Discount Broadway tickets for children and teens. The Kids Night on Broadway program runs once per month and is sponsored by The Broadway League, and advocates for the younger generation to attend live theatre
Kids Night On Broadway Drives Younger Generation to Broadway Theatre
Free Broadway Tickets for Kids
What was once a twice-yearly event on Broadway, the Broadway League's Kids Night on Broadway program is now a monthly event. Now, the first Tuesday and Wednesday of each and every month of the year is designated as Kids Night on Broadway for many Broadway shows.
Kids Night on Broadway is a wonderful opportunity for young people to see a Broadway show at the biggest discount of all - for free! When accompanied by an adult who has paid full price for the show, a child (aged 6 to 18) can get in for free.
What Broadway Shows Participate?
Not all Broadway shows participate in the program, but the roster varies from month to month. Usually there are about 5-10 Broadway shows to choose from, and sometimes an Off-Broadway show as well. While the musicals and plays on the Kids Night on Broadway list are rarely the hottest tickets in town, there are both new and older shows to choose from. (Note: Some shows which are available for the Tuesday date won't be available for Wednesday, and vice versa.) You can find the list of participating Broadway shows on the Kids Night website at www.kidsnightonbroadway.com Visit early, because tickets go on sale two months in advance.
Why Kids Night on Broadway Isn't Effective For Ticket Discounts
The discounts offered for these Broadway shows are really no better than existing discounts and are in fact a lot more restrictive because they can only be used for two days a month in the middle of the week. Normal discounts, on the other hand, apply to a far broader range of dates, allowing you to choose the date most convenient for you while still getting comparable savings. So clearly the Kids Night on Broadway program is not a very effective way to get good Broadway ticket discounts, but what makes the Kids Night special are the "extras" associated with it.
More Than Just The Show
Kids Night on Broadway is about more than just visiting the Broadway Theater. The Kids Night folks do their best to really make a night of it by throwing pre-show parties, holding music/dance workshops and discussions with Broadway writers/performers, and offering discounts at restaurants in the theater district. Times Square area restaurants like Brooklyn Diner, ESPN Zone, Mars 2112, and Planet Hollywood often participate by serving a free entree to a child who is accompanied by a paying adult (just show them your tickets for that evening's show to qualify). Check the Kids Night website for details on participating restaurants, and call the restaurant ahead to confirm.
How To Get These Tickets
Also check the Kids Night on Broadway website for additional special offers, which include discounts on local attractions like Madame Tussauds. Other perks include a special Kids Night on Broadway Playbill for the show you're seeing, and parking discounts for those who are driving into New York City. And what about theater fans who don't live in New York? You'll be happy to know that Kids Night on Broadway isn't only on Broadway. A select few Broadway touring shows also participate, so you may be able to spend a "Kids Night on Broadway" in St. Louis or even all the way down in Houston.
Are The Broadway Shows Appropriate For Children
Parents should be aware that some of the participating shows are too mature for kids, and some are maybe even a bit mature for teens. So don't assume that because a Broadway show is on the Kids Night list that it is age appropriate. The event's website has a "Note to Parents" section for most shows which gives a rundown of any objectionable material, but you may also want to do a little of your own research (on the internet, or asking friends) to determine if a show is right for you and your child.
Sign Up
Clearly Kids Night on Broadway is a great way to introduce a child to the Broadway theater (or a great way for a child to introduce his or her parent to the theater!). Now that the event is monthly, it's also a great way for a parent and child to make going to the theater a habit. Sign up with the Broadway Fan Club on the Kids Night on Broadway website to get a monthly e-newsletter, complete with upcoming ticketing info and further discount offers.
