What Is Kids Week?
Here’s the deal with Kids Week: every summer, London’s West End puts on a show for families, literally. Between 21 July and 31 August 2025, one child aged 17 or under can get a free theatre ticket with every full-paying adult. You can also bring along two more kids at half price. It’s one of the best ways to catch world-class musicals without blowing your holiday budget.
Tickets usually drop in mid-June and they don’t stick around for long. Some shows sell out within hours, so if you’re hoping to grab seats to something big like Matilda or Frozen, you’ll want to be quick on the draw. Explore Kids Week Tickets on SeatPlan,and get the best deals.
Key Dates for Kids Week 2025
When Is Kids Week?
The full run goes from 21 July through 31 August. You’ll find performances across both weekdays and weekends, so there’s some wiggle room for families juggling summer camps, holidays, and day trips.
When Do Tickets Go on Sale?
They’re expected around mid-June, often as early as June 11 or 12. Best tip? Sign up for alerts and follow @seatplan for a heads-up. The most popular shows, the ones your kids have probably already memorised the songs from, will go fast.
How Do Kids Week Tickets Work?
If it’s your first time trying this, the setup is pretty straightforward. You pay full price for your own ticket, and one child gets in free. Bringing more than one child? You can add two more at half price. That’s up to three kids per adult with savings baked in.
Not every seat or showtime is included. You’ll usually find the best availability on weekday matinees, and some of the more premium seats aren’t part of the deal. Still, it’s an incredible way to introduce your child to the theatre or keep the tradition going without splurging.
To get these offers, you’ll need to book through an official ticket partner like SeatPlan, where you can see exactly what you’re getting with real seat photos and user reviews.
What Shows Are Part of Kids Week 2025?
We’ll update this as soon as the full list is confirmed, but going by recent years, expect favourites like:
- The Lion King
- Frozen
- Matilda
- Wicked
- Doubtfire
- Back to the Future
- Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
There may also be new productions joining the list, we’ll keep you posted when the official lineup lands.
| Show | Theatre | Recommended Ages |
| Frozen | Theatre Royal Drury Lane | 6+ |
| Matilda | Cambridge Theatre | 6+ |
| The Lion King | Lyceum Theatre | 6+ |
Choosing the Best Seats for Families
Not all theatre seats are created equal when you’ve got kids in tow. Visibility matters, a lot. A high stage and a short child can be a bad combo.
This is where SeatPlan really shines. You can see photos taken from nearly every seat, so you’ll know whether you’re getting a clear view or sitting behind a pillar. Plus, reviews from other families help you figure out if a spot is easy to get to, close to toilets, or worth the extra pounds.
If you’re unsure where to sit:
- Aisle seats are gold for bathroom dashes
- Front stalls or central seats in the first few rows of the dress circle tend to offer great sightlines
- Avoid extreme side views or anywhere marked “restricted view”
Some theatres offer booster cushions, especially for younger kids, just ask ahead or check the venue details on SeatPlan.
Booking Tips to Make It Count
It’s not just about nabbing tickets, it’s about getting the right ones.
Plan ahead – sign up for Kids Week updates and get SeatPlan’s alerts too. The earlier you book, the better your seat choices.
Be flexible – weekday matinees have the most availability. If your child’s not fussed about the exact show, you might land an even better deal.
Don’t forget the half-price option – even if you’ve used your free kid ticket, extra children still get a solid discount.
Use tools that help – SeatPlan lets you filter by age guidance, interval length, accessibility, and more. That kind of info makes a real difference when booking for families.
Best Shows by Age Group
Ages 3–5
Young ones might enjoy shorter, more interactive performances like Peppa Pig’s Adventure or The Tiger Who Came to Tea. These shows are gentle, colourful, and built with the preschool attention span in mind.
Ages 6–10
This age group loves spectacle, songs, and familiar characters. Frozen, The Lion King, and Matilda all hit the mark with high energy and plenty of heart.
Ages 11–17
Older kids and teens may want something a little deeper or funnier. Wicked, Back to the Future, and even Six or Hamilton(for mature teens) offer big laughs, great music, and something to talk about after the curtain falls.
Other things that you need to know
Can my child attend alone? Nope. Every child needs to be accompanied by an adult ticketholder.
Are evening shows included? Sometimes. Matinees are more common, but some evening performances may be part of the deal too.
Will we get booster seats? Depends on the venue. Some offer them free, some don’t. Check the theatre page on SeatPlan or give them a ring.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a family trip to London next summer, Kids Week is one of the smartest ways to enjoy world-class theatre on a budget. You’ll get access to fantastic shows, flexible dates, and some great tools to help you book smarter.
