A spa party is a perfect way to celebrate a birthday or just to get kids together for a fun time.
Whether they are doing a full slumber party or an afternoon of pampering, a DIY spa celebration is such a wonderful chilled out way for kids to enjoy time together.
I’ve thrown a few spa parties for my eldest daughter and the key is in the planning. These pamper parties do not have to cost a lot, you just need to map out the basic timeline of what kids will do and have a few different activities set up for them to enjoy.
Some kids will be happy with you supervising the fun, while older kids are likely to want a little space.
Here are the key things to think about when organising your pamper party:
- How long is the party – Will this be an afternoon for a couple of hours, or a full overnight?
- How many kids – I personally think four to six kids is the ideal number for a pamper party. But if you have capacity for more in your home then that’s great.
- Activities – I recommend having three to four pampering activities, plus two or three games planned for a party lasting two hours. If it is a slumber party, then you’ll also want to plan some additional chill out activities, such as yoga or watching a movie.
- Food – Most parties involve giving the kids a full meal. It’s a spa party, but that doesn’t mean it has to be healthy. Pizza is always a winner, but I also think a charcuterie board works really well here. For dessert, cupcakes or ice cream sundaes are perfect.
- Drink – Smoothies and fruity juice drinks served in pretty jars with stripy straws will add to the chilled vibe. Why not add some mini umbrellas to the drinks too?
- Games – Older kids may not be interested in playing games, but it’s nice to have a few games figured out just in case. You can get printable bingo and more to entertain.
Now that you know the key areas to focus on, here are some ideas for your pamper party.
You may also find my kids sleepover ideas useful.
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Spa party decoration ideas
A DIY spa party is a great way to celebrate a child’s birthday on a budget, as you’re not having to splash out on hiring a venue.
There are some really simple things you can do to make your home feel like a sanctuary.
First of all, don’t try to decorate the entire house – this gives you way too much to do! Focus on one area of the house where the kids will be doing the activities and eating.
A long table is a great spot for doing the pampering activities. To this you can add a pretty tablecloth – or keep it white for a neutral look. Then have a balloon arch or arrangement as a focal point of the decor.
To the table you can add each child’s spa party kits – more on that later – plus arrange the supplies for the spa activities into pretty boxes and containers.
Alternatively, in your living room try covering the sofas with pretty throws and, if your budget allows, have a little foot spa for every child set out along with face masks and headbands for them to wear.
Add streamers to the ceiling, as well as bunting in your colour scheme of choice.
If you a short on chairs, then create a cosy area for kids to sit on the floor using cushions and a big blanket.
Some awesome colour combinations for your spa party include:
- Pastel rainbow – pale pinks, yellows, mint green, blue and lilac for your balloons and banners.
- Black and white stripes with hot pink – creates a real pop of colour
- Black and white – simple and minimalist
- All the pink – Make it truly girly with all pink shades.
Spa party kits
I think it’s nice to give children their spa party kits when they arrive. These include supplies they can use throughout the party.
These also double up as their party bags which they can take home when the party is over.
Put them into cute little fabric carrier bags and include some or all of these ideas:
- Claw clips
- Scrunchies
- Lip balm/gloss
- Face mask
- Hairbrush
- Makeup blender
- Dressing gown
- Nail polish
- Spa headband
- Ice roller – these are a new fad but are absolutely everywhere on TikTok right now. It’s basically a little rubber ice mould which you use to freeze water and then sub over your face for an icy facial.
What to do at a spa party for kids
You pamper party might be all about chilling out or could include some fun games and activities.
My kids tend to like a combination of the two. Here are some ideas by age, but of course kids of any age may enjoy these activities.
For kids aged 7-10
Make your own bath bombs
You can either put together your own bath bomb-making station, or buy one that comes with instructions.
If you go with DIY bath bomb making kits then print off the recipe onto individual pieces of paper for kids so they each have it in front of them. You could weigh out the ingredients ahead of time so all they have to do is combine them. The bath bombs will need to be made at the start of the party if it is not a slumber party because they take a few hours to set.
