Close to home and Day Trips -Broadway Shows for Winter Break
Kid‑Friendly Live Shows on the East End of Long Island
A family‑friendly guide for Macaroni Kid readers
Looking for a fun show to enjoy with the kids? Here’s a go‑to list of kid‑friendly theaters and performances on Long Island’s East End, with a special focus on Patchogue, Bellport and nearby areas. Shows are seasonal, so think of this as your where‑to‑look guide for family theater all year long.
Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts (Patchogue)
Best for: Touring kids shows, magic, educational performances, school‑day matinees
Patchogue Theatre regularly hosts family‑friendly and school‑age performances, many of which are open to the public.
Typical Kid‑Friendly Shows Include:
- Schoolhouse Rock Live!
- Lyle, Lyle Crocodile – Live on Stage
- The Little Mermaid (touring productions)
- The Jungle Book
- Science & magic shows
- Circus‑style and laser shows
Best for ages: 4–12 🕒Tip: Look for weekday matinees and weekend daytime shows
Gateway Playhouse (Bellport)
Best for: Summer children’s theatre & youth productions
Gateway’s mainstage season is geared toward adults, but summer brings fantastic kid‑friendly shows performed by youth and professional casts.
Past & Typical Children’s Productions:
- The Lion King Jr.
- The Little Mermaid Jr.
- The Wizard of Oz
- SpongeBob the Musical
- Bubble and interactive family shows
Best for ages: 3–10 🗓Season: Primarily July–August
CM Performing Arts Center (Oakdale – short drive)
Best for: High‑quality children’s musicals & family matinees
A favorite among Long Island families, CM PAC produces professional children’s theatre and classic family musicals.
Common Kid‑Friendly Shows:
- Beauty and the Beast
- Seussical
- Matilda
- Frozen Jr.
Best for ages: 4–12
John W. Engeman Theater (Northport – worth the trip)
Best for: Polished family musicals
Engeman Theater often includes family‑friendly productions in their season lineup.
Examples:
- Mary Poppins
- Peter Pan
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Best for ages: 5+
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Kid-Friendly Broadway Shows (NYC)
· The Lion King – Disney favorite with incredible puppetry and music.
· Aladdin – Magical flying carpet adventure (age-recommended ~6+).
· Mamma Mia! – ABBA-filled crowd-pleaser for families.
Broadway Shows Older Kids/Teens May Enjoy
· SIX: The Musical – High-energy pop musical with historical twist (ages ~10+).
Off-Broadway & Family-Focused Shows
Off-Broadway has a great variety of shorter, interactive, and specifically kid-geared performances:
Interactive & All-Ages Fun
- Gazillion Bubble Show – Bubble art, lasers, and interactive fun for kids ages ~2+.
- Amaze Magic – Magic and illusions suitable for most ages.
Children’s Stories & Puppetry
- Cinderella Samba – Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre show (great for little ones).
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show – Puppet adaptation of the classic children’s book (great for ages 1+).
- Story Pirates – Interactive improv show driven by kids’ imagination.
- Wringer (musical) – Based on a popular children’s novel (ages ~8+).
- The Berenstain Bears LIVE Musical – Family-friendly stage adaptation (varies by season).
Classic & Seasonal Family Productions
(Check current seasonal listings at places like New Victory Theater and Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre for holiday or rotating kid-centric shows.)
📌 Where to Find More Kid Shows
If you want a constantly updated lineup of family shows:
- New Victory Theater – Excellent full season of children’s and youth performances.
- New York City Children’s Theatre & TADA! Youth Theater – More intimate, creative productions featuring or for kids.
✅ General Tips
- Age Policies: Most Broadway shows have a minimum age of 4, but some Off-Broadway shows allow toddlers on laps (e.g., Gazillion Bubble Show).
- Run Time: Kids often do better with shorter shows — many Off-Broadway family shows run ~60–75 minutes with no intermission.
- Book Ahead: Family favorites often sell out — weekend and matinee shows can fill up fast.
