Top 21 Things to Do When You're Under 21 on the Main Line

No ID is required for these adventures.

Being under 21 can feel like a downer, especially when it precludes you from attending certain events, like concerts. Still, the Main Line provides plenty of fun for those who haven’t yet hit that milestone. The bevy of local universities and colleges with students in that age range has given way to plenty of non-age restricted fun. Here are 21 options for the under 21 suburban Philadelphia crowd.

1. Aerial Yoga

This much-hyped yoga feels something like flying. Purenergy Yoga Studio

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21 Plank Ave., Paoli.

2. Spruce Street Harbor

This Philadelphia hotspot is a great destination year round. Located on the Delaware Riverfront, it affords runners, walkers and visitors spectacular water views of New Jersey. Swan boats and paddleboard yoga are offered in the summer for those more interested in getting on the water. Over 50 colorful hammocks adorn the park all summer long and in the winter, Spruce Street Harbor transforms into an ice skating rink and makeshift ski chalet. Pop-up restaurants and food trucks are often nearby to sample Philly favorites like crab fries from Chickie’s & Pete’s and fried chicken from Federal Donuts.

Columbus Blvd. and Spruce St., Philadelphia.

3. Clover Market

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This impressive market features over 100 vendors with antiques, collectibles and vintage treasures, alternating between Bryn Mawr and two towns in New Jersey. It’s a great place to explore the work of local artisans and find unique gifts. Food trucks, free crafts and live music make every second and fourth Sunday of each month a memorable one.

7 N. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr.

4. Bryn Mawr Film Institute

BMFI is more than a just a movie theatre—it’s a national landmark dating back to 1926, when it was known as the Seville Theater. In addition to some current releases, it has events for serious cinephilia, including film classes, discussions of iconic moments and special showings of classic movies. Filmmakers can even show their masterpieces on the theater’s big screen on Monday mornings.

824 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr.

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5. Color Me Mine

Mondays are College Days at this pottery painting spot. A student ID gets customers 50 percent off the studio fee, or bring a friend on Tuesday and one gets in for free. Color Me Mine is an accessible means of exercising creativity—simply pick a piece of pottery and paint it. Mugs, bowls, piggy banks, plates…the options are endless. After painting, the studio fires your creation and your only job is to pick it up and impress your friends with a colorful new addition to your dorm room dish collection.

109 W Lancaster Ave., Wayne.

6. Escape Room Mystery

Try to get out of this new life-size puzzle. The facility is divided into four rooms, each of which holds its audience captive until they free themselves. Adventurers will appreciate how movie-like this set looks and feels. Head there with a few clever friends and see how long it takes to put your minds together and escape.

840 1st Ave., King of Prussia.

7. Longwood Gardens

Each season at this famed local botanical wonderland brings new attractions that will leave visitors awestruck. The Christmas lights at the holidays and the Nightscape light and sound experience are not to be missed. Longwood Gardens also hosts many concerts throughout the year (local Kevin Bacon and his brother frequently perform) and has several eateries onsite that feature foods grown locally. At the very least, the trails, tree houses, and greenhouses make it a beautiful place to take a walk. Plus, students get a discounted admission rate.

1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square.

8. Linvilla Orchards

What’s more satisfying than eating fresh foods? Going out at picking them yourself. Linvilla Orchards in Media grows apples, peaches, strawberries, corn and more, all of which visitors can pick. Head to the fields on a hayride and fill boxes with ripe fruits and veggies and colorful blooms. Afterwards, stop by the Farm Market for some warm bread and jam or swing by the Barnyard to pet goats and emus.

137 W. Knowlton Road, Media.

9. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

Handel’s is open year-round, and lines, no matter the weather, and is one of the Main Line’s best places to get hand dipped ice cream. Try four different flavors with the Scoop Sampler or bring a pint or quart home. The fan-favorite candy cane ice cream is a winter hit if you’re willing to brave the cold for a delicious frozen treat. There’s a flavor of the month option perfect to try when you’re melting faster than your cone. Malted milkshakes and the thick dark chocolate shell of a Handel Pop are also available.

576 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn.

10. iFly

Get the free-fall feeling without the hassle of scheduling a real skydiving session. iFly has two wind tunnels that allow jumping, sans parachute. Participants are strapped to an instructor and can fly next to a friend. Split four falls with a friend for $140.80 total and walk away with a video clip of your session.

