How to Have the Perfect Family Spa Day at Home

Soak your feet during a family spa day.

A home spa day for the whole family should be relaxing, yet the planning of the day can be stressful if you aren't careful. The first step in creating a perfect spa day is to decide what kind of spa treatment your family wants. Some spas include exercise as part of the day while others focus on pampering. You should also make up food or treatments the day before so you have minimal work to do on your actual spa day.

Things You'll Need

• Exercise clothing
• Robes
• Slippers
• Music
• Towels
• Olive oil
• Oats
• Avocado
• Lotion
• Citrus slices
• Cucumber slices
• Vegetables
• Lean proteins
• Music
• Cotton balls
• Moisturizer
• Honey
• Green tea leaves
• Essential oils
• Epsom salts
• Coconut milk
• Buckets
• Foot lotion

Instructions

1. Plan the spa day around energizing activities for an energizing spa day or create a relaxing schedule for a laid back day.

2. Collect supplies. You should have exercise clothing, robes and slippers, soft instrumental music, clean towels, skin and facial care products as well as buckets for an end of the day foot soak. Exercise clothes can vary depending on the activity of choice.

3. Purchase food for the day. Focus on vegetables and lean proteins to keep everyone feeling fresh, not bloated. Fruits and grains provide fiber which causes bowel movements that, while healthy, may detract from the relaxing atmosphere. Citrus or cucumber infused water is made by adding fruit slices to fresh water and chilling the water. The beverage is refreshing and calorie free.

4. Include exercise. Take the family on a neighborhood walk or bike ride for an active spa day. A gentle yoga routine is perfect for a relaxing spa day.

5. Designate a quiet area for each family member. You'll want to include time for meditation during your spa day. Simply encourage quiet time for young children. This will allow everyone to relax and focus on themselves rather than the details of daily life.

6. Choose a music playlist or CD. Instrumental music works well, especially nature sounds which create the feel of a quiet and isolated environment.

7. Create a facial bar. You will want to prep ingredients the night before the spa day. You can allow each family member to make their own facial treatment from the provided supplies, bowls and stirrers. Oats, avocado, honey, olive oil, green tea leaves and essential oils provide a good variety of treatments. Include clean washcloths, cotton balls and moisturizer so everyone can apply their facial mixtures.

8. Prepare a foot soak treatment by mixing one part olive oil, three parts Epsom salts and six parts coconut milk together. Add a half cup of the mixture into a bucket filled with hot water when it is time for the foot soak. Soak feet for 10 to 15 minutes. Have clean towels and lotion on hand to keep feet soft and clean. A foot soak is often an excellent way to end the spa day.

References

• "Secrets of the Spas: Pamper and Vitalize Yourself at Home (Life's Little Luxuries)"; Catherine Bardey; 1999
• "Spa Fun: Pampering Tips and Treatments for Girls (American Girl Library)"; Erin Falligant; 2009
• "Nature's Beauty Secrets: Recipes for Beauty Treatments from the World's Best Spas"; Dawn Gallagher, et al; 2011
• "Girls' Night In: Spa Treatments At Home"; Jennifer Worick; 2004