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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hurricane Erin got you down? 30 fun ways to spend a rainy day at the Jersey Shore
Rain, rain, go away. Sure, if you planned a trip to the Jersey Shore this week, the weather hasn't started out how you wanted it. The good news is if you can get through today and maybe tomorrow, you should be OK. After a subpar day Wednesday, things will brighten up a little. Thursday will be nicer, with just a slight chance of showers under cloudy skies, though the high temperature of 74 degrees expected. By Friday, you can return to fun in the sun. Clouds are forecasted to move out, with nothing but sun in the sky and a high of 81 degrees expected Friday. The weekend looks just as nice with sun and a high of 82 degrees expected both days, though there could be some showers moving through Sunday night. So if you're down on the weather, don't worry, it isn't sticking around, but we have some ideas to get you through the dark skies today. From roller skating and rock climbing to painting pottery and making slime, here are 30 family-friendly places to visit on a rainy day. ▶ Here's the ultimate beach guide for your summer days at the Jersey Shore Arcades Adventure Crossing, Jackson This fun spot features dozens of Top Golf bays, a Toptracer indoor range, axe throwing, arcade games and virtual reality simulators for racecars, fighter jets and helicopters. There's a restaurant on site, too. 515 Monmouth Road; 732-426-5492, Fantasy Island Amusement Park, Beach Haven This Long Beach Island arcade is home to more than 12,000 square feet of games, prizes and fun for the whole family. Classics like Skee-Ball and crane games are featured, plus new games like Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka and Lane Master Bowling. And forget keeping track of tickets: There is a digital card system for counting points. 50 North Bay Ave.; 609-492-4000, Go Play Arcade, Belmar This arcade has it all: Skee-Ball, air hockey, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Tomb Raider, Halo, Big Bass Wheel and claw machines, plus a retro game room filled with classic '80s and '90s gaming systems. 1102 Main St.; 732-681-7529, iPlay America, Freehold Township With bumper cars, laser tag and go-karts, iPlay America is a kids' playland that also caters to adults, thanks to a Topgolf Swing Suite. iPlay also has arcade games, boardwalk games and rides, plus a restaurant serving both adult and kid-friendly food and over-the-top milkshakes. 106 Schanck Road; 732-577-8200, Jenkinson's, Point Pleasant Beach Jenkinson's Boardwalk has all the bells and whistles, including four arcades: South Arcade, Pavilion Arcade, Frank's Fun Center, and the South Beach Arcade. All offer a variety of attractions, including video games, slot machines, basketball and crane games. Lucky Leo's, Seaside Heights This family arcade has been around since 1953 and is one of the most popular attractions on the Seaside boardwalk. It features a host of games and many different theme days and events. 315 Boardwalk; 732-793-1323, Other boardwalk arcades include Casino Pier and Hershey's Shake Shoppe Arcade. Mainland Adventure Park, Stafford Beach day on Long Beach Island rained out? Head over the causeway to Mainland, which has an arcade with Hot Wheels racing games, prize games, basketball, air hockey and more. When you've had your fill of fun, go inside for dinner, and be sure to return when the weather's nice for the outdoor zip-lining course, go-kart track, beer garden and fire pits. 151 Route 72, Manahawkin section; 609-481-6100, Silverball Retro Arcade, Asbury Park This iconic arcade on the city's boardwalk has more than 7,000 square feet of fun, including pinball games, basketball games and a crowd favorite: Skee-Ball. There is also food available at the cafe. 1000 Ocean Ave N.; 732-774-4994, VRtual Nexgen Gaming Arcade, Toms River and Lacey Virtual reality, PC games, and driving and flight simulators await at these gaming centers, which also host e-sports tournaments. 629 N. Main St. in Lacey, 609-879-0335, and 950 Hooper Ave. in Toms River, 732-375-2002; YESTERcades, Red Bank The arcade puts a different spin on gaming. No quarters are needed — you play by the hour — and there are retro games that are nostalgic for adults and engaging for younger customers. Try arcade games like Pac-Man and street fighter, and pinball machines like Terminator and Twilight Zone. 80 Broad St.; 732-383-7873, ▶ Family-friendly restaurants where you kids will have a blast Arts and crafts A Time to Kiln, Red Bank This art studio, which is fun for both adults and children, offers classes including painting on pottery, canvas and wood; mosaic making and glass fusing. Walk-ins are welcome. 