Look, I’m not here to judge you or tell you that alcohol is bad or breaking the law is immoral. Personally, I think that it’s ridiculous that we’re one of the only countries in the world where 18 year olds can’t drink. But the fact is that fake I.D.s are expensive and difficult to procure, and some people just don’t want to drink or break the law. I’m not going to include anything absurdly obvious like walk around midtown or try great food, or things that you could do anywhere like going bowling or to the movies. Even so, there will be a million things left off of this list-- but here’s your beginner’s guide to squeaky clean fun that still feels college-worthy.
1.Go see Upright Citizens Brigade, the People's Improv Theater, or any number of other great improv/comedy shows
You’re in NYC, one of the improv capitals of the world. There are so many great cheap and even free shows available that you could go to one every night and never get bored or broke.
2. Go to a morning rave
These tend to be a little bit pricier, but they’re insanely fun-- just like a normal rave, minus the drugs, alcohol, and poor choices. If you love a party atmosphere, morning raves are the place for you.
3. Go to Chelsea Market
It’s free to get in, and filled with delicious cheap food (I recommend Los Tacos) and awesome local stores.
4. Go to SPIN
Ping Pong. Celebrities.
5. Go to the Brooklyn Night Bazaar
Like a normal bazaar, but 10x more hipster. And that’s saying a lot.
6. Go to a cat cafe
Who needs alcohol when you have kittens and pastries?
7. Enjoy the free entertainment at Central Park
Both in terms of people watching and all of the performance artists who set up-- you can spend a whole day in Central Park and never get bored.
