Hang out with a princess
Does your mini monarch want to hang out with a fairytale princess for their birthday? Now you can hire their favorite royal highness from the Magic Kingdom through Princess Parties of DC. The princesses don’t just pose for priceless photos, they can also decorate nails, paint faces, and play games. Prices vary.
301-848-9935.
Ooh and aah over beautiful baubles
Over 50 pieces from Marjorie Merriweather Post’s personal collection of gems and jewelry are on display at the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. Includes bespoke pieces from Cartier, Harry Winston, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Unless you want to depress yourself, don’t try to estimate how many years you’d have to work to purchase a single piece. Through January 7, 2018. Tuesday through Sunday 10 AM-5 PM. Free for children 6 and under, $5 for children 6-18, $18 for adults.
4155 Linnean Ave.; 202-686-5807.
Put your pinky finger up
Get all fancy schmancy like a proper princess in the Tea Cellar at the Park Hyatt. Tea is served along with an array of finger foods. Wearing a gown is optional, but why wouldn’t you? Sunday between 3-4:30 PM. $30 per child 6-12 and $50 per adult, not including tax and tip.
1201 24th St. NW, 202-419-6755.
Eat royal treats
The reigning rulers of cotton candy are Viktorya Riley and Tatiana Podoliako of Fluffness. Their Queen Bee is pretty in pink, redolent with rich floral tones, and perfect for princesses. Best of all, their fluffy treats are organic and completely devoid of any artificial coloring or flavoring. Prices vary.
Take a carriage ride
Book a ride in an iron wrought carriage straight out of Cinderella through Dream Shire & Carriage Company. Don’t worry, it won’t transform back into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight. Glass slippers not included. Prices vary.
703-855-4923.
Wander through a castle
The visitor’s center for the Smithsonian is known simply as the Castle for obvious reasons. Built in 1855, it’s got everything a royal residence requires – towers, turrets, and spires. Actually, it is missing a moat, but it’s still impressive. Free.
1000 Jefferson Dr. SW; 202-633-1000.
Nevin Martell is a parenting, food, and travel writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, New York Times, Saveur, Men’s Journal, Fortune, Travel + Leisure, Runner’s World, and many other publications. He is author of eight books, including It’s So Good: 100 Real Food Recipes for Kids, Red Truck Bakery Cookbook: Gold-Standard Recipes from America’s Favorite Rural Bakery, and the small-press smash Looking for Calvin and Hobbes: The Unconventional Story of Bill Watterson and His Revolutionary Comic Strip. When he isn’t working, he loves spending time with his wife and their six-year-old son, who already runs faster than he does.