50 Broad St.; 732-450-9525, Other paint-your-own pottery studios include Color Me Mine in Toms River and Freehold Township, Just Kil'n Time in Waretown, and Wish Upon A Jar in Point Pleasant Borough. Hot Sand, Asbury Park This public access glassblowing studio offers activities like creating a drinking glass, paperweight, ornament, heart, egg and bubble, among others. Available to ages 9 and older; reservations required. 550 Cookman Ave.; 732-927-5475, Slime University, Brick Can't be bothered to track down the ingredients required to make your own slime? Head to Slime University, where little ones can create their own with different colors, accessories and scents. 56 Chambers Bridge Road; 732-475-9351, Escape rooms Amazing Escape Room, Freehold Borough This location has five themed rooms from which to choose, from wizards to super villains. There's axe throwing, too. 2 Monmouth Ave.; 732-333-0448, East Coast Escape Room, Toms River There are three games available at this escape room, including one with a boardwalk theme. At East Coast Escape Room, participants are not locked in until they solve the challenge: "At any time, you can exit and re-enter. Our games are objective (and) goal based," reads their website. 1747 Hooper Ave.; 732-864-1200, Escape the Puzzle, Long Branch Children 6 and younger play for free at this facility, where players can choose from 10 themed rooms. Family-friendly themes include animal kingdom, carnival and pirates. 473 Broadway, 732-995-9004 ▶ Sensory-inclusive spaces around the Jersey Shore Escapology, Holmdel This escape room at Bell Works features six different themed rooms, including "Lost City," "Mayday" and "Budapest Express." Once you've escaped, head to Bell Works' Jersey Freeze location for a celebratory ice cream sundae. 101 Crawfords Corner Road; 732-490-7175, Solve it Sherlock Escape Rooms, Neptune In 60 minutes or less, players of this interactive escape room have to race against the clock to decipher clues, crack codes and solve puzzles. This escape room features five themed games, including "Pirates of the Golden Skull" and "The Magician's Secret." 708 Route 35; 732-455-1616, Indoor activities ClimbZone, Howell Towering bookshelves, skyscrapers and dinosaur skeletons challenge climbers to make it to the top at ClimbZone, where the brightly decorated climbing walls are ranked by difficulty. The facility also has a ropes course, soft play area and arcade games. 5369 Route 9; 732-813-8300, The Gravity Vault, Brick and Middletown Novice and experienced climbers can enjoy rock climbing at The Gravity Vault, which offers private climbing lessons and climbing teams. 37 Kanes Lane in Middletown, 732-856-9599, and 110 Brick Plaza in Brick, 848-241-3523; Monster Mini Golf, Eatontown Mini golf meets blacklights, music and glow-in-the-dark decor at this indoor course, which also has arcade and virtual reality games. 749 Hope Road; 732-544-2200, Robert J. Novins Planetarium, Toms River Moms and dads will enjoy the quiet and kids can learn to spot the constellations at the planetarium, which hosts themed presentations, sky talks and laser shows — including one for Taylor Swift fans. 1 College Drive; 732-255-0343, SkyZone, Lakewood and Ocean Township Get some energy out at these trampoline parks, which feature freestyle jumping, dodgeball, basketball, a warped wall, foam pit, jousting and ninja warrior course. 1001 New Hampshire Ave. in Lakewood, 609-398-4759, and 2355 Route 66 in Ocean Township, 848-377-9801; A similar option is Urban Air Adventure Park in Toms River and Hazlet, where the young and young at heart can bounce, climb and flip. Urban Air also has rock-climbing walls and a platform for jumping. 1256 Indian Head Road in Toms River, 732 659-9060, and 3010 Route 35 in Hazlet, 732-314-4955, United Skates of America, Jackson Lace up your skates and channel your inner teen at the roller rink, which underwent an extensive renovation last year. It has glow-in-the-dark murals, a light show, a new game room and prize shop, and a revamped cafe. 2270 W. County Line Road; 732-363-2222, This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Hurricane Erin brings bad weather. Jersey Shore fun in the rain
The Onion
16-07-2025
- General
- The Onion
There's A Skee-Ball Machine Stuck In One Of The Bedrooms
This house is ideal, apart from one bedroom having a full-size Skee-Ball machine in it. We don't know how they got it in there. Did they assemble it inside? Was the house built around it? We can't figure it out. Reference #257977
Style Blueprint
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Style Blueprint
10+ Nashville Bars with Games, Food, Drinks & Fun
