Act Now to Get Free West End shows for kids this summer

Isobel Lawrance 23rd Apr 2025 No Comments

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Free Theatre for Kids This Summer? Yes, Really!

If you’re looking for an affordable way to entertain the family during the summer holidays, you’re in luck. Kids Week 2025 is back—and it’s bigger than ever!

Running throughout August 2025, Kids Week offers free theatre tickets for children aged 17 and under, when accompanied by a full-paying adult. It’s one of the best deals in the London entertainment calendar—and yes, it’s 100% legit.

But these tickets go FAST. Read on to find out how it works, which shows are included, and how to grab your seats before they’re gone.

What Is Kids Week?

Kids Week is an annual initiative run by Society of London Theatre, aimed at making theatre more accessible to young people. Despite the name, it runs for the entire month of August, not just one week.

How it works:

One child aged 17 or under goes free with a paying adult
Up to two extra children can attend for half price
Many shows also offer free activities, such as cast Q&As, backstage tours, or dance workshops

When Do Tickets Go On Sale?

Booking opens at 10am on Tuesday 11 June 2025

Tickets sell out quickly—set an alarm and be ready to book early that day!

You can only book through the official site:

Official Kids Week 2025 Booking Page (OfficialLondonTheatre.com)

What Shows Are Included in Kids Week 2025?

The full line-up will be confirmed closer to the booking date, but based on previous years, you can expect a mix of:

West End family favourites:

The Lion King
Wicked
Frozen The Musical
Matilda
Mrs Doubtfire
Back to the Future

Musicals and plays for older kids:

Les Misérables
Six
The Play That Goes Wrong
Phantom of the Opera

New or lesser-known shows often sneak in—great for bargain-hunting theatre fans!

How Much Can You Save?

The savings are substantial. With West End tickets often costing £50–£100+, Kids Week can save you:

£50–£150 per family
Up to 3 children per adult can benefit (1 free, 2 at half price)
Some matinees and weekday performances offer the best seat availability

Tips to Get the Best Seats

✅ Be flexible with dates and times
✅ Mid-week shows often have better availability
✅ Book early on 11 June—popular shows sell out fast
✅ Create an account on Official London Theatre before tickets go live

Make It a Budget Day Out

Here are some quick tips to keep the rest of the trip affordable:

Travel off-peak and book trains early
Bring snacks or eat at a family-friendly spot like Pizza Express (kids eat free deals often available – check out our deal’s pages for the most up to date offers)
Combine your trip with a free London museum or walk along the Southbank

Check out our guide: Free Things to Do in London with Kids