Thank you for considering an event at the Marblehead Parenting Tot Club!

Below are answers to common questions. Once you confirm a date, we will be in touch to go through all of the specifics.

Scheduling

At this time we are offering private parties on the following days:

Saturdays 10am-11:30am
Saturdays 1pm-2:30pm
Saturdays 4pm-5:30pm

Sundays 10am-11:30am
Sundays 1pm-2:30pm
Sundays 4pm-5:30pm


We may be able to adjust times slightly if other time slots are open that day. If you prefer early evening or to start your afternoon party a little later, please either make a note in your reservation or email us to discuss adjustments and questions.


**PRIVATE GROUPS: Email us if you are interested in reserving the entire space for private play with just your friends/family ($150)**
​

What Happens when I Book a Reservation? 

  1. Please visit our online store to see which dates/times are open
  2. Select the day and time you prefer (or if your preference is different than what is offered, select the time closest to the time you when you'd like to start and include a note... if we are not able to accommodate your special request, before your reservation is confirmed, your deposit will be refunded)
  3. After your request is submitted and your deposit paid, we will hold that spot for you while we confirm staff and will follow up with an email (typically within 7-10 business days) to address any questions you have and send a link to our online Host Agreement to lock in your reservation. 
  4. A week or two before your event, you will receive an email with an invoice for the remaining balance of the party fee, plus any add-ons you've requested. It is not due until the day of your event and can be paid online or you can pay at our front desk with a credit card when you arrive. 
  5. Please let us know within a week of your event if you have any special instructions or activities, we should be aware of and/or changes to the add-ons you requested (if you are adding something it might be pending availability so sooner is better). 

What's Included?

Party Basics - Base Price ($295):
  • Private use of our open play area for a full 90 minutes
  • Access 30 minutes early to setup/decorate
  • Up to 30 minutes post-event to pack up personal items
  • Some time slots may be eligible for +30 minutes for $30 (please note below if you are interested in that option)
  • Staff person onsite to assist with setup and post-party cleanup
Equipment Available for Use:
  • 4 Blue Child Height Tables (2’x4’ & 22” high)
  • 20 Blue Children’s chairs
  • 2 White IKEA highchairs
  • 4 Folding Tables (4ft long x 2ft wide adjustable heights)
  • 15 black folding chairs (adult size)
  • 5 White café tables (29.5”x29.5”)
  • 10 White café chairs (adult size)
  • Coffee maker (2L air-pot with a pump, 1.5L & 24oz insulated carafes) if you want to bring coffee to brew for your guests, etc. (the staff person can help operate it)
  • Small microwave and a small toaster oven 
  • Full size freezer and fridge space for ice, cake, ice cream, etc. 
  • A few standard dishes/bowls, silverware, etc. if you forget something, but can’t guarantee what will be available on that day.

COVID-19 Specific Party Policies:

**Info below is as of 02/22/2022 and subject to change based on state and local restrictions**
  • Capacity is currently restricted to 20 kids (babies in arms not included in the total)
  • We require at least 1 responsible adult per child/family is required to be onsite at all time (at this time we can't allow "drop-off parties" or provide additional supervision)
  • Masks are not required
  • ​We are now allowing food and beverages to be consumed on site for private events. However, if you have a larger group, keep in mind that a traditional set up (with a long table and chairs) in our party room may not allow guests to be social distanced while eating. You might want to consider individually wrapped treats to be taken home at the end of the party. We can provide tables in our entrance area for snacks and beverages (food is not allowed to be consumed inside the gated play area). ​
  • We'll be allowing a minimum of 1-hour between each party for a staff member to completely clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces, rotate toys, etc.
  • Our staff member will be instructed to assist at a safe social distance with setup, clean up, and any questions/issues that come up. While your event is happening, we expect them to give you and your guests space and even recommend they stay in another room with the door closed. If you need their assistance, please do not hesitate to knock.
  • Please stay abreast of state and local guidelines so you can plan your party accordingly.
  • See our full Health & Cleaning Policies and COVID Restrictions, and Guidelines HERE (subject to change based on the State and Local Guidelines)
  • NOTE: Once Confirmed, Party Deposits are NOT REFUNDABLE, however, if your party needs to be canceled or rescheduled due to COVID-related reasons/restrictions, we will help you reschedule or issue a credit that can be used towards future services.
​

What is the Host is Responsible for?