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Whether you're nostalgic for classic arcade games, curious about curling, or ready to show off your golf skills, Nashville is full of places where adults can eat, drink, and play. These grown-up playgrounds pair entertainment — think everything from bowling to axe throwing and pinball — with delicious food and drink menus, making them perfect for date nights, group outings, or simply letting off steam after work. ARCADES Game Terminal Neighborhood: South Nashville More Info: Game Terminal is the ultimate playground for arcade and pinball enthusiasts who can't pick a favorite. From pop culture-themed pinball machines to arcade classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, there's something for every type of gamer here. Between games, pop by the bar to order a cocktail, beer, or maybe even a champagne tower. Then, when hunger strikes, enjoy a Nashville hot chicken sandwich, classic burger, or crispy chicken tenders. SB Tip: While some arcade games are free to play, tokens are required for pinball and select games. Pin No Quarter Neighborhood: East Nashville More Info: A no-frills favorite in East Nashville, No Quarter is all about pinball. While the bar keeps things simple with beer, wine, and cocktails, guests can grab food from the Brave Idiot food truck parked out back. The menu includes everything from a classic burger to a fresh take on the classic tomato sandwich. Up-Down Neighborhood: East Nashville More Info: Just steps from the Basement East, Up-Down offers a seemingly endless amount of fun. From Skee-Ball to Mario Kart, Dance Dance Revolution, and various pinball machines, you can easily kill a few hours here. After purchasing tokens, order from the bar's selection of craft cocktails and beer. Or, if you're hungry, stop by the pizza window to grab a slice (or two). Pin COMPETITIVE SOCIAL GAMES Play Playground Neighborhood: Downtown More Info: One of Nashville's newer additions, Play Playground is exactly what it sounds like. It's an immersive, adult-only indoor playground that turns happy hour into full-on recess. The 20,000-square-foot space features larger-than-life games, interactive challenges, obstacle courses, and ball pits. In addition to a full bar, you can enjoy light bites like pimento cheese dip, hushpuppies, and fried buffalo cauliflower. General admission is $37 daily and includes 135 game credits, which equals about 90 minutes of gameplay. SB Tip: While the venue is 21+ in the evenings, guests ages 13 and up are welcome before 7 p.m. Pin Bad Axe Throwing Neighborhood: SoBro More Info: Downtown's Bad Axe Throwing is home to 14 indoor lanes, an outdoor patio, and private bar tops at each lane. Before or after your throwing session, stop by the on-site restaurant, Blu Ox Restaurant & Bar. The Northwoods‑inspired menu includes hearty sandwiches, nachos, tater tots, cocktails, and local drafts. While walk-ins are always welcome, book ahead if you're planning a special night out (or want a lane all to yourself). Admission starts at $31.95 per person. BOWLING & BEYOND 16-Bit & Pins Mechanical Neighborhood: The Gulch More Info: + Located under the same roof, 16-Bit Bar & Arcade and Pins Mechanical offer everything from vintage arcade games to pinball, giant Jenga, and bocce ball. Perhaps the biggest draw, however, is duckpin bowling — a smaller, more fast-paced version of traditional bowling where players are given three tries to knock down as many pins as possible. The bar leans into nostalgia with cheeky, cleverly named cocktails like the Hulk Hogan, Carrie Fisher, and Hazed & Confused. While there's no on-site kitchen, food trucks are often parked out front, and guests are welcome to bring their own bites. Most games and pinball machines are free to play, while duckpin bowling is $8 per person Monday through Thursday and $9 Friday through Sunday. Pin Tee Line Neighborhood: Charlotte Park/The Nations More Info: If you've ever wanted to try curling, Tee Line is the place to do it. This one-of-a-kind venue in The Nations offers curling, bowling, and a full-service restaurant and bar for a fun and approachable group outing. Not sure how to curl? Don't fret! Instructors are available to help walk you through the basics. Beyond curling and bowling, Tee Line offers a relaxed atmosphere with TVs for catching the game, a menu of elevated bar food, and a solid drink list featuring beer, cocktails, and wine. Admission is done on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance. Pinewood Social Neighborhood: SoBro More Info: Tucked behind Pinewood Social's dining room, you'll find six reclaimed wood bowling lanes that blend vintage charm with modern flair. Originally salvaged from a 1950s Bowl-O-Rama in Indiana, the lanes offer a nostalgic escape, with the bonus of Pinewood's full food and drink menu delivered right to you. Popular picks include the white bean hummus, blackened chicken sandwich, and fried chicken. Each lane accommodates up to eight people, and while walk-ins are welcome, reservations are strongly recommended. Pricing starts at $67.50 Monday through Thursday and $90 Friday through Sunday. Pin Brooklyn Bowl Neighborhood: Germantown More Info: At Brooklyn Bowl, the best seats in the house might just be behind a bowling lane. The unique concert venue is home to 19 private bowling lanes — each equipped with high-definited projection screens so you won't