Does your little one light up at the sight of a sparkly tiara? Does she daydream in fairy tales? Now’s the time to get her to a place that’ll make her Cinderella story come true. Whether she wants to hobnob with her favorite storybook character or get a full-on royal makeover, here are six spots in Los Angeles where your kids can channel their inner princesses—no Prince Charming required.
Olivia's Dollhouse Tea Room
Melissa Heckscher
Your kids will be whisked into a fairy tale the moment they step into this magical South Bay spot. Roses hang from the ceiling; fairy tale paraphernalia cover the walls, and there's a wall of princess gowns and shoes ready for the taking. Olivia's offers a variety of princess-themed events; all include free use of the gowns, shoes and accessories (feather boas, tiaras and jewelry) as well as a meet-and-greet story time with a real, live princess. Party packages include time for makeup, hair and nails plus a fashion show and light snacks at the tea table.
Insider Tip: Keep an eye on the calendar for Olivia's monthly storytimes and pajama parties, which cost only $15 and $35, respectively.
Cost: Parties start at $335
2051 Palos Verdes Dr. Lomita (310) 257-1199 Online: olivias4tea.com
Snip-its Kids Hair Salon & Spa
Snip-Its
This place may be more well-known for being a kids hair salon, but Snip-Its (there are two locations) is also a great option for kids who want a salon-style makeover party with their best buds. The Snip-Its "Glamour Party" gives kids fun hairstyles, princess gowns, crowns, and sparkly makeup—then lets all guests strut the catwalk and strike a pose.
For more modern princesses, there's also a "Rock Star Party" that makes every guest a movie star and comes with outfit changes, makeup and hair styling and a red carpet strut for the paparazzi.
Cost: $280 per person for up to eight kids.
16101 Ventura Blvd. Encino (818) 788-8869
730 S Allied Way, Ste. 125 El Segundo (310) 322-7647
Princesses in the market for a little pampering will love everything about this full-service spa designed exclusively for kids. The spa offers both individual services (like Mommy & Me nails) as well as party packages for kids who love the idea of cozying up in fluffy pink robe with all their friends. For spa newbies, try the "My First Spa Experience," which includes a manicure and pedicure plus a mini strawberry or chocolate soufflé facial, a take-home ring and flip-flops.
Got a gaggle of girls to entertain? Try the "Day Spa Diva" party, which comes with a mani/pedi and a facial for each guest as well as unlimited sparkling drinks. All parties include luxurious spa robes, full use of the comfy lounge, "Just Dance" games and karaoke; plus, the birthday girl gets her own tiara to wear throughout the soirée.
Cost: $16 and up for individual spa services; $400 and up for parties.
The best thing about the Dream Come True Party Room is that your party doesn't have to be a full-blown party! The locally-run venue offers private playdates for as few as two children for only $18 a person. This includes dress-up, face-painting, a craft—and some quality time with a real, live princess. There are also weekly "Happy Hours" which include a similar program and cost only $10 a child. Celebrating a birthday? Private parties include a princess of your choice, dress-up, face painting, nails, crafts, storytelling, cupcakes and food.
Insider Tip: Don't worry if your birthday girl has a few boys at the ball. There are plenty of pirate, wizard and knight costumes for kids who don't want to don a gown.
Cost: Private playdates are $18 a child ($15 a child if there are 4 or more kids); Happy hour is $10 a child; private parties are $395 and up.
While we're talking princesses—what about all those wannabe princes out there? At Diva Girls & Adventure Boyz (owned by the same company as Le Chic Spa), there are party packages that both girls and boys will like. The "Knights and Princesses" party lets girls get glammed up with gowns and makeup while knights get decked out with tattoos and cool hairdos (of course, the girls may want this, too, and that's fine too!).
Got an aspiring American Idol? The "Pop Star/Rock Star" party includes a plethora of rockin' duds for boys and girls who want to get onstage and belt it out. There's also a foozball table and an air hockey table for kids who want to step away from the royal affairs and just play.
Cost: Party costs vary but the "Pop Star/Rock Star" starts at $459 for eight guests; "Knights and Princesses" starts at $475
18399 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, CA 91356 (818) 344-5439 Online: dgabkidsparties.com
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Disney Parks
Disneyland knows princesses. So where better to get ready for the ball than the place that practically invented Happily Ever After? Cinderellas hoping for a transformation will be sufficiently wowed as Disneyland stylists—er, Fairy Godmothers—transform them into the princess of their choice. All makeovers include a new hairstyle, shimmering makeup, a princess sash and cinch bag, a face gem, and nail polish. It's a splurge, that's for sure, but seeing your little royal's eyes light up when she sees the princess in the mirror? Priceless.
Cost: $64.95 and run as high as $229.95 (not including admission to Disneyland). Higher-tiered packages come with a princess dress as well as professional photos of the transformation.
