19 places and programs for kids in and around the Theater District, Manhattan (2 free): theater, stores, museums. Includes M&M's Store Times Square and New Victory Theater.
A two-story candy destination with a towering wall of M&M's in every color and flavor. Kids can mix custom blends and print personalized candies with messages or pictures in a couple of minutes.
New York's theater devoted entirely to kids and families, bringing in international and local productions of theater, circus, dance, puppetry and magic. Each show lists a recommended minimum age, and the theater also offers sensory-friendly performances.
Groups work together to crack puzzles and find clues across multi-room themed adventures, with unlimited hints available. The company markets its games as family-friendly for all skill levels, so it works well for school-age kids with a parent.
Disney's stage version of The Lion King, famous for its life-size animal puppets and masks that fill the theater during the opening number. A visually striking pick for families with school-age kids.
An immersive walk through Broadway history in the Theater District, with costumes, set pieces and photo-ready rooms dedicated to famous shows. Young theater fans can see how a show gets made, from design to opening night.
The youth division of a major Midtown dance center, offering semester and year-long classes in styles like jazz, tap, ballet and hip-hop with a year-end showcase. Summer brings drop-in classes and week-long camps.
Disney's Times Square flagship is packed with character toys, costumes and plush, with parade-balloon Mickey and Minnie floating overhead and Broadway-inspired decor. A fun, colorful stop for young fans.
A jukebox musical that imagines what Juliet would do if she didn't end her story with Romeo, set to Max Martin pop hits. Its upbeat tone and familiar songs appeal to tweens and teens.
A folk-and-jazz musical retelling the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone. Tweens studying mythology often connect with it, and the live band sits right on stage.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's hip-hop musical about Alexander Hamilton and the founding of the U.S. Tweens who love history, rap or the cast album tend to be the most engaged audience members.
A stage sequel set 19 years after the books, following Harry's son Albus at Hogwarts, packed with on-stage magic tricks and illusions. The story is long and fairly intense, so it suits older kids who know the books.
Five floors of lifelike wax figures of pop stars, athletes and superheroes in Times Square, plus 4D film rides and a make-your-own wax hand station. Kids love posing with favorite celebrities and Marvel heroes.
A gentle, Tony-winning musical about two retired helper robots in near-future Seoul who set off on a road trip and discover feelings. Its sweet tone and clever design work well for thoughtful older kids.
A musical that follows Michael Jackson preparing a world tour, packed with his hit songs and high-energy dance numbers. Dance-loving kids and tweens enjoy the choreography.
A stage magic spectacle spun off from the Now You See Me heist films, with illusions and tricks performed live on Broadway. Magic shows are often an easy sell for kids who are not yet into musicals.
A pop-concert style musical in which the six wives of Henry VIII compete to tell their stories. It's short, loud and fun, and works well for tweens who like pop music and history twists.
A prequel play to the Netflix series set in 1959 Hawkins, famous for its horror-style stage effects. Best for teens who already watch the show and don't scare easily.
Disney's stage musical of Aladdin, with big production numbers, a magic carpet ride and a scene-stealing Genie. It is a popular first Broadway show for school-age kids.
The long-running musical that tells the backstory of the witches of Oz, with soaring songs and elaborate staging. Best suited to older kids who can follow a longer show.
LittleGotham lists 19 places and programs for kids in the Theater District, Manhattan. The largest groups are 13 theater programs, 2 stores, 2 museums.
Yes. 2 of 19 are free to attend, including M&M's Store Times Square, Disney Store Times Square.
19 listings are indoors, such as M&M's Store Times Square, New Victory Theater, The Lion King on Broadway.