Take a cue from Alice in Wonderland and take your kids to a mad tea party! Whether you dress up in frills with pinkies out, or are simply in it for the decadent desserts, everyone in your family will enjoy an afternoon of delicious relaxation. Here are our picks for five fabulous and tea-tastic destinations in the Washington, D.C. area.
Ritz Kids Peter Rabbit Tea Party
Where: 1700 Tysons Blvd, McLean, VA
A fancy tea party at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner in Fairfax beats a Happy Meal any day! Teas happen Thursday through Sunday afternoon. The treats are delightful: Nutella tea sandwiches, dipped berries, teddy bear cookies and Hershey’s hot chocolate in lieu of actual tea. Plus, the treats are themed around stories like Peter Rabbit and Winnie the Pooh. Dress in your Sunday tea-best and treat your kids to a special meal-out.
Cost: $36 per child 12 and under, additional cost for adult menu selections.
O Street Mansion Kids Dessert Tea Party
Where: 2020 O St NW, Washington, DC
After exploring the hidden passageways and imagination-packed themed rooms of the O Street Mansion near Dupont Circle, kids can tuck in to a decadent high tea. The on-site pastry chef is incredible and provides an awesome sampling of tarts, cakes and tortes. Kids will feel honored to use the mansion’s beautiful antique china, crystal, sterling and linens.
Cost: $25 children 12 and under, $35 adults and children over 12; price includes a year membership to the mansion’s private club.
Lady Camellia Pastry and Tea Room Children’s Tea
Where: 3261 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC
Transport your children right into a Jane Austen novel with a visit to this traditional English tea room in Georgetown. Choose from the Children’s Sandwich tea featuring kid-approved tea sandwiches like peanut butter, Nutella and grilled cheese plus bevvies, the Children’s Full Tea that includes pastries, sandwiches and drinks, or book a Children’s Tea Party for a group of six or more guests that gives your group sandwiches, scones, pastries and unlimited tea. White gloves are not required (but always fun to wear!). Adults may order from the regular menu.
Cost: Sandwich tea $14 per child, full tea $18 per child, tea party $18 per child.
Tea with Mrs. B. Tea Party Events
Where: 136 W Jefferson St, Falls Church, VA
Toddler teas and seasonal tea parties are offered by enchanting etiquette expert—Mrs. B. Manners are stressed at this Falls Church spot, so your little ones will have impeccable table manners in no time. Choose from themed-crafts like the Valentine’s Day craft, a Toddler Tea or special programs like “Mister Manners” and “Charm School” where kids learn respect, patience, and humility. They also incorporate story time and crafts into almost all of their teas. If you’re bringing your youngest, adults enjoy the fun along with the children (older kids’ tea party events are drop-off.) There are even programs that parents can sign up for like “Learn to Braid Hair” where you can learn the basic and sophisticated techniques of braiding.
Cost: Varies.
American Girl Washington, D.C. Bistro Tea Party
Where: 8090L Tysons Corner Center, McLean, VA
Top off a visit to the American Girl doll universe with an afternoon tea and craft party in the Bistro. Served on weekdays from 2 to 4:30pm at this Tysons Corner location, guests receive one savory and one sweet item of choice, as well as a pot of tea or cocoa for the table. The napkin rings are ponytail holders in the signature vivid pink AG and are each diner’s swag to take home. Don’t forget to have your kids bring their American Girl dolls to have tea right alongside them!
Cost: $12 per person.
Photo credits: Mrs. B Tea, O Street Mansion/pbj pictures, Lady Camellia, Mrs. B Tea, American Girl
