Planning to see Broadway shows with kids? Whether you’re heading to New York City or catching a touring production closer to home, taking children to the theater can be an amazing experience, especially if you go in prepared.
In this post, I’m sharing practical tips for how to choose the right performance, set expectations, and make the whole thing smooth, memorable, and fun for everyone.
I recently took my 8-year-old to see Hamilton on Broadway during a quick NYC trip, and it ended up being the absolute highlight of our visit. While this was his first time seeing a show on Broadway, he’s no stranger to the theater. He’s been to several Broadway tour shows at Bass Hall and has grown up with a love of music and storytelling.
Tom and I are huge theatre nerds (we actually met doing a play when I was studying abroad in Scotland) so getting to share that love of the stage with our son felt extra special. And let me tell you: it was worth every penny and every bit of effort to make it happen.
If you’re thinking about doing the same, here are 7 tips that made the experience smooth, magical, and totally kid-friendly.
Jump to:
- 1. Pick the Right Show for Their Ages and Interests
- 2. Teach Them How to Be a Great Audience Member
- 3. Prep Ahead with the Soundtrack or Storyline
- 4. Plan a Pre-Show Meal (and a Bathroom Trip!)
- 5. Know Where to Buy Tickets
- 6. Pick a Show Time That Works for Your Kid
- 7. Be Strategic About Your Seats
- 8. Dress Up (But Keep It Comfortable)
- 9. Wait by the Stage Door After the Show (Trust Me)
- 10. Save the Playbill
1. Pick the Right Show for Their Ages and Interests
Not all Broadway shows are created equal when it comes to kids. And honestly, not all kids are the same either. Some love music and storytelling, others need big visuals or fast-paced action to stay engaged. The key is to choose a show that matches your kid’s interests and attention span.
For example, Hamilton is technically recommended for ages 10 and up, but it was absolutely perfect for our 8-year-old. He’s a huge history buff, has been listening to the soundtrack for months, and practically has the Disney+ version memorized. He was fully locked in the entire time. So use the age recommendations as a guide, but trust your gut. You know your kid best.
2. Teach Them How to Be a Great Audience Member
Before the show, we had a quick chat with our son about theater etiquette: staying seated, not singing along with the cast, whispering if he had a question, clapping when others clapped, and waiting until intermission for snacks or bathroom breaks. That little prep talk went a long way.
Kids tend to rise to the occasion when they know the rules and feel part of the experience, so treat them like a theatergoer, not just a tagalong.
3. Prep Ahead with the Soundtrack or Storyline
While there’s something magical about being surprised by a great show, I’ve found that a little prep can go a long way, especially for younger kids. If there’s a movie version to watch or a soundtrack to listen to ahead of time, it can really help them follow what’s happening on stage.
Before seeing Hamilton, we listened to the soundtrack almost daily (Arlo's choice) and talked about the historical context in kid-friendly terms. By the time we got to the theater, our son knew the characters, the music, and the story arc, which made the whole experience way more exciting and meaningful for him.
4. Plan a Pre-Show Meal (and a Bathroom Trip!)
Make sure everyone eats before the show and don’t forget that bathroom stop. Most Broadway theaters don’t allow outside food or drink, and the lines at intermission can be intense. (the line to the women's room at Hamilton actually snaked around the lobby and into the main theatre!)
If you’re in NYC, you’ll probably want to make a dinner reservation, especially for evening shows. We had a fabulous meal at our hotel restaurant, Altair, which was just a 10-15 minute walk from the theater. They had a pre-theater menu, a great kids’ menu, and the service was quick but relaxed.
Tip: There are lots of fun touristy restaurants on Broadway but I recommend venturing out a little to Hell's Kitchen (a 10-15 minute walk) for the best food.
5. Know Where to Buy Tickets
Broadway tickets aren’t cheap, but there are definitely ways to get good seats without breaking the bank. We bought our Hamilton tickets through the official show website, which redirected us to Ticketmaster. I always recommend starting with the show’s official site so you don’t end up on a sketchy resale platform with inflated prices.
