtra’s guide to The Best Kids Musicals in London 2023. Get the scoop on London’s 2023 new musical offerings Mrs Doubtfire, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and hotly anticipated Roald Dahl thriller ‘The Witches’ (National Theatre). This article also rounds up off-West End offerings ‘Charlie And The Chocolate Factory’ and ‘The Spongebob Musical’ at The Southbank Centre.
Planning a family trip to the West End with Toddlers? See what else is on offer in 5 things to do with a toddler in Covent Garden.
Read next: London’s Best Julia Donaldson Theatre shows 2022-23
