Girls’ night out is not only a fun evening, but an opportunity to break free from the college grind and bond with your girls. Whether your group is down to adventure, dance or relax, Kent has different experiences that will suit every girl. The downtown dinner spots, crowded dance floor and open parks give many options when getting together with your friends and enjoying your night. 

Kent’s downtown restaurant scene provides various spots for get togethers focused on enjoying good food and great company. Laziza is one spot that offers fresh Mediterranean dishes in a chic setting. Laziza is nearby downtown staples like Off the Wagon and Last Exit Books & Coffeehouse so you can always browse stores after your meal. The River Merchant is an equally popular restaurant known for their modern American cuisine, inventive cocktails and extensive wine and beer list making it a perfect restaurant to share a toast with your friends.

 If your group is looking for a more casual spot to stop by, The Battleground Mexican Kitchen serves specialty margarita and Mexican-American cuisine. For a competitive group of friends, Board and Bevy may be a good place to look at. This newly opened restaurant and board game experience offers new American dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

If you want to share dinner with your girls but also show off your creativity, curating a dinner party is a great way to get together. If you want to make it even more fun, pick  themes like “Wicked” dinner or “Short N’ Sweet appetizers.” You can cook up your own meal for everyone or make it a potluck where each guest contributes a dish that follows the theme. 

Alongside the themed dinner, your girls night could really focus on staying in and getting comfortable. One option would be hosting a movie marathon, where relaxation and fun mix together. There could be a theme to the movie list, or you can pick your tried and true favorites. Make sure to bring blankets, pillows and some movie theatre snacks for a great viewing. 

Another way to stay in and to boost your creativity is a tried and true craft night, whether you all plan to paint some canvases, make friendship bracelets or scour your FYP to find some inspiration and get in touch with your creative side. 

College life can be stressful from changing friend groups, growing homework piles and financial strain. Sometimes all you need is to treat yourself to some self care. A great combination is hanging out with your closest friends and having a DIY spa night. Host a spa night with your girls and pamper yourselves in the comfort of your own homes. There are many easy to make masks and soaks that will bring relaxation to your girls’ night. 

Now let’s say you really want to go out—what can you do and where can you go? If you and your girls want to leave all the worries behind on the dance floor, Kent has some spots where your group can dance the night away. Spots like Zephyr, Barflyy and The Outpost have great live music and busy dance floors. These places provide a great excuse to get dressed up and dance until the sun comes up. 

For a unique girls night out experience head to Cracked Escape right by Insomnia Cookies. Gather your group of girls and crack some codes, solve puzzles and attempt to escape before the time runs out. Afterwards you can stop by Insomnia or Barrio for a late-night treat. Similarly, go to OutRage Rage Room to let out some steam, break some plates together and then gorge some popcorn at MovieScoop. 

If your friends enjoy spending time with nature there are some great nature spots around the Kent State area. Tie up some shoes and take a walk at Cooperrider or visit Franklin Mills Riveredge Park to appreciate the rushing water. Pack a picnic lunch to sit and enjoy either of these locations with your closest friends. 

Girls night out doesn’t have to be the traditional way of partying or chic dinners. While those are great options, there are many ways Kent can provide a unique experience. The most important thing is to spend time bonding with your friends and sharing your college experience.