London: Children score free theater tickets in August

Kids Week in London’s West End means free theater tickets for children to see stage shows such as “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Tiger Who Came to Tea.” Demand was so high this year that the program, which starts in mid-August, was extended a week.

-- The deal: Kids Week in the West End offers one free theater ticket and two half-price tickets for children up to 16 years old with a paying adult. Check out “What’s On?” to see which stage shows qualify and then book tickets online or by phone (you have to call London). “Wicked,” “Mamma Mia!” and “Shrek the Musical” are among the more than 30 offerings.

-- When: Kids Week theater tickets are available for shows from Aug. 12 to Sept. 4, while they last.

-- Tested: I went to the Kids Week website and found availability for “The Tiger Who Came to Tea,” recommended for young children, for an 11 a.m. show Aug. 26 at the Vaudeville Theatre. An order of an adult ticket, two half-price child tickets and one free child ticket comes to roughly $42 -- cheaper than going to the movies. Tickets usually cost $22 each. You also can buy activity packages that come with a chat with the cast members or an impromptu dance class for kids.

-- Contact: Kids Week in the West End, 011-44-844-248-5151

-- More kid stuff: London’s Heathrow Airport has a Kids Eat Free offer through Aug. 14 at restaurants in Terminals 1, 3, 4 and 5. One free children’s meal comes with each adult main course purchased. Click here to see participating restaurants.