Find the right show for your younger children with The Daily Mumtra’s round up of the Best London shows for Toddlers (2025), a comprehensive guide to all children’s shows guaranteed to delight audiences ages 0-3yrs. Shows are listed in chronological order.
The Snowy Day
Dates: 6th Dec-2nd Feb
Nothing screams Winter mode more than snuggling up with your wide eyed toddler in the adventure theatre at the Polka. The Christmas headliners at Polka never disappoint! Based on the book by Ezra Jack Keats, and set in the frosty streets of New York, The snowy day is an immersive treat for all the family.
- Aimed at Ages – 1-4yrs
- Running Time – 40 mins
Whipped Up
Dates: 12th – 16th February
A sensory and interactive performance based around the central figure of Dottie, a 50s style diner server on her fist day at work. With the babies as her (demanding) clientele the drama unfolds around the audience to great comic effect. Perfect for the littliest of theatre goers.
- Ages – 2 months-2 years
- Running time – 30mins +20mins Stay and play
The Koala Who Could
Dates: 13th -23rd February
Get ready for a heartwarming adventure! Join Kevin the Koala as he learns to step outside his comfort zone in The Koala Who Could, a delightful stage show at the Rose Theatre. Packed with puppetry, music, and plenty of giggles, it’s the perfect treat for little ones and their families.
- Aimed at Ages – 3+
- Running Time – 55 mins (no interval)
Catch ‘The Koala who Could’ later in the year…
- 3rd-5th May @ Arts Depot
- 20th May – 1st June @ Unicorn Theatre
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Dates: 15th – 20th February
Relive the magic of Eric Carle’s beloved classic! The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show brings this timeless tale to life with stunning puppetry and vibrant colours. A perfect introduction to theatre for little ones and a nostalgic treat for the whole family.
- Aimed at Ages 1+
- Running Time – 50 mins
The Pea and the Princess
Dates: 15th Feb – 30th March 2025
A fast paced and high energy retelling of the PEA and the Princess, expect a kick ass Princess, catchy songs and some cute rabbit puppets!. A great choice for toddlers and their slightly older siblings too. Read our review
- Aimed at ages – 3-7yrs
- Buggy Parking – Yes
- Duration – 55 mins
Little Angel Theatre’s Miniature Travelling Circus
Dates: 15th Feb – 19th April 2025
Ringmaster George faces a big challenge: their tiny circus needs a big boost! Join Little Angel’s Miniature Travelling Circus for a delightful show featuring beautiful puppets, nostalgic magic, and truly unique acts – think performing mice and acrobatic fleas – in a circus like no other.
- Aimed at Ages – 1+
- Buggy Parking – Yes
- Duration – 40mins
Town Mouse and Country Mouse
Dates: 18th – 22nd February 2025
Join two friends on a captivating journey of discovery! This enchanting adaptation of Aesop’s heartwarming tale uses puppetry, music, and magical design to show how new experiences can be exciting and differences can be wonderful. Perfect for ages 3+ and their families.
- Aimed at Ages – 3+
- Buggy Parking – Yes
- Duration – 50mins
Imagine Children’s festival 2025
There’s a Bear on my Chair
Dates: 18th – 23rd February 2025
A hilarious battle for personal space erupts when Bear settles into Mouse’s favourite chair! This stage adaptation of Ross Collins’ beloved books sees Mouse try every trick in the book to reclaim his spot, only for the tables to turn when Mouse becomes the unwelcome guest. Featuring unforgettable puppetry by Toby Olié (Spirited Away, War Horse), this show is packed with laughs and surprises.
- Aimed at Ages – 2-7
- Buggy Parking – Yes
- Duration – 1 hour
CBeebies Wildlife Gymboree
Dates: 23rd February 2025
Get ready for a wild musical adventure! The Wildlife Jamboree brings together CBeebies friends, animals, and the BBC Concert Orchestra for a spectacular celebration of nature
- Aimed at Ages – 2+
- Buggy Parking – Yes
- Duration – 1 hour 15 mins
Sandscape
Dates: 28th Feb – 2nd March 2025
Witness the captivating beauty of sand in Sandscape, a silent theatrical performance that explores its texture, movement, and transformative potential. This visually stunning show uses rhythm, music, and playful interactions to create ever-changing landscapes and culminates in a dance with the audience.
