There was a time in New York when being underage didn’t stop teens from participating the city’s nightlife. Not only was the drinking age 18 until the late 1980s, but NYC clubs were notoriously lax on checking I.D.s (for better or worse). These days, going the legal route is the responsible thing to do. Here are a half-dozen totally legit ways to dance, party and mingle in the City of Angry Bouncers. Note: Weekly parties launch and shut down so quickly, it’s best to check with your favorite club or DJ to see what’s still happening. Rush, one of the best nightly parties in town for the 18+ gay-friendly crowd closed late last year. You will be missed, oh hectic dive bar!

The Knitting Factory
361 Metropolitan Ave (at Havenmeyer St)
Brooklyn NY 11211
(347) 529-6696
bk.knittingfactory.com

After relocating to Williamsburg from Manhattan a few years back, the flagship of this national mini-empire of music/performance venues and concert tours has redefined itself for the 21st century. Cutting edge techno, jazz, indie, experimental DJs, hip hop and more take the stage each night, guaranteeing a late-night dance party (recent bands include Heliotrope, Gangstagrass and gay teen rapper LE1F). You’ll also find poets, authors, burlesque, and the out-of-the-box, like The BEEB, a recent national skee-ball competition. All shows are 18+. Under 18 may attend if accompanied by an adult.

Webster Hall
125th E 11th St (between 3rd and 4th Aves)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 353-1600
websterhall.com

This concert venue sometimes gets a bad rap by serious club goers as being overly touristy and populated with “amateur” partiers, but the fact is, the megaspace brings in top-notch live acts and internationally-known DJs. And it is 18+ for most shows (note that alcohol policies are strictly enforced), with weekly Girls’ Night Out and Girls & Boys Fridays (19+) among the most popular events. Wander the floors of this rickety multi-floored warren and you’ll find a wide variety of music, performances and dance spaces. Of late, the top floor has been spinning a mix of reggae, Miami beats, calypso and more one weekends. On busy nights, do be prepared for aggressive security inspections at the door, crowded dance floors and sometimes overly friendly male patrons. Prices may vary by age and gender on certain nights. Check the website for discount seasonal and event passes.

Pacha
618 W 46th St (at 11th Ave)
New York NY 10036
(212) 209-7500
pachanyc.com

On most Fridays and some Saturdays (call ahead or email), electronica fans 19 and over can get in (you will still be carded and wrist-banded for alcohol) for hosted all-night dance parties. This multi-level club on the edge of Hell’s Kitchen also hosts a periodic “Teen Night” for the 14-18 set (no one older is allowed in, for safety reasons). Covers at the two-year-old hot spot are steep ($25-$40+), but they include a full evening of dancing (starting at 6 p.m. for teen night). Access all four floors and enjoy a rotating roster of high-quality and celebrity DJs, along with state-of-the-art lighting and sound. Sign up for an email newsletter at teennights.com for upcoming events at Pacha and other spots around the city.

Related: Best Places to go Dancing in NYC

Nuyorican Poets Cafe
236 East 3rd St (Between Aves B & C)
New York, NY 10009
(212) 780-9386
nuyorican.org

This energetic LES hangout with a Latin edge has been delivering slam poetry, hip-hop, open mikes, jazz jams, author’s readings, comedy and more for two decades now. A small cafe up front provides a variety of drinks (alcoholic and non-) and small bites, while the young, urban art-driven crowd cheers on competitors and performers. While all of the cafe’s shows are all-ages, during the annual Nuyorican Neophyte Slam, poets under 21 years old can enter to compete for the title of Youth Poet of the Year.

Bowlmor Lanes Times Square
222 W 44th (between 7th and 8th Aves)
New York, NY 10036
(212) 680-0012
bowlmor.com/timessquare

Like any bowling alley, this one is open to all. Unlike any other bowling alley, the Times Square spinoff of the Downtown favorite offers up 7 elaborately decorated, New York City-themed spaces, any of which can be rented for private parties as well as regular bowling. Perfect for Sweet Sixteens, graduation parties or simply a night out with friends, you’ll find a better-than-average grill menu curated by chef David Burke and a variety of nonalcoholic and alcoholic libations. Though walk-ins are welcome, it’s a good idea to call ahead and reserve lanes for larger groups.

Related: Best Bowling Alleys in NYC

MoMA PS 1 Warm Up
22-25 Jackson Ave (at 46th Ave)
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 784-2084
momaps1.org

While not really nightlife, this is perhaps the largest all-ages summer dance party in the city. Each Saturday throughout the summer, you’ll find experimental live music, DJs, performance pieces and more to which you can bounce the day away under an artistic “urban landscape”. New this year, you’ll also have the opportunity to dine at the much-anticipated M. Wells Dinette inside the museum. Warm Up takes place each Saturday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and costs $15 (which also gives you admission to the museum). One ticket free for MoMA members and Long Island City residents with membership and proof of residence.