Taking young kids to the theatre sounds like a recipe for disaster. You are paying actual money for tickets, sitting in the dark, and asking a toddler to be quiet for an hour. It should not work. But the best children’s theatres in London have figured it out, and when it clicks — when your child is completely absorbed in a puppet show or a piece of live storytelling — it is one of the most magical things you can do together.
The trick is knowing where to go. The West End is not the answer for most under-7s. The shows are long, the seats are expensive, and the interval ice cream queue will break you. What you want are the dedicated children’s theatres — small venues that build everything around young audiences. Short run times, relaxed performances, interactive elements, and a deep understanding that a two-year-old is not going to sit still for two hours.
London has some of the best children’s theatre in the world. Here are ten venues that are genuinely worth your time, your money, and the logistical effort of getting there with small people in tow.
These venues exist specifically for young audiences. Everything — the programming, the seating, the atmosphere — is designed with children in mind. They are the places to start if your child has never been to the theatre before.
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 · Ages 0-12 · Map · Website
Polka is the gold standard. It is the only theatre in the UK dedicated entirely to children, and after a major refurbishment a few years ago, the building is beautiful — bright, welcoming, and completely set up for families. There are two performance spaces: the main theatre for ages 4+ and a smaller studio for babies and toddlers. The programming is consistently excellent, mixing adaptations of picture books with original work that takes young audiences seriously. The shows for under-3s are typically 30-40 minutes with no fixed seating, so your toddler can wriggle without you feeling mortified.
147 Tooley Street, SE1 · Ages 0-13 · Map · Website
The Unicorn is right by Tower Bridge and it is a proper theatre that happens to programme exclusively for young people. The building is purpose-built with two auditoriums, and the productions feel ambitious — these are not dumbed-down pantos. They stage new writing, classic adaptations, and experimental work that would hold its own in any adult venue. The shows for babies (typically labelled “0-18 months” or “6 months to 3 years”) are sensory, gentle, and beautifully done. For older kids, the main stage shows are genuinely gripping.
14 Dagmar Passage, Islington N1 · Ages 0-12 · Map · Website
Little Angel is a puppet theatre tucked down a passage in Islington, and it is utterly charming. The main space seats about 100 people, which means every seat feels close to the action. The puppetry is extraordinary — intricate, beautiful, and often surprisingly moving. They programme for a wide age range, from baby shows using light and texture to longer productions for ages 5+ with complex stories and stunning craftsmanship. There is something about the intimacy of a small puppet theatre that captures children’s attention in a way that bigger venues cannot match.
Blomfield Road, Little Venice W9 · Ages 3+ · Map · Website
A puppet theatre on a barge in Little Venice. Just the concept alone is enough to make it worth a visit. The barge seats about 50 people in a surprisingly cosy space, and the puppet shows are traditional, warm, and performed with real love. The gentle rocking of the boat adds something you cannot replicate in a normal theatre. Shows are typically 45 minutes to an hour, and best suited for ages 3 and up — the space is compact and younger toddlers may find it hard to sit still for the full length. But for a three or four-year-old, the novelty of being on a boat watching puppets is genuinely unforgettable.
43 White Horse Road, Limehouse E1 · Ages 0-12 · Map · Website
Half Moon has been making theatre for young audiences in east London for decades, and their programming for babies and toddlers is some of the best in the city. The venue is modest in size, which works brilliantly for small children — nothing is overwhelming or too loud. They run regular “First Stages” shows for under-3s that are sensory, interactive, and perfectly paced. The older children’s shows are thoughtful and well-produced without being showy. It does not have the profile of Polka or the Unicorn, but the quality is right up there.
Chase Side, Southgate N14 · All ages · Map · Website
Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company in Southgate, and their philosophy — that everyone can perform and everyone belongs — runs through everything they do. The children’s shows are joyful, energetic, and often feature large ensemble casts that include performers of all abilities. Their annual Christmas show is legendary and a genuine alternative to the West End pantomime — big, colourful, and full of heart. They also run excellent children’s theatre workshops and classes throughout the year.
These are not exclusively children’s theatres, but they programme fantastic family shows alongside their main seasons. The advantage is that the buildings are often more spacious, with cafes and extra activities that make the visit feel like more of an outing.
5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 · All ages · Map · Website
Artsdepot punches above its weight for children’s programming. Tucked away in North Finchley, it hosts a steady stream of touring children’s theatre, interactive shows, and family workshops. The building has two performance spaces and a gallery, and the family shows are well-curated — a mix of puppet theatre, physical comedy, storytelling, and musical performances. They also run regular “Little Creatives” sessions for under-5s. If you live in north London, this should be your go-to venue for family shows.
Lavender Hill, SW11 · All ages · Map · Website
BAC is a gorgeous old town hall building on Lavender Hill, and their family programming is adventurous in the best way. They tend to host shows that are immersive, interactive, and a bit different from what you will find at more traditional theatres. Past family productions have involved walking through rooms, building things, and shows where the audience becomes part of the story. It is the kind of place that reminds you theatre does not have to mean sitting in rows watching a stage. For kids who struggle with conventional theatre, BAC’s approach can be a revelation.
269a Archway Road, Highgate N6 · All ages · Map · Website
Jackson’s Lane is a converted church in Highgate with a strong reputation for circus, physical theatre, and family shows. Their programming leans towards the physical and visual — acrobatics, clowning, aerial work — which is perfect for young children who are not yet following complex plots but are captivated by people doing extraordinary things with their bodies. The annual family festival is a highlight, with a packed programme of shows, workshops, and activities across a weekend. It is one of those arts centres that feels genuinely rooted in its community.
Lyric Square, King Street W6 · All ages · Map · Website
The Lyric is a proper producing theatre with a beautiful Victorian auditorium, and their family programme is one of the best of any London theatre. They stage original family shows — often over Christmas and in the school holidays — that are high quality and feel like a genuine event. The annual Christmas show is their flagship family production and a proper alternative to the pantomime circuit. The theatre also hosts a good range of visiting family-friendly work in its smaller studio space throughout the year.
London has more family theatre than any city deserves. The Southbank Centre runs excellent family events throughout the year, especially during school holidays and their annual festival programmes — always worth checking what is on. And if your children are old enough for the West End, Kids Week in August offers free or discounted tickets for children to see proper shows, which is a brilliant way to introduce them to bigger productions without spending a fortune.
All of the venues above are featured in the Little London directory, and for more rainy-day options that do not involve a screen, browse our rainy day activities guide.
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