Multipurpose Room Rentals?
We are looking for an empty room to rent for about 20 kids for a nurf battle party but are having trouble finding open, empty rooms for rent that don't come with wedding venue rental prices or that require $1M insurance policies. We would have preferred to host this outdoors but since we're targeting a mid-February weekend we thought an indoor plan would be better. We've looked at oakland parks n rec and submitted applications but no one seems to be able to give insight into availability or even fees so we're not holding our breath there. Any other recommendations? I'm not looking for generic suggestions like "look for churches" but if anyone knows of specific locations or leads that would be incredibly helpful!
Jan 20, 2025
Parent Replies
We recently went to a birthday party at the Sports Basement multipurpose room, which allowed a small bounce house and a lot of crazy kids running around. I think the rental itself is pretty cheap (maybe free?) but their availability can be limited due to that.
your homeowners or renters insurance company can likely take care of the insurance req - maybe for free or for a very low cost, so check with them before letting that deter you.
Also, Oakland Parks and Rec is not super well organized but I have successfully rented venues from them, so keep trying!
and finally, check out Finnish Hall in Berkeley: https://www.finnishhall.org/meeting-room
You don't mention your budget, but I suggest you check out Sequoia Lodge. Link here. It looks like all the facilities through Oakland Parks and Rec have a 4 hour minimum. Booking through OPR is a total pain, as you probably already know. You might have better luck finding an event space on Peerspace -- kind of like AirBnB for event spaces. A friend used that platform for a party, worked out well!
The Berkeley sports basement has a massive space to rent for free. Otherwise Live Oak Park community center has some good size rooms for a decent price.
https://shop.sportsbasement.com/blogs/community-spaces/community-room-1
https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/parks-recreation/facilities…
What about the Berkeley YMCA or Oakland YMCA? I didn't see anything specific about parties when I briefly checked their website just now, but I remember attending birthday parties where they had a gym set up with climbing equipment for tots. Maybe a party for older kids could work there with mats on the floor and obstacles to hide behind?
I have been a guest at all three of the El Cerrito facility rentals. Here is info and photos: http://el-cerrito.org/619/Facility-Rental. They all have outside space as well, in case the weather cooperates with your event.
We rented a room at the American Legion in Marin and our renters' insurance agent (State Farm) was able to add the venue as an additional insured at no cost to us for $1M property damage and $1M personal liability. It was pretty quick and easy!
Try the community room at Sports Basement: https://shop.sportsbasement.com/blogs/community-spaces/community-room-1
Sports Basement has meeting rooms for rent! Might be a good fit!
I went to a similar party that was held at a climbing gym in El Cerrito. I think it was at Bridges.
I know the $1 million event insurance can sound scary, but as someone who has managed facility rental programs, it’s fairly standard and there are a lot of companies that can generate this insurance for you just for the day of your rental. Some folks have already made great suggestions, but if none of those apply to you, searching “one-day event insurance” will guide you to lots of options.