Fantasy Tea Parties

What is a Fantasy Tea Party?
Tea parties are geared toward children ages 4 to 12 years old. Children will paint teacups, bake scones, make a craft, go on a treasure hunt, and drink tea (apple juice). Youth Programs staff will lead your party from 10 am-12 pm. The last hour (12 pm-1 pm) is free for you to use outside to open presents, play games, eat cake, or socialize! Tea Parties are great for birthday parties, Girl Scout Troops, or just for fun!

Where does the Tea Party take place?
Tea Parties are held at the Wood House located at 1148 Rock Springs Road, San Marcos, CA 92069. The Wood House is in the middle of Woodland Park.

What days and times are available to book parties?
Parties are available to be booked on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

How long is a Tea Party?
Tea Parties run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (3 hours). This is your allotted time, but you may leave earlier if desired. The structured portion takes place from 10 am-12 pm, leaving the last hour for you to have free time outside.

Can boys attend Tea Parties?
Of course, boys are more than welcome at parties! Tea Parties are fancy and fun for everyone!

Where can party guests park their vehicles?
Parking is permitted in the lot between Woodland Park Pool and the Wood House. The entrance to the parking lot is located off Rocks Springs Road.

How do I book a Tea Party?
Email Erin Rimmereid, the Program Coordinator, at erimmereid@san-marcos.net to check party date availability. Once you have a date in mind, complete a reservation form and email it back to the Program Coordinator. The tea party fee can be paid over the phone (760-744-9000) or in person at the San Marcos Community Center (3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069). Your party is not booked until the reservation form has been returned and the fee paid.

What is the cost of a Tea Party?
The cost is a $300 flat fee. Tea Parties are non-refundable, and any changes must be requested 30 days before the original date. It is not guaranteed that dates can be modified.

Are we allowed to make changes to the Tea Party timeline or activities?
To keep our program consistent and inclusive, we cannot accommodate changes to the Tea Party timeline or activities. Guests who attend one party should receive the same experience when they go to reserve their party. That being said, if changes need to be made to the scone recipe due to allergies or intolerances, we can discuss accommodation.

Can we book additional services such as a jump house, catered food, or a Disney princess?
Yes, select additional services are allowed for the last unstructured hour of the party. They must not interfere with the other Tea Party timeline activities. Please check with the program coordinator, Erin Rimmereid, before reserving any additional services.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of guests?
Yes, the minimum number of children needed to book a party is 6 and the maximum number of children is 15. Adults are not included in these numbers.

What food is served and can I bring additional food?
The scones that the children bake and apple juice are the only refreshments provided. Parents may bring additional food and drinks for their guests (excluding alcoholic beverages).

If it is my child’s birthday, can I bring a cake or cupcakes?
Of course! Cake and/or cupcakes are permitted. There is a refrigerator in the Wood House that can be used to store food or sweets.

Are decorations provided? Can I bring additional decorations?
Real teacups, feather boas, hats, pearl necklaces, bow ties, gloves, floral arrangements, a photo booth, and tablecloths are provided. Parents may bring additional decorations including centerpieces and hanging decorations. To hang decorations, parents must provide their own blue painter's tape. No other tapes are permitted for hanging purposes in the building.

How early can I arrive to set up?
Staff will arrive 1 hour prior to party time to begin setting up tables. The tea party parents (only) are allowed to enter the facility at 9:30 a.m. to add any additional decorations.

Are additional tables and chairs available? 
Yes, additional tables and chairs are available upon request. If additional tables are requested, party parents must assist with the set-up and clean-up.