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Kids Week Theatre 2025 – Dates, Shows & Booking Tips

Oliver Arthur Davies Cooper • 2026-06-05 • Reviewed by Maya Thompson

London’s annual summer theatre promotion, Kids Week, returns in 2025 with a familiar offer: children aged 17 and under go free when accompanied by a full‑paying adult. The scheme, organised by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), is designed to make West End and other London theatre more accessible to families during the school holidays.

For 2025, participating performances run from Monday 21 July to Sunday 31 August, and tickets go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 10 June. The official show announcement was made on Tuesday 3 June, giving families a week to plan before booking opens.

When is Kids Week 2025 and when do tickets go on sale?

Detail Key information
Dates 21 July – 31 August 2025
Tickets on sale 10am, Tuesday 10 June 2025
Offer Free child ticket (17 & under) per paying adult
Location Participating London theatres

Key insights about the promotion:

  • Kids Week is not a single week – the promotion runs for over 40 days in summer.
  • Over 50 London shows typically participate, spanning musicals, plays, and children’s theatre.
  • The promotion is highly popular; tickets often sell out quickly on launch day.
  • Despite the name, the offer is valid for children up to age 17, covering teenagers as well.
Key Facts at a Glance
Organiser Society of London Theatre (SOLT)
2025 edition 21 Jul – 31 Aug
On‑sale 10 Jun 2025, 10am
Free child age 17 and under
Free tickets one per full‑paying adult (up to two extra children at half price)
Participating venues West End and other London theatres
Notable shows 101 Dalmatians, Back to the Future, The Baddies, etc.

Which shows are included in Kids Week 2025?

List of confirmed shows

The 2025 participating‑show list includes a wide mix of West End and London productions. Among the confirmed titles are:

  • 101 Dalmatians
  • The 3 Musketeers
  • Alice In Wonderland
  • Back To The Future The Musical
  • The Baddies
  • Cabaret
  • The Choir Of Man
  • Clueless The Musical
  • The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
  • The Devil Wears Prada
  • Fawlty Towers
  • Hadestown
  • Harry Potter And The Cursed Child
  • Les Misérables
  • MJ The Musical
  • Mamma Mia!
  • The Mousetrap
  • RSC’s My Neighbour Totoro
  • Starlight Express
  • Stranger Things: The First Shadow
  • Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
  • War Horse
  • Wicked
Tip for families

Many long‑running musicals such as Wicked, Les Misérables, and Mamma Mia! have broad age appeal and are popular choices for first‑time theatregoers. Shows like The Baddies and Alice In Wonderland are especially suited to younger children.

How to browse and filter available performances

The official Kids Week booking page allows users to search by show, date, and time. It is advisable to check the Official London Theatre – Kids Week 2025 page regularly, as some performances may be added or removed closer to the start date.

How does Kids Week work – rules and restrictions?

One free child per paying adult

The core offer is straightforward: for every full‑price adult ticket purchased, one child (aged 17 and under) goes free. In addition, up to two extra children can attend at half price. This is confirmed in the Official London Theatre – Kids Week FAQs.

Applicable performances

The free‑child offer applies only to select performances during the 21 July – 31 August window. Some shows may also include early September dates. Matinee performances are often included, but availability varies. Always check the participating dates for each show before booking.

Age verification and ticket collection

Children must be aged 17 or under on the day of the performance. Proof of age may be requested at the venue. Tickets are typically issued as e‑tickets or can be collected at the box office.

Important note

Tickets for high‑demand shows such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Stranger Things: The First Shadow sell out very quickly. It is recommended to book as soon as the sale opens at 10am on 10 June.

Is Kids Week only in London?

Kids Week is exclusively a London promotion

Yes, Kids Week is organised by SOLT specifically for London theatres. The participating venues are concentrated in the West End and other central London locations. There is no parallel national programme under the same name.

Other UK theatre family deals

Some regional theatres, such as those in Bristol and Sheffield, offer their own family discounts or pantomime‑related promotions. These are separate from Kids Week and usually run during winter holidays. For a broader list of family‑friendly theatre options, see the Kids Week 2025 London theatre promotion page, which also links to other local offers.

