Visit a castle and strike a pose
While Belvedere Castle in Central Park is best known for its educational nature programs, you can trade the sneakers for sensible glitter shoes and climb to the top for a great and FREE photo op. The view is simply stunning.

Open May through September annually, Governors Island, is home to Castle Williams, which functioned as a military prison and looks like the kind of place where evil witches might lock up beautiful young damsels. The National Parks Service gives FREE tours of the structure in season.

The Metropolitan Museum's branch dedicated to medieval art and architecture, the Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park, makes all visitors feel like royalty. Check out the famous Unicorn Tapestries, and then stroll through the beautiful gardens and grounds. The museum also offers frequent family programs for a more hands-on experience.

Finally, the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine may not technically be a castle but it sure looks like one. Marvel at the Gothic Revival architecture and stained glass windows, sign up for a Medieval Arts Children’s Workshop or, if you really want to splurge, try the Knightwatch Medieval sleepover. Participants are encouraged to come in costume for an evening of music, dancing, an interactive mystery and very little slumber. Read our full review here.

See a princess show
Disney doesn't have the monopoly on live princess shows. Broadway's Cinderella features classic Rodgers and Hammerstein songs and a brand-new book with a more feminist bent. It's a great first Broadway show for young theatergoers and you can snag discounted tickets through our affiliate Goldstar. Our partner, the New Victory Theater, is about to open a new production of Sleeping Beauty starring gorgeous hand-crafted marionettes. On the less expensive side, local children's theater companies Literally Alive and Galli Theater often mount adaptations of princess fairy tales, but don't expect eye-popping spectacles.

Dine like royalty in a kid-friendly setting
Afternoon tea always feels high-class, but for a particularly royal experience, try Rawther Fancy Tea Fridays at the Eloise at the Plaza boutique. Families enjoy pink lemonade and storytime, and receive a little gift. Afterward, stick around the immersive shop to lounge in the Living Room, read Eloise books in the Library and try on outfits in the Fashion Room. While Alice's Tea Cup has three charming Manhattan locations that all dole out fairy wings, glitter and a wonderful Wee Tea for tots, the outpost on West 73rd Street is the closest to Central Park's Belvedere Castle, which makes for a great princess itinerary. And, of course, for a really over-the-top dining experience, you can always try to get into Serendipity 3 so long as you're not allergic to long lines or big credit card bills.

Hit an interactive festival
The annual summer New York Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo Park, NY is the perfect place to wear your royal robes. Princesses can enjoy a ride in the dragon swing, test their archery skills or try other period activities. There's also the one-day-only Medieval Festival in Fort Tryon Park every fall. Watch as the area surrounding the Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park is turned into a time warp with a market, live music and jousting, and knights on horseback.

Brave the Disney Store
The Disney Store in Times Square may have undergone a bit of a makeover since it opened in 2010. But it still has a castle area with mirrors that magically come to life with Disney princesses with the wave of a wand. There's also a section where kids can watch their favorite Disney clips. There are of course other Disney Stores in the tri-state area, including a slightly less crowded one in Queens. Good luck escaping without opening your wallet.