"An engagement with theatre sparks children's creativity and imagination," says Emma de Souza who works for the Society of London Theatres. "It improves their social skills, sense of teamwork and confidence." That's why London's theatres are backing Kids Week from August 14 to 28, 2009, offering free tickets for kids when accompanied by an adult who pays full price for his or her ticket.

The Kids Week in the West End will open their booking line on July 14th, and to celebrate that in theatrical style, will be holding a special performance of "We're Going On A Bear Hunt," from Michael Rosen's book. Suited to children ages 5 to 16, just like the regular promotion, this performance at 1:30pm at the Duchess Theatre will offer a sneak preview of "The Tiger Who Came To Tea" (playing at the Bloomsbury Theatre) and a visit by The Gruffalo.

Shows where this is in effect -- 28 in all -- include some of London's most popular: Billy Elliot, Chicago, Hello, Dolly!, We Will Rock You, Avenue Q, Jersey Boys and Dirty Dancing (be warned, parents, this is said to feature some "dirty dancing" as well as fun for tweens and teens).

Additionally, there are behind-the-scenes tours, lots of workshops, opportunities for kids to learn to dance, sing with the cast and enjoy exclusive post show Q & As.  For a full list of all the shows participating, try the 24-hour Kids Week Tickets hotline at 011- 44(0) 844 248 5151 or visit KidsWeek.co.uk

For a comprehensive list of what's on, not on the Kids Week list but of interest to young adults, such as the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park , Shakespeare's Globe and others, log on to www.OfficialLondonTheatre.co.uk. All you have to do is follow the prompts to "London Shows A-Z," then check age suitable or the name of the show. Tickets can then be purchased with a charge card. Don't worry, the system works. London theaters are very adept at online bookings and charge card payments.

Also on that website is a link to "tkts," the half-price tickets booth in Leicester Square. You can't buy tickets online but you can find out what is available, in person, at the tkts Booth in the middle of Leicester Square, across from the Hampshire Hotel. They are legit; however, most of the storefronts surrounding the square, claiming to sell "discount" tickets, are brokers selling tickets at a considerable mark up. The official tkts Booth is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 7pm and Sunday from noon to 3ish. Cash is accepted; American Express and Visa are welcome; Mastercard is not. The "booking fee" i.e. service charge, is about $5.

Another good source of tickets is Ticketmaster. The shows they sell are listed by age suitability. Old-fashioned parents might want to add a year or two to their recommendations. Here's the direct link: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/feature/kids_week/shows_list.html

For a great place to stay with the family, check out The Montague Hotel in Bloomsbury, an elegant, sophisticated and kid-friendly place. So much so that it  offers kid-oriented features such as games, a tour of the hotel's kitchen, menus even the fussiest eaters will accept, even child-sized robes and slippers. Cute. Specials include a "3 Nights for the Price of 2" and "Kids Go Free!" which permits kids up to 12-years to stay and eat free when sharing a room with parents, and enjoy unlimited in-room movies and a games console, too. Big broods should consider their "Fun 4 All The Family," a great offer accommodating familes of four in one of their 6 luxury properties operated by Red Carnation Hotels. With this offer, parents can book 2 rooms at a discounted rate. For reservations, visit their site, call your  travel agent, or call the hotel at 011- 44 (0)20 7637 1001.

For all things British -- not just theatre -- check out Visit Britain . For London, the website to go to is Visit London.