Serve Up Some Fun Playing Pickleball, Tennis, and Pingpong in NYC

While tennis has always been a popular sport in NYC, pickleball has been gaining in popularity. Many people are discovering that pickleball is a family-friendly activity and relatively easy to "pick up." 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 and other paddle sports 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 – 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 fundamentals of tennis in a positive, educational, and exciting environment that builds self-esteem, confidence, and a lasting love of the game. Teaching techniques are simple, using tennis terminology that young players can understand and relate to.
2. NYC Recreation Centers – Multiple Locations
NYC Parks and Recreation centers now hosts youth indoor pickleball sessions in addition to badminton and table tennis sessions. There are programs in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Courts are typically taped on basketball gym floors. 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. During the spring, summer, and fall, you can find Parks Department-sponsored classes at local parks and playgrounds, too.
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 young athletes hit 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—both seasonal and permanent. Facilities in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Times Square are in the works. A full kids' pickleball program is hosted at the Long Island City location, and CityPickle offers FREE weekend kids' clinics in Hudson Yards and Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn. Birthday parties are also available. The outdoor CityPickle location in Wollman Rink is a great place to play during the spring, summer, and fall.
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, plus indoor pickleball programming.
6. Commonpoint Queens Tennis and Athletic Center – Oakland Gardens, Queens
Commonpoint Queens Tennis and Athletic Center at Alley Pond Park offers an indoor tennis and pickleball season from October through April with six pickleball courts. Two are dedicated pickleball courts with permanent lines and nets, while four are converted tennis courts. The indoor bubble is temperature-controlled. Outdoor programs are available in the spring and summer. 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 2 in the youth tennis classes at Chelsea Piers. 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 create the perfect foundation for a lifelong enjoyment of tennis.
8. YMCA – Multiple Locations
Depending on the location, the YMCA offers kids tennis lessons in eight-week sessions for ages 3+. Young kids learn to play with kid-sized rackets, plus slower, lower-bouncing balls, while older students are taught fundamental and advanced techniques of ground stroke, volley, and overhead strokes. Some locations also have pickleball courts for adults. Membership is required to play. Check individual locations for class details.
9. SPORTIME – Randall's Island
SPORTIME is the flagship home of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, and it's home to a comprehensive youth tennis program. It is also quickly becoming NYC's premier pickleball destination, offering six dedicated indoor pickleball courts. SPORTIME offers lessons for adults and kids, open play, and event planning. Court rentals are available for members and non-members, although members receive preference.
Where to Play Pingpong in NYC
10. Spin – Midtown West and Flatiron
Connection through pingpong 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 keep it casual. Spin offers a full kitchen and bar—so kids are allowed before 6pm 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.
12. Wang Chang Table Tennis Club – Upper West Side
A former Olympic champion and world table tennis star, Head Coach Wang Chang aims to promote the sport of table tennis and welcomes all levels of players at this venue. Players can receive private instruction or just come and play with others. Wang Chang offers after-school programs as well as summer camps.
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.