There you are, strolling through the city on a Saturday night, wallowing in your under-21 blues. You begin to approach a packed club, and you can’t enter because the birth date on your license screams “underage.”
It’s tough to be in college and under 21. Besides the obvious fact that you cannot drink legally, you get carded almost everywhere you go, and most clubs and bars will not even allow you in if you are too young.
But being under 21 does not mean you cannot have just as much fun as your older peers, especially in a city like Philadelphia, which offers many different places to enjoy.
If there is one spot in the city you can always count on for fun and entertainment, it’s South Street. There you will find an eclectic mix of shops and eateries to pass the time, as well as a diverse, not to mention young, group of people.
The Theater of Living Arts, located on 334 South St., is a fun place to go and hang out with the under-21 crowd to hear great live music.
A wide array of rock, punk and hip-hop take the stage at the TLA. The atmosphere is fun and energetic.
Take advantage of your youthful energy and go for a relaxing bike ride on Boathouse Row.
This scenic trail is located along Kelly Drive on the beautiful Schuylkill River and is a great place to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.
The park’s paved bike path is the perfect location to walk, jog, or skate while enjoying the scenery.
Fairmount Park, the largest urban park in the country, is another ideal location for such activities. Whether you want to take a walk, play Frisbee, or picnic in the park’s vast open fields, the possibilities are endless.
If you are looking for a place to hang out downtown, then pay a visit to LOVE Park in Center City. Though skateboarding is no longer allowed in the park, it is a worthwhile place to visit and admire the city’s famous LOVE sculpture.
Rittenhouse Square is one of Philadelphia’s biggest hot spots and a prime location to spend time. During the day the area’s lively park is perfect for reading, enjoying the outdoors and people-watching without straying outside of Center City.
At night you can safely enjoy the area’s trendy outdoor cafes and bright, charming streets.
For a place to hang out and watch the game, you will not have to go very far. The Draught Horse, located right on campus at 1431 Cecil B. Moore Ave., is a great place to go where you do no have to be 21 to get in.
After you have visited all these places and still have the urge to let loose on the dance floor, have no fear, there are several clubs in the city that reserve special nights for the 18 and over crowd.
Chrome, Shampoo and Egypt are three of the most popular clubs in the city for underagers looking to have a good time.
So stop counting down the months until you turn 21. Instead, take advantage of what the city has to offer so you don’t have to experience another boring weekend at college.
Gina Sicilia can be reached at gina123@temple.edu.
Be the first to comment