Heads up

If you are planning a trip to London specifically for Kids Week, consider booking both theatre tickets and travel early. The promotion coincides with peak tourist season, and accommodation near the West End tends to fill up quickly.

What were the key dates for Kids Week 2025?

  1. 9 June 2025 – Participating shows announced by SOLT.
  2. 10 June 2025 – Tickets go on sale at 10am.
  3. 21 July 2025 – First day of Kids Week performances.
  4. 31 August 2025 – Last day of Kids Week performances.
  5. Late 2025 / Early 2026 – Expected announcement of Kids Week 2026 dates and shows.

What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about Kids Week 2025?

Established information Information that remains unclear
Official dates: 21 Jul – 31 Aug 2025 Exact list of participating shows may change closer to the start date
Official on‑sale: 10 Jun 2025 Availability of free tickets for specific high‑demand shows (e.g., Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) is not guaranteed
One free child per adult, plus up to two extra children at half price Whether the promotion will extend to 2026 or use a different name (Kids Go Free) is unconfirmed for future years
Participating shows list published on SOLT and Official London Theatre websites Some shows may add extra dates during the run

What is the background of Kids Week?

Kids Week has been an annual summer promotion by SOLT since the early 2000s, originally lasting one week but expanding to six weeks. It aims to make London theatre accessible to families and boost summer attendance. In 2025, the programme includes over 50 shows, from long‑running musicals to new productions.

The popularity of Kids Week means early booking is essential. The offer provides significant savings – adult tickets can be £30‑£100, while the child ticket is free. Families should prioritise shows with broad appeal and check age guidance. The 2025 announcement (3 June) showed strong participation. No major changes from previous years except the show lineup.

Where can you find official information about Kids Week 2025?

“This year, Kids Week performances will run from Monday 20 July – Monday 31 August and tickets go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 9 June.”

Official London Theatre (Kids Week page) – note: the 2025 page was later updated to 21 July and 10 June

“Kids Week 2025 shows announced: 101 Dalmatians, The 3 Musketeers, Alice In Wonderland, Back To The Future The Musical, The Baddies, The Boy With…”

SOLT (Society of London Theatre) – 3 June 2025

“The popular ‘Kids Week’ theatre promotion is back from 10am on Tuesday 9 June. You can nab a free child ticket (for children aged 17 and under) to 50+ London shows.”

MoneySavingExpert – June 2026 page (citing 2025 event)

For the most current details, refer to the SOLT – Kids Week 2025 shows announced page and the MoneySavingExpert – Kids Week discount codes page for tips and updates.

What do families need to know about Kids Week 2025?

Kids Week 2025 offers a genuine opportunity to see world‑class London theatre at a fraction of the usual cost. The key is to plan ahead: note the 10 June on‑sale date, browse the full show list, and book early for best availability. For families visiting London, the promotion covers the entire summer holiday period. Keep an eye on the free kids theatre tickets summer 2025 page for any last‑minute additions or changes.

Frequently asked questions about Kids Week 2025

What is the difference between Kids Week and Kids Go Free?

Kids Go Free is a separate promotion from other theatre groups; some years the name has been used interchangeably. For 2025, the official name is Kids Week. Always check the official SOLT website for the current year’s brand.

Are there any pantomime Kids Week deals?

Kids Week typically runs in summer, so it does not include winter pantomimes. However, regional pantos (e.g., Bristol, Sheffield) have their own family offers. Check separate theatre websites for panto deals.

How does Kids Week benefit families on a budget?

With adult tickets often costing £40‑£100, a free child ticket can save a family £40‑£100 per child. Combined with advance booking and discount codes, total savings can exceed £200 for a family of four.

Can I use Kids Week for matinee performances?

Yes, many shows offer Kids Week tickets for matinee performances. However, availability varies by show. Check each show’s participating dates on the official booking page.


Oliver Arthur Davies Cooper

About the author

Oliver Arthur Davies Cooper

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.