Festival Theatre (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Festival Theatre?
What makes it 43% Baby-Friendly: Babies under 12 months are admitted only to the annual pantomime on babes-in-arms tickets; other shows bar under-4s, stroller storage is ad-hoc and no nursing room, so usefulness is limited.
Positives:
- Free baby entry: Babies under 12 months join for free with a ‘babes-in-arms’ ticket at pantomimes.
- Accessible facilities: Highchairs, changing tables and water stations ease feeding and care.
- Comfortable seating: Seats have ample legroom and clear aisles for quick pram access.
Challenges:
- Show age restrictions: Most performances bar children under 4; pantomime is the main exception for babies.
- No dedicated pram storage: Pram storage varies by show and is not guaranteed; check with box office.
- Limited nursing spaces: No dedicated nursing room; you may need to use toilets or ask staff for privacy.
What is Festival Theatre?
- A Victorian theatre inaugurated in 1892, now seating approximately 1,900 across stalls, circle and balcony levels
- Scotland’s largest proscenium stage dedicated to opera, ballet and touring theatrical productions under Capital Theatres management
- A building that melds ornate plasterwork and art deco detailing with a contemporary glass façade
What is so special about Festival Theatre for with baby?
- Enjoy free baby entry with ‘babes-in-arms’ tickets at family pantomime.
- Use on-site bells like changing rooms, highchairs and ear defenders.
- Grab snacks at the café and fill bottles at water stations.
- Most shows restrict under-4s; pantomime season is ideal for babies.
- Plan ahead with box office calls to confirm pram storage and seating.
Note: Festival Theatre is 43% Baby-Friendly. You may want to consider other Baby-Friendly Things to Do in Edinburgh for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: A typical show with interval and arrival time fits within this window without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Festival Theatre
Book the ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ pantomime:
Secure adult tickets and free ‘babes-in-arms’ ticket for your baby.
Tip: Book early for matinee slots and mention baby at checkout.
Use baby-changing facilities:
Change or feed your baby in unisex accessible toilets or single-occupancy cubicles.
Tip: Head to levels 1 or 2 for the most spacious changing areas.
Visit the Festival Theatre Café:
Enjoy snacks and drinks in a ground-floor café with highchairs.
Tip: Arrive before the show to avoid queues and store your pram nearby.
Borrow free ear defenders:
Protect your baby’s ears during loud scenes from the Merchandise Desk.
Tip: Ask staff on level 1 stalls before the performance starts.
Fill up at water stations:
Use complimentary water fountains throughout the venue.
Tip: Bring your own bottle to keep your baby hydrated for free.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Festival Theatre
- Call ahead for pram parking: Confirm secure stroller storage with box office before booking.
- Arrive early: Get settled, use facilities and grab snacks before the performance starts.
- Choose aisle seats: Book aisle-side seats on ground floor for quick restroom and café access.
Reviews of Festival Theatre
Fee Fee
Really nice theatre, we've seen dozens of shows here and enjoyed every one of them. Having said that, during the last ballet we were at, others in the audience rustling sweet papers, and talking to their kids during the performance, were really irritating. We realise we were at a matinee show, but having paid £100+ for tickets, we really wanted to be entertained by those on the stage, not by some ...
Cindy Wigginton
Saw The Snow Queen and it was wonderful! Absolutely loved the ballet, the sets, the costumes, all brilliant! The seats in the theatre are not particularly comfortable but it’s clean and the staff are always friendly!
Shona
Fabulous evenings entertainment. Very helpful usher who went above and beyond expectations, great orchestra, powerfully evocative dancers flew across the stage gracefully. Well worth the trip.
Iain Banks
Saw Black Sabbath the Ballet here. Absolutely amazing, even from the upper circle. Being there was no problem for seeing the performance, and in some ways, it was the best view because the patterns made by the dancers were really clear
catcherry. x
Great theatre in the heart of Edinburgh. I watched The Funny Widow. I had never been to a theatre before where one can enjoy vegan ice cream whilst watching the spectacle! All in all a phenomenal experience! See you next time!
When is the best time to visit Festival Theatre (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
The annual Christmas pantomime runs from December to January. Book matinees for calmer crowds and free baby tickets.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult panto tickets | GBP 50 |
| Interval snacks | GBP 6 |
| Café snack | GBP 5 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 61 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Festival Theatre
Address: 13-29 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9FT, UK
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About Festival Theatre
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 131 529 600010 BEST nearby Activities
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