Is a Broadway Show Appropriate for Kids? A Parent’s Guide
From age restrictions and content warnings to running times and attention spans, here’s how to decide if a Broadway show is right for your child.
Planning a family trip to New York City and hoping to see a Broadway show with your kids? Picking the right show isn't always as simple as finding a musical they recognize. Parents also need to consider Broadway age restrictions, age recommendations, mature content, running time, loud noises, scary moments and, perhaps most importantly, whether their child is ready to sit through a full-length Broadway performance.
So, how old should a child be to see a Broadway show? And how can you tell if a particular Broadway musical or play is appropriate for your kid?
There isn't one answer that works for every family. Broadway shows have different age policies and content, and children of the same age can have very different interests, attention spans and sensitivities. Before buying Broadway tickets for the family, use the steps below to determine whether a show is right for your child.
How Old Do Kids Have to Be to See a Broadway Show?
There is no single minimum age that applies to every Broadway production. At most Broadway theatres, however, children under the age of 4 are not admitted. Some productions have higher minimum ages, so parents should always check the policy for the specific show they plan to attend before purchasing tickets.
Remember that a minimum age requirement is different from a show's recommended age. If a production is recommended for ages 10 and up, for example, that doesn't necessarily mean an 8-year-old cannot attend. It means the producers believe the show's content and theatrical experience are best suited to children 10 or older.
A minimum age requirement, on the other hand, is a theatre policy. A child who does not meet that requirement may not be admitted.
Do Kids Need a Ticket for a Broadway Show?
Yes! Every audience member needs a ticket to attend a Broadway show, regardless of age. That means you cannot purchase one ticket and plan to keep a young child on your lap during the performance. When you're calculating the cost of taking your family to Broadway, plan on purchasing a separate ticket for each person attending.
How Do I Know If a Broadway Show Is Appropriate for My Child?
Age recommendations are a great place to start, but age alone shouldn't determine which Broadway show you choose. Before buying tickets, consider these six questions...
1. What Is the Show's Official Age Recommendation?
Start with the production's official website or ticketing information (and check out a list below). Many Broadway productions publish a recommended age as well as a minimum age for admission. Policies can change, so always verify the current requirements before purchasing tickets.
2. What Kind of Mature Content Is in the Show?
"Recommended for ages 12+" only tells you so much. Parents may also want to know why a show has received that recommendation. Depending on the production, things to consider can include:
- Strong language
- Sexual references or sexual content
- Violence
- Death
- Drug or alcohol use
- Mature themes
- Scary characters or situations
- Bullying
- Grief
- Intense emotional material
Different families have different standards, and children respond differently to the same material. A child who isn't bothered by strong language, for example, might be extremely sensitive to violence or death. Researching the reason behind an age recommendation can therefore be more helpful than relying on the number alone.
3. Is the Show Scary?
A Broadway musical can technically be appropriate for children and still contain moments that frighten them. Consider more than just the plot. Live theatre can make familiar stories feel much more immediate. Villains can be intimidating, theatrical effects can be startling and scenes involving danger or death may have a different impact when they're happening just a few feet away. If your child is particularly sensitive to scary situations, look for information about the show's content before you go.
4. How Long Is the Broadway Show?
Don't overlook running time when deciding whether a Broadway show is right for a child. Many Broadway musicals run approximately two and a half hours, including an intermission. Some plays and musicals are even longer, while others run 90 minutes or less without an intermission. Ask yourself how your child normally handles movies, concerts, school performances or other events of a similar length.
A two-hour-and-45-minute musical might be perfectly appropriate in terms of content for an 8-year-old but still be a difficult first Broadway experience for a child who struggles to sit still for long periods.
5. Are There Loud Noises, Flashing Lights or Other Sensory Effects?
Broadway can be loud! Live orchestras, amplified music, pyrotechnics, strobe or flashing lights, sudden sound effects, theatrical fog and other effects can be exciting for many children but overwhelming for others. Parents of children who are sensitive to loud noises, darkness, flashing lights or unexpected sensory effects should look for the production's advisories before purchasing tickets.
