Full tournament visitor guides
Wimbledon · HSBC Championships · Roland-Garros · Australian Open · US Open · Lexus Nottingham Open · Lexus Birmingham Open · Lexus Ilkley Open
Wimbledon and Queen’s: check the seating ages
Plan around your child’s attention span and permitted courts. Confirm the age on the attendance date, ticket category and seating before paying. These are dated organiser rules; revisit them when the next edition’s terms appear.
Wimbledon’s published 2026 ticket terms say: Every person five (5) years of age and over requires their own Ticket to enter the Grounds.
Its show-court help states: Children under the age of five are not allowed on the Show Courts.
That includes Centre Court, No.1, No.2, No.3, Court 12 and Court 18. The published 2026 help page charges full price for a child’s own show-court seat. The remaining permitted courts and screens give families other ways to enjoy the day. Read the full Wimbledon guide before choosing your ticket.
For Queen’s, the 2026 men’s FAQ says: Children under five are not allowed access into the grand stand seating.
The women’s 2026 FAQ says: Children aged 5- 16 will be accompanied by an adult at a full price ticket.
The general LTA terms define the child category and any specifically advertised exceptions; that category does not automatically mean discounted admission. Check the next ticket release with the Queen’s guide open beside it.
Sources: Wimbledon: admission ticket age Wimbledon: show-court age restrictions Queen’s: 2026 child tickets Queen’s women: 2026 child tickets LTA: event ticket and entry terms · checked 11 October 2026
Roland-Garros: understand the lap-child arrangement
For Paris, use the current FFT terms and the exact product you are buying. The official 2027 Roland-Garros Travel terms state: Access to the Stadium is free for children under four years of age
2027 FFT Travel terms allow one child under four per ticketed accompanying adult, with proof of identity; the child sits on the adult’s lap and receives a barcode wristband. An accompanying adult’s ticket does not provide a second reserved seat. Ask the ticket office about your particular ages and seating needs if you want everyone seated separately.
Opening Week can suit a family that prefers moving between competitive qualifying matches and taking breaks. Choose the day’s advertised inclusions, then leave room for lunch and a change of scene. The Roland-Garros guide keeps Opening Week separate from main-draw day and night sessions. Do not promise a star before the practice and match programme appears.
Compare Where to stay in Paris by the whole hotel-to-gate route. Stairs and a buggy can change the journey. Ask the hotel about lifts and room space, then check suitable local transport.
Sources: FFT: 2027 Roland-Garros Travel terms Roland-Garros Travel: family FAQ Roland-Garros Travel: ticket and travel FAQ Roland-Garros transport · checked 11 October 2026
Melbourne and New York: different child categories
The AO 2027 ticket FAQ says: Kids' Tickets are available for Children aged 3-11 on the date they are attending the AO
For AO 2027, children aged two and under on their attendance date may enter at no charge if they do not occupy a reserved seat; purchase a suitable ticket when a separate reserved seat is wanted. Choose the age category at booking and check it against the child’s birthday before attendance. The organiser has also published this budget option: 2027 Opening Week: adult A$10; child A$5; charity matches separately ticketed. Children’s Opening Week entry is free on Monday 11 January 2027. Check the chosen product’s requirements even when entry is free.
The Australian Open guide explains the distinction between Opening Week, a main-draw Ground Pass and an arena session. That matters with children: a general precinct ticket can let you move about, while a reserved seat provides a base for a particular session. Neither choice removes the need for shade, drinking water and breaks.
The US Open’s 2026 ticket FAQ states: Children two years old and older require a full priced adult ticket.
Price the whole family before choosing a stadium. The US Open guide also covers Fan Week, whose free qualifying is a different visit from paid main-draw seating. Wait for the new family programme and registration instructions. Keep a long evening session for a child who already enjoys staying with a match.
Sources: AO: ticket age categories AO: 2027 Opening Week prices AO 2027 ticket inclusions US Open: 2026 child tickets US Open: 2026 Fan Week · checked 11 October 2026
Check buggies, changing and quiet space
Wimbledon’s published family page welcomes buggies and pushchairs, lists baby-changing facilities around the grounds and identifies a Family Room in Wimbledon Park opposite Gate 3 for visitors who need a quieter setting. Find it on the current map and ask staff about the route before you need a break. A family facility is different from the court-age rule, so choose permitted court access separately.
The Australian Open family page recommends labelling your pram with a name and phone number. Its activity descriptions include 2026 material, so check the next programme before promising a particular play area. For Queen’s, Paris and New York, ask the organiser for current buggy storage, baby-changing and quiet-space locations. Save the answer and the relevant map on your phone; do not rely on a facility being in the same place as another tournament.
Pack a compact kit that passes the event’s entry rules: weather layers, a hat, water where permitted, snacks in allowed containers and any changing supplies you need. Keep the ticket and phone easy to reach at security. Leave bulky extras at the hotel. Choose a meeting point for the adults and explain where to ask for help if the family separates.
Sources: Wimbledon: family facilities AO: family planning LTA: event ticket and entry terms AO: 2026 conditions of entry US Open: 2026 visitor A–Z · checked 11 October 2026
Make the first visit easy to enjoy
Our first choice is a nearby event with a manageable journey and a flexible programme. Wimbledon qualifying, Roland-Garros Opening Week or US Open qualifying can be good introductions when their admission and ages suit your family. Compare Nottingham, Birmingham and Ilkley as local alternatives; confirm their child products and the court programme when sales open.
Pick one match to start with and let curiosity decide the next stop. Explain changeovers and quiet during points before entering a stand. Take a break before everyone is exhausted, and be ready to leave while the day is still enjoyable. A promise to stay until the final ball can make a first visit harder than it needs to be.
Sources: Qualifying tickets Roland-Garros: 2026 Opening Week price US Open: 2026 Fan Week Lexus Nottingham Open tickets LTA Birmingham tickets LTA Ilkley tickets · checked 11 October 2026
Family tennis questions
Can I take a toddler into Wimbledon Centre Court?
No. The published rule excludes children under five from the show courts. Choose the permitted grounds courts and screen areas instead, and review the next edition’s terms.
Do children get a discount at every tournament?
No. Queen’s 2026 and US Open 2026 rules describe full-priced tickets for the stated ages. Australian Open child categories have their own prices and conditions.
Is a buggy allowed in my seating row?
Check the organiser’s storage and court-access rules. Permission to bring a buggy into the grounds does not mean it can stay beside your arena seat.
Where should I look for changing and quiet facilities?
Use the current event map and ask guest services at arrival. Wimbledon’s published family page lists baby changing and a Family Room; other facilities need checking individually.
What makes a good first tennis visit?
Choose a reachable event and a short, flexible day with competitive matches, room for breaks and an easy return. Qualifying or Opening Week can work well when their programme suits your child.
Sources: Wimbledon: show-court age restrictions Queen’s: 2026 child tickets US Open: 2026 child tickets Wimbledon: family facilities AO: ticket age categories · checked 11 October 2026
Full visitor guides: Wimbledon — where to stay · HSBC Championships — where to stay · Roland-Garros — where to stay · Australian Open — where to stay · US Open — where to stay · Lexus Nottingham Open — where to stay