Best Off-Broadway Shows for Kids in New York City

By Bethany Braun-Silva March 8, 2018

New York City is known for its amazing theater and when it comes to shows for kids it's no exception. Right now on Broadway families can enjoy the likes of Frozen, SpongeBob SquarePants, Aladdin, and The Lion King. But if you want to take give the Great White Way a break there are some equally amazing shows for kids off-broadway.

After all, Broadway tickets can be quite expensive, so why not check out a less expensive show without sacrificing quality. Several of the shows on this list have been around for over 20 years, yet they are still entertaining audiences of adults and children. Check out our list of the best off-broadway shows for kids:

Stomp

This long-running show is great for kids because they can make as much noise as they want. In fact, audience members are asked to participate in music making by clapping hands and snapping their fingers. Children 4 and younger are not allowed because of the noise so best to bring older kids to this one. Just beware, after seeing this show your kid might turn the broom and the garbage can into his own makeshift instrument. Stomp is playing at the Orpheum, 126 Second Ave. For more information, visit stomponline.com.

The Gazillion Bubble Show

This show’s title pretty much sums up the experience...lots and lots of bubbles. This show is great for young kids and parents will enjoy watching the looks on their kids’ faces as bubble tricks are performed. At the end of the show, bubbles spill out into the audience and you can just imagine the kind of reaction that gets from the young crowd. One great thing to know is that you can always buy $20 lap seats for kids 3 and younger. Tickets start at $59 but there are often deals available. Birthday party packages are also offered. The Gazillion Bubble Show is playing at New World Stages / Stage 2, 340 W. 50th St. For more information visit gazillionbubbleshow.com.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Kids and parents alike will enjoy this show based on the stories of Eric Carle. The show runs for about an hour and kids get to see their favorite stories come to life. Brown Bear, Brown Bear; The Very Lonely Firefly; 10 Little Rubber Ducks, and of course the titular story are all performed. The puppets and scenery are large-scale replicas of Carle’s art and are manipulated by the puppeteers beautifully. Though the vibe is a bit more serious than the other shows on this list, the performances are still interactive and fun. The Very Hungry Caterpillar show is playing at DR2 Theatre, 103 E. 15th St. For more information visit hungrycaterpillarshow.com.

Puffs, or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic & Magic

If there’s a Harry Potter fan in your family this show is a must-see. It takes a behind-the-scenes look at Hogwarts and students in the Hufflepuffs House. The show is filled with Potter references and inside jokes and is perfect for teens or tweens. The show does contain some risqué references and innuendo so there are special “family friendly” matinee performances on the weekends. Puffs is playing at New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St. For more information visit puffstheplay.com.

Blue Man Group

This show is one of the most fun on the list. It’s great for kids because they will have no expectations about what they are seeing and that really is the best way to go in to this performance art-based show. Three men covered in blue paint entertain audiences by making music, interacting with audience members, and splashing paint every where. If you really want to immerse yourself in the messy fun, sit in the “poncho section.” Kids 5 and younger are not permitted. Blue Man Group is playing at Astor Place Theatre, 434 Lafayette St. For more information visit blueman.com/new-york.

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