Boston University Fitness & Recreation Center

Facility Rentals

Birthday Parties

The Fitness and Recreation Center is the perfect place for birthday parties. With a variety of options, there's fun for all ages!

Click here to go to our Birthday Party Reservation Request Form.

Our basic party package includes an hour of activity in the pool, the gym, or on the climbing wall plus an additional 45 minutes in a party area with seating for up to 15 guests.

Availability Update:

As of 5.15.13

We are currently accepting requests for summer birthday parties. The following dates are available.

Rec Pool -
June - 8, 15, 22, 23, 29, 30
July - 7, 27
August - 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18

Climbing Wall -
June - 8, 9, 15, 22, 23, 29, 30
July - 7, 27
August - 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18

Gym -
June - 9, 23, 30
July - 7, 28
August - 4, 11, 18

Birthday Party Rates:

Affiliate = $215 and Non-BU = $299

All parties include 1 hour of activity followed by 45 minutes in the party room.
All party rates include 15 participants.
There is a $75 charge to increase the number of participants beyond 15. Please see limits below.
Combination parties can be arranged on a space available basis. There is a $125 charge to add a second activity. Options include: wall/pool, wall/gym, and gym/pool.

Type of Party	Min. Age	Max. # of Participants	Supervisors Included	General Availability
Pool	5	25	2	Sat. - 2pm-5pm Sun. - 2pm-3pm
Climbing Wall	8	20	3	Sat. - 12:30pm-2:30pm Sun. - 12:30pm-2:30pm
Gym	5	25	2	Sat. - 2:30pm-4:30pm Sun. - 12pm-2pm

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I make a reservation?

Please complete the Online Birthday Party Request Form to begin the process. Completion of this form does not guarantee a reservation. If your request can be accommodated, you will be required to complete a rental agreement and make a non-refundable $50 deposit to hold date.
Requests should be made 6 weeks in advance. Requests made less than 2 weeks in advance will not be accommodated.

What does the rental fee include?

Depending on the type of party you select, the rate includes:
Rec Pool - exclusive use of the recreation pool, lifeguards, and pool toys.
Climbing Wall - exclusive use of the wall, wall supervisors, climbing equipment.
Gym - exclusive use of 1 basketball court, leader to coordinate games and sports equipment.
In the party room, tables, chairs, trash barrels are provided.

What is the cancellation policy?
There is a $50 non-refundable deposit required to secure the date. The balance is due two weeks in advance of the party. Cancellation less than two weeks prior to the beginning of the rental period results in forfeiture of 100% of the total rental fee.

What do I do when I arrive?

Upon arrival, the host must check-in at the front desk and provide the FitRec staff with a guest list. It is a good idea to invite guests to arrive 15 minutes before the actual rental time. That way, everyone is ready to play when the rental begins. The group will gather in the lobby and be escorted to the reserved area at the designated time.

Is there a waiver form that participants need to sign?

All participants must submit a waiver of liability upon arrival. For anyone under 18 years of age, this form must be signed by a parent or guardian. Anyone without a properly signed form will not be allowed to enter the Fitness and Recreation Center.

Can we decorate the party room?

Most people choose to limit their decorations to colorful tablecloths and festive plates/cups. Balloons are another decoration that’s festive and easy to clean up. Groups are not allowed into the room early for set-up and must be out on time as parties are booked back-to-back.

Piñatas are NOT allowed.
Decorations can NOT be adhered to the walls, lights, or ceiling.
Squirt guns and "poppers" are prohibited.

Can we order pizza?

Many groups choose to order pizza and have it delivered to the Fitness and Recreation Center. The delivery person must be met by the host in the main lobby.

What is the swim assessment?

At the beginning of each party, children must participate in a swim assessment administered by a Boston University lifeguard. The swim assessment consists of swimming one length of the pool (20 yards) and demonstrating rhythmic breathing with face in the water.

Do parents need to be in the water with the children during pool parties?

For the safety of all children, anyone unable to satisfactorily complete the swim assessment (or who chooses not to take the assessment) must be accompanied by an adult and remain within arm’s reach of the adult while in the pool. If a parent is unsure of their child’s swim ability, said parent should come to the party prepared to swim. There is no additional charge to the host for adults in the water.

Are swim caps required in the recreation pool?

Swim caps are NOT required during rentals.

Are towels provided for pool parties?

You must bring your own towel to a pool party.

What types of pool toys are available for my group to use?
The lifeguards will provide small inner tubes for use in the lazy river, noodles, a basketball hoop, balls, and volleyball net.

Are helmets required on the climbing wall?
All children 12 and under are required to wear a helmet when climbing. These helmets are provided by the Fitness and Recreation Center.

What types of activities are offered in the gym?
Some popular options include: basketball, soccer, dodgeball, kickball, capture the flag, relay races, tag games, an obstacle course or parachute games.

Do you provide invitations?

We do have generic birthday party invitations that can be given to the host upon request. The invitations have the required waiver form on the back as well as parking information.

How do I get to the Fitness and Recreation Center?

Directions can be found at: http://www.bu.edu/fitrec/facilities/fitrec/directions.html

Where should I park?

**Parking can not be validated or guaranteed by the Fitness and Recreation Center.**

Helpful Hints: Metered parking is available along Commonwealth Avenue for $.25 for 12 minutes, quarters only (Monday - Saturday, 8am-6pm). There is a parking garage at Agganis Arena which charges $2/hour (Max. $12/day) on Non-Event days.

For more information about Agganis Events and possible parking conflicts, visit: http://www.agganisarena.com/events/calendar/calendar.asp

If an event is scheduled at Agganis during your birthday party, alternate parking is available at the 808 Commonwealth ave lot. It can be seen on this map as the "P" next to building 15. Guests must identify themselves to the attendant as attending a FitRec event. They will then receive discounted parking for $5.