It’s Tea Time: Where To Go for Tea with the Kids in Ottawa

As the weather turns colder, we love the warmth (and elegance!) of a high tea experience. So why not plan to make your next tea time a family affair? With delicious bites of food and a warm cup of tea to enjoy (or hot chocolate in some cases for the kids), taking in tea time together may become your new favourite family tradition.

And since the holidays are a great time to introduce this experience to your kids, we’ve rounded up the best places to take your family for tea in the Ottawa area during this time of year.

Zoe’s at the Chateau Laurier

The Chateau Laurier, steeped in history, is always a pleasure to visit on its own, but being able to enjoy a high tea experience at Zoe’s is something you’ll cherish for a long time to come. There’s a special menu for the kids who can enjoy a tea or a hot chocolate as their drink. They’ll be treated like royalty as you all bite into mini sandwiches, baked treats, fruit and sip on their extensive selection of teas. Reservations are recommended to avoid disappointment.

Holiday Tea Information: Zoe’s Lounge offers a seasonal holiday tea as well beginning on November 26. Reservations are recommended. While there, be sure to take a look around the Chateau Laurier’s Trees of Hope; a forest of beautifully decorated trees will be on display. You can vote for your favourite one with a donation to CHEO!

Billings Estate National Historic Site

Throughout the year, Billings Estate National Historic Site offers tea on their lawn. This is a unique way to experience high tea on the grounds of this historic property.

During the holidays, the Billings Estate National Historic Site offers a Victorian holiday tea service. This highly popular service takes you back in time to enjoy treats and bites of a Victorian Christmas. The kids can enjoy tea or hot chocolate, and you’ll relax in an intimate setting inside the estate. This year, so far, the event has been sold out, but there is a waitlist you can get on for a chance to go.

Quelque Chose

We love the macarons at Quelque Chose, so it’s no surprise that we especially love to see them included in their tea service. There is a special kids menu that comes with sandwiches, scones, treats and, of course, a tasty macaron. The other menus include a tea for two, gluten-free options and a vegetarian tea. Reservations are recommended and are only available at the Westboro location. Make special note of the Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon tea offers (buy one get one 50% off).

While there isn’t a specific holiday tea, now that holiday flavours are here, you’ll have those to choose from when you book during the festive season.

Vanitea

Located on Somerset, Vanitea Tea Salon and Eatery has an extensive menu for your tea, all while you sit comfortably surrounded by the elegant décor. We love the option for a full afternoon high tea or a brunch tea sampler. Both offer delectable bites, pots of tea and more.  Parents, look for their special tea services for the kids, or ones that may have you calling up your babysitter, or planning a moms-day-out.

A special holiday tea is happening on December 21 and 22 which includes bubbly, a gift and tea service.

Amberwood Lounge and Eatery

In Stittsville, you’ll be able to enjoy your tea on Sundays between 11 am and 4 pm at Amberwood Lounge and Eatery. Sandwiches and scones (and of course tea) await you and your little ones (a reduced rate is available for children 8 years old and younger). From time to time, ALE hosts a specialty tea service events, like the upcoming High Tea with the Ice Queen on December 1. Reservations are recommended, and this ticketed event is a bit different (in offers and pricing) from their usual tea service. We love that they serve tea from the local Tease company.