miss a second of the show below. Between turns, relax on the nearby couch while restaurant staff deliver food and drinks straight to your lane. Menu highlights include French bread pizza, fried chicken, and pulled pork sliders. Eastside Bowl Neighborhood: Madison More Info: Housed in a former Kmart, Eastside Bowl features 16 boutique bowling lanes, a music venue, an old-school diner, and even an arcade. While traditional bowling is always an option, the venue also offers HyperBowling — a tech-savvy form of bowling with interactive challenges designed for all skill levels. (Plus, there are no gutterballs!) Beyond the lanes, you'll find a full bar and food menu featuring comfort-food favorites like shepherd's pie, burgers, and grown-up grilled cheese. Pricing starts at $35 per hour per lane, with up to six people allowed per lane. Shoe rental is $3. GOLF GAMING Topgolf Neighborhood: Downtown/South Nashville More Info: Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just swinging for fun, Topgolf offers an exciting experience that's equal parts game and social hangout. The 100+ climate-controlled bays are equipped with a digital scoring system and lounge seating, making this an ideal outing for groups as players aim for large outfield targets using microchipped balls. The venue also boasts a full-service restaurant and bar, rooftop terrace, and live music on select nights. Menu highlights include shareable apps like nachos and macaroni bites, along with flatbreads, wings, tacos, and signature cocktails. Pricing varies by time and day, but off-peak hours start around $41 per hour, per bay (up to six players), plus a one-time $5 membership fee. Puttshack Neighborhood: The Gulch More Info: Puttshack offers a fun and creative twist on mini golf. Decked out in neon lights, the lively atmosphere features tech-infused golf with automated scoring. Between rounds, head to the full-service bar and restaurant for globally inspired bites and inventive cocktails. Standouts include the poutine, Korean BBQ bao buns, and the cold brew espresso martini. Prices start at $14 per person, depending on the day and time, and reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Pin Game on, Nashville! ********** Looking for more of our favorite spots around Nashville? Sign up for our daily emails to stay in the know. About the Author Brianna Goebel Brianna is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.
Newsweek
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Best Arcade
Asheville Pinball Museum | Asheville, NC Photo courtesy of Asheville Pinball Museum Photo courtesy of Asheville Pinball Museum Relive the arcade glory days of the 1970s and '80s at the Asheville Pinball Museum. One ticket lets you play dozens of classic and modern pinball machines along with retro video games (Frogger, anyone?) all day long. This place is so popular that there's often a waitlist, so show up early to make sure you can get inside, grab a local craft beer and start racking up high scores. Big Time Entertainment | Oxford, AL Photo courtesy of Jose carlos Cerdeno/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Jose carlos Cerdeno/iStock by Getty Images Bowling, axe throwing, mini golf, go-karts, laser tag: if it's fun, Big Time Entertainment has it waiting for you and your family. Its arcade features over 50 games, from classics like Pac-Man and Skee-Ball to the newest VR games that immerse you in the action. Kids and adults alike appreciate Big Time Grille for a quick burger or pretzel bites before another round of air hockey. Captain Crazy's Paradise | Foley, AL Photo courtesy of Captain Crazy's Paradise Photo courtesy of Captain Crazy's Paradise If you want to play old-school Atari and Capcom games but your kids want to play Fortnite during your Gulf Coast vacation, you can do both at Captain Crazy's Paradise. This arcade brings the nostalgia with games like Asteroids and Street Fighter alongside gaming bays with projectors for your family's favorite console and PC games. Rather practice your golf swing than fight aliens? Head to the golf simulator. Dave & Buster's New York City - Times Square | New York City, NY Photo courtesy of tupungato/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of tupungato/iStock by Getty Images You've probably been to one of the 170+ Dave & Buster's before, but you've never been to one like this. The part sports bar, part arcade in Times Square was recently remodeled, adding mind-blowing games like the Human Crane, a giant claw machine—where you're the claw! Besides cutting-edge arcade games and wall-to-wall TVs, this location also offers murder mystery dinners, half-price games on Wednesdays and all-you-can-eat wings on Mondays. Galloping Ghost Arcade | Brookfield, IL Photo courtesy of NoSystem images/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of NoSystem images/iStock by Getty Images The largest video arcade in the U.S., Galloping Ghost Arcade houses almost a thousand games to blast, fly and fight your way through for a flat fee. These aren't the clunkers you've seen at the mall; each is lovingly restored for peak play. The games work so well they've become popular for world-record runs—you never know which elite player might be next in line to the Castlevania machine you're playing! Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade | Portland, OR Photo courtesy of Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade Photo courtesy of Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade At Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade, your mission is to have fun with more than a hundred pinball machines and video games, both new and retro. Families are welcome from noon to 5 pm, perfect for challenging your kids to an NBA Jam game while downing tasty snacks and mocktails from the full bar. In the evening, the arcade switches to 21+ and hosts mixers, karaoke nights and Stern Army tournaments. Jedi Alliance | Spokane, WA Photo courtesy of Jedi Alliance Photo courtesy of Jedi Alliance The Force (of nostalgia) is strong at Jedi Alliance, where you can play over 150 arcade and pinball games before wandering through its fascinating pop culture museum. After testing your skills on vintage favorites like Mortal Kombat and Theatre of Magic, go geek out over the museum's unique collection of movie props from sci-fi greats, such as Terminator 2 and Galaxy Quest, along with tons of Star Wars memorabilia. JW Entertainment Zone | Palm Desert, CA Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Inside the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, you'll find one of California's largest resort arcades, brimming with nearly 200 classic games, from air hockey and basketball to a giant version of Pac-Man. Treat your friends to a round of drinks during a round of duckpin bowling, and then take a break from the noise of the arcade by walking outside and saying hi to the resort's famous flamingos. Musée Mécanique | San Francisco, CA Photo courtesy of KathyKafka/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of KathyKafka/iStock by Getty Images On Pier 45 of Fisherman's Wharf you'll find a place that's part arcade, part sideshow museum and all kinds of quirky—Musée Mécanique, one of the world's largest private collections of coin-operated games and gadgets. Among rare finds like an antique hand-cranked organ, you'll see midway favorites you can play, like Atari's 1983 Star Wars video game, pinball cabinets from the 1960s and Zoltar-style fortune-telling machines. The best part? Free admission! Next Level Pinball Museum | Hillsboro, OR Photo courtesy of Next Level Pinball Museum Photo courtesy of Next Level Pinball Museum As if the over 300 pinball machines and over 300 arcade games from the 1980s to the present weren't enough, Next Level Pinball Museum draws in pop culture lovers too with thousands of vintage lunch boxes, pieces of movie memorabilia and toys that'll take you back to your childhood. It's one of the largest arcades in the world, so big that it takes almost four days to play every game! Peasants Deli & Arcade | Solvang, CA Photo courtesy of VTT Studio/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of VTT Studio/iStock by Getty Images Come for the Kobe roast beef sandwiches, and stay for the secret stash of arcade games at Peasants Deli & Arcade. The arcade is small but mighty, with new-release and classic pinball games, claw machines (because everyone wants to win that huge rubber ducky!) and racing simulators. You'll love the arcade's wine-tasting events, complete with gourmet tapas and game tokens, that pair perfectly with a game of air hockey. Silverball Retro Arcade | Asbury Park, NJ Photo courtesy of Wirestock/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Wirestock/iStock by Getty Images Step off the Jersey Shore boardwalk and into Silverball Retro Arcade, where over 150 new and vintage games are ready to play. From a 1930s prize machine and a 1980s Donkey Kong arcade cabinet to the latest digital wonders from Jersey Jack Pinball, there's something to make every inner child giggle. If you work up an appetite, Silverball Café can refuel you with Nathan's Famous hot dogs and funnel cakes. Silverball Retro Arcade | Delray Beach, FL Photo courtesy of Silverball Retro Arcade Photo courtesy of Silverball Retro Arcade Need a rainy-day activity during your Florida beach trip? Silverball Retro Arcade offers throwback fun with dozens of pinball and video arcade games from every era. The arcade's disco ball sets a party vibe as you team up for a game of table shuffleboard or Ms. Pac-Man. You should definitely try the arcade's zeppole, Italian doughnuts topped with pastry cream. Weekday happy hours make the fun budget-friendly. The 1up Arcade Bar | Denver, CO Photo courtesy of The 1up Arcade Bar Photo courtesy of The 1up Arcade Bar With four locations spread across Denver, the 1up Arcade Bar