For one day the most expensive tennis grounds in the world are free, and the players you would pay hundreds to watch in September are hitting on practice courts you can stand three feet from. Arthur Ashe Kids' Day has been the US Open's front door for decades — clinics for children on the show courts, giveaways, and the whole 46-acre site open to walk. If you have ever wanted to see Flushing Meadows without a ticket price attached, this is the single best day of the year to go.
What to expect
Free grounds access with a Fan Access Pass, practice courts running through the day, kids' tennis activities and clinics, food villages open, and a festival atmosphere across the site well before the tournament proper begins. The grounds are enormous, so plan a route rather than wandering. Ashe stadium programming may require a separate ticket.
Good to know
- Take the 7 to Mets–Willets Point or the LIRR to Mets–Willets Point; both drop you at the gate.
- Every adult needs a free Fan Access Pass registered through the US Open app before arriving.
- Under-18s enter with a registered adult and do not need their own pass.
- The grounds are huge and largely unshaded — hats, sunscreen and water bottles matter.
- Some marquee sessions inside Arthur Ashe Stadium are separately ticketed even during Fan Week.
- Bag policy is strict at the National Tennis Center; travel light.
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Common questions
Is it really free?
Grounds admission is free during Fan Week, but every adult needs to register a free Fan Access Pass through the US Open app.
Will I see professional players?
Practice courts are active during Fan Week and are among the best places to see top players up close.
How do I get there?
The 7 train and the LIRR both stop at Mets–Willets Point, a short walk from the entrance.
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