25 Fresh DIY Spa Party Ideas for a Home Retreat Kids & Teens Will Love

A DIY spa party that you host at home is the perfect sweet spot for smaller groups of older kids (10-12) and teenagers who have outgrown all the younger kid party ideas, don't want a huge blowout bash, but do want a fun way to celebrate with their friends. 

Having hosted a couple of spa-themed parties for my daughter, I’ve got a pretty good list of things that work well to keep everyone happy and having fun.

So I’ve put together a quick-look guide packed with doable ideas to transform your living space into a spa sanctuary where party guests can get totally chill.

From DIY treatments that feel totally luxe to activities that strike the perfect balance between pampering and playing for tweens, I've got ideas that are fresh, fun, and totally doable.

Please note, you can cherry-pick just a few ideas from this list to create a perfectly relaxed celebration—no need to tackle everything unless you're genuinely hoping for a Parent of the Year trophy.

Setting Up Your Home Spa Space

Before diving into specific activities, let's talk about creating the right atmosphere without redecorating your entire house or breaking the bank.

Quick Ambiance Boosters

• Soft fairy lights strung around the room (the ones gathering dust in your Christmas box will do nicely)
• Fluffy white towels rolled and stacked (borrow extras from family members if needed)
• A playlist of whatever music the birthday girl or boy actually enjoys (not what spa websites tell you is "relaxing") Spotify and Amazon Music are both equally good. Amazon Music has a 30-day free trial, useful if you don't plan to use it after the party!
• Simple refreshments set out on a pretty tray
• Comfortable cushions and blankets for lounging areas

DIY Facials Using Natural Ingredients

Facial treatments are perfect for all ages and can be adjusted depending on whether you're hosting tweens or teens.

Honey Glow Mask

For a simple honey mask everyone can enjoy:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice (for oily skin) OR
• ½ teaspoon mashed avocado (for normal or sensitive skin)

Mix ingredients in small individual bowls and apply to clean faces with makeup brushes or clean fingers. Leave on for 10 minutes while everyone relaxes, then rinse with warm water.

Sheet Mask Shortcut

If your bathroom facilities are limited or you'd rather not deal with washing faces:

• Pick up a multipack of sheet masks (Korean beauty brands offer affordable options) Just make sure the masks are suitable for tween or teen skin. These Facetory Masks are super popular, free from nasties and come in cute packaging. 
• Let each guest choose their preferred type
• Have everyone apply them simultaneously for perfect group photo opportunities
• Keep cucumber slices in the fridge for the full spa experience

Sugar Scrub Station (Perfect for All Ages)

For a quick option that feels fancy but uses ingredients you probably already have:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup coconut or olive oil
• 10 drops essential oil or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Small jars with lids
• Decorative labels and ribbons

Make Your Own Take-Home Treats

These activities double as both party entertainment and favours guests will actually use, gotta love that!

Bath Bomb Workshop (Tween Favourite)

This activity tends to be a bigger hit with tweens than teens, who might prefer something less messy.

Here's a great video that shows you exactly how to make bath bombs:

Bedazzled T-Shirt Station (Teen Approved)

For something that combines creativity with fashion:

• Plain white t-shirts in various sizes
• Fabric bedazzling kit like this one, with various rhinestones and gems
• Fabric glue
• Stencils for those who want guidance
• Examples for inspiration

This activity is surprisingly calming and gives teens something they'll actually wear afterward—unlike that friendship bracelet from summer camp they politely accepted but never touched again.

Mani-Pedis With Fun Colours And Designs

A nail station is absolutely essential for any spa party—and often the most anticipated activity.

Nail Art Central

Stock up on:

• Base coats (to protect young nails)
• A variety of polish colours (including some peel-off options for parents who prefer those)
• Top coats
• Nail art pens, stickers, and gems
• Acetone-free remover
• Cotton pads and cotton buds

For tweens, consider the simpler nail art techniques like polka dots or simple stripes. Teens might enjoy trying more complex designs like marbling or ombre effects.

Quick-Dry Hack

Set up a small bowl of ice water where guests can dip their finished nails for 1-2 minutes after they're dry to the touch. This helps polish set faster—a sanity-saver when you have multiple guests waiting to do the next thing!

Aromatherapy Session Using Essential Oils

Introduce your guests to the mood-boosting power of scents with some age-appropriate aromatherapy activities.

Scent Blending Bar (Better for Teens)

Create a sampling station with:

• Lavender (for calm)
• Sweet orange (for happiness)
• Peppermint (for energy)
• Roller bottles for mixing
• Carrier oil like jojoba
• Recipe cards for different moods

Guide them through creating their own signature scent while explaining how different aromas can affect our mood and energy.

Aromatherapy Bracelets (Great for All Ages)

For a simpler option that works well for tweens:

• Lava bead bracelets (pre-strung or with stretch cord and beads)
• 2-3 kid-safe essential oils in dropper bottles
• Decorative beads
• Small containers to hold everything

These bracelets allow them to enjoy their chosen scent throughout the day.

Hair Styling Or Braiding Station

Hair styling is always a hit and teaches useful skills, like how to do the ever-popular Dutch braid, they can go on to use every day.

