There’s no better place on earth to fall in love with tennis than the US Open — and no better person to take than your kid. This is your complete family guide to the 2027 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens: when it’s on, how tickets work, what Kids’ Day and the junior championships are all about, and how to plan a day your young player will never forget.
When Is the US Open 2027?
The main draw traditionally runs from the last Monday of August through the second Sunday of September — so expect the 2027 edition to span late August into mid-September. Qualifying and Fan Week (often free or cheap, and fantastic for families) run the week before the main draw. The US Open Junior Championships — the 18-and-under boys’ and girls’ events — take place during the second week of the main tournament.
Check the official US Open site for confirmed 2027 dates before booking travel.
The Storylines to Know
Defending men’s champion Alexander Zverev returns after his breakthrough 2026 — his first US Open title (over Ben Shelton, 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2) came months after his first Slam at the French Open. John McEnroe himself has tipped Zverev as a serious threat for year-end No. 1. And the Sinner–Alcaraz rivalry rolls on: Sinner is chasing McEnroe’s record of 158 consecutive weeks in the world’s top two, while Alcaraz keeps rewriting the record books. Whatever happens, your kid will see the best players on the planet — live.
Tickets: What Families Need to Know
Buy official. The US Open sells through its official channels — buy early, because sessions sell out and resale markups are brutal.
Sessions, explained. Each day is split into a day session and an evening session, sold separately. With young kids, day sessions are the move — evening sessions in Arthur Ashe can run past midnight.
The stadiums. Arthur Ashe (the big one, roughly 23,000 seats, reserved seating, retractable roof) is the splurge. Louis Armstrong and the Grandstand are smaller, louder, and closer to the action. But here’s the family secret:
Grounds passes are the best value in tennis. A grounds pass gets you onto every outside court plus the practice courts — you can hop between matches all day, sit feet from the players, and let the kids roam. Early in the tournament, the outside courts are packed with great matches. If your budget only stretches to one thing, make it this.
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day — traditionally held the Saturday before the main draw — is built for families: a stadium show with top players and music, plus free games and activities around the grounds. It’s the single best day to bring a young kid. Check the official site for 2027 details and tickets.
Don’t Miss the Junior Championships
Here’s what most tennis parents don’t know: during the second week, the US Open hosts its official junior tournament — the best 18-and-under boys and girls in the world, playing singles and doubles on the outside courts. Admission is included with your ticket, the crowds are small, and your kid gets to watch players their own age competing at the highest junior level on earth. For a junior player, this is more inspiring than any pro match. Past junior champions read like a who’s-who of future pros. Make time for it.
The Practice Courts: Your Autograph Strategy
The practice courts, included with any ticket, are the best autograph and photo opportunity at the tournament. Players hit there every morning. Get there early, bring a sharpie and a tennis ball (or the tournament program), and be patient — most players will sign for kids after practice. This alone can make your kid’s year.
Getting There
The National Tennis Center is in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens. The easiest way in: the 7 subway train to Mets-Willets Point — the station drops you at the gates. The Long Island Rail Road also stops at Mets-Willets Point. Driving is possible but parking is limited and pricey; the train wins for families.
What to Pack (Family Edition)
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hats, sunglasses. Ashe has a roof but the grounds are wide open, and early-September sun in New York is no joke.
- Empty refillable water bottles — there are refill stations, and buying water all day adds up fast.
- Ear protection for little ones — night sessions in Ashe get loud.
- Snacks (check the current outside-food policy before you go).
- A portable phone charger — you’ll take a thousand photos.
- A sharpie and a ball for autographs.
- Check the bag policy before you go — size limits are enforced at the gates.
A Perfect Family Day: Sample Itinerary
- Gates open: head straight to the practice courts while the big names are warming up.
- Late morning: grab a grounds-pass seat on an outside court — you’ll be closer to the players than most Ashe ticket holders.
- Lunch: the food areas have options for picky eaters; eat before the midday rush.
- Afternoon: Grandstand or Armstrong for a featured match, then swing by the junior courts during week two.
- Late afternoon: hit the fan experiences and shops, then beat the rush out.
Saving Money
- Go early in the tournament. First-week day sessions are the cheapest — and you see the most tennis per dollar.
- Weekday over weekend. Weekday sessions cost less and the grounds are less packed.
- Fan Week / qualifying is often free or nearly free — and the tennis is excellent.
- Eat before you arrive or share meals; stadium food prices are stadium food prices.
- Grounds passes + outside courts beat nosebleed Ashe seats for kids, every time.
Why This Trip Matters for Your Junior Player
Kids who watch live tennis play better tennis. They see how pros construct points, how they handle adversity, how they warm up, how they treat their teams. Walk the grounds of the National Tennis Center — the home of American tennis — and your kid stops seeing the pros as TV characters and starts seeing them as a future. That’s worth more than any lesson package.
Getting your own kid ready for tournament day? Browse our Parent’s Corner guides — and run your kid’s next matchup through the free Who Wins? predictor on the way to Queens.
US Open 2027 FAQ
When is the US Open 2027?
Main draw: late August through mid-September 2027 (traditionally the last Monday of August through the second Sunday of September). Confirm dates on the official site before booking.
Where is the US Open played?
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York.
What is Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day?
A family-focused event traditionally held the Saturday before the main draw — a stadium show with pros and music plus free activities around the grounds. The best day to bring young kids.
When is the US Open junior tournament?
The US Open Junior Championships (18-and-under) run during the second week of the main event, on the outside courts. Included with your ticket.
What’s the cheapest way to go with kids?
Grounds passes for an early-tournament weekday day session, 7 train in, water bottles and snacks packed. You’ll see more tennis per dollar than any other option.
Can kids meet the players?
Yes — the practice courts are your best bet. Mornings, any ticket, sharpie in hand.