- Aimed at Ages – 2-7 yrs
- Running time – 30 mins
Home song
Dates: 14th March – 12th April 2025
Embark on a soothing sensory journey with young Adwoa and her mum as they discover the meaning of home, from Kumasi to London. Home Song offers a vivid musical experience for you and your baby, featuring puppetry, interactive soundscapes, and beautiful acapella singing. Created in partnership with Talawa Theatre Company and the Unicorn Theatre, this show is a gentle and engaging introduction to theatre for the very young.
- Aimed at Ages – 6 -18 months
- Running Time – 30 mins + Playtime
Bing’s Birthday
Join Bing, Sula, Pando, Coco, Amma, and Flop for a brand-new live stage show where surprises are around every corner. It’s Bing’s special day, and while things might not always go according to plan, with a little help from his friends, it’s sure to be an unforgettable celebration. Come dressed for a party and get ready to sing, dance, and join in the fun!
- Aimed at Ages – 2+
- Running time – 50 mins
Little Night
Dates: 29th March – 19th April
Imaginart, the renowned Spanish company, is back at the Unicorn with a new sensory spectacle. Following the success of Sensacional, they present an immersive show that captivates children’s imaginations with mesmerizing projections and soundscapes.
- Aimed at Ages – 18months – 4yrs
- Running Time – 30 mins
The Smartest Giant in Town
Dates: 2nd – 3rd April 2025
We have loved a good Julia Donaldson show over the years in my family with ‘Stick Man‘ and ‘The Gruffalo’ amongst our favourites. However for toddlers the safest bet in my opinion would be ‘The Smartest Giant in Town’. A heart warming tale of kindness and friendship.
This enchanting production aimed at ages 2 + incorporates puppetry with big bright sets and musical numbers with audience participation that will have you tapping along in the aisles. A great choice for families of young toddlers and slightly older siblings and a wonderful introductory stage adaptation of the bestselling books of Julia Donaldson.
Let’s Build
Dates: 10th May – 29th June 2025
What can we build? Where will our imaginations take us? My kids and I loved this show last year! Join two very curious builders who’ve never built anything before as they transform everyday objects into amazing creations – a mermaid, a rocket, a mighty elephant, and more! It’s an interactive building adventure where mistakes lead to exciting new discoveries
- Aimed at Ages – 2-5yrs
- Running time – 45 mins
Pirates Love Underpants
Pirates, underpants, and buried treasure! This swashbuckling show is a hilarious adventure filled with music, puppetry, and golden pants. Based on the bestselling book by Clare Freedman and Ben Cort.
- Aimed at Ages – 1+
- Running time – 1 Hour
The Elmer Adventure
Treat the kids to an unforgettable journey into the colourful world of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant! Presented by Children’s Theatre Company Tall Stories to celebrate Elmer’s 35th anniversary, ‘The Elmer Adventure’ is a magical show filled with songs, storytelling, and puppetry that will enchant audiences of all ages. The show explores themes of acceptance and friendship and the importance of celebrating what makes each of us unique.
- Aimed at Ages – 3+
- Running Time – TBC
Catch ‘The Elmer Adventure’ later in the year…
- 23rd -25th May @ The Arts Depot
- 28th May – 1st June @ RoseTheatre
The Tiger Who Came to tea
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 Christmas. Back by popular demand, after its successful Summer holiday Season at The Theatre Royal Haymarket.
- Aimed at Ages – 3+
- Running time – 55 mins
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 2025. Get the scoop on London’s new musical offerings Mrs Doubtfire and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Read next: London’s Best Julia Donaldson Theatre shows
