ROYAL NYC
NYC princesses (& princes) can live out regal fantasies at shows & spots all over NYC. Also see our guide to extravagant desserts fit for royalty.
SHOWS
Bad Cinderella
A campy, confusing adaption of the classic fairy tale has spectacular sets and costumes, strong singing and dancing, and some fun, feminist updates – if you don’t think too hard about the plot holes. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s signature soaring score entertains, especially in scenes with the hilarious Stepmother and Queen Charming – if you don’t listen too closely to the cliched lyrics. Listen to the soundtrack from the (slightly modified) West End Cinderella production and see this clip of the opening number for a preview.
⏱ 2 hours 30 minutes with one 15-minute intermission
❤️ Lot of innuendo but nothing graphic. Costumes are skimpy with s&m vibes; hunky men are shirtless most of the show.
🤬 Only swear word is b*tch, but lots of mature vocabulary (‘nymphomaniac,”brothel’ etc.) your kids might have questions about.
🎟 Enter the digital lottery for $30 tickets before 3 pm the day before performances.
🎟 Limited $30 rush tickets available when the box office opens (10 am Monday-Saturday, 12 pm Sunday) and online at 11 am.
🎟 Frequently at TKTS for $75+.
🎟 Discounted $39+ tickets usually available at TodayTix.
📖 Read about actually bad-ass princesses and over-the-top princes in hilarious The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom.
Galli Theater Fairy Tales
Groove to new takes on classic stories with a beloved local children’s theater company. See a different fairy tale each week, including Snow White, Rapunzel, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid and The Three Little Pigs.
CASTLES
Belvedere Castle
One of the most iconic features in Central Park, this miniature castle is located atop the huge rock outcrop known as Vista Rock, the second highest natural point in Central Park.
The whimsical structure, designed by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted in 1869, provides the highest and best views of the Park and the adjacent cityscape – plus has bathrooms, water fountains, some informational displays plus medieval-esque staircases and doorways for playing princess/knight.
Download the Belvedere Castle Audio Guide (available in English, Spanish and American Sign Language for info about the architecture and history of the castle.
Disney Store – Times Square
The largest Disney store ever has in Times Square has character toys, clothes, collectibles & more over two floors. Ride the tall escalator under Rapunzel Floating Lantern to a princess castle, life-size Storm Troopers and more mouse magic.
Sunday-Thursday 10 am – 8 pm
Friday-Saturday 10 am – 9 pm
The Met Cloisters
Explore a castle-like museum overlooking the Hudson River in northern Manhattan’s Fort Tyron Park. This branch of the Met dedicated to the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe has secret passages, peaceful gardens, stunning terraces with river views, golden treasure and lots of depictions of animals including intricate unicorn tapestries (warning, the unicorn gets killed).
🍽 Get sandwiches, pastries and snacks at the counter-service outdoor Trie Café in a lovely courtyard.
🛍 Princess/knight costumes optional. Gift shop has wonderful books, costumes & toys.
🌳 Pack a picnic to eat in the lovely surrounding Fort Tryon Park, which has lots of amazing views and pretty pathways. The Anne Loftus Playground is less than a ten-minute walk northeast.
EXPERIENCES
Princess Play at Let’s Dress Up
Choose from a wide selection of princess and glamour dresses, select matching jewelry and accessories, get a little make-up done, take a photo and then sit down to a seasonal or themed tea party. After tea, hear a story and color, followed by transition time (aka dance party).
Look for upcoming weekend Princess Plays, some with special themes, or arrange private weekday playdates for 6 or more kids.
Also in Chelsea.
Tutu School UES
Try a free trial ballet class at a gorgeous new studio with a focus on stories, imagination and twirling.
Ages 18 months-8 years can develop motor skill to Tchaikovsky and Bach while exploring the enchanted worlds of swans and sugar plums.
Choose from a range of classes times every day of the week. Unlimited makeups while enrolled and no registration fees.
On the same block as nail salons, charming cafes and kids hair salons–making this destination a nice drop off for littles – and a few blocks from the many Degas ballerinas at the Met for after-class inspiration.
Beauty and the Beast Experience
Get ready for a twisted take on a classic tale throughout Central Park. Based on the original 18th century fairy tale, this magical outdoor adventure combines the challenge of an escape room with the excitement of an interactive scavenger hunt.
Hunt for clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges as your team races against the clock to help Beauty reverse the curse.
2-6 players per team. Start anytime between 9am-2pm; the average game duration is 2-3 hours. Exact start location revealed 2 weeks before event to ticket holders.
TEAS
Angelina Paris NYC
Travel to Belle Epoque France at an outpost of an iconic Parisian tea room and dessert café founded in 1903.
Get pastries, macarons, the iconic Angelina hot chocolate and the signature Mont-Blanc (meringue, light whipped cream, chestnut cream vermicelli) to go, or sit in the gorgeous dining room for brunch (served all day), afternoon tea, sweet treats and savory brasserie classics: Niçoise salad, Croque-Monsieur, onion soup, or the Angelina Croissant filled with scrambled eggs and cheese, ham, or smoked salmon. Light and modern seasonal dishes, from seasonal vegetable soup to a vegan quinoa salad, include gluten-free and vegetarian options, but the hot chocolate, served in a dramatic presentation, is worth the indulgence.
Keep the Parisian vibes going at Bryant Park across the street.
Monday-Friday 8 am – 8 pm
Saturday-Sunday 9 am – 7 pm
Kitchen closes thirty minutes before close
Alice’s Tea Cup
Enjoy scones in rotating flavors as magical as the decor, sandwiches, salads and treats with optional fairy wings and glitter at a whimsical tea house inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Choose from hundreds of teas served in charming mismatching pots and cups.
Gets crowded on weekends; reservations recommended. Go early to beat the crowds (or take the scones to go for a Central Park picnic).
Also in the East 60s.
Wednesday–Sunday 11 am – 6 pm
MarieBelle
Sip on thick, delicious signature hot chocolate made from pure cacao shavings instead of chocolate powder to go or in an elegant, antique filled Cocoa Bar. Choose from four different flavors; Aztec, Milk Hazelnut, Spiced Chocolate and White Chocolate.
Bite size bonbons decorated with unique, colorful cocoa-based design and tins of hot chocolate shavings make excellent (though pricey) gifts. House made pastries, from lemon tarts, to chocolate mousse cake, are also delicious.
Take afternoon tea with assorted gourmet finger sandwiches, madeleines, scones, jam and butter, and signature petite chocolate fondue served with pastries, macarons, and fruit.
Daily 12–7 pm
READ
Princess in Black
Join sweet yet spunky Princess Magnolia as she transforms from a prim and proper princess to her secret identity, a ninja-like Princess in Black, to save the day from (rather silly) monsters. This humorous and action-packed illustrated chapter book series is amusing and inspiring for all ages (including adults).