Best Broadway Shows for Kids & Families (2026)
Broadway in August 2026 offers families an impressive array of kid-friendly productions, with several long-running favorites maintaining their critical acclaim alongside newer crowd-pleasers. The selection spans magical adventures, Disney spectacles, and jukebox musicals that appeal to multiple generations.
Leading the pack is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which continues to captivate critics with its astonishing stagecraft and theatrical illusions that bring the wizarding world to life on stage. Close behind, The Lion King remains a theatrical marvel nearly three decades into its run, with Julie Taymor's innovative puppetry and visual design proving timeless in their ability to transport audiences to the Pride Lands.
For families seeking contemporary musical fun, & Juliet delivers an exuberant experience built around Max Martin's pop catalog, offering a feminist twist on Shakespeare's classic tale that critics describe as a guilty pleasure. Meanwhile, Disney's Aladdin provides the kind of colorful, visually spectacular entertainment that families have come to expect from Broadway adaptations of beloved animated films.
The overall quality level is strong, with productions averaging 75 out of 100 in critical scores—a testament to Broadway's commitment to family entertainment that doesn't sacrifice theatrical artistry. Parents should note that while these shows are marketed as family-friendly, age recommendations vary considerably. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, for instance, runs over three hours and deals with darker themes that may be more suitable for older children, while The Lion King welcomes younger theatergoers with its accessible storytelling and visual wonder.
Whether your family prefers magical adventures, classic Disney tales, or contemporary pop musicals, Broadway's current lineup offers something for every taste and age group.
6 shows | Last updated: August 2026
How We Rank
Rankings are based on CriticScore, an aggregate of professional reviews from 400+ outlets including The New York Times, Vulture, and Variety. Top-tier outlets carry the most weight in the composite score. Each show needs a minimum number of reviews to qualify. Scores are recalculated weekly. Learn more about our methodology.
Critics praise the Broadway spectacle for its astonishing stagecraft and magical illusions, calling it a theatrical marvel that brings the wizarding world vividly to life, though some find the story feels like expensive fan fiction.
Critics hail Julie Taymor's staging as a theatrical marvel, with stunning puppetry and visual spectacle that transcends its animated source. A few find it more dazzling than emotionally engaging, but most call it breathtaking.
Critics find this Max Martin jukebox musical a guilty pleasure—exuberant and fun despite its fluff, with infectious pop hits and girl-power themes winning over most skeptics, though some dismiss it as overly broad and lightweight Shakespeare.
Critics find Aladdin a visually spectacular but formulaic Disney adaptation that delivers solid family entertainment without breaking new ground. James Monroe Iglehart's exuberant Genie performance and the magic carpet scene earn widespread praise.
Dazzling choreography and electrifying performances thrill, but this estate-approved musical sidesteps controversy, delivering a slick, superficial celebration that prioritizes spectacle over substance in exploring Jackson's complex legacy.
Critics are mixed on this lavish spectacle, with Kristin Chenoweth's star turn widely praised but the book criticized for lacking emotional depth. The $14 million production dazzles visually, though some find it overlong and dramatically uneven.