Spa Days with Kids: 5 Ways to Relax with the Family

We all need balance in our busy lives, and never more so than when we’re juggling family life and challenging work issues. Finding the time for some rejuvenating rest and relaxation may be difficult, but it is also essential to our wellbeing. So what could be better than going on a family spa break? It will give you the chance to unwind, bond and create happy memories for all the family.

Can kids even go on a spa day? The jury is split on this one: is it fair to take kids to a spa when many people go there to escape their offspring for an indulgent hour or two of relaxation? Some child-focused UK hotel spas get around this issue by opening exclusively to families for a set period of time, particularly at the weekend, while others allow kids aged 14 and upwards to have treatments as long as a parent/guardian is present. However, specially curated mini-me packages for children between the ages of 8 and 16 are becoming increasingly popular in spas, and can include treatments such as manicures, pedicures and mini facials, rounded off with gentle hand and arm massages.

Things to do: Pick a hotel that offers plenty of other things to do or is near a lively destination with lots of kid-friendly attractions. For example, Novotel Bristol Centre has a sauna and steam room open for kids to use along with an adult, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk from fascinating attractions like Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain, or Banksy’s madcap street art.

Honour your special mother-and-daughter bond by spending quality time together and caring for your wellbeing at the same time. Treat Mum to a spa package for Mother’s Day or surprise her any time of the year just because she’s Mum. Book luxurious dual treatments like head and scalp massages or mani-pedis, unwind together, talk and enjoy one another’s company without the stresses of life getting in the way, and revel in the making of these precious memories.

Things to do: Make your special time together even more special with a weekend trip to beautiful Edinburgh. Browse indie boutiques along Victoria Street, take afternoon tea in considerable style at the majestic Signet Library, and then return to Novotel Edinburgh Centre for an invigorating Jacuzzi session treatment and a dip in the pool.

Some UK hotel spas will only offer solo treatments to guests aged over 16 or 18, but most will allow teens into their saunas or steam rooms without parental supervision. If you are parent to younger teens, book your stay at a city-centre hotel with a swimming pool instead so they can exercise with a degree of independence away from you. Teens are notoriously hard to please, but few will turn down the chance to stay right in a seriously happening part of London. Novotel London Canary Wharf scores a double hit with kids as it has a 37th-floor restaurant with spectacular views to The Shard (see the city lit up at night – wow!) as well as an indoor pool with cool psychedelic murals on the walls.

Organising a home spa day for the kids is an enjoyable and bonding experience. Start proceedings by spreading old towels and sheets over the bed as things may get messy! Darken the bedroom, play soft music and add a scented candle or two if that’s age-appropriate. Cover your children’s eyes with slices of cucumber before getting to work with a face mask (make your own from mashed avocado, oatmeal, plain yoghurt and a squeeze of lemon, leaving it on for 20 minutes to work its hydrating magic). Slather their arms and hands with body oil before giving soft massages, try a few breathing exercises for relaxation, and then carefully wash off the masks with warm water.

If you’ve got tweenaged girls, chances are they’ll love a makeover and hair-styling session. How about marking a birthday or end of exams with a pamper party at home? Squirrel together different shades of nail varnish – the sparklier the better – so the kids can paint each other’s nails. Once that’s done, start them on plaiting their hair or trying a simple updo before moving on to the best part… the makeup. Give each tween their own makeup brush and let them loose with blushers, lip glosses and eye shadows – and round off the session by treating them to a glass of non-alcoholic pink champagne. 

So now you have some fantastic hints and tips for family spa days. We wish you a lifetime creating happy memories with your kids!