Getting children to try something new to eat or drink is often as hard as prying them away from their favorite snacks before dinner. But several big-city establishments are giving it a go—with tea! Planned with holiday themes—and strategically centered around the kids—these events could be a fun way to introduce your brood to tea while out in the city for shopping or sightseeing. Many hotels, such as the famed Plaza in New York City, the Rittenhouse in Philadelphia, and the oceanside Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, and the Palace Hotel in San Francisco are offering these special occasions for families.
*Know of any tea parties for kids (or even just for the grownups) in your area? Let us know!
The Rittenhouse in Philadelphia
Teddy Bear Tea at Mary Cassatt Tea Room
This December, The Rittenhouse will introduce a new experience for its younger guests, Teddy Bear Tea. Sure to become an annual tradition for Philadelphia families, The Rittenhouse invites its youngest patrons and their treasured teddies for a leisurely afternoon tea service featuring sweet and savory petit fours and delicious teddy bear cookies in the recently renovated Mary Cassatt Tea Room. Each child also receives a complementary teddy bear to take home. Teddy Bear Tea will be offered every day from Friday, November 29 through Thursday, December 31, and costs $60 for adults and $30 per child. Reservations are required. www.rittenhousehotel.com
The Plaza in New York City
The Rawther Fancy Tea with Santa
During the teas with Santa, guests are welcomed to the Eloise Shop for a lovely tea party, complete with tea sandwiches, fruit, and an assortment of desserts. After the meal and writing letters to Eloise, the children all visit Santa in his workshop, where he reads a story to everyone (book provided by Eloise) and invites the children to take turns having their picture taken with him. Photos are distributed to the families and the children to take home, along with their favor bag from Eloise. The Rawther Fancy Tea with Santa takes place Fridays, December 6, 13, and 20 from 4pm to 5pm at Eloise at The Plaza. www.theplazany.com
Castle Hill Inn in Newport, RI
Fireside Teddy Bear Tea
This December, Castle Hill Inn offers a unique holiday treat for its younger guests: Teddy Bear Tea. A beloved holiday tradition at Castle Hill, little ones are encouraged to arrive with families and their treasured teddy bear for a leisurely afternoon of delicious warm tea, petit fours, and readings of classic holiday books. Families are also encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped teddy bear in original packaging to donate to Newport Child & Family Services. Teddy Bear Tea will take place on December 7, 14, and 21 and costs $25 per adult. Children may join in free with a teddy bear donation. www.castlehillinn.com
The Garden Court at Palace Hotel, San Francisco
The Garden Court at Palace Hotel promises pure decadence and a wish come true for your little Cinderella and Prince Charming, who will feel as if they have arrived at the royal ball. Built after the earthquake in 1909, this historic landmark is an opulent setting for any occasion. Prince and Princess Tea (for children 12 and under) includes children’s tea sandwiches, delicious assorted pastries, and a crown and scepter. Your tea party awaits, lords and ladies! Tea parties are hosted on weekends only. Reservations recommended. www.sfpalace.com/garden-court
