New York City is full of kid-friendly treats—from cupcake cafés and glittery nail bars to birthday blowouts that feel straight out of a storybook. But families looking for a little extra sparkle now have a destination made just for them. SpaLaLa, a playful kids spa in the Flatiron District, brings pampering, polish, and pint-sized luxury together under one roof. Designed specifically for children, this kids spa has NYC parents buzzing about its mini manicures, gentle facials, and celebration-ready packages that turn an ordinary afternoon into a full-on spa day.
SpaLaLa invites kids to slip into a robe, settle into a kid-sized chair, and enjoy a moment that feels grown-up in all the right ways—yet, it doesn’t skimp on the fun factor. It’s a cheerful, high-energy space that’s perfect for milestone birthdays, special parent-child outings, or a glam get-together with friends. After your visit, you’re just steps from more fun family-friendly destinations in the neighborhood, including the Lego store, Harry Potter New York, and plenty of family-friendly dining, making it easy to turn a spa appointment into a full day of downtown adventure.
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What Is SpaLaLa?
SpaLaLa is more than just a kids’ spa. Whether they’re settling in for a sparkly mani-pedi, mixing up their own beauty creations, striking a pose during a mini photoshoot, or celebrating with friends, kids find plenty of fun here.
SpaLaLa is a space where kids can feel confident, express their creativity, and celebrate big (and little) moments in a memorable way. Each visit is designed to feel special, age-appropriate, and joyful, turning a simple appointment into an experience they’ll be talking about long after the polish fades.
The SpaLaLa Experience
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by one of the friendly SpaLaLa team members at the front desk. Staff recommends you arrive 10-15 minutes early so that no one feels rushed and you can really settle in for a calming experience. Most appointments last 45-60 minutes, depending on the service. There’s really no need to bring anything, but you know your child best. Feel free to bring a water bottle or a snack if they’ll need it.
You will be asked to remove your shoes in the spa, so make sure you have socks with you. The staff is experienced, patient, and great with kids. You can expect the staff to be warm and give clear explanations in an age-appropriate way.
Kids get the full spa experience, cucumbers and all.
What Services Does SpaLaLA Offer Kids?
You name it; SpaLaLa offers it. Here’s a list of stand-out services available:
Skincare Services at SpaLaLa
Facials: This is the height of pampering, complete with cleansing, jade rollers, and moisturizing masks. Hydrating eye masks with cucumber pictures on them make for an amazing photo-op! My 7-year-old loved this service so much she asked for another one before we’d even left the salon! My 15-year-old loved the pampering and the novelty and tried—unsuccessfully—to take selfies while she had the cucumbers on her eyes.
Makeup: An age-appropriate makeup application is offered—perfect for special occasions, photo sessions, or just as a special pick-me-up.
Haircare Services at SpaLaLa
Haircuts: Kids from ages 3-16 can get their hair styled here. If it’s a first haircut, SpaLaLa turns the outing into a memorable moment. Staff offers thoughtful care, gentle techniques, and a focus on comfort that makes this a stress-free milestone for kids and parents.
Color: SpaLaLa offers warm honey highlights to give your little one a summer sunshine vibe in the depths of winter. If you have a unicorn on your hands, SpaLaLa can provide a burst of color that shows their inner rainbow with a professional color streak. Hair lightening is included to ensure the color lasts longer and pops. My little unicorn currently has a beautiful teal to match her chess team’s color!
Fairy Hair: Get a little sparkle added for an extra pop of glistening color.
Styling: Stylists offer everything from sleek blowouts to bouncy curls and fabulous braids. Get your kids’ hair styled, whether it’s for a special occasion, everyday wear, or simply if you need that tangle brushed by someone else.
Tiny nails and wiggly fingers get expert care from SpaLaLa’s professional nail techs.
Nails Services at SpaLaLa
Manis and Pedis: My girls had both services, and the technicians were excellent. The kids dipped their toes into warm footbaths with fun disco colors. Gel polish is also available.
