How to Plan a DIY Spa Day for Girls (2024)

June 9, 2014 by Susan

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Hosting a DIY spa day for girls is fantastic idea for a simple afternoon activity or even a girls birthday party with their friends.

Our girls LOVED to play “spa” when they were little. Pretending to pamper and be pampered at a spa ranks as one of their favorite activities, so here’s how we host a DIY spa day for girls and/or boys…

While they’ve been playing spa for a couple years, now that Julia is 9 and Sophia and Olivia are almost 7, all three girls are super into it.

Often they’ll just do a simplified spa by themselves but, some days, I help out and we make it a bigger affair.

Here are 10 steps for hosting a DIY spa day for girls…

Prepare Your Salon
We lay out pink beach towels so each girl has her own “salon bed”. Some days the girls put out umbrellas next to their towels to pretend they are at the beach or at an outdoor spa. You can keep this really simple or add a few extra touches like rolling up extra towels to make the scene look a little fancier.
Select Nail Polish
Have each girl pick out their preferred polish color for their nails and their toes. I like to keep the fingernail polish a lighter shade, but I give them freedom in their choice.
You’ll want to remind kids that they can’t use real nail polish without an adult helping. Explain to them how nail polish does not come out of carpet and clothes.
Make Lemonade or Tea
Your little spa girls will want to sip on a beverage as they relax before, during or after their treatments. I serve their drinks in cups with lids and straws to prevent spills. As your kids get older, they may be able to mix up their own lemonade to make their spa day preparation even easier for you.
Make a Homemade DIY Facial Mask
Our favorite mask is a simple combination of avocado, oatmeal and honey. There are an endless number of DIY mask recipes on Pinterest. Mixing up the homemade facial mask can be part of your kids day spa activities.
Put on Relaxing Music
I usually just pull up an Enya song or something like that on my iPhone. Or you could stream soothing classical music for kids. Playing soft music is such a great tip for a fabulous spa day for girls at home. (And the music helps “Mom” relax too.) I love the way the “spa music” creates a calming and peaceful environment and encourages the kids to behave well.
Apply Face Masks
The girls may choose to apply the masks to each other, or you can apply it for them. Our girls also love to place cucumber slices over their eyelids. Have a handheld mirror nearby or the girls will likely jump up and run to a mirror to see how they look. They may get such a laugh at how they look that they’ll want to take a selfie. It’s all part of the fun!
Massage Feet and Hands
Using a nice lotion (possibly lightly scented), massage the girls’ hands and feet while their masks dry. The massage will help calm them back down after any giggles from face mask photos. They can take turns being spa “clients”.
Remove Face Masks with Warm Cloths
My girls love how it feels when I use a warm cloth and a basin of water to remove their masks while they’re laying on their “salon mats”. If you’ve had a facial at a salon before, think of how the esthetician places the warm towel on your face to loosen the dried mask and then gently wipes and washes the mask off.
Have Manicures and Pedicures
The best part of an at home spa day is having your nails painted. Even if you don’t consider yourself a pro at painting nails, your kids will love having you give them manicures and pedicures. Our girls love to laugh as we place rolled up tissue between their toes before painting. Just take your time, and don’t worry about it being perfect.
Relax While Polish Dries
You may want to read a book to the girls while their nail polish dries, or if you need a break, put on a movie or audio book for them and YOU take a turn relaxing.

I hope you have fun hosting a spa day with your kids!

Kids Spa Party Ideas

As well as having many impromptu spa days for our girls, we also hosted a kids spa party for one of Julia’s birthdays and one of Olivia’s birthdays.

To make the spa day extra fancy for a party, we decorated and printed out a “Welcome to our Spa Party” sign.

If you’re having several girls at the spa day party, you may want to have extra adults available to help paint their nails and give massages.

We also had a craft station set up where the girls who were waiting for their “spa treatments” could craft. You could have each child make a DIY lip balm or a DIY aromatherapy neck pillow.

Our girls had so much fun. We hope these kids spa party ideas help you and your children also have a lovely time celebrating and relaxing together.

Pin It For Later

Be sure to save these ideas for a spa day for girls and/or boys to your Pinterest board…

More Fun For Kids (That’s Relaxing Too!)

If you’re looking for another fun activity for your girls and boys that’s also relaxing… try playing with Kinetic Sand. You can keep kids happily playing for hours and you’ll also enjoy how soothing it is. It’s the perfect calm activity to end your at-home spa day.

