Birthday FAQ's

1. What if we have more than the maximum number of children for a Birthday Room rental?
2. Is adult admission included in the price of the Private Party and Museum Rental?
3. Can we have decorations?
4. Can we use the kitchen in the Annex?
5. Can we bring our own food and drinks?
6. Is there parking for our guests?
7. Where can we unload our party goods?

What if we have more than the maximum number of children for a Birthday Room rental?

We encourage hosts inviting more than 8 children to reserve a Private Party or an Exclusive Museum rental. There is a $25 per child charge for more than 8 children over 12 months who attend a Birthday Room party and an $8.50 charge for more than 16 adults. Top

Is adult admission included in the price of the Private Party and Museum Rental?

The $150 deposit covers six children and six adults, and is the minimum charge for the Birthday Room rental. If you have seven or eight children, you will be charged an additional $25 per child on the day of your party. If more than 8 children attend your Birthday Room party, which we discourage, you will be charged $30 per child. Top

Can we have decorations?

Hosts are welcome to decorate their rented party space with the following conditions:

• Decorations may not be affixed with nails, push pins, tape or other adhesive that removes paint. Painter's tape is recommended.
• All decorations must be removed at the end of your party. Habitot is not responsible for decorations left behind.
• Latex balloons are not permitted. Mylar balloons are OK.
• Decorations may not be draped over lighting tracks (this is a fire hazard). Ceiling pipes may be used.
• We do encourage you to bring table cloths or plastic coverings for tables.
• Pinatas are permitted ONLY in the main museum during after-hour rentals. Hosts must bring their own rope and batting equipment and agree to pick up all remaining candies, as well as ensure safety for guests and museum property while using a pinata. Top

Can we use the kitchen in the Annex?

The only party that has full access to the kitchen in the Annex is the Private Party. Hosts for these parties may use the kitchen sink, stove and refrigerator. Hosts of Exclusive Museum rentals after hours may temporarily store food in the refrigerator/freezer and your attendant will retrieve your food as you need it. For an additional fee of $200, which will include a second party attendant, Exclusive Museum rentals may occupy and fully use the Annex space. Hosts of Birthday Room rentals may use the refrigerator/freezer in the Annex only if the Annex is not occupied before, during or after your party. Top

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Hosts are welcome to bring their own food with the following conditions:

• No peanut or peanut-containing foods are permitted (please read labels).
• No alcohol may be provided unless you receive express permission from us which can be granted only upon 1) signing our alcohol waiver and 2) providing evidence of additional insured on your homeowners policy for the date of your party.
• Hosts must make an effort to clean up guests' food and beverage spills during your party to avoid permanent soiling of Habitot's carpet. Significant damage from food and beverages will result in additional charges as spelled out in your contract. Top
  

Is there parking for our guests?

Metered street parking is occasionally available. A better option is fee-based parking garages, two of which are within one block of the museum: one on Kittredge St. just west of Habitot's main entrance, and the other on Allston Way one block north of the museum. Just across the street from the Allston parking garage is an elevator entrance to Habitot at the end of a well-marked alley. Both garages charge $2.50 per hour. Top

Where can we unload our party goods?

The most accessible place to unload party goods is the lift at the main Kittredge St. entrance. Habitot can provide a flatbed cart and/or a dolly; we recommend beverage coolers with wheels. There is also an elevator entrance on Allston Way at the end of a well-marked alley just across the street from the parking garage; on Sundays, Habitot staff will need to unlock the entrance door and turn on the elevator for your use. In all cases, please check in at the front desk or call 510-647-1111 x10 to let us know that you have arrived so that Habitot staff can assist you in loading and unloading your party supplies. PLEASE NOTE: Parking and unloading/loading in the building's loading dock not permitted by the building's landlord. Top

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