The best Broadway shows for all ages

These shows have themes, plots, and visuals that truly appeal to everyone, from the youngest children to the oldest adults and everyone in between.

Getting the whole family together for one activity is no small feat. We're talking everyone, from the youngest toddlers to the oldest grandparents. It can be tricky to find something that's appropriate and enjoyable for all ages, and that goes for Broadway shows, too. Luckily, there are lots of options.

These musicals and plays truly are great for all ages. They have timeless themes, spectacle visuals to delight everyone watching, and plenty of fun. Browse our top suggestions for Broadway shows for all ages, then get your family together and plan a trip you'll all remember.

Get tickets to a Broadway show on New York Theatre Guide.

Wicked

It's good to see Wicked at any age, isn't it? It certainly is. This Wizard of Oz prequel about how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be is a show that grows with its audiences. Children may see it as a story about magic and friendship, but more mature themes — discrimination, corruption, integrity — arise for adult watchers. And the magic doesn't diminish.

Our critic wrote, "Wicked is one of those family-friendly shows that adults will enjoy not just for the nostalgia, but because it also speaks to them on their level and makes people of all ages see a familiar story in a whole new light."

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Back to the Future: The Musical

This musical adaptation of the 1985 time-traveling film is, well, timeless. The whole family will have fun joining teenager Marty McFly on a journey from 1985 to 1955, where he almost messes with his parents' high school meet-cute. Older audiences will enjoy the plentiful references to decades past, and younger audiences will love the high-energy songs and amusement park-like special effects. Not to mention the flying DeLorean, which is a treat for everyone.

Get Back to the Future: The Musical tickets now.

& Juliet

This show is pure fun for audiences of all ages. Join Juliet, of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, on a journey to find new romances and new friends in Paris rather than dying over Romeo. The show features themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and second chances, and it's scored to 30 pop hits that lots of different generations know. Think hits from the Backstreet Boys, P!nk, Britney Spears, Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, and so much more.

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

J. K. Rowling's books have spellbound multiple generations of Potterheads — and the stage version has done the same since 2018. Generations come together in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, too, as Harry, his son Albus, and more travel through Wizarding history to try and right past wrongs. These magical characters appeal to all ages, as do the unbelievable special effects that will have you believing wizardry is real, no matter how old you are.

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The Play That Goes Wrong

If there's one kind of humor that's universal, it's slapstick. People falling down, things breaking down, and every possible thing going horribly, hilariously wrong — these things have made people laugh for centuries. The Play That Goes Wrong stuffs nonstop slapstick gags into its two hours, following an amateur theatre troupe whose opening night of their latest play goes haywire in every way imaginable. And in many ways unimaginable until you see it.

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Aladdin

This Disney story stands the test of time. Kids who love the animated film — and adults who grew up loving it — get to see it faithfully recreated on stage at Aladdin on Broadway, flying carpet and all. Plus, the romantic story of the ruffian Aladdin falling in love with Princess Jasmine, who loves him for who he is, perfect for a date night.

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The Lion King

The circle of life keeps bringing new generations around to this long-running Broadway classic. The Lion King captivates audiences of all ages with its timeless story of a lion cub growing up to take his rightful place as king of the Pride Lands. The stage adaptation specifically boasts a host of animal puppets that are unlike anything else on a Broadway stage. No matter how old you are, be prepared to be amazed.

Get The Lion King tickets now.