Find More DIYs For Girls

For more fun ideas, check out our other crafts and DIY blog posts.

Written by Susan Carraretto, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Find us at Facebook.com/5minutesformom
Pin with us at pinterest.com/5minutesformom

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About Susan

Susan Carraretto and her identical twin, Janice Croze, created 5Minutes for Mom in 2006. Susan loves all social media, but her top addiction these days is Pinterest.

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86 Comments

Aniara says
November 29, 2023 at 1:05 pm
Great idea, but I am only a kid, and my mom would probably not want to do a spa day for all my friends and me! I definitely will try it though!
Reply
Maya says
November 15, 2023 at 6:15 pm
Hi grate ideas love them
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Lyla says
March 23, 2023 at 4:46 pm
I think it sounds amazing! I agree that you should add a video.
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Elsie says
March 15, 2023 at 11:58 am
I need a video and I’m a kid not a adult so…. Yeah
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Madison Smith says
February 13, 2023 at 7:01 pm
Can you please show me more of how to set the place all up?
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- Madison Smith says
  February 13, 2023 at 7:04 pm
  Yeah I’ll see what I can do. Thanks for posting a comment for this!!!!!!
  Reply
- Madison Smith says
  February 17, 2023 at 4:46 pm
  Okay I we see what I can do❤
  Reply
Madison Smith says
February 12, 2023 at 9:20 pm
I love this idea it will be perfect for my Gigi I am only 9 but it will surely pamper her nicely!
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S says
April 18, 2022 at 8:36 pm
Thank you! My sis LOVED this! So cute!
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maxi says
January 25, 2022 at 5:51 pm
thank you but you should have put a warm bath
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- Spa says
  May 7, 2022 at 1:42 am
  I love warm baths. For spa days I usually add rose water and rose petals with a bath bomb. It’s relaxing.
  Reply
Claire says
December 28, 2021 at 1:00 pm
How do you make a spa for a 11 year old because i looked on your website
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Bhgygygygy says
December 22, 2021 at 3:45 pm
I’m going to do this on my b day
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Jocelyn Wascak says
September 19, 2021 at 10:07 am
OMG! I am going to try that for my mom today because I have an At-Home-Spa kit so thank u for adding a little extra relaxation to that!
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A Girl Outdoors says
August 15, 2020 at 11:43 am
Do you know of any good foot soaks?
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- Jocelyn Wascak says
  September 19, 2021 at 10:11 am
  I think I do. #1 for the foot soak is get a small inflatable pool. #2 is to put a towel or 2 under the pool and fill it with water. #3 is to get soothing salts. #4 is to put the salts in the water #5 is to enjoy
  Reply
  - Susan says
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    September 21, 2021 at 5:11 pm
    Thanks Jocelyn! Those are fantastic ideas to improve a DIY day spa for girls.
    Reply
April Carbone says
June 4, 2020 at 11:02 pm
Hi I was wondering how do you put a spa kids party during covid and in the future.
Thank you
April
Reply
- Susan says
  June 10, 2020 at 3:53 pm
  Hi April, during these times of Covid, you would only be able to do a spa party with your own kids. Once there is a vaccine, we will hopefully be able to go back to normal life.
  Reply
Lia Bryan says
May 19, 2020 at 3:53 pm
do you have any diy spas for MOMS that kids an do? thanks!!!
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AMY MASCOTT says
May 14, 2020 at 1:30 pm
SUCH great ideas for a birthday party or special celebration!
Reply
Ayvianna says
May 5, 2020 at 7:19 pm
spot on Idea _/(;~;)\_ (shrugging) it’s pretty smart
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Ava Lanae says
May 1, 2020 at 8:55 am
thank you so much i will tell my mom and ask her to do this with me aswell
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potato says
March 29, 2020 at 10:42 am
im just trying to help my little sister out by giving her something to do
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potato says
March 29, 2020 at 10:42 am
im just trying to help my little sister out by giving her something to do
Reply
Adelia Albrecht says
December 28, 2019 at 9:07 pm
Well I AM a tween and I think that this would be fun!
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- Lyla says
  March 23, 2023 at 4:45 pm
  I am a teenager and I think it sound amazing!!
  Reply
Summer says
December 20, 2019 at 11:58 pm
Thank you so much! My daughter always wanted to do a spa day, and this is absolutely perfect! Now both me and my daughter can both have a good time during winter break!