6. Will My Child Actually Be Interested in the Story?
This might be the most important question of all. A show being "kid-friendly" doesn't necessarily mean that your kid will like it. Think about the stories, characters and music your child already enjoys. A child obsessed with The Wizard of Oz might be fascinated by Wicked. A Harry Potter fan may be thrilled to spend an evening at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Another child might be much happier at a short, high-energy musical than at a longer play. For a child's first Broadway show especially, choosing something they're already excited about can make the experience much more enjoyable.
What Is the Best Age for a Child's First Broadway Show?
There is no perfect age for a child's first Broadway show. Some children are ready for a full-length musical at 5 or 6, while others might enjoy the experience much more at 8, 10 or even older.
Are Broadway Matinees Better for Kids?
They can be. For younger children, an afternoon performance may work better than an evening show that ends well past their usual bedtime. Kids who are tired are also less likely to remain engaged through a long performance. When planning a Broadway show as part of a larger NYC family vacation, avoid packing too many activities into the same day. Walking around New York for hours before asking a child to sit quietly through a two-and-a-half-hour musical isn't necessarily a recipe for theatrical success.
Can Kids Use Booster Seats at Broadway Theatres?
Many Broadway theatres have booster seats available for children who need a little extra height to see the stage. Availability can vary, however, so ask an usher when you arrive at the theatre. Your child's ability to see the stage is worth considering when selecting seats as well.
What Should Kids Know Before Their First Broadway Show?
Prepare children for the fact that attending live theatre is different from watching a movie at home. Explain that they'll need to remain in their seat during the performance, keep talking to a minimum and avoid singing along—even if they know every word. Phones and other electronic devices should also stay away during the performance.
It can also help to use the restroom before the show begins and again at intermission.
Most importantly, remind them that the actors are performing live. Part of the fun of Broadway is that the audience is part of the experience, too.
Should I Tell My Child the Story Before Seeing a Broadway Show?
For some kids, absolutely. Knowing the basic plot ahead of time can make a musical easier to follow, particularly if the story is complicated or the child is young. Consider watching a movie adaptation, reading the book, listening to the cast recording or simply explaining the basic premise before your trip.
Official Age Recommendations for Current Broadway Shows
& Juliet: Recommended for ages 8+ with adult language.
Aladdin: Intended for ages 8+ and is not recommended for anyone under the age of 4.
The Book of Mormon: Parental advisory: explicit language.
Buena Vista Social Club: Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Chicago: May be inappropriate for 12 and under.
The Great Gatsby: Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Hadestown: Recommended for ages 8+.
Hamilton: Appropriate for ages 10+.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Suitable for ages 10 and up. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
Just in Time: Recommended for ages 10 and up.
The Lion King: Not intended for children under 4. The show is recommended for ages 8+.
The Lost Boys: May be inappropriate for ages 10 and under.
Maybe Happy Ending: Recommended for ages 8 and up.
MJ the Musical: Recommended for ages 8 and older.
Moulin Rouge!: Recommended for 12+.
Oh, Mary!: Recommended for ages 14 and up
The Outsiders: Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Operation Mincemeat: Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Paranormal Activity: Recommended for ages 15+.
The Rocky Horror Show: Recommended for ages 14 and up due to some adult themes and sexual content.
Schmigadoon!: Recommended for patrons ages 10 and up.
Six: Recommended for 10+.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow: Recommended for 12+. Under 5s are not permitted. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Titanique: Recommended for ages 12+ for sexual innuendo, adult humor, and language.
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York): Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Wicked: Recommended age for children is 8 and up.
One Final Rule: YOU Know Your Kid Best
Official Broadway age recommendations are extremely helpful, but they can't account for every child. Use the official age recommendation as your starting point—not your only deciding factor.
If you're still having trouble deciding, get a kid's perspective! BroadwayWorld's Kid Critics have reviewed Broadway shows themselves, offering families a young theatergoer's take on what's worth seeing. Check out their recent reviews!
Want to learn even more about Broadway? We've got info on all 41 Broadway theatres, the longest-running shows of all time, what's on tour, what dance captains do, which shows are best for high schools, plus tips on how to win a Broadway ticket lottery, when to buy tickets to a Broadway show, how to visit the stage door, how to get there, what to wear, what you can bring, where to eat, and where to drink.