290 Goddard Blvd., King of Prussia.

11. Valley Forge

Spend the day at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Hike or bike the approximately 30 miles of trails that meander over historic fields and creeks. Test your knowledge of American history as you pass George Washington’s 1777-1778 winter encampment and enjoy exploring the settlement and battle replicas scattered throughout the park.

1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia.

12. Grand Slam

Batting cages or laser tag are reason enough to visit this indoor entertainment complex in Malvern, but you’ll end up loving the new ninja obstacle course and traditional arcade games, too. There’s a 9-hole glow-in-the-dark mini golf course and moon bounce arena, making it the perfect place to spend spare change and get silly with friends. Channel your inner child or just de-stress ahead of finals.

11 Lancaster Ave., Malvern.

13. Bowling

This often overlooked option somehow always ends up being a blast. Start a little friendly competition at Wynnewood Lanes

2228 Haverford Road, Ardmore.

14. Minella’s Diner

This iconic Main Line eatery has been around for 55 years and is known for its classic booths and ad-filled paper placemats. Enjoy a midnight diner run (it’s open 24 hours) and pick a piece of cake from the expansive glass case filled with homemade baked goods. Mozzarella sticks, root beer floats, and gyros are also Minella’s must-haves. Breakfast is traditional diner specialties. Pancakes, anyone?

320 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne.

15. Spring Mountain

Winter warriors will love Spring Mountain for both its close-to-home location and the access it gives to fresh powder when the Poconos are unreachable. If skiing and snowboarding don’t sound appealing, take advantage of snow tubing and a warm lodge. In the summer, the mountain offers ziplining canopy tours that test agility as you fly through the trees and make your way across a series of obstacles high in the air. There’s a fairly steep section for adventurous mountain bikers to explore, as well as a rock wall.

757 Spring Mount Road, Schwenksville.

16. Mann Music Center

This Philadelphia venue has both an indoor and outdoor area available to concertgoers, making it great for front row groupies and those who simply enjoy good weather and good music. Tickets are inexpensive and local alternative radio stations WXPN and Radio 104.5 host their favorite bands here all summer long. Philly’s favorite food trucks also stop by.

5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia.

17. Planetarium

Treat yourself to a night of stargazing no matter the weather. The Franklin Institute’s Joel M. Bloom Observatory hosts monthly after-hours events, each of which features a different astral theme. Wander the Institute from 7 to 10 p.m. and look through the telescope on the rooftop or engage in an experiment for a hands-on approach to learning about planets and stars. The cost of the event is $5 per person, which includes a show in the Fels Planetarium and a star map.

222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia.

18. Elmwood Park Zoo

Channel your inner zookeeper at this charming local zoo, which is constantly holding fun events aimed at educating Main Liners on the animals that call it home. Watch the resident animal experts feed bison, giraffes, and more, or grab some grub yourself at the novel taco truck. After you’re done looking at the over 75 species the zoo hosts, take to the trees on a zipline game course at Treetop Adventures.

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown.

19. The Media Theatre

This theater is your access to Broadway. Enjoy shows of the highest caliber featuring talented local performers for around $50—way cheaper than going to New York. The Delaware County nonprofit puts on both musical and plays year-round—usually five Broadway musicals and five children’s shows. Interested in joining in the fun? The theater offers classes and camps geared towards performance education for all ages.

104 E. State St., Media.

20. Steel City Coffeehouse

Strung with lights and smelling of dark roast, oozing cool vibes the moment you walk under its mosaicked entrance, this local gem is the perfect artsy coffee shop. Serving up some of the best treats and tunes in the area, Steel City is perfect for a meet up with friends who enjoy intimate atmospheres. Musician Jeffrey Gaines is a frequent performer, and the fun Main Line Ukulele Group uses the small venue as a sort of home base. Open mic nights are offered on Thursdays so swing by to see some up-and-comers. Grab an excellent black and white milkshake and a grilled cheese while you’re at it.

203 Bridge St., Phoenixville.

21. XPN Free at Noon Concert

The best price is free and the best music is live. Grab a group and take the train to the city on an open Friday afternoon for a free concert at World Café Live. Artists are announced only one week prior so grab tickets as soon as possible. Very frequently, the main act that evening provides a “matinee” live broadcast equivalent. Make an afternoon out of it and have lunch at the restaurant upstairs. Be sure to grab the house made guacamole.

3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia

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