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Ivonne says
August 13, 2019 at 11:51 am
Hi I was looking for ideas for a spa birthday for my 10 yr girl. Great tips thanks.
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Raven says
June 29, 2019 at 3:48 pm
This gives me some ideas to do this myself for my mom
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PuffyBiggler says
May 2, 2015 at 3:49 pm
This sounds like so much fun. I wish we had spa days when I was a kid. Thanks for sharing!
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Sarah L says
May 2, 2015 at 1:00 am
Very fun. No kids, but *I’d* like a spa day.
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Allyson Ballard Bossie says
May 1, 2015 at 7:25 pm
These are great ideas! We are having a fun spa day Memorial Day weekend for my daughters and their friends!
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Michelle S says
May 1, 2015 at 11:17 am
I think this is a wonderful idea for mother’s to bond on a dime with their daughters.
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Rebecca Parsons says
April 30, 2015 at 8:32 pm
I would have never thought of something like this. Very neat ideas and so many more.
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Sandra Watts says
April 30, 2015 at 3:56 pm
I have 2 boys that would never go along with this but my grand daughter loves it. We do nail polish together all the time.
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Karen Propes says
April 28, 2015 at 12:49 pm
This is a fabulous idea. Not only makes them feel good, but special too. Thanks for sharing.
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Vee says
April 28, 2015 at 5:38 am
It’s so fun!
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Janet W. says
April 27, 2015 at 5:47 am
Sounds like a fun, relaxing day to spend with your kids! Great ideas!
Reply
Doris Calvert says
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April 25, 2015 at 4:24 pm
What a cool idea, I never thought of that for young girls, it tickles me pink, thanks for sharing!
Reply
Michele P says
April 24, 2015 at 11:53 am
last year my neighbor did that with my daughter and her daughter and it was such fun, this year I am thinking of doing something along those lines during summer vacation so was glad to see some good ideas.
Reply
Keara B. says
April 21, 2015 at 5:03 pm
My daughter loves getting dirty and playing outside, but she’s also a girly girl who loves having her nails done! I can’t wait to try these other ideas for a spa day. One of the fun perks of having a sweet daughter. 🙂
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Angela Stevens says
April 21, 2015 at 3:22 pm
Send kids out with dad first then go to spa.
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Natalie Brown says
April 20, 2015 at 10:36 am
This is such a fun idea! I wish I had a granddaughter to have a spa day with. I have a grandson so, maybe a girl soon?! Thanks for the tips too. 🙂
Reply
Karen E Hill says
April 19, 2015 at 12:31 pm
When I was a kid we had heard of mud baths but a spa?? No way.
Reply
- Nyxie Pixie says
  November 11, 2020 at 6:58 pm
  Oh Ha! I like the way you said that!
  Reply
Laurie Strawbridge says
April 19, 2015 at 4:11 am
I love this idea! I think you could aim this idea to any age group. I have a 3 yr old granddaughter and a 12 yr old granddaughter. Both would love a spa day!
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Kim Hampton says
April 18, 2015 at 4:36 pm
I need to do this for my daughter’s birthday party! She would love it!
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Jennifer McKinney says
April 16, 2015 at 11:17 am
This is great! I hope this is something my son is interested in doing with me before he gets too old and I embarrass him!
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eevon khoo says
April 15, 2015 at 9:57 pm
Tis DIY spa sounds so fun!! great for pajamas party
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Lori Sexton Leal says
April 15, 2015 at 8:21 pm
I absolutely love at home spa days! They are a great way to get in my “me” time, usually after my son is in bed or sometimes while we’re having a movie night (I’ll sneak on a face mask while we watch!) 🙂
Reply
Sarah says
April 15, 2015 at 8:09 pm
My son let’s me paint his nails but he washes it off before he goes out or his dad gets home *lol*
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kaitlin Ann says
April 15, 2015 at 7:48 pm
great post and ideas! I def have a girly girl
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Sandy Vanbuskirk says
April 15, 2015 at 4:42 pm
now that would be family fun time spa day woo hoo
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Holly Wright says
April 15, 2015 at 4:21 pm
My sister did this for my nieces Birthday party and it was a huge hit! Thanks for the great idea!