To make your own bath bombs, you need:
- 100g bicarbonate of soda
- 50g citric acid
- 25g cornflour
- 25g Epsom salt
- 2tbsp coconut or olive oil
- Liquid food colouring – whatever colour you want
- Decorations – try rose petals or lavender sprigs
- You will also need a mixing bowl, spoons to mix and a bath bomb mould. For this you can try using ice cube trays or silicone cupcake cases.
To make: Add the bicarbonate of soda, citric acid, cornflour and Epsom salt in a bowl, then stir until fully combined.
Pour the oil, essential oil and food colouring in a small bowl. Mix together well.
Gradually add the oil mixture into the dry ingredients a little at a time, whisking between each addition. When all the oil is added, add a few tiny drops of water and whisk again. The mixture should clump together when pressed in your hand and keep its shape.
If you’re adding peel or flower petals to decorate, drop them into the bottom of your chosen mould. Pack your mixture tightly on top, pressing down and smoothing out the top with a teaspoon.
Leave your bath bomb in the mould to dry for 2 to 4 hours, then carefully remove it. It’s now ready to use. Wrap it in paper and place in paper bags for the guests to take home with them.
Make your own friendship bracelets
A friendship bracelet station is a perfect creative outlet for kids. Don’t forget to add a Taylor Swift playlist!
To make friendship bracelets, you will need:
- Beads – get a mixture of colours and shapes, as well as some with letters.
- Clear stretchy bracelet thread
- Scissors – for trimming the thread
- Craft glue to secure the knots
If you do not fancy pulling all of the supplies together then you can always find friendship bracelet pre-made kits with everything you need.
Foot spas
If you are on a budget then washing up bowls filled with warm water, some rose petals or bath salts are a perfect alternative to actual foot spas.
Mini makeovers
Kids of this age love to experiment with make-up. Have a selection of eye shadows, lip glosses, blushes and lipstick for them to play around with and give each other makeovers.
Glitter tattoos
My kids absolutely love getting temporary tattoos. Grab a few glitter tattoo kits and let the kids give each other fun tattoos.
For kids aged 10-14
Face masks
Get a selection of creamy masks and sheet face masks for kids to enjoy.
I personally really love the sheet masks that come with little pictures of animal faces on them – they’re cute and fun.
Manicure and pedicure station
Set up an area for the kids to give each manicures and pedicures.
Get various different colour polishes for them to choose from.
For children I personally prefer using the stuff that can be removed with water – it saves a lot of stress when they are applying polish near furniture and their clothing.
Hair styling
Grab hair ties and grips and set out chairs or cushions so the kids can do each other’s hair.
Having a screen with access to YouTube may be useful here so kids can copy tutorials they find online.
T-shirt/hat tie-dying/bedazzling
Kids will love to design their very own fashion pieces.
Set up a decor station where they can add rhinestones and beading to plain T-shirts or hats. This activity will require using hot glue so it’s best done for older kids only, and you’ll still need to be around to supervise.
My kids have also really enjoyed make tie dye T-shirts.
You can get your hands on a tie dye kit and set up an area, with a plastic wipe-clean craft tablecloth to protect your furniture and floor.
Flower headbands
Give the little princesses a gorgeous keepsake from their fun party by putting together a flower bracelet and crowns station.
You can buy pre-prepared kits featuring headbands and various flowers that can be stuck or woven into the headpiece.
If you want to use fresh flowers, there is a lovely flower crown tutorial here.
Selfie spot
Make sure they capture all the fun memories by having cameras at the ready.
A pretty balloon arrangement or wall with streamers can be a perfect backdrop for kids to take lots of selfies.
Add some lighting if it’s a dark corner of the house, and maybe some fairy lights too. Some fun props such as cool glasses, hats and maybe even a birthday selfie frame will give them plenty of inspiration.
You could give them your phone or a tablet to take photos on. Alternatively polaroid cameras are a fun addition and each child then has some photos to take home with them.
Homemade lip balm
Making lip balms is super simple and it gives kids something nice to take home from their day. Include labels they can design themselves too!
All you need is:
- Petroleum jelly – Vaseline
- Liquid food flavouring – vanilla, mint or chocolate. You can also use cocoa powder.