Unless otherwise arranged/confirmed in advance, the host is responsible for all supplies, entertainment, activities, equipment NOT listed above.

Including, but not limited to:
  • Balloons, themed party decorations
  • Table covers, cups, plates, napkins, eating utensils
  • Food, beverages, cake, candles, snacks, ice, condiments (Please note: we are a NUT FREE facility)
  • Serving containers/bowls
  • Beverage/ice bins
  • Entertainment & supervision of kids/guests, etc.

Please also note:
  • As the host of a private party you assume all responsibility for your guests, their safety and actions within the space, and all of the items, food, and beverages you and your guests bring in to the space.
  • Hosts must complete our Host Agreement in order to confirm your reservation, found here. 
  • We are a shoes off (for everyone) and socks required (for adults) space, so please let your guests know. If someone needs them, we have socks available to purchase for $2, let us know if you would like us to bill your guests directly or added to your bill.
  • We are a nut-free facility, please make sure the food and beverages you and your guests bring in the space are free of peanuts and other tree nuts (including almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, etc... coconut is OK)
  • Food is only allowed in the designated "Party Room" and our front check-in area, it is not allowed within the open play area or classrooms.
  • To protect everyone's health, we ask all guests (adults and children) to wash or sanitize their hands before they enter the space and if anyone has had signs of illness, fever or vomiting within 24hrs to please stay home.
  • We ask you to start wrapping up your party 15-20 minutes before your time is up. Please help your guests exit promptly at the scheduled end time of your party, so our staff member can safely do a thorough cleaning before the next scheduled group.
  • By hosting, attending, or participating in an event or activity at Marblehead Parenting, the host and guests agree to the terms, conditions and general liability waiver posted here on our website and printed/available for review at our front desk.


Info to Share with Guests


As the host, please share the following important information with your group prior to their arrival so they all know what to expect:
  • Party Location & Information: 40 Tioga Way, Suite 350, Marblehead, MA 01945
    • There is a parking lot in front and to the side of the building.
    • Please take the elevator to the 3rd floor and follow the signs.
  • Capacity Limits: At this time private group sizes are limited to 20 children (children over 6 months old). We expect at least one adult from each family/household (or an assigned representative) to remain onsite throughout the event. At this time we cannot allow or provide additional staff for “drop-off” parties.
  • Masks: Are at the discretion of the host. 
  • Hand Washing/Sanitizing & Health Practices: Everyone must wash (in the bathroom) or sanitize their hands upon entering the space. Please also use the hand sanitizing stations around the space when moving from one play area to another.
  • Remove Shoes & Wear Socks: socks are required for adults but not for children. If an adult forgets to bring socks, we can provide a pair for $2 cash or we can start a tab and invoice the host at the end of the session.
  • Child Supervision & Health Safety: Please stay near enough to your child to help cover sneezes and coughs. If your child has tasted a toy, please put them in the provided “used toys” collection bins and wipe any surfaces (with provided wipes) that are dribbled and drooled on. Please also make sure older siblings/guests are mindful of the little ones and careful with equipment that is meant for the smaller/younger children.
  • Food, Snacks, & Beverages: Please note we are a nut-free facility and food must remain in designated areas (party room and entrance/check-in areas). Food is not allowed to be consumed inside the gated play area. ​
  • Staff: We will typically only have one staff member present at a time. For their safety and yours, we ask them to greet you from a distance, make sure questions are answered, help with setup, and then we suggest they give your guests space and spend most of their time in the staff office or in other rooms as much as they can during your party. But PLEASE don’t hesitate to knock on the door if you have an issue or questions.
  • End of Your Visit: We know some kids (and guests) have a hard time transitioning when they are having fun! So, we ask you to start wrapping up your party 15-20 minutes before your time is up. Please help your guests exit promptly at the scheduled end time of your party, so our staff member can safely do a thorough cleaning before the next scheduled group.

