What makes it 75% Kids-Friendly: Children aged 4-12 can attend pantomimes, puppet shows and tours, get concession fares and free ear defenders; however some operas have 8+ limits and no buggy parking, so advance planning is vital.
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets your family enjoy a tour, see a show, and grab snacks without rushing younger kids.
Book a backstage tour:
Join a 2-hour tour and explore set pieces and costumes.
Tip: Book online in advance; children pay £12, adults £15; wear comfy shoes.
See the winter pantomime:
Watch “Jack and the Beanstalk” with kid-friendly humor and special effects.
Tip: Book early for child discounts and free babes-in-arms tickets for babies up to 12 months.
Self-guided foyer photo walk:
Spot theatre photos on each floor, glass entrance windows, and art-deco details.
Tip: Bring a camera; challenge kids to find the oldest photo on the walls.
Enjoy interval treats:
Grab ice-cream or soft drinks at the café and foyer bars.
Tip: Pre-order snacks before the show to skip the queue at intermission.

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!
Visit in winter for the festive pantomime (Nov–Jan). In summer, look for family matinees of touring musicals with special kids’ pricing.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Backstage tour for 2 adults + 2 kids | GBP 54 |
| Pantomime tickets for 2 adults + 2 kids | GBP 110 |
| Snacks & soft drinks | GBP 12 |
| Local transport day ticket for family | GBP 11 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 187 |
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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Address: 13-29 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9FT, UK
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