There’s always something going on within the Boston-area nightlife scene, even for those who happen to be a smidge too young to enjoy any of the countless 21+ bars and clubs out there on the weekends. Luckily, there are plenty of nightlife options available for the under 21 crowd in the greater Boston area; numerous highlights and destinations which practically guarantee a good time for the young’uns who are still seeking a fine, late night taste of the city.

Rise
306 Stuart St
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 423-7473
www.riseclub.us

Proudly proclaiming its status as “Boston’s only after hours dance club,” Rise also sets itself up nicely as a safe haven for the under 21 crowd to congregate and dance the night away. Actually, dance the day away might be a little more appropriate, given the fact that Rise is actually open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday holidays from 1:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., making the club a perfect getaway for the young ‘n hip jet set who are still a wee too young to indulge in any of the city’s 21+ bars or nightclubs. A $20 cover ($10 discounted with college ID) earns you a multilevel dance oasis with a trippy, psychedelic atmosphere, professional DJ sets and a widely diverse clientele from all ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations. This is clearly a unique adventure for Boston clubbers of any age.

Related: Boston’s Best Dates For The Adventurous Couple

Machine Boston
1256 Boylston St.
Boston, MA. 02215
(617) 536-1950
www.machine-boston.com

As one of Boston’s longstanding LGBT nightclubs, Machine embraces clientele all of shapes and sizes, yet it’s their 18+ Friday night events which should prove as the biggest draw for Boston’s dance and fun hungry night owls who are seeking out a star crossed excursion. In fact, you’ll be apt to find plenty of straight guys and girls joining in on the Friday night fun, which includes drag queen hosts and go-go dancers-a-plenty. Top 40 hits from Ke$ha, Rhianna, Gaga and Katy Perry all make the rounds on Machine’s hot and happenin’ dance floor, which invites any and all to come out, shake it off and dance away their problems.

Paradise Rock Club
967 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 562-8800
www.thedise.com

Although the Paradise Rock Club doesn’t always put on 18+ shows, most of the concerts that pass through “The Dise’s” doors allow the younger crowd prime access to some of the hippest and hottest rock acts on the planet, all set within an ultra-cool and chic set-up. Decor and atmosphere lend a lot of credence to The Paradise as one of the city’s oldest concert venues, where almost any standing spot offers a cool vantage point of the on-stage action. The front lounge area also offers food, drink and four huge flat screens for sports action. Just don’t try and slam dance at this classic club––The Paradise enforces a strict “no moshing” policy.

Improv Asylum
216 Hanover St.
Boston, MA. 02113
(617) 263-6887
www.improvasylum.com

Looking for a cool place to take that visiting, under 21 niece, nephew or cousin, yet stumped for ideas which don’t involve having to watch copious bumping and/or grinding (and the inevitable awkwardness which follows)? Why not try the Improv Asylum, which hosts its own brand of renegade comedy, described as being “a cross between ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ and ‘Saturday Night Live!’” While there is a full bar here at the Faneuil Hall area, Hanover St. location (the Improv Aslyum ventures all throughout the city, doing guest spots and corporate events at many Bostonian bars and clubs), 18+ comedy mongers are allowed in with ID, which makes this rebel comedy show a unique night out on the town. Make sure you stick around for the midnight “raunch: show, as well, which promises the sort of down ‘n dirty comedy not offered during the 10 p.m. or early shows.

Related: Best Comedy Clubs In Boston

Heroes @ T.T. the Bear’s Place
10 Brookline St
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 492-0082
www.ttthebears.com

Heroes is the Friday night, 18+ New Wave night hosted at the legendary Boston club T.T. the Bear’s. Helmed by DJ Chris Ewen, Heroes night proves to be a godsend for Boston’s alternative scenesters who are seeking a safe haven for dancing, conversation and plenty of 80s hits. Whether it’s Morrissey, Depeche Mode or Erasure, DJ Chris balances plenty of melodic indie fare with angsty, industrial goth perfectly suited for the glow stick sporting, JNCO wearing teen lurking deep within us all. Eccentricities are the name of the game here at Heroes, so bring your open mind and a fresh pair of shoes, because this is a night to go “Back In Time” like Marty McFly.

George Pacheco has been writing professionally about arts and entertainment for over a decade. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, George currently resides in a humble New England home with his wife, cat and massive music and film collection. His work can be found at Examiner.com.