Indoor Do-it-Yourself Party Spaces in and around Scarsdale

When my children were babies, lots of people told me how lucky I was that they were born in the winter because they would be the oldest in their classes, and thereby have a (purported) advantage. And then came the day when people started saying to me, "Oh, that bites! Both your kids are born in the winter? So you can NEVER have a party outside?" Which was around the same time that my daughter handed me a list of 37 kids (not really yet drop-off age, so add about 25 adults) that she wanted to invite to her themed party that I was hoping to host in my "cozy" house.

So I started to hunt for another venue and found that indoor party space rentals aren't easy to come by in the Scarsdale area as most come pre-themed with limited choices for entertainment. There are bounce houses, craft studios, sports clubs, pools, gymnastics venues, dance studios, and more, but most of these require that you use their services for your party. But what if you want to run your own party or hire entertainment like a clown, magician, or character to come for the kids and you just want space? Here's a run down of your options:

Alcott School
With a big parking lot and many available time slots, Alcott School on Crane Road in Scarsdale offers party planners a gym space for up to 25 preschool aged children. Parties can be held on weekends in the morning or the afternoon. The cost is $150 for a 90-minute party, $75 of which is for the space and $75 of which goes to the party attendant in cash. The party can be extended to 2 hours for an additional $15 paid to the staff member. You can get there 30 minutes ahead of time to set up. Alcott School, 46 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale. 914-472-4404.

Congregation Kol Ami
This synagogue has a gym that is almost the size of a regulation-size basketball court. Kol Ami in White Plains rents out space regularly for kids birthday parties. They provide tables and chairs as well as ice by request, and you bring everything else. Most people bring in professional entertainment for the kids. There's a large parking lot next to the building. Parties can only be held on Sundays from 12:30-2:00 PM. The cost is $200 per hour and it's requested that you tip the custodial staff, but very little clean up is required. Congregation Kol Ami, 252 Soundview Avenue, White Plains. 914-949-4717

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Your child can have up to 30 friends party hardy in the large gymnasium that is part of the Greek Orthodox Church in nearby New Rochelle. They provide a long cafeteria table and chairs and have free parking for guests. But reserve far in advance, because winter books up fast. Most parties run 90-120 minutes and it's requested by the church that parties have planned entertainment of some sort so that kids don't run wild in the gym. It's a perfect venue for any sports-themed party. All paper goods must be brought in and all trash must be taken out. The cost for a 90-minute party is $200 plus $30 for the custodian. Add $35 and your party can be two hours. (A $125 damage deposit is required.) Greek Orthodox Church, 10 Mill Road, New Rochelle. 914-235-6100.

JCC of Mid-Westchester
There are three social halls available for rent at the JCC. The first can hold up to 20 people, the second up to 30, and the third can hold up to 40. The cost is $300 for the first two and $400 for the larger room. More than one space can be rented at a time and the space is not limited to children's parties. There is ample parking in the attached lots. The Bendheim Theater can be rented out as well for $1,000 and can hold up to 220 people. Although people usually bring their own food, the JCC can arrange for coffee, tea, or food for an additional cost. You do not need to be a JCC member to rent this space. JCC of Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale. 914-472-3300.

Scarsdale Friends Meeting House
Just down the road from Scarsdale Village is the historic Quaker Meeting House that has party rental space availability on Saturdays and Sundays after 2:30 (most weekends) and weekdays after 1 PM (most days). The relatively large party room can hold up to 30 kids and there is an attached parking lot, a gated playground and an updated kitchen. Party hosts can use the tables and chairs, but tablecloths must be provided and furniture must be returned to its original position. The party host is responsible for taking out the trash and sweeping the floor as well as turning off the lights and locking up. The space can be rented for classes or meetings as well. The cost is $40 per hour plus set-up and clean-up time (estimated to be one hour) and an additional $10 per hour for use of the kitchen. Scarsdale Friends Meeting House, 133 Popham Road, Scarsdale. 914-472-6550.

Wayside Cottage
Offering a glimpse into the past, Wayside Cottage on Post Road in Scarsdale is the home of the Junior League of Central Westchester and rents out space for larger parties (not limited to kids parties). A maximum of 75 people can party like it's the year 1720. There is very limited parking right outside the cottage, but guests can park at Scarsdale High School and walk up to the cottage (carefully, since Wayside Lane has no sidewalk or shoulder). The Village of Scarsdale sets the price for the cottage rental at $225 plus a $100 cleaning fee. Wayside Cottage, 1039 Post Road, Scarsdale. 914-723-6130.

YMCA
The YMCA in White Plains has several space options available for rent for kids parties as well as grown-up parties or meetings. The community room holds up to 125 people and has tables, chairs, and speakers that can be set up by Y staff. The cost is $125 for up to 2 hours and $100 per hour after that. The gymnasium is also available for rent and your child can have a do-it-yourself sports party here or you can hire Y staff or your own coaches to lead the party. For $150 for 2 hours, your child and up to 124 additional people have access to a gym with sports equipment available for your use (jump ropes, basketballs, soccer balls, etc.). Chairs and tables can be set up for pizza and cake. Lastly, the pool can be rented for a free-swim pool party. Up to 22 kids can be in the pool at any one time and if there are more kids at the party, they can rotate in and out of the pool for the hour. A lifeguard staffs the party. Pool parties are available on Saturdays from 3:30-5:30 and include an hour in the pool followed by an hour in the community room for food and cake. The cost is $350 for members or $425 for non-members. YMCA, 250 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains. 914-949-8030.

Are there other spaces you have rented out for parties? Or if you have used one of these spaces please write a review of it in the comments section below: