Kids Week 2026: How To Plan the Perfect London Theatre Day With Children

Plan a stress-free London theatre trip with children during Kids Week 2026, with family show tips, travel advice and budget-friendly ideas

Planning a London theatre day with children sounds like a magical summer treat, but parents know there is a lot to think about before the curtain goes up.

Which show should you choose? Will they sit still? Where should you eat? And how do you make the day special without overspending?

That’s where Kids Week 2026 helps. During the summer holidays, families can enjoy selected West End and London theatre shows, with children aged 17 and under going free with a full-paying adult.

Whether you are planning your child’s first theatre trip, looking for things to do in London with kids, or building a full family day out around a show, this guide will help you plan a London theatre day with children from start to finish.

What is Kids Week 2026?

Kids Week is a summer theatre campaign that helps families enjoy participating London shows during the school holidays.

Despite the name, Kids Week now runs for much longer than one week. In 2026, selected performances are available from Monday 20 July to Monday 31 August, making it a brilliant summer holiday activity for families.

During Kids Week, children aged 17 and under can see participating shows for free when accompanied by an adult paying full price.

Each adult paying full price can also purchase up to two additional children’s tickets at half price, with no booking fees.

Why a London theatre day is great for children

A theatre trip is more than just a day out. It can be a special memory that children talk about long after the show has finished.

Live theatre gives children the chance to experience:

• real performers on stage
• music, dance, acting and storytelling
• colourful sets, lights and costumes
• screen-free entertainment
• shared family excitement
• creativity, imagination and confidence

For many children, their first theatre trip can spark a love of stories, music, performance or the arts.

For parents, a theatre show also gives the day a clear focus. Instead of trying to plan too many London activities, you can build the day around one show, one meal and one simple nearby stop.

How to choose the right show for your child

The best family theatre show is not always the biggest or most famous one. It is the one your child can enjoy comfortably.

Before booking, think about:

• your child’s age
• attention span
• confidence in busy places
• whether they like loud music
• whether they are nervous in the dark
• whether they prefer funny, magical, musical or adventurous stories
• whether they already know the characters
• how late they can comfortably stay out

A child who loves songs and colour may enjoy a musical. A child who prefers animals or books may enjoy a story-led show. Older children may prefer comedy, drama, pop culture or a bigger West End production.

Best theatre shows for younger children

Look for shows with:

• familiar characters
• shorter running times
• bright staging
• songs or music
• puppets or animals
• simple storylines
• relaxed family audiences

Shows such as The Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Zog, Bluey’s Big Play, Be Like Blippi, The Cat In The Hat or The Enormous Crocodile may suit younger children, depending on age guidance and availability.

Best theatre shows for primary school children

For primary school children, look for:

• adventure
• comedy
• strong visuals
• music
• clear stories
• lively characters
• enough action to keep them interested

Shows such as Matilda The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King, Horrible Histories, Dog Man: The Musical, Dinosaur World Live!, The Paddington Bear Experience or The Play That Goes Wrong may work well for this age group.

Best theatre shows for teens

For older children and teens, look for:

• bigger musicals
• comedy
• drama
• impressive staging
• relatable characters
• stories linked to books, films or pop culture

Tweens and teens may enjoy shows such as Wicked, Six, Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, The Hunger Games: On Stage, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Beetlejuice The Musical, Mamma Mia!, Les Misérables, Phantom Of The Opera or The Devil Wears Prada, depending on age guidance and your child’s confidence with theatre.

Parent checklist before booking London theatre tickets

Before booking a London theatre day with children, check:

• recommended age guidance
• running time
• whether there is an interval
• show start and finish time
• nearest Tube or train station
• seat view
• balcony height
• whether the show is loud, dark or scary
• whether booster seats are available
• theatre access information if needed
• food options nearby
• journey home timing

This is especially important if you are travelling into London from outside the city. A late evening show might sound exciting, but tired children on a busy train home may not agree.

How to plan travel for a London theatre day

London is exciting, but it can feel overwhelming with children. The best travel plan is usually the simplest one.

If you are travelling by train, check your arrival station, onward Tube route and return train times before booking your show.

If you are using the Tube, choose the route with fewer changes rather than the fastest route. Fewer changes usually means less stress.

If you are driving, remember that central London can involve traffic, parking, ULEZ and Congestion Charge rules. For many families, public transport is easier for a theatre day.

Always build in extra time. Walking with children, finding toilets and navigating busy stations all takes longer than expected.

Where to eat before a London show

Food can make or break a theatre day, so plan a simple pre-show meal before you arrive.

Choose somewhere family-friendly near the theatre, such as pizza, pasta, cafés, food halls, Chinatown or Covent Garden dining spots. During school holidays, booking ahead can save stress.

And of course, check Kids Pass for kids eat free restaurants and family dining offers nearby before you go, so your London theatre day feels special without overspending.

First theatre trip tips for parents

If this is your child’s first theatre trip, make it feel exciting but manageable.

Before you go:

• show them pictures of the theatre
• explain what happens when the lights go down
• listen to songs from the show if available
• talk about the story
• explain interval snacks and toilet breaks
• let them choose something nice to wear

After the show:

• ask what their favourite part was
• let them draw a scene
• listen to the soundtrack
• talk about the characters
• keep the ticket or programme as a memory
• ask if they would like to see another show

This helps the theatre trip continue beyond the day itself.

Free things to do near London theatres

A theatre ticket can be the main event, but you do not need to spend lots filling the rest of the day.

Choose one free or low-cost activity nearby.

• Covent Garden - Great for street performers, window shopping, photos and atmosphere.
• Leicester Square - Good for bright lights, film statues and quick family photos.
• Trafalgar Square -A classic London stop with space to pause and look around.
• South Bank - Ideal for riverside walks, Thames views and easy family wandering.
• Chinatown - Fun for a colourful walk, snacks and a quick cultural stop.
• St James’s Park - A calmer option if children need space before or after a show.
• The National Gallery - A free indoor option near Trafalgar Square, useful for rainy days or short cultural stops.

Do not over-plan. One free activity before the show is usually enough.

Turn the show into a full summer memory

A theatre day does not have to end when the curtain comes down.

You can extend the fun by:

• reading the book behind the show
• drawing costumes
• acting out a scene at home
• writing a mini review
• creating a scrapbook page
• talking about how actors, lights and music create the magic

For children, this turns one London day out into a bigger creative experience.

A London theatre day with children can be one of the most memorable family days out of the summer, especially when you plan it around your child’s age, energy levels and interests.

Choose the right show, plan your travel, keep food simple, add one free nearby London stop and let the theatre magic do the rest.

And when you want to make the rest of the summer easier too, Kids Pass can help families unlock savings on days out, cinema, dining, attractions, indoor activities and things to do with kids across the UK.

Not a Kids Pass member yet? Start your £1 Kids Pass trial today and discover family days out, theatre-inspired adventures, cinema savings, dining offers and unforgettable things to do with kids nationwide.