Best Seattle-Area Spots for a Sweet Afternoon Tea Outing With Kids

Seattle’s Queen Mary Tea Room serves up a classic afternoon tea experience; its intimate venue has attracted devotees (devo-teas?) since 1988. Both of my baby showers were hosted here, and I have treated each of my kids to special one-on-one teatimes at the Queen Mary as well. This tea room doesn’t have high chairs or booster seats (or a changing table), but ask for a booth if you’re worried about wiggly kids, since the booths give them a bit more room to move.

See if you can spot all of the fun decorative touches that make this spot unique (such as the child-size nutcracker in the hallway or the mosaic of broken teacups embedded in the pavement outside). The rainbow of sorbet palate cleansers and the lavender puff of cotton candy on the children’s tea tray are big crowd-pleasers for my kids. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

Find it: 2912 N.E. 55th St., Seattle, near University Village.

Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.(4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday); reservations available through OpenTable or by phone (206-527-2770). Walk-ins are accepted for tea and dessert when space is available.

Cost: Afternoon tea on a weekday costs $58 per adult and $28 per child ages 10 and younger ($68 and $34 on weekends), and includes a tiered tray of savory and sweet goodies. À la carte brunch and lunch entrées range from $20 to $30.

Next cup: Panama Hotel and Tea House