Braid Bar

Set up with:

• Spray bottles with water
• Detangling brushes
• Hair ties and bobby pins
• Printed step-by-step guides for different braids
• Mirrors (including hand mirrors for checking the back)

For tweens, focus on simple three-strand braids or easy twists. Teens might enjoy learning more complex styles like Dutch braids or fishtail braids.

Here's a great Dutch braid tutorial video: 

Relaxing Activities to Balance the Energy

Let's be honest—even a "relaxing" spa party with tweens or teens can get surprisingly loud. These activities help bring the energy back down to actual spa levels.

Mini Zen Den

Create a calming corner with:

• Yoga mats or soft blankets
• Battery-operated flameless candles
• A portable speaker for gentle background music
• Printed cards with simple yoga poses

Keep the session short (10-15 minutes max). For tweens, frame it as "stretching like cats" or "being strong like trees." For teens, you can introduce more mindfulness elements.

Movie Lounge

Set up a cosy viewing area or dim the lights in your living room so guests can relax and watch a movie together. Here's a few thoughts... 

• Plenty of pillows and blankets
  
• For tweens: "The Princess Diaries," "Lilo & Stitch," or "Enchanted"
• For teens: Rom-coms like "10 Things I Hate About You," "To All the Boys I've Loved Before," or "The DUFF"

Having a film playing in the background also gives guests somewhere to drift to when they need a break from more active stations.

Guided Imagination Journey

Lead them through a brief relaxation that's actually interesting:

• "Imagine you're floating on a cloud, what does it feel like?"
• "Picture yourself in your favourite place, what can you see and hear?"
• "Visualise yourself feeling confident and strong"

Frame it as a "recharge break" between activities, which works well for both age groups.

Create Your Own Refreshment Station

Because no good spa experience is complete without refreshments that look as good as they taste!

Hydration Station

Set up a fancy water bar with:

• Glass dispensers filled with water
• Fresh fruit slices (strawberries, cucumber, lemon)
• Edible flowers (if you're feeling extra)
• Pretty paper straws
• Instruction cards for different flavour combinations

Let them name their creations—this activity spans all ages perfectly.

Snack Boards Rule!

Snack boards are massively popular right now and perfect for grazing throughout the party:

For a balanced approach:

• A selection of crackers and breadsticks
• Cheese cubes or mini mozzarella balls
• Sliced fruits like strawberries and grapes
• Veggie sticks with hummus
• Pistachios and other nuts (allergy permitting)
• A few chocolate-covered pretzels or strawberries

For the sweet tooth crowd:

• Create a candy snack board with different coloured sweets arranged by colour
• Include chocolate-covered nuts, especially pistachios for that pop of green - if you really want to go lavish, chunks of current fave amongst teens, the Dubai Chocolate Bar will do it!
• Add in some fancy biscuits or macarons if you're feeling particularly Pinterest-worthy

Remember that teens and tweens have the metabolism we adults can only dream about—they can handle some treats!

Here's a roundup of 23 delish snack board ideas over on my Mums Make Lists site: 

Spa-Themed Games And Activities

Keep the energy flowing between treatments with games that fit in with the theme.

DIY Spa Games

If you're looking for additional activities that don't require purchasing a bundle:

• Compliment Circle: Everyone writes something positive about each guest, which gets collected and given as a take-home confidence booster
• Blind Fragrance Test: Identify different scents while blindfolded

DIY Photo Spot

Create a simple backdrop using:

• A sheet or fabric in a spa-appropriate colour
• String lights for ambiance
• Props like empty picture frames and speech bubbles with fun sayings ("Spa Day!" "Feeling Refreshed!")

Add a polaroid camera or designated phone for taking photos, then display them on a string with mini clips for an instant party decoration that captures the day.

Turn It Into A Spa Sleepover

Want to extend the pampering? A spa party transitions perfectly into a sleepover for close friends.

Evening Wind-Down Activities

• Face mask and movie combination
• Stargazing with cucumber-infused water
• Bedtime story reading circle (even teens enjoy being read to!)
• Gentle stretching before settling into sleeping bags

Morning Spa Continuation

• Breakfast smoothie bowl bar
• Morning yoga to wake up
• Fresh fruit with yogurt dip

A spa sleepover works particularly well for smaller groups of 4-6 friends, creating a more intimate celebration that feels extra special.

Wrapping Up The Perfect Spa Day

Want to go the extra mile and give everyone a little something to take home from the party? 

Take-Home Spa Kits

Start the party by giving each guest their own spa kit containing:

• A plush spa headband (these are trending hard right now)
• A small jar of homemade sugar scrub
• Lip balm
• Face mask for later
• Mini nail polish

These items can be used during the party and then taken home afterward, eliminating the awkward "here's your party bag" moment at the end.

A DIY spa party at home creates an atmosphere where friends can connect, laugh, and simply enjoy being together—something that becomes increasingly precious as kids grow older.

Plus, it teaches them that self-care isn't about "fixing" anything—it's about taking time to appreciate themselves exactly as they are while enjoying some well-deserved downtime.

Before you go, you might also like...

• 8 Ways For Teens To Celebrate Their Birthdays At Home
• Ideas For An Epic Teen Sleepover
• The 24 Party Games Teen Girls Will Absolutely Ditch Their Phones For (And A Couple That Make Use Of Them!)