My new babysitting co-op is planning to have a party in February so that all of the families can get to know each other better. There will be approximately 15 adults and 8 toddlers. Does anyone know of places that have cheap meeting or community rooms to use for a couple of hours? Maybe a local rec center, library or coffee shop? Most of us live in St. Paul, so we're looking for a place in St. Paul or close by.
Depending on where you live; try Davanni's Pizza and Hot Hoagies. Many of the locations have party rooms and the menu has something for everyone!!!
I know Woodlake nature center costs about 25-30$ to rent but not sure if they are open evenings. But they have a room you can use and bring your own toys and food. They also have toys there as well.
My local library has a free community/meeting room that my daughter uses for her Brownie meetings it's in Savage though, I would check with your local library.
L.,
I am in a babysitting group in Bloomington that has been around for well over 35+ years. We have 30 families and use a local church for our annual meeting (when we will have all members arrive). If one of your members is connected to a church in St. Paul, perhaps they can check about using a room (the nursery). Hopefully, it would be free, but as a good-faith gesture, the group could simply collect some money and offer it back to the church as a donation.
We hold social events in the summer (so a park works out the best) and then another in the fall (but this is generally just for the mom (or dad), so no kids and it is more of an open house, so not all members come, nor do they come at the same time, so we generally just have at someone's house and the rest bring some refreshments.
If you want any information on how our group runs, let me know. I'd be happy to share.
Our co-op has been invaluable to our family (not only helping with childcare needs, but creating another level of friendships and resources within the community). I use it for a lot of things (shopping, hair appointments, school conferences, business meetings, and of course, when our schedules permit, for a date night...)
S.
Hi L.,
Wow, what a great idea! Wish there was a group like that in Oakdale that I knew of! Would love to be able to get out without the kids in tow once in a while, especially during this cold werather.
My husband belongs to the Twin City Ancient Coin Club. They hold their meetings at Immanuel (sp?) Lutheran Church on Snelling in St. Paul, not sure if the church charges them.
Check out your public library. I know most of them have meeting rooms and depending on the type of event they are either free or there is a minimal fee.
Cafe Bene on Cleaveland Avenue has a nice meeting room down the hall from the Coffee shop and Davanni's pizza. The only stipulation is that if you order any food it be from them.
I believe The Loft in Mpls has free community rooms, it may be a bit more tricky getting there because of the bridge being gone but the space is beautiful.
Rondo in St Paul has a nice room that would fit your needs. You can bring food in and even some toys to keep the kids occupied. It also has a sink for convenience. I know it's free to non profits so I'm assuming it would be for you too.
Davanni's at Grand and Cleveland has a room. Bright and clean, but you'd have to order something to eat...
