Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox. 

Top Children’s Theaters in North Jersey

1. bergenPAC — Englewood

Kids will feel special watching a performance in this majestic theater. From Disney musicals to live sing-alongs, bergenPAC plans a few family-friendly shows every season that young theatergoers will love. The family-friendly musicals are appropriate for elementary school-aged kids and older. Park in the South Dean Parking Garage or the metered Parking Lot 2. Both are free after 6pm and on Sundays.

2. Mayo Performing Arts Center — Morristown

At this big and beautiful professional theater, you’ll find everything from kids’ shows based on favorite books (suitable for pre-K to 5th grade kids, depending on the show) to family-friendly musicals. Every holiday season, you can catch the New Jersey Ballet performances of "The Nutcracker." The theater sits about half a mile from the Morristown train station, or you can pre-pay to park in an MPAC-operated lot.

3. Papermill — Millburn

You can count on the Papermill for incredible shows with intricate sets, beautiful costumes, and amazing performers. Every season features at least one full-length musical that the whole family can enjoy, like Disney musicals geared for ages 4 and up. There are some autism-friendly performances and resources available, too. The Millburn Train Station is a 10-minute walk from the theater and there's a free shuttle from the train station to the theater on some nights. You can also park in a paid lot (A, B, C, and E), but come early because they fill up quickly.

4. South Orange Performing Arts Center — South Orange

This 465-seat theater has a great child- and family-friendly series. Certain performances have pre-show activities, meet-and-greets with the actors, crafts, and more. You can get discounts for buying tickets to three or more shows. SOPAC is located steps away from the South Orange Train Station and NJ Transit bus stop. Arrive early to snag parking in the NJ Transit commuter lot (free on weekends), Sloan Lot #9, Firehouse Lot #3, or the 3rd & Valley parking deck. 

5. The Growing Stage — Netcong


Located in the Historic Palace Theatre, The Growing Stage specializes in engaging young artists with shows and programs for children of all ages. Most seasons feature kid-friendly musicals, holiday shows, and uplifting dramas, and some are sensory-friendly performances. Look for educational opportunities like summer arts camp, master classes, and the Creative Arts Academy. Parking is available at the bank, on Main Street, or behind the theater.

Children's Theaters in Central and South NJ

6. Broadway Theatre of Pittman — Pitman

This theater offers fantastic children’s shows at a great price, with many kids' shows just $10 a piece. These shows are intended for ages 2-9, and there's usually one show every month. Full-length family-friendly musicals are also on the lineup every season. You can use the map to find parking.

7. Greater Ocean City Music Company — Ocean City

See a show at the Music Pier, which is located on the Ocean City boardwalk with views of the ocean. There are five different Tuesday morning kid-friendly shows with $11 tickets in the summer. Ticket subscriptions are available. These shows seem appropriate for toddlers through age 10. Also, be on the lookout for summer evening full-length musicals that the whole family can enjoy.

8. Kelsey Theatre — West Windsor

This venue, located at Mercer County Community College, is used by several different theater companies, meaning there are lots of children’s theater and dance performances to see, many of which are semi-professional. Kids interested in being in the limelight can sign up for Tomato Patch and Tomato Patch Jr theater classes starting at age 4. Once you're on campus, drive to the right past the solar field and the tennis courts. The theater is located across from the PE Building.

9. Music Mountain Theatre — Lambertville

This theater offers the perfect introduction to live theater with 45-minute shows year-round. Kids' performances are recommended for ages 5 and up, and tickets are $12. The theater has a dedicated parking lot.

10. State Theatre of New Jersey — New Brunswick

Head to this gorgeous, iconic theater for fantastic professional children’s shows from symphonies of movie scores, live character shows, family musicals, and more. In the summer, look for free movies on the stage or get inexpensive tickets to the Milk & Cookies family programs year-round. The theater is located a few blocks away from the New Brunswick train station. There are several parking garages nearby.

11. Surflight Theatre — Beach Haven

To experience Broadway at the beach, look no further than Surflight. Every season, this top-notch theater offers family-friendly musicals, some of which are short and intended for kids as young as 3. Street parking is available on all streets and is free.

12. Villagers Theatre — Somerset

This community theater offers a mix of main stage performances and for-kids-by-kids productions. Every season, the main stage lineup includes at least one full-length musical for families. And the kids’ productions in the black box theater are great for spurring a child’s interest in theater, especially if they’d like to be on stage. Acting programs start as young as second grade. Villagers Theatre is located in the Franklin Township Municipal Complex, and there's a parking lot next to the theater.