Our post about how to save money on Broadway tickets is a compilation of ideas we’ve been sharing for years. We’ve also included affiliate links to sites that sell discount Broadway tickets. If you make a purchase we do earn a small commission.
Have you been wanting to buy those Broadway tickets?
New York City is a place of wonder, possibility, and the best arts and entertainment in the world. It can also be a budget busting trip no matter how nearby you live. Of course New Jersey has plenty to offer and we will keep telling you about it, but Jersey Family Fun wants to help you visit the Big Apple more, and spend less while doing it.
What a treat to see Aladdin on Broadway!
Taking the kids to see a Broadway show – that can be a LOT of money! We want to help you give your kids that breathtaking experience of high caliber theatrical talent without busting your budget. Whether you are looking for discount Broadway tickets or how to save money on Broadway tickets these tips will help you take the kids to see a Broadway show without breaking the bank. Keep reading, you might be surprised by what we find!
4 Tips to Buying Discount Broadway Tickets
Exposing your children to theater can be impossible with the high cost of shows on and off Broadway. When the chance exists, don’t miss it to treat your children, and yourself to the excitement of New York City theater. The talent of the performers, and the staging is second to none and you might see the next Idina Menzel or Lin-Manuel Miranda; they all had to start somewhere (sorry, Hamilton tickets NOT included in deal!).
Before you buy, a few tips to buying Broadway tickets.
- Broadway shows are traditionally every day except Monday, with matinees on Wednesdays and weekends. See family favorites like Aladdin, Wicked or The Lion King; or try a new production like Beetlejuice. Some of the old classics are back as well, like The Phantom of the Opera. Or get a babysitter and make it a date night. No matter what you choose, a night spent on Broadway is a treat for any age.
- Be sure to research the shows before you buy. Some Broadway shows have age restrictions and subject matter not suitable for children.
- Know your pricing. Don’t rush into tickets if you can avoid it. Prices fluctuate and being flexible with the date and time will usually yield you a lower ticket price. Of course holidays and weekends are going to be higher priced.
- Read the fine print! Broadway rarely cancels shows so if weather could keep you from traveling, don’t choose a snowy time of year. Check the theater layout as some seats have restricted views.
2015 Kids’ Night on Broadway we saw Beautiful!
5 Ways to Save Money on Broadway Tickets
#1 -Kids Night on Broadway – End of February
Once a year, discount tickets are released for some of the most popular shows, and your child’s ticket is FREE! (Tickets will be billed at 50% off). This is one of our favorite ways to save money on Broadway tickets. The last Kids Night on Broadway was in 2020. Tickets went on sale in early December. Links for ticket buying available at KidsNightOnBroadway.com, presented by The Broadway League. So far no plans have been announced for a 2022 Kids Week.
2020 Participating Kids Night on Broadway Shows
- Aladdin
- Ain’t Too Proud to Beg
- Beetlejuice
- Chicago
- Come From Away
- Frozen
- Jagged Little Pill
- The Lion King
- Mean Girls
- Moulin Rouge
- The Phantom of the Opera
- Six
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- Wicked
(subject to change, and some shows not available for all performances)
2. – Broadway Week, First two weeks in September
Our second way to save money on Broadway tickets is to take advantage of Broadway Week. Tickets for Broadway Week go on sale in mid August and you can count on us to tell you when they do! We’ve been able to see many great shows with this discount, which gives two weeks of possibilities. Discount Broadway tickets sell fast so be ready with your wish list and your fastest internet connection. NYC Broadway Week is presented by NYC & Company, the official tourism organization of New York City.
Broadway Week 2019 Musicals that sold discount Broadway tickets were:
- Ain’t Too Proud to Beg
- Aladdin
- Beautiful
- Beetlejuice
- The Book of Mormon
- Chicago
- Come From Away
- Dear Evan Hansen
- Frozen
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- The Lion King
- Mean Girls
- Oklahoma
- The Phantom of the Opera
- Tootsie
- Waitress
- Wicked
We took the family to see Aladdin during the a past Broadway week, and my daughter saw Beautiful during Kids Night on Broadway 2015. This year we’re hoping for tickets for Frozen for the whole family.
#3 – Discount Ticket Sites
You might have to be fast, and check daily, but sites like Groupon, Goldstar and Stub Hub can offer you major savings! At the time of publish there were discount Broadway tickets for Beetlejuice, Jagged Little Pill and Come From Away on Groupon, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Phantom of the Opera and more on Goldstar. Stub Hub can get you coveted seats at less than face value, but might not be drastically reduced until the very last minute.
- Visit our page for discount Broadway tickets with Goldstar.
Current discount Broadway tickets through Goldstar
- Coming soon
Current discount Broadway tickets through Groupon
- Coming soon
#4 – Student Rush Tickets
If you’re a planner, rush tickets are not for you! But if you find yourself in NYC in the morning, with a high school or college student and their ID, you can get two tickets to a top show for around $40 each, which is believed to be the cheapest out there. There could be lines but if there’s a show you’ve got your heart set on, this might be the way to get in at a discount.
#5 – TKTS booth
Our final way to save money on Broadway tickets is one most New York City locals have heard of. It’s the old standby for same day tickets! If you’ve been in Times Square you’ve definitely seen the line for the booth under the red stairs! Don’t be turned off though, it moves fast and TKTS offers the best variety of shows in one spot. There are other locations at both South Street Seaport and Lincoln Center but if you’re buying at those spots for matinees be ready to jump in a taxi or subway to get to the theater on time.
Concerned about the cost to get into NYC? Kids under 12 ride NJ Transit for free on the weekends. Where to eat? We love Schnipper’s, just steps away from Times Square at 41st Street and 8th Avenue. You’ll have a great time in New York City whether you come just for the show, or make a day out of it. Want to spend the night? We can help with that too, with our review of the Westin Times Square.
What Broadway show are you excited to see? Do you have a tip to save money on Broadway tickets?
Looking for more New York City experiences? If so, click over to see the rest of our Family Travel to New York City series. If not, click anyway! We may change your mind about New York City and all it has to offer!
Here are some of our favorites!
The Ultimate List of Cheap and Fun Things to do in New York City With Kids
New York City Museums with FREE Admission and Pay What You Wish Days
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Times Square NYC ~ A Unique NYC Attraction
Click over to see the rest of our Family Travel to New York City series.
To arrange a feature on your location contact Jennifer Auer, Jersey Family Fun publisher.