When my sister asked if I wanted to take my 4-year-old, Serena, to a Tea for Tots event with Anna and Elsa, my gut reaction was, “Oh my god, she’s going to lose her mind!” But then she mentioned the price—$35 for 45 minutes—and I hesitated. That’s almost a dollar a minute for princess tea. Worth it?
My sister had taken her 3-year old daughter to a previous Tea for Tots event for Lunar New Year at Morning Lavender and emphasized that it was “so cute,” so I trusted her, and we booked a spot for Serena and her 3-year-old cousin, Zoey.
If you’re a parent wondering if the Morning Lavender Cafe Tea for Tots event lives up to the hype (and the price tag), especially with toddlers or preschoolers, here’s exactly what our experience was like—and whether I’d recommend it to another mom.
What Is Tea For Tots at Morning Lavender Cafe?
Tea for Tots is a themed tea party experience for young kids ages 2 to 6, hosted at Morning Lavender Café. It’s one of those rare events that actually feels made just for little ones, with everything sized down and thoughtfully planned for their age group.
Each event features different themed characters like Elsa and Anna from Frozen, Ariel, Rapunzel, or even Rumi from K-Pop Demon Hunters, and includes 45 minutes of storytelling, singing, and tea time with costumed characters. Your child gets their own seat at a kid-sized table, a little plate of snacks, and a teacup filled with strawberry lemonade (aka “tea”).
Morning Lavender Café has three locations in California (Tustin, Huntington Beach, and Solana Beach), and the sign-up page will tell you which café each event is being hosted at.
Morning Lavender Tea For Tots Photos
Morning Lavender Cafe Tea For Tots Review: Our Experience with 2 toddlers
When my sister told me about a “Tea for Tots” event with Anna and Elsa, I immediately thought, Serena is going to love this. Then she mentioned the price—$35 for 45 minutes—and I paused. That’s not exactly pocket change for a toddler tea party.
But my sister had already been to a previous one for Lunar New Year and said it was so well done and so cute. That was all I needed. We signed up Serena (age 4) to go with her cousin Zoey (age 3), and both girls could not wait. They each wore their Elsa dresses and talked nonstop about “having tea with Anna and Elsa.”
Walking into the Morning Lavender in Huntington Beach, the setup was adorable. There were flowers and greenery everywhere, and the tables were perfectly kid-sized with little chairs, a tiny sandwich, snacks, and a teacup filled with strawberry hibiscus lemonade. Honestly, the vibe alone was worth it.
Elsa and Anna came out holding a storybook and started telling the Frozen story, complete with songs, voices, and acting it all out. Elsa even sang “Let It Go,” and her voice was amazing. Their costumes were spot-on, down to Anna’s white streak of hair.
When Serena got a little shy and didn’t want to sit, Elsa knelt down next to her and said, “That’s okay, sometimes I don’t feel like sitting either.” That small moment made my daughter feel seen and comfortable, and it meant a lot to me.
At the end, they led the kids in a little parade out of the store, singing songs and doing mirror affirmations before everyone lined up for photos with the characters. It was a smart way to gently wrap things up—and let the staff reset for the next group—while giving each kid that big moment.
The whole experience felt so magical, and we walked away with the sweetest photo souvenir to remember it by. Because let’s be real—if you don’t have a photo to prove it and text to your group chat, did it even happen?
What to Expect at Tea for Tots
If this is your first time heading to a character tea party, here’s what you need to know—straight from a mom who just went.
Morning Lavender Locations
Morning Lavender has three locations in California, and only two have cafés:
- Tustin: Boutique + Café
- Solana Beach: Boutique + Café
- Huntington Beach: Boutique only (but still hosts Tea for Tots!)
👉 Check the location details here
Make sure to check the specific location when booking your event. Each Tea for Tots session clearly lists the date, time, and where it’s being held.
Price and Tickets
- Tickets are $30–$35 per child, depending on the character theme
- Only the participating child needs a ticket
- One adult is included per child (due to space)
- Kids under 2 can attend and observe for free (but don’t get their own seat or snacks)
Length of Time
- Each tea time lasts exactly 45 minutes
- It starts right on time, so don’t be late or you’ll miss part of the magic
What’s Included in the Ticket
Each Tea for Tots ticket includes:
- A 45-minute experience with themed costumed character(s)
- A seat at the tea party table with:
- 1 turkey and American cheese sandwich (on soft buttermilk bread, crusts cut off)
- 1 small vegan strawberry donut
- A handful of snacks (like Goldfish or crackers)
- Unlimited strawberry “tea” (lightly sweetened lemonade served in a teacup)
- Water available upon request
- A photo opportunity at the end with the characters (parents take photos with their own phones)
Dressing up is encouraged! Most kids come in costume, and it makes the photo moment even more magical.
Huntington Beach Location
Parking
- You’ll park in the Pacific City parking structure
- Bring your ticket into Morning Lavender for validation
Food and Drinks Nearby
If you want to grab something afterward (like I did), there are lots of restaurants and cafes in Pacific City, including:
- Simzy’s for burgers or a sit-down meal
- Philz Coffee—we stopped here after for our caffeine fix
How to Sign Up For Tea For Tots
Go to the official Tea for Tots page, and click “Buy a ticket”.
Choose the character event you want. The date, time, and location are listed for each Tea for Tots session. Once you find the date and time slot that works for you, just purchase to reserve your spot.
Tips for Going to Tea for Tots With a Toddler
- Arrive 10 minutes early. Seating is first come, first serve. If you want your child to sit close to the characters or next to a sibling or cousin, getting there early makes a big difference.
- Have your child wear a costume. It’s not required, but almost all the kids show up dressed for the theme—and it makes the photo moment even more magical. Serena and Zoey wore matching Elsa dresses and felt so special.
- Bring your phone fully charged. There’s no official photographer. Parents take turns helping each other snap pictures at the end, so be ready to get that shot yourself.
- Plan a snack stop after. The tea party snacks are cute and just enough for little ones, but you’ll probably want something more afterward—especially if you didn’t have time for lunch. We hit Philz Coffee after for a little caffeine and a real bite.
- Pack light. Space is limited, and there’s not a lot of room to stash bulky diaper bags or strollers. Bring just the essentials if you can.
FAQ: Morning Lavender Cafe Tea for Tots
Final Thoughts: Is Morning Lavender Tea for Tots Worth It?
If you’re on the fence about spending $30–$35 for a 45-minute tea party, I get it. I was hesitant too. But after going, I can honestly say—it’s 100% worth it if your kid is into characters, dressing up, or tea party pretend play.
The setting is beautiful, the characters are so good with kids, and the whole experience feels like it was designed for this magical age where everything is still exciting and new. Plus, you walk away with adorable photos and a core memory for your kid.
Just book it early, especially if it’s a popular theme like Frozen or K-Pop Demon Hunters. Spots go fast, and once you see your little one sipping “tea” in costume and beaming at their favorite character, you’ll be so glad you did it.
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