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[title]Every little New Yorker deserves to be treated like a princess now and then—and that's why we've compiled a list of the best places in New York City for little ladies to indulge their inner royalty. Whether they're eating dark-chocolate mousse at Alice's Tea Cup or having a Princess Adventure birthday party at Creative Dream Parties, there's no shortage princess-worthy places within the five boroughs. Read on for more of our favorite princess picks in the city.
Have afternoon tea at Alice's Tea Cup
If your tot has ever dreamed of sitting down for tea with the Mad Hatter and March Hare, then this restaurant is worth a trip down the rabbit hole. Tykes under age ten can sample Alice's special "wee tea," which includes tea, a scone, an entre and the appropriately oxymoronic "white rabbit" dark-chocolate mousse. (Feel free to bring baby along: The restaurant also offers a "pure of the day.") Next thing you know, your kids will be asking if they can have their next unbirthday party here.
Party like Eloise at the Plaza
The Plaza's most famous resident loves pink and black, so it's fitting that the 2,100-square-foot shop devoted to her is smothered in the color combination. Youngsters sink into pink bean-bag chairs to watch Eloise movies or read the classic books; drop letters to Eloise into a round, pink mailbox; and sip tea while perched on dainty, pastel-pink seats. Little princesses can also celebrate their birthday at the Plaza. The Essential Eloise package ($800) includes tea and pink lemonade, cupcakes and a craft project; splurge for the Rawther Fancy Birthday Party Package ($995) and the Plaza throws in a hair, nail or makeup beauty service as well as additional finger foods during the tea party.
Play dress-up at
If your princess is interested in more elegant play, this small Upper East Side store is just the ticket for her next playdate. Young guests dress up in extravagant gowns, tiaras, boas, makeup and glimmering fake tattoos and then enjoy treats in a mirrored room decorated with silver candelabras and chandeliers (food is even served on fine china). Their birthday package includes games like "Pin the Heart on Cinderella" and a treasure chest--topped ice-cream cake.
Get a makeover at Beehives and Buzzcuts
Young ladies (and boys too!) can get glam at this stylish salon, which is designed especially for the younger set. In addition to basic services, Beehives and Buzzcuts (365 First Ave between 21st and 22nd Sts; 646-476-6294, beehivesandbuzzcuts.com) offers a wide variety of get-pretty packages, including manicures, pedicures, blowouts, cuts and styles. One of our favorites is the BFF package, which includes a mani-pedi and a new hairdo for your child and their best pal.
Listen to Moey's Music Party
Led by New York--based mommy rocker Melissa Levis (a.k.a. Moey), Moey's Music Party has entertained kids in every city venue, from FAO Schwarz to the New York Public Library, not to mention her myriad music classes for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. On Monday, April 23, dress your ladies up in their finest sparkly accoutrements to , Princess Revolution, at Astor Ballroom. Everyone will be treated like a princess at the event as they waltz in the grand ballroom—the best dressed will even win a special prize.
Visit the Disney Store
The House of Mouse renovated its Times Square store in May 2011. There, little royals will find tons of Disney goodies, including an endless supply of princess gowns, a theater and an interactive castle.
Rock out to Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Strange as it may seem, this real-life couple has found a successful kindie-rock recipe in the form of a singing, dancing, rock & roll princess and a guitar-wielding race-car driver. Princess Katie and Racer Steve get away with the gimmicks because their music is, quite simply, top-notch, humorous and impossibly catchy—while the duo rocks out onstage, kids in the crowd go bonkers. Look out for their upcoming CD, Love, Cake and Monsters, to be released later this year.
Have a princess-themed birthday party
At guys and gals can enjoy a Pirate/Princess Treasure Adventure with limbo and cha-cha-ing, music, a bubble machine, parachute play and other lively activities. If your princess is more of a dancing queen, take her and her entourage to , where the DJ spins whatever the birthday kid requests and guests get the mike for the de rigueur "Happy Birthday" chorus. Food, cake and "sparkle artists"—who hand out glitter, body gems and tattoos—are included.