- Small tins – you can find tiny tins on Amazon
- Round stickers or paper that can be cut to shape for labels – plus some glue and pens to decorate
- A spoon
To make your lip balm simply:
Put enough petroleum jelly into the tin to fill it to around three-quarters.
Add a few drops of your food flavouring.
Stir well with a small spoon.
Smooth the lip balm with a blunt knife.
Kids yoga
Spa days are all about relaxation and wellbeing. Why not play a kids yoga guide video and get them all involved in a fun activity.
You could lay out yoga mats for each guest – obviously you may need a decent amount of space to do this. It could be a good activity to do in the garden.
Spa party games
You can get your hands on bundles of kids spa party games that include a huge range of activities and challenges for kids to enjoy.
These are social and will keep them entertained for an hour or two. They’re worth having as a back-up activity at the very least, just in case they speed through your craft and other activity plans.
Try this cool spa games bundle.
Self-portrait painting
A fun chilled out craft activity for kids to do is making their own self portraits. You can make this look really cool by setting up a long table with a small canvas and stand for every child plus paint and brush supplies.
Have mirrors out too to make it easier for kids to paint themselves. Or they could paint each other.
Watch a movie
It’s a very low maintenance activity and one that’s perfect for a slumber party. Kids could put on their face masks and then sit down to enjoy a movie together.
Here are some cool kids pamper party movies to try:
- Confessions of a Shopaholic
- A Cinderella Story
- 13 Going On 30
- Grease
- Wicked
- Encanto
- Moana
- Enchanted
- Freaky Friday
What to serve at a kids spa party
No spa party is complete without tasty treats to keep the little guests happy and refreshed. When planning your menu think light, colourful and fun – just like a real spa experience!
Charcuterie board
A fabulous charcuterie board can be either sweet or savoury – or maybe you could have one of each!
For savoury, use a large platter or chopping board and add:
- Cubed cheese (mild cheddar, mozzarella, or Babybel)
- Mini crackers, pretzels, and breadsticks
- Fresh fruit (grapes, apple slices, berries)
- Veggie sticks (carrots, cucumbers, snap peas) with ranch or hummus
For a sweet board try:
- Candy: Gummy bears, mini marshmallows, chocolate-covered pretzels or peanuts (if no allergies).
- Cookies & bites: Mini sugar cookies (spa-themed shapes like slippers, face masks, or nail polish), bite-sized brownies or blondies, macarons in pastel colours, wafer cookies or mini Oreos.
- Fruits & dips: Strawberries, blueberries, grapes, apple slices, mini fruit kabobs, chocolate or yogurt dip in small bowls
- Extras for fun: Whipped cream in a mini dish, pink rock candy sticks, cotton candy tufts, edible glitter or sprinkles in tiny jars for topping fun.
Try to shape the items into a fun design – like a heart, flower or smiley face – for a playful and Insta-worthy display. It’s the perfect low-mess option that lets guests snack between spa activities.
Fruit skewers and smoothies
Serve vibrant fruit skewers with a mix of strawberries, grapes, melon, and pineapple. Pair them with mini smoothies in fun flavours like strawberry, banana or mango, served in plastic champagne flutes with little umbrellas for a fancy touch.
Cucumber sandwiches and mini wraps
Keep it classy with kid-friendly cucumber sandwiches made on soft white or whole wheat bread. Add simple wraps with turkey and cheese, or hummus and veggies for a healthy, satisfying bite.
Spa water & mocktails
Offer “spa water” infused with fruits like lemon, orange, and mint.
For something extra special, serve colourful mocktails with sparkling juice, served with sugar-rimmed cups and paper straws.
DIY yogurt parfaits
Let the kids make their own parfaits! Set up a yogurt bar with vanilla yogurt, granola, berries, and fun toppings like mini chocolate chips or coconut flakes.
Spa-themed cupcakes or cookies
Finish with sweet treats decorated like spa masks, cucumbers, or nail polish bottles. Sugar cookies shaped like slippers or face masks are a hit, or you can opt for cupcakes topped with whipped frosting and spa-themed toppers.
