Visiting Wimbledon with Kids: Why You Don’t Need Centre Court Tickets

For years, Wimbledon felt like one of those experiences we’d save until our daughters were older. We pictured long matches, expensive Centre Court tickets, and little attention spans that would disappear after about ten minutes.

We couldn’t have been more wrong.

Instead of splurging on stadium seats, we bought Grounds Passes and spent the day exploring the grounds, watching matches from the outside courts, enjoying strawberries and cream, and soaking up the atmosphere. It turned out to be one of our favorite family outings in London.

If you’re visiting during the Championships, here’s why we think Wimbledon deserves a spot on your itinerary—even with toddlers or young children.

If your children are under about eight or nine years old, we actually think Grounds Passes are a better experience than Centre Court tickets.

Rather than sitting in one seat for hours, you’re free to wander the beautiful grounds at your own pace. You can stop to watch a few games, grab a snack, explore the gardens, browse the shops, and move on whenever little legs are ready for something different.

That’s exactly what made the day so enjoyable for our girls.

Some of our favorite moments weren’t in a stadium at all.

Walking between the smaller courts, we found ourselves just a few feet from world-class players. The atmosphere feels much more intimate, and because you’re constantly moving around, there’s always something new to discover.

One of our daughters’ favorite moments was simply peeking through the entrance to watch a match in progress. Seeing professional tennis up close made the experience feel surprisingly magical.

One thing that surprised us most was how much there was to do beyond watching matches.

Shortly after entering the grounds, we found interactive sponsor activations, games, photo opportunities, and giveaways that were clearly designed to engage visitors of all ages. The girls happily bounced between these experiences before heading back to explore more of the grounds.

It felt more like a summer festival than simply a sporting event.

Some traditions deserve the hype.

No visit to Wimbledon is complete without enjoying a bowl of the famous strawberries and cream. It’s one of those classic London experiences that feels surprisingly special, even for little ones.

Our girls were just as excited about the treats as they were about the tennis.

One of our favorite places was The Hill, where thousands of fans gather to watch Centre Court action on the giant screen.

Instead of sitting quietly in assigned seats, families spread out on the grass, picnic, and enjoy the atmosphere together. Kids can move around a bit while parents still catch the biggest matches of the day.

For families, it felt far more relaxed than spending hours inside one stadium.

Even if you’re not planning on buying souvenirs, take some time to browse the Wimbledon gift shop.

It’s beautifully designed and filled with everything from classic Wimbledon towels and hats to children’s clothing, tennis gear, and fun keepsakes.

Our girls loved looking around almost as much as watching the tennis.

One of the best surprises was how easy Wimbledon is to reach.

From central London, it’s a straightforward journey by Underground and train, making it an easy half-day or full-day outing. We found the trip simple enough even while traveling with three young children.

• Arrive early if you’re planning to buy same-day Grounds Passes.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll cover more ground than you expect.
• Bring hats, sunscreen, and water if the weather is warm.
• Plan on watching several shorter matches instead of one long one.
• Leave time to explore the grounds rather than rushing between courts.
• Definitely save room for strawberries and cream.

Absolutely.

If your children are still young, don’t worry about missing Centre Court.

For us, Wimbledon wasn’t about watching five hours of tennis. It was about introducing our daughters to one of London’s great traditions in a way that matched their ages and interests.

They explored, watched a few games, collected memories, enjoyed strawberries and cream, and left talking about Wimbledon all the way home.

Sometimes the best family experiences aren’t about seeing everything—they’re about finding the version that’s just right for your family.

Best for: Ages 3+
Time needed: Half day or full day
Tickets: Grounds Passes (our recommendation for families)
Getting there: Easy trip from central London via Underground and train
Don’t miss: The outside courts, The Hill, strawberries and cream, interactive activations, and the Wimbledon Shop.

→ Looking for more family-friendly London recommendations? From the best parks and playgrounds to afternoon tea, museums, hidden gems, and easy day trips, our Ultimate London Family Travel Guide is packed with everything we’ve discovered while exploring the city with our three daughters.