For new and returning students, it may come as a surprise that there is more to do on a Friday or Saturday night, then partying on Greek Row, drinking in an apartment or going to a bar. Being under the age of 21 can only limit your weekend activities in DeKalb as much as you let it.

Carmike Market Square 10 (2160 Sycamore Road, DeKalb)

In order to see a vast majority of the new film releases, the closest option is to go to Carmike Cinemas. Occasionally, a film might not make it to this theatre, but if you desire a newly released film, this is your place. Adult matinee ticket price is $6.50 and adult evening price is $8.25

Campus Cinema (1015 Blackhawk Road, DeKalb)

On the other hand, if you don’t feel it necessary to see a movie on its opening weekend, then Campus Cinema is the closer and cheaper alternative to Carmike. Located on Blackhawk Road off of Hillcrest, seeing a movie is within walking distance from campus. Be prepared though, you get what you pay for. All tickets cost $4.

Mardi Gras Lanes (1730 Sycamore Road, DeKalb)

Driving down DeKalb’s “main drag,” it’s hard not to notice the bright green sign promising a night of bowling with a touch of Louisiana. Both glow and traditional bowling are available. Prices vary depending on the day and time. Closing hours on weekends range from 11 p.m. to midnight depending on the season. Visit www.mardigrasbowl.com for more details.

Huskies Den Games Room (Holmes Student Center)

When going off campus to bowl is out of the question, walking to the Huskie Den Games Room in the Holmes Student Center is an alternative. Students and staff alike can take advantage of the Huskies Den’s bowling, billiards and gaming opportunities. Students must have a valid NIU OneCard to take advantage of the $2.50bowling and $6 billiards. On Friday and Saturday nights during the school year, the Den remains open until 1 a.m.

Ollie’s Frozen Custard (2290 Oakland Drive, Sycamore)

There is hardly a reason that comes to mind in which some frozen custard from Ollie’s wouldn’t be perfect. This local secret offers a much wider selection and better product than ice cream chains do. A cool autumn night can be joyfully spent with friends eating delicious frozen custard on the benches in front of the stand. I personally recommend an Arctic Blast with gummi bears, rainbow sprinkles and cheesecake pieces. For your personal sweet cravings, Ollie’s is open until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

NIU Observatory (Davis Hall, Room 703)

Very few of the academic halls on campus seem to offer something that draws students in after hours (think DuSable on a Friday night). The seventh floor of Davis Hall, on the other hand, holds the NIU Observatory-a place many don’t know about unless they’ve taken an astronomy class that mandates a visit. This completely free attraction can be a cheap date night or an opportunity to see some truly fascinating sights. During the school year, the observatory is open from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but the weather determines the final schedule.

Sycamore Family Sports Center (725 E. State St., Sycamore)

Just a short drive away at the Sycamore Family Sports Center Sycamore lies a driving range, go-karts, mini golf, batting cages and soccer cages. With so many activities and a 10 p.m. closing time, it might require more than one night to get all the amusement you can from this place.