My kids loves tea parties at home! However, if I tell them we are going to afternoon tea, they are excited to throw on a fancy outfit and gloves and put their pinky in their air while sipping their hot tea (which is mostly comprised of honey). Exposing children to new activities and cultures helps them develop an appreciation for different experiences and how to engage with people in unique settings.
Afternoon tea is a great place to start, especially when it comes to creating a fun environment to practice etiquette and sharing the lovely traditions of high tea.
These fun activities are also a great way to boost your afternoon tea party experience and find a great spot (of tea) nearby. Tea time is also a great way to enjoy a special celebration or holiday with the family, and serve as an educational tool for learning more about patience — especially when waiting for the tea to cool. Before your next high tea outing, be sure to read and bookmark this article for the best kid-friendly afternoon teas and restaurants with take-away tea party items.
Below, I’ll spill all the “tea” on where to get your next cup!
All Chocolate Kitchen
33 South Third Street
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 232-2280
Afternoon tea is served Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00pm – 4:00pm for all ages. Afternoon tea is by reservation only. There is no online reservation system; call to make your reservations. There is a $45 no-show fee.
American Girl Place
Water Tower Place
835 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(877) 247-5223
Teatime at American Girl Cafe is available on Saturdays and Sundays. Teatime requires online reservations and a $50 deposit.
Balmoral Restaurant
40W099 IL-64
St. Charles, IL 60175
(331) 901-5224
Afternoon tea is available from 2:00pm – 4:00pm Mondays through Thursdays. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. Call to make reservations. Guests ages 11 and under receive a discounted rate for afternoon tea.
Calla Lily Tea Room
83 S. LaSalle Street
Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 892-8100
Calla Lily Tea Room is open Wednesday through Saturday 11:00am – 3:00pm. Afternoon, High, and Princess Tea require an online reservation at least 24 hours in advance. Afternoon tea costs $30.00/adult, and princess tea costs $20.00/child (age 10 and under).
Deer Path Inn
255 E. Illinois Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-2280
Afternoon Tea at the English Room is available for seatings at 2:00pm, 2:30pm, and 3:00pm every Wednesday through Saturday by reservation only. Call the Deer Path Inn to make reservations or to order takeout. Afternoon tea pricing starts at $55/adult and $30/child.
The Drake Hotel
140 East Walton Place
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-2200
Palm Court at The Drake Hotel in Chicago is available for afternoon tea by reservation. You can make an online reservation or call. Reservations are for 90 minutes. Valet parking is available for 3 hours for $20, however, your ticket must be validated by your server. Prince & Princess Afternoon tea service, suitable for children between 3 and 12 years of age is offered only during the afternoon tea service. Prices average $69/adult and $35/child. The dress code is smart casual; gloves are optional.
Drury Lane
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
(630) 530-0111
Tea is offered every Saturday at Lucille Restaurant in Drury Lane Theater. Reservations are required and can be made online. Afternoon tea is on average $50/guest, plus tax and a 20% service fee.
High Tea with Gerri
144 Old McHenry Road
Long Grove, IL 60047
(847) 948-1724
Tea is served Mondays, and Wednesdays through Fridays, from 11:00am – 3:00pm, as well as Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Online reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. Prices start at $48/adult for light tea and $60 for traditional tea. Prince and Princess Tea is $30/child ages 5 and under. The dress code is dressy, smart casual, and yes, High Tea with Gerri still has Victorian hats for both adults and children alike to choose from and wear.
High Tea with Geri also has a takeaway tea option! Reservations can be made online; same-day reservations are not accommodated.
The Langham Hotel
330 North Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 923-7710
The Langham Hotel’s Afternoon Tea is held at Pavilion on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00pm – 6:00pm. Reservations must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance, and can be made online, by phone or by email. Menus and themes are subject to change so be sure to check the website.
The Little Traveler
404 S. Third Street
Geneva, IL 60611
(630) 232-4200
The Little Traveler serves a three-course English Tea Tuesdays through Saturday from 11:00am – 2:30pm. Afternoon Tea starts at $14.95/guest and is reservation only. Be sure to include the date, time, number of guests and any dietary restrictions. For more details, please visit their website.
LondonHouse Chicago
85 E Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 357-1200
The LondonHouse Chicago holds various themed Afternoon Tea outings in the Bridges Lobby Bar, which is located on the second floor. Afternoon Tea is served daily and requires an online reservation as well as a $50 deposit per person.
The Peninsula Hotel
108 East Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 337-2888
Peninsula’s Afternoon Tea is served in The Lobby Fridays through Sundays at 12:00pm, 2:30pm and 4:30pm. The 12:00pm seating is only offered on Fridays and Saturdays. The cost is $140/adult (including a glass of champagne) and $75/child ages 5-12. Pre-paid reservations required.
Pinecone Cottage Tea House
1029 Burlington Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 963-9130
The Pinecone Cottage Tea House is open Wednesdays through Sundays. Weekday afternoon tea is held Wednesdays through Fridays from 11:00am – 5:00 pm, with the last seating taking place at 3:45pm. Call the Tea House to make a weekday afternoon tea reservation. The Pinecone Cottage Tea House also offers weekday Petite Tea Treats. Those are served indoors pending availability.
Weekend Afternoon tea is hosted on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Online reservations need to be made to partake on the weekends. You can get Petite Tea treats during the weekend as well; however, they are carry-out only.
The Catering menus change monthly to incorporate seasonally available ingredients; check the website for more information regarding the menu. They also have several special events for specific holidays.
Russian Tea Time
77 East Adams Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 360-0000
Afternoon tea is served daily from 11:00am – 5:00 pm at this Chicago institution with a 30+ year history. Please notify the restaurant ahead of time for parties of 6 or more. Prices vary depending on service selection.
Soho House
113-125 N. Green Street
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 521-8000
Afternoon Tea is offered on Fridays and Saturdays from 2:00pm – 4:30pm. The dress code is business casual and pricing starts at $63/guest. Online reservations are needed.
Suzette’s Creperie
211 West Front Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 462-0898
Suzette’s Creperie offers three or four-course English or French tea options, as well as Countess Tea and Grand Dame Tea. Tea is offered Tuesday through Saturday at 2:00 pm or on Sundays at 1:00pm. Reservations are needed a minimum of 24 hours in advance by phone.
Vanille Patisserie Lincoln Park
2108 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 868-4574
Vanille Patisserie Lincoln Park only accepts online reservations for afternoon tea. Afternoon Tea starts at $75/guest.
The Bakester
13 1/2 West Davis Street
Arlington Heights 60005
(224) 310-9192
Their Standard High Tea is $50 per person and the Prince and Princess experience is $35 per person for children 7 years old and younger. They also offer private events.
Pekoe & Bean
17028 Oak Park Avenue
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 263-0098
Reservations recommended and can be made online at this tea room and coffee shop. Afternoon tea is $39 per person.
If you’ve been to tea at any of these spots, please tell us all about your experience in the comments! You can also check out our indoor activities for kids page to get more ideas for making memories together.
