Best Afternoon Tea Time for Chicago Kids

Shila:  Russian Tea Time is a landmark destination in Chicago. Start off your tea service with Raisin Scones with homemade whipping cream and marmalade, then add in savories like Pozharski croquette mini sandwiches with honey mustard sauce, and with sweets like mini apricot plum strudel. Kid favorite caffeine-free teas include vanilla, berry blast, and strawberry patch - with all natural fruits and spices. Reservations accepted.

Cost: starts at $30

Shila:  Afternoon Tea is served daily in the historic lobby of the Palmer House serving sandwiches, sweets, scones and more. The children's menu serves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, strawberry shortcake and s’more cupcakes to name a few, as well as non-caffeinated peppermint tea. Reservations required.

Ages: 3 years+

Cost: starts at $45 for adults and $22 for kids ages 3-12

Kathleen O'Donovan:  I love high tea at the Virgin Hotel! It is super fun and is a refreshingly modern take on traditional high tea! Know as their "Upside Down Tea Party," tea service comes with sweet and savory treats and, of course, your choice of tea. You can add on a glass of bubbly to make your afternoon even more festive :) This is the perfect way to treat out of town guests (or yourself!) to a unique and memorable afternoon. Reservations required.

Cost: contact for pricing

Shila:  At American Girl® Water Tower Place, your doll is invited to dine in the cafe, too. The menu is filled with American Girl® themed delicacies such as: Samantha's Cinnamon Buns, Addy's Vegetable Frittata and Kit's Chocolate Mousse Flowerpot, to name a few. Pinkies up while you share funny jokes and read table-side provided conversation starters for kids. Reservations recommended.

Shila:  An array of sweet and savory bites accompany proprietary Langham teas at The Langham Chicago. The table presentations are as lovely as what you'd expect to find at this luxury hotel, and the service is accompanied by live music. Reservation recommended.

Ages: 5+ years

Cost: starts at $68

Shila:  The Lobby is where the celebrated Peninsula afternoon tea is served under 20-foot ceilings among contemporary, chic decor overlooking the Terrace. Enjoy the sweet and savory requisites like Cucumber Sandwiches, Lemon Raspberry Tart, Corn Quiche and Mandarin Orange Scones with clotted cream, to name a few. Reservations recommended.

Cost: starts at $65

Shila:  Afternoon tea service at The Drake Hotel has been a tradition for nearly a century. Afternoon Tea takes place daily in their enchanting lobby and features a live harpist. Seating lasts for 1.5 hours and there is a special menu for little ones. Tea is a fashionable affair at the Palm Court, as such, dress to impress. Reservations highly recommended.

Ages: 4+ years

Cost: starts at $45 for adults, $20 for kids ages 4 - 12

Shila:  Soho House Chicago is a hotel and members' club in the West Loop. Inside, The Allis is a lounge and bar with an expansive art collection and floor-to-ceiling windows. It serves an all day menu, including eggs, sandwiches, light bites and wood-oven entrees. Afternoon tea is offered serving finger sandwiches, scones, selection of fancy cakes, & more! Call for reservations.

Cost: starts at $40

Shila:  Celtic Knot Public House is a locally owned pub in downtown Evanston and a short walk from Northwestern University. Enjoy tea with mini sandwiches like egg salad, ham and stone ground mustard, and smoke salmon with dill sauce. Also included are homemade jams, scones, strawberries, whipped cream and butter, along with a fine selection of mini tarts and desserts. Reservations recommended.

Cost: $19 for adults and $12 for kids

Shila:   Serenitea Tea Cafe and Boutique offers a vintage-inspired tea service experience fit with eclectic tea cups and saucers. Enjoy traditional sweets and savories like an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones and miniature desserts served on a three-tiered platter. Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance.

Cost: starts at $30

Shila:  The Little Ones menu at The Drake includes a selection of finger sandwiches, Petit Fours, English Scones and Mini Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf accompanied by sweets and kiddie beverages like hot chocolate or mocktails. Of course, kids are also bound to enjoy shareables off the adult menu too, including Fresh Fruit Tarts, Brownies, Raspberry Bars, and French Macaroons.

Cost: starts at $35 for adults, and $15 for kids under 12

Shila:  At Drury Lane, you can catch a theatre show, or on Saturdays, you can indulge in afternoon high tea. Their seasonal menu can include a selection of sweets and savory finger sandwiches like Golden Raisin Chicken Salad, Ham and Brie, Cucumber Dill or Roast Beef. The Children's Menu is equally delightful, but with more kid-favorite flavors such as Peanut Butter and Jelly with Apple, Nutella and Banana, Mini Apple Pies and more. Reservations required.

See Drury Lane's calendar for special holiday tea or Princess High Tea which includes hair and makeup makeovers!

Cost: $30 for adults and $25 for kids

Shila:  The historic Pinecone Cottage offers a charming four course afternoon tea service. The menu changes monthly, and includes seasonally available ingredients, many of which are grown in the original Pinecone Cottage gardens. How does a Mint Cucumber Feta Salad or Apricot-Rose Geranium PineScones served with White Chocolate Devon Cream sound? Finish it off with Italian Almond Pear Cake and Melon Zabaglione; sip sparkling juices or tea, of course. Reservations required.

Cost: starts at $29

Kristy Pepping:  Come to the Deerpath Inn for their afternoon tea with the kids and enjoy a selection of scones, tarts, and savory bites like Smoke Salmon Pinwheels, Shrimp and Lobster Salad Croissant, Ham and Swiss Quiche and more! The teas have been selected with the help of Malcolm Ferris-Lay, Master of Tea, whose family has been connected with the tea trade since 1842. The menu changes seasonally. Reservations required.

Cost: starts at $45 for adults and $25 for kids

Shila:  Suzette's is French bistro-style restaurant and creperie that offers a delectable three course tea service. They offer both French and English Tea. Be on the lookout for their special Christmas Tea which is offered seasonally. Reservations required.

Cost: starts at $35