brings its A game no matter where you are in the city. You'll love playing classics like Big Buck Safari and Galaga alongside new hits like Mario Kart DX racing and Stranger Things pinball. Each arcade has a full bar, perfect for downing a pickle shot (or a mystery shot if you're feeling brave) before joining the monthly pinball tournament. The Midway at Circus Circus | Las Vegas, NV Photo courtesy of Circus Circus Hotel & Casino Photo courtesy of Circus Circus Hotel & Casino Step right up! The Midway, inside the famous Circus Circus Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, is a family-friendly arcade filled with hundreds of carnival games and arcade machines, both new and old. You can win big prizes while you play or simply sit back and watch the incredible (and free!) circus acts that wow the crowd on the arcade's center stage. The Track Family Fun Park | Gulf Shores, AL Photo courtesy of kali9/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of kali9/iStock by Getty Images While you might be tempted to ride the Skycoaster, go-karts and Blaster Boats all day at the Track, take a break from the Gulf Coast heat inside Fat Daddy's Arcade, the Track's indoor gaming space. Over 60 games, from claw machines and racing games to digital bowling, will thrill your family—especially once your kids get to redeem their tickets for cool prizes!
Boston Globe
26-03-2025
- Boston Globe
Providence Place is getting rid of mallrats. Make way for the tumbleweeds.
The kids also aren't allowed to be alone in the mall during school hours, but this isn't part of Governor It's a crackdown on harmless, timeless fun in the name of shoring up public safety because the mall's deadbeat former owners cut back on security at the same time that they were defaulting on their loans to private lenders. Advertisement The ban on kids is the brainchild of John Dorsey, one of the mall's court-appointed receivers, who says he wants to 'get the public's confidence back' in the mall. Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up 'The theory behind it is: If nothing changes, nothing changes,' Dorsey told me over the phone this week. I think Dorsey is the It's true that the mall has had a handful of high-profile criminal incidents involving young people, including a group of teenagers who It's also true that Dorsey's primary objective is to spruce up the mall – both aesthetically and financially – just enough to find a buyer later this year, and potential suitors will probably be seeking a per-assault discount. But hanging out in the mall has been a rite of passage for teenagers for generations, the place where you're supposed to have your first big date, first kiss, or first tiny bit of freedom from nagging parents or cranky teachers. You borrow money from your parents to buy sneakers that are too expensive, hop over to Dave & Busters for a sweaty round of Skee-Ball, and then sneak into R-rated movies. Advertisement This is what kids are supposed to do. They are the target audience. 'We've had quite a bit of feedback that some visitors don't feel safe,' Dorsey said. Well, the kinds of people who complain about teenagers in the mall are the same people who say they never go into Providence at all because of the crime. You want a safer mall? Dorsey said there's a series of safety improvements coming, including a full audit of security, controlled access to the skybridge, more guards, and upgrades to the mall's camera system. All reasonable ideas that will hopefully produce the outcome Dorsey and the rest of mall leadership is seeking. But they don't generate the headlines the mall wants. What's shortsighted about banning teenagers from the mall is it's going to leave a long-lasting bad taste in their mouths. The mall is desperate for more foot traffic because most people prefer to shop online these days. Young people are the only ones left who still enjoy the social experience of the mall. Tim Howes, a business professor at Johnson & Wales University, said Providence Place seems to be taking a ' 'They're making the decision that 16-year-olds are not worth as much as older customers,' Howes said. Dorsey assured me that the mall isn't going to have a heavy hand with this policy. It would be ironic to start banning 14-year-olds the same month that they Advertisement 'It's not static, we're not stuck with this program,' he said. 'We're going to be auditing ourselves and trying to figure out if we're accomplishing our goals.' Howes said the mall's strategy could pay off, but there are potential pitfalls to watch for, like racial profiling of teenagers or driving away potential visitors who don't agree with the policy. The bigger challenge for the mall, he said, is the potential of losing another anchor tenant, like the Apple store. 'They need to find a way to rebuild the magic that was the Providence Place Mall,' Howes said. Instead, they're trading mallrats for tumbleweeds. Dan McGowan can be reached at
