Find the right show for your younger children with The Daily Mumtra’s round up of the Best London shows for Toddlers (2026), a comprehensive guide to all children’s shows guaranteed to delight audiences ages 0-3yrs. Shows are listed in chronological order and this post is regularly updated to reflect current listings.
Squirrel
Dates: 17th Jan – 22nd Feb 2026
A delightful introduction to live theatre for tiny tots, Squirrel is a charming, interactive show perfect for children aged 6 months to 4 years. Audiences follow a fussy little squirrel as it tries to remember where it buried its favourite acorns in a magical world of sunlit trees and playful surprises. Filled with gentle puppetry, simple storytelling and moments that invite little ones to wiggle, explore and even join in, this whimsical 40-minute performance is designed especially for curious babies and toddlers.
- Ages: 6 months – 4yrs
- Buggy Parking – Yes
- Duration – 40 mins
Peppa Pig Big Family Show (Editor’s Pick)
Dates: 4th-5th February 2026
If your little one is Peppa-obsessed, this brand-new stage show is basically a toddler’s dream come true. From colourful sets and giant familiar faces to the delightful introduction of baby Evie, my own toddler was completely glued to the action from start to finish — and I genuinely enjoyed it too. It’s warm, interactive and packed with all the music and fun that makes Peppa so special, perfect for ages 2–4. This is my editor’s pick for anyone looking for a heart-felt and joyful introduction to theatre for tiny audiences. Selling Fast Book Now!
- Ages – 2-4 yrs
- Buggy Parking – Yes
- Duration – 1 hr 20 mins (incl interval)
Ruby’s Worry
Based on Tom Percival’s much-loved picture book, Ruby’s Worry is a sweet and gentle show for ages 3–7 that turns feelings into fun. At Polka this half-term, audiences follow Ruby as her little worry grows bigger and bigger — until a new friend helps her learn that talking about what’s on your mind makes it easier to carry. Told with live music, puppetry and playful storytelling, it’s both reassuring and delightful for young hearts. I’d highly recommend it for introducing toddlers to the idea that everyone feels anxious sometimes — in a way that’s warm, relatable and full of charm.
- Aimed at Ages – 3+
- Running time – 40 mins
- Buggy Parking – Yes
The Princess and The Pea
Dates: 14th – 20th Feb 2026
Side splitting slapstick meets circus acrobatics in this edge of your seat whirlwind of a show. Forget what you know about the traditional story – this is a complete reworking of the Hans Christian Andersen classic that will have your little ones belly laughing from start to finish. I took my then 2 yr old to see this at the Unicorn Theatre last year and she was spellbound!
- Aimed at Ages – 2+
- Running Time – 50 mins
- Babes in arms – Free under 18 months
Zoom!
Dates: 17 – 21st Feb 2026
Zoom! is a playful, space-themed show for ages 3–8 that blends songs, puppetry and a heartwarming story about curiosity and caring for our planet. Follow Molly, a little space expert whose galaxy-sized adventure teaches her that Earth is pretty special too — with plenty of music and gentle laughs along the way. Designed especially for young audiences, it’s a gentle introduction to big ideas like friendship and looking after our world that keeps toddlers engaged and inspired.
Running Time – 50 mins
toooB
Dates: 25th Feb – 8th March
toooB is a magical, wordless performance designed especially for 6–24-month-olds and their grown-ups, making it a fantastic first theatre experience. Audiences are invited to meet a curious, shape-shifting creature as it explores, invents gentle games and plays with its human friends in a sensory-rich world of movement, music and tactile fun. With its captivating soundtrack, playful visuals and a relaxed, interactive vibe, this is a beautifully simple way to introduce babies to theatre and dance.
Running Time: 45 mins
Dear Zoo
Dates: 2nd – 5th March
Based on Rod Campbell’s beloved lift-the-flap book, Dear Zoo comes to life on stage in a colourful, puppet-filled adventure that’s perfect for little animal lovers aged 2+. Help your toddler guess which cheeky creature might arrive next as the story unfolds with lively music, audience interaction and lots of laughs.
- Aimed at Ages – 2+
- Running Time – 55 mins (no interval)
Disney On Ice ‘Into The Magic’
Dates: 25th -29th March 2026
If your toddler is obsessed with Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, can’t get Moana’s songs out of their head, or lights up at classic fairytale heroes and heroines like Cinderella, Disney on Ice: Into the Magic is a thrilling choice for the whole family. The show brings beloved characters to life on ice with dazzling costumes, high-energy skating and all the magic and music that little ones adore. From sing-along favourites to breathtaking moments on ice, it’s designed to keep young eyes wide with wonder from start to finish.
Running Time: 1hr 55mins (with 20 mi interval)
We’re Going on a bear hunt
Dates: 25th March – 12th April
Michael Rosen’s much-loved adventure springs to life in this enchanting puppetry production that takes little ones on a rollicking family expedition through grass, rivers, mud, woods and more — complete with catchy rhythms and delightful scenes that mirror the book’s playful spirit.
- Aimed at Ages – 3-7yrs
- Running Time – 45 mins
The Lion Inside
Dates: 14th July – 2nd August 2026
Based on the much-loved picture book by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, The Lion Inside is a joyful, puppet-powered adventure about a shy little mouse who sets off to find his roar — and discovers that bravery comes in all sizes. With catchy music, inventive puppetry and plenty of opportunities for kids to join in the fun, this heart-warming show explores confidence, friendship and finding your voice. FYI – It’s recommended for ages 3-7 but I did take my daughter then aged 2 to see this when it debuted and found it to be suitable.
- Aimed at ages – 3-7yrs (Imo best for 2-5)
- Running Time – 50 mins
The Gruffalo
Dates: 17th July – 6th September
Join Mouse in the deep, dark wood as Julia Donaldson’s classic comes to life with music, puppetry and plenty of giggles for little ones aged 3+. Staged in the heart of the West End in a proper West End theatre, it feels like a real big-theatre outing — just perfectly scaled for toddlers. At under an hour with no interval, it’s ideal for tiny attention spans and a memorable summer treat for the whole family.
- Aimed at Ages – 3-7 yrs
- Running Time – 1 hr (no interval)
The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical
Get ready for a deliciously mischievous adventure with “The Enormous Crocodile the Musical”! Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved tale, this vibrant new production brings the cunning crocodile and his imaginative plans to life on stage. Join him as he attempts to gobble up some unsuspecting children, only to be outsmarted by the cleverest of creatures. Filled with catchy songs, colourful characters this musical promises a wickedly fun and unforgettable experience for the whole family.
- 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, this would be a great time to catch a memorable live performance without breaking the bank. More info here.
Read next: London’s Best Julia Donaldson Theatre shows
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