Indulge in a fairy tale afternoon at Alice’s Tea Cup, one of the most popular spots to take kids for scrumptious scones and proper tea. The Wee Tea is ideal for younger children, while The Nibble, The Mad Hatter, and The Jabberwocky proffer generous portions. Locations on the Upper West and Upper East Sides, alicesteacup.com
At the American Girl Cafe, tea time is created entirely with a little girl’s fancy in mind, from the white lace table linens to the pint-sized cups and saucers for her dolls. Guests are invited to play sweet conversational games to get the party rolling, and the staff takes care of the rest. 609 Fifth Avenue, americangirl.com
One of the city’s most treasured institutions, The Plaza, houses an afternoon tea that is pure decadence. In the Plaza’s Palm Court, children can choose from the Eloise menu—replete with traditional fare but also filled with grilled cheese and PB&J—or opt for a Chocolate Tea featuring chocolate fondue. 768 Fifth Avenue, theplazany.com
When you imagine a picture-perfect Victorian afternoon tea, you are most likely visualizing a day in one of the private tea rooms at Lady Mendl’s. At the Inn at Irving Place, a gorgeous Victorian brownstone in Gramercy Park, petit finger sandwiches, chocolate covered strawberries, clotted cream, and more are served on dainty, mismatched china by perfectly proper servers. 56 Irving Place, innatirving.com
Try a twist on European teatime with a traditional Japanese-style afternoon at Cha-An. Walk up the stairs into a beautiful tatami mat and bamboo tea room. We’ve heard that the Green Tea Cake Roll and the Black Sesame Creme Brulee are must-orders, and kids will love the scones with cream and jam. 230 East 9th Street, chaanteahouse.com
