Best Children's Theaters & Kids Shows in Philadelphia

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre has a whole lineup of shows geared for children, and after each show the cast stays on the stage to answer questions from the audience. The cast will also sign autographs and take pictures in the lobby.

For over 50 seasons, Delaware Children's Theatre has presented affordable, family-friendly musical productions that spotlight both child and adult performers.

SALT Performing Arts is a nonprofit community theatre offering high-quality, family-friendly musicals, early childhood arts playhouses, and K–12 camps and classes. Their inclusive approach extends to community outreach and adaptive programming, making theatre accessible and enriching for all kids.

The Media Theatre is a historic professional theater known for its Broadway-style productions and family-friendly programming. Kids can enjoy youth musicals, weekend children’s shows, and theater camps or classes that give them the chance to learn and perform on stage.

Players Club of Swarthmore offers a variety of productions showcasing local talent, including main stage productions, second stage shows, and youth theater workshops. PCS presents its Children's Theater Series in a relaxed environment on the smaller Second Stage.

Upper Darby Summer Stage is a community theater program offering kids and teens the chance to perform. Eight professional-quality shows are put on each summer, and performances have a welcoming local theater vibe perfect for families with kids.

Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents a full season of children's theatre shows each year, with reasonably-priced season tickets available. These performances are aimed kids 2-9 years old.

The Ensemble Arts Philly Family Discovery Series brings kid-friendly concerts, theater, and dance performances to the Kimmel Center and other downtown Philadelphia venues. Perfect for young audiences, these shows make it easy for families to experience the magic of the performing arts together. With multi-show ticket discounts and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a fun and accessible way to spark a lifelong love of live performance.

Walnut Street Theatre is America’s oldest continuously operating theatre and a vibrant cultural landmark in Philadelphia. For families, it presents engaging children’s musicals through its Kids Series and offers immersive arts education programs—like summer camps and youth outreach—that inspire young performers.

Storybook Musical Theatre turns classic fairy tales into fun, original musicals made just for kids. With bright sets, catchy songs, and stories they know and love, it’s a perfect first theater experience for preschoolers and young school-age kids. Relaxed sensory friendly performances are offered for each production.

Inspire a love of music in your children with these concerts created especially for families, featuring hands on activities and a chance to "meet" the instruments beforehand!

Afternoon family magic shows at Smoke & Mirrors Magic Theater make for a unique experience. Enjoy magic, comedy and fun geared to audiences of all ages during this 1-hour day show (evening showtimes are geared for adults). Expect audience interaction and top-notch performances in this awe-inspiring magic show.

The mainstage productions at Pennsylvania Youth Theatre (PYT) feature professional adult actors along with children and young people enrolled in PYT's full-year classes.

Music Mountain Theatre in Lambertville, NJ, is a great spot for families looking for kid-friendly theater near Philadelphia. The company stages musicals, plays, and concerts year-round, with plenty of family shows in the mix. Shows in the Young Audience lineup introduce kids age 5+ to live theater, with shorter running times and affordable ticket pricing. Kids who want to get involved can also join theater workshops and camps to build skills and confidence on stage.

The Kelsey Theatre—located on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor campus—is a performing arts center offering affordable, Broadway-style theatre, plays, dance, music concerts, and a dedicated children’s series.