Camps, Craft, and Birthday Parties at SpaLaLa
SpaLaLa offers more than individual treatments with birthday parties, camp coverage, and even hands-on beauty science classes.
In the Glam Lab, guests become beauty scientists and get to customize lip balms, scrubs, masks, and more with yummy scents, sparkles, and colors. It’s hands-on fun that’s a little messy, and totally fabulous! My 7 year old and I made lip balm, which was fun and sticky. Truth be told, it’s a little too sticky to wear. We also made perfume, which we love and have been enjoying ever since.
When birthday season rolls around, you can host a super special celebration at SpaLaLa, with options including a spa party, a lab party, or even a photo shoot party! Whichever you choose, the area will be reserved exclusively for your guests during your time in the spa or lab. An on-site party room allows for more fun, food, crafts, and cake.
Check the website for upcoming holiday break or summer camps. Special classes and clinics in the works include a braid clinic and a parent-and-me clinic.
Pedicures at SpaLaLa come complete with a disco-lit soak.
How Much Does SpaLaLa Cost and Is it Worth It?
The short answer is an emphatic yes—we found the cost worth the experience! Both of my children loved it! A visit to SpaLaLa is definitely more of a special-occasion experience than a quick drop-in. Pricing reflects its polished, kid-centric environment, and the full-service feel.
Manis and pedis are $30 each. Haircuts range from $65-$85 depending on age. You can even get a membership for $100 a month, which provides four services and one take-home product.
Think of a visit to SpaLaLa as an experience, not just a service. It’s not just a manicure—it’s an event kids remember, where kids’ needs are put first, and everything is safe, age-appropriate, and thoughtfully sized. It’s perfect for milestone birthdays, small group gatherings, or a special treat. Parents are practically guaranteed great pictures!
FAQs Before Booking at SpaLaLa
What is SpaLaLa in New York City?
SpaLaLa is a kid-focused spa in Lower Manhattan where children can enjoy age-appropriate pampering, like mini manicures, gentle facials, fun themed add-ons, and celebration packages in a playful, polished setting. It’s designed to feel like a real spa day for kids, with cozy robes, upbeat music, and staff trained to work with young guests.
What ages is SpaLaLa appropriate for?
SpaLaLa is best suited for children from ages 5-16, though the experience can appeal to slightly younger or older kids depending on personality. The sweet spot is really ages 8-10. Younger visitors, ages 5-7, can enjoy a visit for a first spa experience, while tweens and teens are best suited to visiting in a group or with friends for a party.
How much does SpaLaLa cost?
Single services, like a mini mani or mini facial, range from $30-$55. Hair services start at $10 for fairy hair, and haircuts begin at $65. Coloring sessions are $200.
Party services start at $70 per person, while the DIY beauty projects start at $60.
Always check SpaLaLa’s booking page for current prices and available packages.
Do parents stay with their kids at SpaLaLa?
Yes! Parents are welcome—especially with younger children. You can relax nearby, take photos, and be part of the moment. The environment is designed to be family-friendly, so you don’t have to drop off and disappear unless that’s your preference.
What should kids wear or bring to their spa appointment?
Keep it simple! Wear comfortable clothes, bring socks, and a light snack or water bottle. You don’t need to bring towels, robes, or spa supplies—SpaLaLa provides what’s needed. If your child wants to change into a favorite outfit after their service, that’s totally fine, too!
Is SpaLaLa suitable for birthday parties?
Absolutely! SpaLaLa offers birthday party packages tailored to groups. Parties typically include reserved party time, group services (manis/pedis/facials), optional add-ons, and space for cake or photos. It’s a popular choice for milestone birthdays because it feels special without being overwhelming.
Are services at SpaLaLa safe for kids?
Yes—all services and products used at SpaLaLa are selected with kids in mind. Treatments are gentle, non-toxic, and appropriate for young skin and nails. The staff is experienced with children and trained to prioritize comfort, consent, and positive experiences.
Parents should always feel free to ask about specific products or sensitivities—SpaLaLa staff are happy to answer questions.
All photos by the author