School’s out for summer — that means the kids are home, happy, full of energy, and most likely… bored. Let’s be honest, it only takes a couple of weeks (if that) before they’re asking for things to do, places to go, and people to see. Tea might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning summer activities for kids, but hear us out: it’s calming, low-effort, low-mess, and full of fun flavors to explore. Whether it’s a tea party or cozy bedtime ritual, there are tons of ways to get creative with tea.
Is Tea Safe for Kids?
The short answer is yes. The most important thing is to skip anything with caffeine, especially for younger kids. We recommend avoiding the traditional black, green, or oolong teas. Instead, opt for herbal blends (also called tisanes), which are naturally caffeine-free and made with kid-friendly ingredients like rooibos, hibiscus, and mint. These teas are gentle on little tummies and often naturally sweet.
You’ll also want to avoid anything labeled as a “detox” or containing strong herbs like licorice root and valerian. Those blends are specifically intended for adult use. When in doubt, a quick check with your pediatrician never hurts. Most kids enjoy tea as is, but if you want to sweeten it up a bit, you can add a small drop of honey or a splash of apple juice.
Introducing Tea to Kids
Parents know that introducing a new food or drink can sometimes be an uphill battle for kids. When it comes to tea, we recommend keeping it fun, familiar, and low-pressure. A natural fit would be to start with Fruit Teas because they sound and taste like things kids already enjoy. From exotic mango to strawberry kiwi, these refreshing infusions can also be enjoyed hot or iced. Here are some additional blends that won’t require bribery to try:
- Midsummer’s Peach – A decaffeinated black tea with natural flavoring of fresh, juicy peaches. A great option to try iced on a hot summer day!
- Berry Cobbler – Our 2022 Happy Blendings contest winner, this tea might as well be dessert. The herbal base is layered with flavors of blueberry, raspberry, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Indigo Punch – Draw them in with the vibrant color and scent of our caffeine-free Indigo Punch. This tea combines the delicate tang of raspberry, rose hips, and apple pieces with the earthy tones of butterfly pea and lemongrass.
- Vanilla Strawberry Hibiscus – Perfect for all ages, this lively blend combines the tangy zest of organic hibiscus with strawberry and vanilla’s sweet and creamy notes.
- Organic Passion Plum – The sweet aroma of plum and the spiciness of cinnamon is a match made in heaven. This all-organic blend includes hibiscus, cinnamon bark, rosehips, orange peel, passion plum, and ginseng powder.
If they’re still hesitant to give tea a try, serve it up in a way that feels special. Whether it’s a fun new mug, a silly straw, or a tiny teacup just their size, the goal is to make it feel like a treat, not a health experiment. Keep portions small at first and let them explore the ritual of tea at their own pace: stirring, smelling, sipping. When it’s playful and pressure-free, tea becomes less of a “new thing” and more of a shared moment they’ll look forward to.
Host a Tea Party
A classic way to introduce new teas is by hosting a tea party — complete with favorite snacks, a fun dress code, and all the friends (stuffed animals included) they’d like to sip with. Let them help “set the table” with mismatched cups and saucers, folded napkins, or even paper doilies. Add a little flair with place cards, fresh flowers, or a handwritten menu of the day's teas and treats. It’s a simple way to create memories, make tea feel magical, and give kids the chance to try new flavors in a playful setting.
- Decaf Hot Cinnamon – A decaffeinated rendition of our best-seller: Hot Cinnamon Spice, this is the perfect tea for kids who love Red Hots candy or cinnamon gum.
- Pumpkin Spice – This delectable harvest-time brew has cozy written all over it. A great option for story time before bed.
- Decaf Vanilla Comoro – One of our most popular dessert teas; vanilla is a palatable and delicious option for kids. It’s simple yet sweet and delicious.
- Decaf Chocolate – It has chocolate… say no more. This blend has the soothing and satisfying flavors of natural chocolate without the caffeine.
- Organic Coconut Mint – A playful indulgence of spearmint leaves, coconut pieces, and organic lemon grass. This blend offers a creamy, minty experience that sparks joy and imagination.
DIY Tea Blends
One of the most engaging ways to get kids excited about tea is by letting them become the blender. Set up a mini tea lab with loose-leaf teas, dried herbs, and edible flowers — think chamomile, mint, rose petals, lavender, and even dried fruit bits. Kids can mix and match ingredients to create their very own custom blends, exploring different aromas, textures, and colors along the way. It’s a full sensory experience that feels a bit like a science project and a bit like a magical potion-making session. Once they’ve finished their creations, you can help them steep and taste their unique blend, complete with a fun name, of course. This activity also gives them ownership over the experience, making them more likely to drink (and enjoy) their tea.
Art with Tea
Tea isn’t just for sipping, it also makes a surprisingly beautiful (and cost-effective) art supply. Brew a few different teas, let them cool, and set your kids up with brushes, paper, or even fabric scraps for a tea-staining art session. Teas like hibiscus, rooibos, or black tea create soft, earthy tones and vintage-looking washes, perfect for experimenting with textures and layering. Kids can paint abstract patterns, “age” a treasure map, or even write old-timey letters with feather pens or calligraphy markers. It’s an all-natural craft project that leaves room to incorporate art, history, and storytelling. It’s especially fun on a rainy day when you’re looking for a calm, screen-free activity.
