After the drama of the Summer Olympics and the thrill of the US Open, paddle sports are gaining in popularity. More people are picking up pickleball in NYC, plus other paddle sports, and enjoying their own fast-paced matches. If you're ready to dive into the action, check out the best places to play pickleball in NYC this season, plus some top picks for playing indoor tennis with kids in NYC. We've even got an entire list of the best tennis classes in NYC for kids to give you even more options to hit the courts with kids.
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Where to Play Tennis and Pickleball in NYC with Kids
1. Super Duper Tennis INC – Multiple Locations
Super Duper Tennis uses child-friendly equipment to make tennis more accessible and easier to learn for kids ages 4-10. The program emphasizes teaching the FUN-damentals of tennis in a positive, educational, and exciting environment that builds self-esteem, confidence, and a lasting love for the game. Teaching techniques are kept simple, using tennis terminology young players can understand and relate to.
2. NYC Recreation Centers – Multiple Locations
NYC Parks and Recreation centers now host youth indoor pickleball sessions and many already host badminton and table tennis. There are programs in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Courts are typically taped on basketball gym floor surfaces. Balls and nets are provided for these sessions. Adults are required to have an annual rec center membership. Memberships are also required for children, but are FREE for those under age 18.
3. Court 16 – Multiple Locations
Court 16 offers indoor tennis and pickleball in state-of-the-art facilities with expert coaching for players of all ages and skill levels. Court 16 focuses on developing well-rounded athletes and fostering a love for the sport. Pickleball offerings are adults-only. Offerings for kids include tennis classes, holiday camps, and birthday parties. Many parents take a lesson or reserve a court for themselves while their kids take a lesson on an adjacent court. You can also book a court for a friendly family competition! If playing isn’t your thing, inviting lounge areas allow parents to work remotely (or read a book!) while watching young athletes on the court! Court 16 has three NYC locations in Long Island City, Downtown Brooklyn, and Manhattan’s Financial District.
4. CityPickle – Multiple Locations
Looking for a great after-school activity? CityPickle offers indoor, 8-week, pickleball programs for kids in grades 2-8. Children are grouped by level and all experience levels are welcome. There’s a 6-to-1 player-to-coach ratio and there’s a mini-tournament at the end of the program! CityPickle has various locations, but the kids' pickleball program is hosted at the Long Island City location. Birthday parties also available. The past two summers have also brought an outdoor CityPickle location to Wollman Rink, and we had a blast playing there!
5. Stadium Tennis Center – Concourse, the Bronx
Stadium Tennis Center has 16 courts, including 12 indoor courts from October through April housed in a state-of-the-art dome. Tennis is offered for kids in 1-hour or 1 1/2-hour sessions for 3-7 year olds or 6-12 year olds. There is even an Elite Training program for your aspiring US Open champion. In addition to tennis, there are four indoor pickleball courts available by reservation, and indoor pickleball programming will be available soon.
6. Commonpoint Queens Tennis and Athletic Center – Oakland Gardens, Queens
Commonpoint Queens Tennis and Athletic Center at Alley Pond Park offers an indoor season from October through April with six pickleball courts. Two courts are dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets, while four are converted tennis courts. The indoor bubble is temperature-controlled. Pickleball is available to adults or families playing together, while indoor tennis programs are available for kids ages 5-11.
7. Chelsea Piers – Chelsea and Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Foster a love of tennis for little ones beginning at age 3 in the youth tennis classes at the Chelsea Piers' Brooklyn location. Classes offer a blend of fun and skills development. Led by experienced instructors, these classes provide a supportive environment where children can learn the basics of tennis in a playful and engaging manner. With age-appropriate equipment and a focus on building confidence on the court, the youth tennis classes in the Chelsea or Brooklyn locations create the perfect foundation for a lifelong enjoyment of tennis. Pickleball is offered at the Chelsea location and is adults only.
8. Dodge YMCA – Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
The Dodge YMCA offers kids tennis lessons in eight-week sessions for kid ages 3+. Young kids learn to play with kid-sized rackets, plus slower and lower-bouncing balls, while older students are taught fundamental and advanced techniques of ground stroke, volley, and overhead strokes. Adults can play pickleball on one of the four indoor hard courts. Tape lines have been laid, and portable nets are available. Courts cannot be reserved, and a membership is required to play.
9. 14th Street Y – East Village
The 14th Street Y offers tennis programs after school for kindergartners and older. TGA Premier Sports coaches lead students through station-based drills and games that develop the fundamental skills of grip, forehand, backhand, volley, and serve. Each player progresses through the five-level program at their own pace. Pickleball lessons are provided for adults ages 18+ on two indoor wood courts. Tape lines have been laid, and portable nets are available. You can reserve the courts, which are available for members and non-members alike.
Where to Play Pingpong in NYC
10. Spin – Midtown West and Flatiron
Connection through ping-pong is the core mission of Spin, which has a pair of NYC locations. On-site professionals are happy to offer lessons for a fee, or you can choose to keep it casual. Spin offers a full kitchen and bar—so kids are allowed before 9pm only. If you have a kid who can't get enough of table tennis, book a birthday party at Spin, too.
11. Pingpod – Multiple Locations
For a more no-frills pingpong experience, book at one of Pingpod's locations and head out to play to your heart's content. You'll book online before venturing out and access the venue via your smartphone. Once inside, it's a virtually private experience that's open 24/7. Pingpod Kids offers classes, camps, and even birthday parties for pint-sized pingpong players.
Bonus: If you find yourself out and about, many local parks have pingpong tables and lend equipment for FREE. Some of our favorite al fresco places to play pingpong include Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Rockefeller Playground in Battery Park City.