If you’re flexible on what you want to see, check out TKTS booths in NYC (like the one in Times Square or Lincoln Center) for same-day discounted tickets. Apps like TodayTix can also be great for scoring last-minute deals or lotteries for high-demand shows.
6. Pick a Show Time That Works for Your Kid
Matinees are often a great choice for younger kids. Everyone’s more awake, the vibe tends to be a little more relaxed, and you’re not pushing bedtime. That said, evening shows can still be totally doable depending on your child’s energy and routine.
We saw Hamilton at 7 p.m., and it didn’t end until close to 10, but since we had just come from Texas and were still on Central Time, it wasn’t too late for Arlo. He was fully alert and engaged the whole time. So don’t stress about picking the “perfect” time, just choose what works best for your kid. You know them better than anyone.
Tip: I recommend getting to the theatre at least 30 minutes early. It gives you time to find your seats, hit the bathroom one last time, and soak in the excitement without feeling rushed.
7. Be Strategic About Your Seats
When you're seeing Broadway shows with kids, where you sit can make a huge difference. It's not always about getting the most expensive seats, sometimes those super-close rows can actually have tougher sightlines for shorter viewers.
For Hamilton, we intentionally picked seats where the row in front of us sat much lower and it totally paid off. Arlo had a clear view of the stage the entire time, no head-blocking at all.
Before you book, take a few minutes to research the layout of the specific theater. Websites like SeatPlan, A View from My Seat, or even Reddit threads can show you real photos and reviews from people who’ve sat in those exact spots. It’s a small step that can make a big impact on your child’s experience.
8. Dress Up (But Keep It Comfortable)
There’s no official dress code for Broadway shows and you will see a range of totally casual to very formal outfits on any given night. Part of the fun, especially for kids, is getting a little dressed up for the occasion. That said, there’s no need for formal wear unless you want to go all out. Think neat, comfy clothes that your kid can sit in for a few hours without squirming.
Arlo wore a button-down and green pants, and he felt just the right mix of “dressed up” and at ease. Layers are also smart since theaters can run chilly, and comfy shoes are a must if you’re walking to dinner or around Times Square before the show. Let them feel a little fancy, but make sure they can still enjoy the experience without tugging at a collar the whole night.
9. Wait by the Stage Door After the Show (Trust Me)
One of the most magical parts of our Broadway experience happened after the curtain call. A lot of shows offer the chance to meet the cast outside the stage door, and if your kid is a fan, this can be an unforgettable moment. The Hamilton cast was absolutely amazing. Arlo got to meet, chat with, and take pictures with most of the cast, and they were so kind and generous with their time. He told me afterward that it was his dream come true.
If you want a good spot, head to the stage door as soon as the show ends, ideally before the crowd builds. Bring your Playbill (or anything else you want autographed), and don’t worry if you forgot a Sharpie, most of the actors come prepared. It was also a blast chatting with other Hamilton superfans while we waited. The whole experience added a whole new layer of magic to the night.
10. Save the Playbill
Whether it’s your kid’s first Broadway show or their fifth, hang on to those little souvenirs. Arlo kept his signed Playbill from Hamilton, and we also donated $10 to a charity the cast supports in exchange for a real prop document used in the show. We're planning to frame them together as a way to commemorate his first Broadway experience. And honestly, I think he’ll treasure it forever.
These small mementos become such meaningful reminders of the magic. Frame them, scrapbook them, tuck them into a memory box, whatever works for you. Just don’t toss them in the bottom of a suitcase and forget about them! (I did that with my signed playbill from my first broadway show and I still regret losing it!)
In Conclusion...
Broadway shows with kids can be a truly magical experience, full of music, memories, and a little bit of theater sparkle. With the right planning and a show that fits your child’s interests, seeing a Broadway performance together is something you’ll both remember for years to come.
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