If you only remember one thing, let it be this: Kids Week in London is a gem. Shows open up to families with deals that are too good to miss, think free kids’ tickets with every full-paying adult. But beyond the bargain, the prep makes all the difference. Choose a show that fits your child’s age, chat with them about what to expect, and try to pick seats that won’t have them squirming to see the stage. Bring snacks if allowed (the quiet kind), and do that bathroom run early, especially if there’s no break mid-show.
Table of Contents
Why Theatre is a Great Experience for Children
Benefits of Theatre for Kids
There’s something timeless about live theatre. It holds kids in a kind of spell that even the best tablet can’t match. I’ve seen it turn fidgety six-year-olds into silent, wide-eyed audience members. It helps them learn patience, builds empathy, and sparks creativity in ways few other activities do.
The Rise of Family-Friendly Shows in London
More and more, the West End is opening its doors to younger audiences. Colourful musicals, fairy tale favourites, and laugh-out-loud comedies are now common on stage. And during the summer, Kids Week turns up the charm—offering free tickets for children to top shows like Frozen, Matilda, and The Lion King, all of which you can book with Kids Week tickets on SeatPlan, where one child goes free with every adult and you’ll often find the best prices.
Choose the Right Show for Your Child’s Age
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work here. That animated classic might seem like a sure hit, but if the theatre version is loud or runs too long, younger ones might struggle. I learned this the hard way with my daughter’s first show, 30 minutes in, and she was done. Check age ratings, skim a few parent reviews, and pay attention to content notes.
Prepare Your Child Ahead of Time
Build excitement early. Queue up the soundtrack at home or in the car, talk about the story, or find a trailer online. We even played a game where we practiced “theatre sitting”, quietly watching something together with no interruptions. It turned into a fun warm-up for the real thing.
Pick the Right Seats
Some seats look perfect on the map, but not all theatre views are equal, especially for kids. I once splurged on great stalls seats, only to realise the angle meant my child could barely see the main action. Go for aisle spots if you want a quick exit route, and if you’re not sure about views, platforms like SeatPlan show photos from actual seats to help you avoid surprises.
Arrive Early and Make it an Event
Give yourselves time. Getting there ahead of the crowd means no panicked dash to the toilets and more time to soak in the buzz. If the theatre offers booster cushions, those can make all the difference. And a little merch or snack in advance often helps kids settle in without the wait-in-line hassle later.
The Don’ts: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Don’t Ignore Age Guidance
Just because a show is animated or musical doesn’t mean it’s right for little ones. Some scenes can be unexpectedly intense or loud. Trust the age ratings, they’re there for a reason.
Don’t Assume Every Theatre is Kid-Friendly
Old theatres can be charming… but they weren’t built for booster seats or roomy leg space. Some spots are tricky for kids. A quick peek at other parents’ reviews, especially on booking platforms, can clue you in on which venues are more accommodating.
Don’t Forget Quiet Entertainment for Fidgety Kids
Even with all the prep in the world, young kids sometimes just get restless. We’ve had good luck with sketchpads, sticker books, or soft fidget toys. Leave the screens behind, though; the glow can be distracting to everyone nearby.
Don’t Book Without Considering Intervals
Some shows fly by. Others feel long without a break, especially for under-10s. If your child needs that time to regroup, look for performances with an interval. Kids Week listings often include that info, which really helps when planning.
Age-by-Age Tips for Theatre Visits
Toddlers and Preschoolers (2–5 years)
Short and sweet is the rule. Morning performances, familiar characters (like Peppa), and interactive moments keep this age group happy. And don’t forget a favourite comfort item, it helps with first-time nerves.
Early Primary (6–9 years)
This is the sweet spot for family shows. Bright costumes, catchy songs, and big laughs keep them hooked. Shows like Matilda and Frozen tend to hit the mark. We found that giving our kids a “cue” on when to clap or stay quiet made them feel part of the crowd.
Tweens and Teens (10+)
Older kids want something with a bit more substance. Visual spectacles, powerful storytelling, and clever lyrics tend to stick. If they’ve been into musicals or theatre at school, they might love Hamilton or Wicked.
How to Book Smart with SeatPlan: Kids Week & Beyond
What is Kids Week?
Running through August, Kids Week is one of the best ways to experience London theatre as a family—one child gets in free with a paying adult. That includes massive hits like The Lion King and Frozen.
Why Book via SeatPlan?
You can see the view from your potential seat before you buy, which makes a huge difference when you’re booking for kids. Plus, it’s packed with reviews from other parents, and you can filter for things like family-friendly times or interval length.
Tips for Snagging the Best Seats
These deals don’t stick around. Best advice? Be ready to book early, ideally as soon as tickets drop. Use filters to sort by age guidance, intervals, and running time. It takes a bit more time, but it’s worth it.
FAQs
Are kids allowed at every West End show?
Nope. Some venues have age minimums or suggest parental discretion. Always check before clicking “book.”
What happens if my child needs to leave mid-show?
You won’t be the first. Staff are used to it, especially during family performances. Aisle seats are a lifesaver.
Can I bring food into the theatre?
It depends on the venue. Most are okay with soft sweets, but noisy packaging or smelly snacks are best avoided. Always a good idea to double-check the rules beforehand.
How do I know if a show is too scary or loud?
Besides official content notes, look for reviews from other parents. They’re often more candid about things like sudden loud effects or tense moments.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the effort, yes, it is. There’s nothing like watching your child fall in love with theatre. And with Kids Week, it’s never been easier (or more affordable) to give it a try.
