10 Tips for Taking Kids to a Broadway Show

There’s no better place to watch theater than Broadway!  Some people think it is an activity that’s only for adults, but I couldn’t disagree more! There are so many great family shows and kids will never forget their first one.  However, family + Broadway = $$$ so you might want to plan ahead! Here are 10 tips for taking your kids to a Broadway show:

KID APPROPRIATE

The Book of Mormons is one of my favorite shows, but it is definitely not a show to take your kiddos to.  Look for a show that everyone will enjoy and remember you are trying to foster a life-long love of theater. Give them some say on what show you’ll see.  My girls’ first show was the Lion King which was the perfect show because they knew the movie and songs.  They still have a love for theater! 

DRY RUN

A Broadway show is unforgettable, but you’ll want to take them to a few shows beforehand.  Start small…and cheap.  Look at local theater or even at your local high school.  You may want to start with short shows and work your way up to a 3-hour production. Lots of towns put on half hour kid shows throughout the summer. 

SEATS MATTER

Yes, it will cost more, but your seats can make-or-break a show.  You’ll want them to get a good view so they can see all the action.  Most theaters offer booster seats for young kids so you should ask for them if you can’t find any.

MAKE USE OF DOWN TIME

 During intermission, check in with your kids to make sure they understand what’s going on in the play.  Do they have any questions about the characters or plot?  Discuss the sets.  Sometimes the set becomes as important as a main character and is a central part of the play. Talk to them about what their favorite characters are or what they think will happen in the second act.      

PLAYBILL

 The more kids know about a play, the more invested in it they’ll be.  Take some time before the show starts to discuss the actors.  What do their headshots look like? What shows have they done? 

TIME

Many plays are over three hours long so if possible, take them to a matinee instead of a night production.  Tired kids are cranky kids and that will ruin their experience.

CANDY…YES, A BRIBE

 Save candy for the second act, since that’s when they will likely be antsy.  I know… candy? Well, desperate times call for desperate measures. 

FOOD

Most plays are long, so you may want to feed your kiddos before the show.  Be aware that if you choose to eat near the theater, there will likely be crowds doing the same thing.  Make reservations and allow extra time.

BATHROOMS

 If you want to see a public building with a ridiculously small number of bathrooms, head to a theater.  Most theaters have very few stalls and the women’s bathroom seem to always have long, slow lines.  Plan your bathroom visits.  Make sure they go before the show starts and don’t wait until intermission because you will be following the pack. 

SOUNDTRACK

 If you are seeing a musical, play the soundtrack ahead of time so they recognize the songs during the show. Play it in the car or while they’re helping make dinner.  Is there a movie about the play?  Watching it may help them understand the play more.