Nobody ever said being under 21 was easy.

Then again, nobody ever said it has to be boring, either.

While some students attend fraternity and apartment parties, there are many alcohol-free activities.

Several local venues that are close to campus offer entertainment for underagers.

Every Tuesday night there is dance club action at Players Nite Club, 112 W. College Ave.

For $5, patrons can dance the night away. The nightclub features a DJ, a large dance floor and nonalcoholic beverages.

The downtown location is easily accessible from the dorms by a bus ride on the Centre Area Transportation Authority Campus or Town Loop. The closest stop is near the intersection of College Avenue and Allen Street.

The action starts at 9 p.m. and the club shuts its doors at 1 a.m. People are encouraged to arrive early because of long lines.

"It usually starts happening around 9:30ish to quarter till 10," said Bill Rock general manager of the club.

Be sure to bring a state-issued ID with a birth date and a picture. Anyone over the age of 18 can attend.

Also, through the month of August, there is under-21 night on Wednesdays.

"Anyone over the age of 13 can get in," Rock said. "But we don't get many 13-year-olds in here."

On Wednesdays the club opens its doors at 8 p.m. and closes down at midnight.

Another option is LateNight Penn State in the HUB-Robeson Center.

It has different activities on Thursdays and weekend nights. Activities are available on Thursdays from 9 p.m. until midnight and every Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Schedules of this fall's activities can be found on the Internet at www.latenight.psu.edu.

"We have a really wide range of student activities," Grenoble said. "We have creative crafts, music, dances, comedians and other variety events."

A Penn State student ID is required to attend most events, but sometimes students can bring guests.

"Everybody always likes it when we show movies," Grenoble said. "Usually we allow students to bring a guest to the movies."

Most activities are free of charge because the student activity fee students are charged pays for LateNight Penn State.

However, a fitness pass is necessary for some activities that take place in the White Building.

"A fitness pass is required for anything that happens in the weight room or at the pool," said Erin Grenoble, staff assistant for student activities. "But you don't need a pass attend the open gyms where there are open courts available to play basketball and other sports."

The goal of the program is to give Penn State students an alcohol-free environment where they can interact with other students and gain leadership skills.

Students who are looking for live music should check out The Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave.

Although most nights are for the over-21 crowd, there are all-age shows.

There is no set cost to the shows but most range from $10 to $15. Bands range from the lesser known to the famous.

Recent all-age shows have included Our Lady Peace, Dashboard Confessional and Andrew W.K.

Information about upcoming shows is available on the Web at www.crowbarlivemusic.com.

The Crowbar is located within walking distance to the campus and most dorms.

A state-issued ID is required to attend the concerts.

Other venues include a movie theater and many different eateries and coffee shops dotting the downtown streets.

Popular late-night spots vary according to a person's taste.

Freshmen who take a quick walk downtown on a weekend night will discover other businesses of possible interest.