For more information on our general policies & liability waiver and our COVID health & cleaning policies see visit these links:

https://www.marbleheadparenting.com/policies--general-waiver-of-liability.html

https://www.marbleheadparenting.com/health-policies--cleaning-protocols.html

Possible Add-ons (pending availability)


  • $10 Bubble Machine
  • $10 Disco Light Machine
  • $25 Small Bounce House** – set up in the large classroom (needs to be supervised by the host)
  • $30 extra 30 min*
  • $20-30 per hour – extra staff helper/or paid supervision in the play space*
  • $15 Sara’s homemade play dough activity only (not take home)
  • $6/child - themed play dough party favor jars
  • $40 Face/Hand Painting (subject to availability)*
  • $75 – 150 Programming/music/class/activity*
  • $75 – 150 Themed Activity* -Not Currently Available
  • $TBD Character visit* (needs to be booked directly with the agency, we can provide contact info & recommendations)

* Pending availability and must be requested, arranged, and confirmed in advance.
** Bounce house is best for children 4yrs and under and need to be supervised by the host/appointed person to ensure safety, social distancing, and use by only 1 child at a time.

Other FAQs & Tips

What's the difference between Private Group Play and Private Parties?

Private parties include extra time and a staff person to assist with setting up for your party. We also allot extra time at the end for your family to collect your personal items, take down decorations, and for our staff member to do some extra cleaning as necessary. We also configure the space differently for large gatherings and provide additional equipment, tables, chairs, supplies, as needed.

We are able to charge less for private group play sessions because we can accommodate more of them in a single day and they are usually scheduled for several recurring dates at a time.

**PRIVATE GROUPS: Email us if you are interested in reserving the entire space or a smaller room for a private activity**
​

What's the Basic Setup?

 Below is our typical set up, but as the host you are welcome to arrange tables as you see fit!
  • Entry/Check-in area
    • 2 - regular white cafe tables and/or 1 - folding table (raised high) for any beverages and/or snacks, etc. you'd like to have available before cake time
    • 1 - folding table or the counter top for party favors/gifts
  • In the party room 
    • 1 or 2 – 2x4ft Folding table in the party room (can be high/med/low, your call!!)
    • 4 - low blue kids tables + 20 chairs (usually set up in a single long row)
    • 2 - high chairs we can have in there for the wee ones
    • 4-5 - extra wooden kids chairs if needed for extra seating
  • Just outside the party room (we move the reading nook and bump the gate/wall out for additional seating/food area)
    • 1 - folding table for snacks/bevs you'd like to have available before cake time
    • 2-3 - white cafe tables w/ 2-3 chairs each for extra seating
  • The Play Area
    • Shoes are not allowed in the play area, we require socks for adults (socks are optional for children)*
    • Food is not allowed in the play area and must remain in the check-in area or the designated party room
    • Beverages with lids (or non-staining/water) are OK in the play area
    • For parties we typically move the reading nook across to the other side of the play room so we can bump out the gates in front of the party room, otherwise the layout is similar to the way it is during open play
    • Please ask guests to supervise their children at all times and to be respectful of the equipment and help encourage children to walk (especially the bigger kiddos)
    • Our staff member will notify the host if they see unsafe activities, but should not be relied upon to supervise the children
    • The host may be charged for damage to property and equipment that goes beyond basic or appropriate use
    • If you choose to add the bounce house (usually set up in the largest classroom) please ensure parents are supervising their children or designate someone to keep an eye on it for safety
    • If you have a special activity or craft that requires a designated area within the space, please make sure to discuss that with us so we can help recommend an appropriate location
    • The room in the far, back, right corner has a gate in front of it and has activities for slightly older children that may be choking hazards to babies (like small legos)

OTHER RESOURCES & RECOMMENDATIONS

We'll keep adding to this list so let us know if you try something we have listed and/or a good experience with another local resource and we'll add it to the list!!
  • Balloons
  • DIY
    • We have an electric balloon pump (regular air) you may borrow
    • Helium Tanks
      • Party City
      • Target
      • Amazon
    • Filled Balloons and/or will fill yours for a fee
      • Crosby’s
      • CVS (might be only for the Mylar ones you buy there)
  • Catering/Platters/Pizza
    • Bagel World
    • Evan’s Deli (bagel trays, fruit platters, sandwiches, etc.)
    • Maria’s Gourmet
    • The Marblehead Community Store
    • Whole Foods
    • Dominos allows you to schedule delivery in advance and track progress online
  • Food Ideas
    • Morning Parties
      • Bagels, pastries, donuts, lox
      • Fruit bowl/platter/skewers
      • Coffee & Mimosas for adults
      • Sandwich platter (towards the end)
    • Afternoon / Evening Parties
      • Pizza
      • Sandwich platter
      • Veggie platter
      • Pretzels, chips, goldfish, pirates' booty, etc.



Photos for Ideas