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Stephanie M says
April 15, 2015 at 3:28 pm
What a fun idea! My daughter would love this! She loves getting her nails done 🙂 Thanks for the tips!
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Jenny says
April 15, 2015 at 12:22 pm
My 8 year old Ava would love do to this.
Reply
Tiffany Witherspoon says
April 15, 2015 at 1:06 am
I would love to do this with my nieces!!!
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kymi a says
April 14, 2015 at 11:55 pm
So awesome and what a great bonding & fun experience I can’t wait to try this with our kids. Thank you for sharing.
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@MomLuvsSPORTZ says
April 14, 2015 at 10:49 pm
A spa day for kids sounds fun! Kids need pampering too!
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Samantha Wagner says
April 14, 2015 at 9:46 pm
I love this! My daughter would absolutely love this!
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Dorothy Boucher says
April 14, 2015 at 6:49 pm
This is wonderful, I only have one grandgirl who is up in age to have something like this, her and I share and sometimes a friend and an aunt joins in loll, thanks for the tips
Reply
Penni says
April 14, 2015 at 5:24 pm
This would be the perfect way for me to spend time with my niece! She would love it!
Reply
Linda Stewart says
April 13, 2015 at 12:42 pm
What I would give to have granddaughters and be able to plan a spa day with them. I don’t think my little boys can leave the mud and dirt alone long enough to spend a day at the spa 🙂
Reply
Laurie Strebe says
April 11, 2015 at 12:20 am
Such a sweet idea! I can use this for soon to be grandchildren as this info is timeless! Thank you kindly!
Reply
Sandy Klocinski says
April 8, 2015 at 2:28 pm
Love it! I’ll bet the kids had a blast. A spa day at home would be a lot of fun
Reply
Soozle says
April 6, 2015 at 11:30 am
I love this idea – pretty easy to put together and would be a great bonding experience
Reply
Betty says
April 4, 2015 at 8:59 am
Don’t forget to have a photographer! There are so many photo worthy moments besides the before and after poses.
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Doris Calvert says
April 2, 2015 at 9:55 pm
Great idea! Never occurred to me to do some of those things!
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sarah jackson says
April 2, 2015 at 12:02 pm
This is a great idea ! my daughter would sure love this and its something I would love to do with her !
Reply
Marsalie says
March 30, 2015 at 9:38 pm
Thanks for the tips!
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meagan bs says
March 23, 2015 at 10:01 am
i love this idea, my daughter would love it!
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Michelle R says
March 21, 2015 at 9:12 am
This sounds like such fun. I thank you for the prompting to do so.
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Heidi c. says
March 21, 2015 at 4:59 am
This is a perfect party idea for my two tween girls. They would love it!
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vickie couturier says
March 20, 2015 at 1:01 pm
my grandaughters would so love this,,I may have to plan a day to have the 5 over and do a spa for them
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Echo Goodner says
November 18, 2014 at 10:33 pm
sounds fun!
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Bonnie Way says
June 30, 2014 at 4:22 pm
I did this with my girls last week and they LOVED it! My one-year-old’s favourite part was the foot bath… we couldn’t get her out of it! She spent about twenty minutes there… until I pulled out the nail polish. 🙂 Then she was willing to get dried off to have her toes painted!!! We’re totally going to do this again!
Reply
Dana says
June 10, 2014 at 4:30 pm
Susan,
Having two teenage daughters, this would be a GREAT way to spend an afternoon. Thanks so much for the information, love it!
Reply
- Susan says
  June 11, 2014 at 2:01 am
  Yes… perfect way to relax with your teenage girls. Enjoy!
  Reply
Nanette ~ A Mom Blog says
June 9, 2014 at 6:48 pm
Oh this sounds like so much fun! My daughter has been wanting to have a spa day but I’ve been just a bit hesitant about taking her to one. A spa day at home could be a lot more fun.
Reply
- Susan says
  June 10, 2014 at 3:04 am
  Oh yes, definitely… I’ve never paid to take my girls to a real spa… I can’t afford that. But this is just as fun (if not more)!
  Reply
Anna says
June 9, 2014 at 3:09 pm
Adorable! My daughter is a little young for this, but it’s a great idea to hang onto for the future!
Reply
- Susan says
  June 10, 2014 at 3:03 am
  Such fun you have ahead… little girls are the best!
  Reply
Bonnie Way says
June 9, 2014 at 1:54 pm
I love this idea! My girls would totally go for it. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Reply
- Susan says
  June 10, 2014 at 3:02 am
  You will all have such fun. Enjoy!
  Reply