Children's Theater & Live Shows for Kids in NYC (2025)

From April 1–5, Carnegie Hall debuts huddle, a new early childhood concert for babies and toddlers ages 0-2. Written by composers Saskia Lane and Thomas Cabaniss and librettist Zoë Palmer, huddle follows three characters (fragile, fin, and hoof) as they find each other and create a new community. Integrating themes of migration, community, and collective imagination, huddle is a highly interactive performance that invites babies and toddlers to be a part of the show. Registration opens on March 10 for free performances offered twice daily.

Galli Theater presents a variety of fairytale-inspired family shows like Sleeping Beauty, The Three Little Pigs and Rapunzel. Check their website to see which ones are coming up.

Jazz at Lincoln Center's WeBop early childhood program hosts this series of swingin' 45-minute concerts to introduce kids to jazz through interactive music and dance.

Charming hand puppets and marionettes bring beloved stories to life at Puppetworks, and the relaxed atmosphere and affordable tickets make this theatre a great choice for young kids.

Children ages 3–10 and their families are invited to the Hall’s Resnick Education Wing for Family Day: Spring Fest, an afternoon-long free open house. This highly interactive, playful day offers families a multitude of fun activities that celebrate the earth, nature, and all things spring. Highlights of Family Day include instrument building with Bash the Trash; group singing with artists Emily Eagen, Skye Soto Steele, and Diana Schwam; a soothing sound meditation; hands-on opportunities to color and craft; lively mainstage performances with Falu and Swing Makes You Sing!; and more.

MegBoyle said:  Enjoy free, interactive, and fun musical activities and performances in Carnegie Hall’s Resnick Education Wing. Family Day is an anticipated musical adventure that returns each season with brand-new themes and activities. This April, join us for a celebration of all things spring. Stop by for a visit or stay for the whole afternoon! Activities are ongoing from 12 PM to 4 PM. Free admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Little Orchestra Society puts on exquisite concerts to entertain and educate young children and families. The classical masters are performed in creative, innovative, and delightful ways.

Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies and LIVE musicians to explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, through all your favorite Blippi hits. So grab your drumsticks, tune up your guitar, and move those feet with Blippi and get ready for a musical performance that's fun for the whole family! 

Discover music from around the world in this popular and highly interactive concert for children. Artists with magnetic personalities teach families all about their musical traditions—including Georgian folk with singer and guitarist Ilusha Tsinadze; son jarocho (Mexico’s “Veracruz sound”) with the Villalobos Brothers (Ernesto, Alberto, and Luis); and Zimbabwean Mbira music with singer and composer Dr. Tanyaradzwa Tawengwa.

Hear enchanting lullabies written by families in New York City and around the world in this concert celebrating Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project. Each year, the Lullaby Project pairs new and expecting parents with professional artists to write and sing personal lullabies for their babies, supporting parental health, aiding childhood development, and strengthening the bond between parent and child. This performance features a selection of new works written this season—as well as the stories behind the songs—from the community of parents, songwriters, and partners who worked together to create them.

New York Philharmonic presents its 30-minute Philharmonic Playdates series for the youngest concertgoers, with play-based performances that are inspired by toys, games and make-believe. Come early to enjoy hands-on activities and musical games before the hosted concert.

Experience the magic of this interactive and engaging live show experience set to spark creativity, curiosity and a love of learning through The Wiggles signature mix of entertainment and education.

Enjoy free, interactive, and fun musical activities and performances in Carnegie Hall’s Resnick Education Wing. Family Day welcomes families with children ages 3–10 to a celebration of American music traditions, in connection with the Hall's season-long celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Activities are ongoing from 12 PM to 4 PM. Stop by for a quick visit or join us for the whole afternoon!

Monty Python meets Sherlock Holmes in this hilarious kid-friendly show about opening night of a murder mystery production where everything goes wrong.

Alexandra F. said:  This musical is SO. MUCH. FUN! It tells a "what if" story, imagining a new ending to the Romeo & Juliet tragedy if Juliet had decided to go on living rather than killing herself upon discovering Romeo's death. With the help of her friends, her nursemaid, and some of the most popular pop songs of the last couple decades, Juliet goes through a journey of self-discovery that will have you dancing in your seat, and leave you with a gigantic smile on your face. Though I saw plenty of younger kids in the audience, I think the focus on relationships and identity probably makes it most appropriate for mature tweens and up.

Theater-loving families won't want to miss out on this Broadway ticket deal when it comes around. Kids and teens can attend a participating show for free with a full-paying adult, and certain shows also offer in-theater activities for kids. Choose from Wicked, Hamilton, The Lion King, Aladdin and many more.