The 2027 Championships (June 28 – July 11) are Wimbledon’s 150th — a once-in-a-generation edition of the most famous tournament in tennis. It’s also the trickiest slam for families to get into. Here’s exactly how it works.
The Ballot: How It Works (and the 2027 Window Just Closed)
The Wimbledon Public Ballot has run since 1924 and it’s the fairest way in: a free lottery for Centre Court, No. 1 Court and No. 2 Court tickets at face value. The mechanics:
- You need a free myWimbledon account.
- One application per household — up to two tickets. Two people at the same address can’t apply for four between them.
- You cannot request dates, courts, or seats — winners are drawn at random and allocated whatever’s available.
- Applying early gives no advantage — but missing the window means waiting a year.
- Winners are notified (usually January/February) and must pay in full immediately or lose the tickets. Ballot tickets can’t be sold or transferred.
For 2027: the ballot ran September 1–14, 2026 and is now closed. If you missed it, The Queue is your 2027 route — and set a reminder for September 2027, when the 2028 ballot opens.
The Queue: The Most Famous Line in Sports
Wimbledon’s same-day Queue is iconic — and genuinely family-doable if you plan it right. Ground passes and a limited number of show-court tickets are sold each morning to people in line. Hardcore fans camp overnight, but for families the smart play is arriving very early morning for a grounds pass (every outside court included). Bring breakfast, sunscreen, entertainment for the wait — and treat any show-court ticket as a miracle, not a plan.
Kids at Wimbledon: The Rules
Wimbledon has the strictest kids’ policy of any slam:
- Under-5s are not admitted to the show courts (Centre, No. 1, No. 2) — no exceptions.
- Kids 5 and up need their own ticket for the show courts — no lap-sitting.
- On the outside courts with a grounds pass, young kids are welcome — and the outer courts are where the family atmosphere is best anyway.
Honest advice: Wimbledon with kids under 5 means a grounds-pass day on the outside courts, which is still magical. Save the Centre Court dream for when they’re older.
The Junior Championships
Wimbledon hosts 18-and-under junior events during the second week, plus 14-and-under events — the only slam with a 14U draw. The juniors play on the outside courts, and watching 14-year-olds on grass is a glimpse of the future. Included with your grounds pass. Full explainer: How Your Kid Can Play a Grand Slam.
Planning the Day
- Getting there: about a 20-minute walk from Wimbledon Park station (District Line) or 25 minutes from Southfields. Wimbledon station works too.
- Start times: outside courts 11 AM; Centre Court 1 PM; No. 1 Court 1:30 PM. Finals weekend is July 10–11, with Centre Court matches normally starting at 2 PM.
- The essentials: strawberries and cream (obviously), sunscreen, a rain layer (it’s England), and a card for payment — the grounds are cashless.
Comparing all four majors? Read our Which Grand Slam Should Your Family Visit First? ranking.
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