On Saturday 11 January, Kids Tennis Day presented by Emirates makes a grand comeback. This event is a beloved one among the youngest tennis enthusiasts. It will offer an Arena Spectacular in Rod Laver Arena featuring top players. Alongside, there will be live performances by vocalists and dance ensembles, including a special act by Zindzi & the Zillionaires. Additionally, some Kids Tennis Day friends will pay a visit. The Arena Spectacular will be hosted by Casey Dellacqua and Shura Taft.

Family-Friendly Entertainment Galore

Throughout the precinct on Kids Tennis Day, there will be an abundance of family-friendly entertainment. The AO Ballpark presented by Emirates will have an action-packed schedule. It will include Hot Shots HQ tennis games, an obstacle course, a waterslide with 2.5 and 6m drops, craft areas, and more chances for families to enjoy tennis together. The Grand Slam Oval stage will also feature entertainment throughout the day. There will be more opportunities to try Hot Shots Tennis and POP Tennis. There will be face painting, games, and music in Garden Square. Families can also have meet and greets with favorite characters like Peppa Pig, PJ Masks Villains, Paddington Bear, Octonauts, and Matteo from LEGO. Roaming performers will also add to the fun. Exclusive Kids Tennis Day menus will be available at various food outlets.

Ticket Information

Tickets for Kids Tennis Day range from $15 to $25. Kids aged two and younger can attend for free. The official AO Draw will be held on the steps of MCA on Thursday 9 January and shown live on the big screens around the site. Ground passes for Opening Week can be purchased at Ticketmaster. Tickets for Kids Tennis Day and all charity matches will go on sale on Monday 9 December.

Charity Support

Proceeds from the charity matches will support a range of charities through the Australian Tennis Foundation. This foundation has provided over 100,000 hours of joy to over 26,000 kids and families facing adversity. The ATF Lottery offers tennis fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the Australian Open in an extraordinary way. By entering the lottery, you and a friend could win tickets to the men's or women's final, along with flights, accommodation, on-site dining, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, and special keepsakes. Winners will be drawn on Monday 20 January 2025.

About the Australian Tennis Foundation

The Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF) aims to inspire brighter futures for disadvantaged children and young people through tennis. Since its launch in 2020, it has provided more than 75,000 opportunities for disadvantaged kids to play and belong. In 2024, the ATF has expanded its reach, making tennis available to more than 5000 children and young people from disadvantaged communities. An additional 3500 kids and families have been given the chance for connection and relief from challenging life circumstances. Launched in September 2022, the ATF Brighter Days program provides relief through fun tennis and social activities at flagship tennis facilities across Australia. It extends into the Summer of Tennis and the Australian Open, offering families from partner charities the chance to enjoy the tennis festival. Next year marks the fifth anniversary of the Rally as One initiative. Founded during the Black Summer bushfires, it helps communities affected by natural disasters, supporting infrastructure rebuilding and providing free events and tennis programs to foster social connections. Since 2020, the ATF has used tennis to build connections and offer relief to more than 10,000 people in regional and remote communities affected by bushfires and floods.