While the most famous tennis courts in all of New York are located at Forest Hills, Central Park features the most public courts. And, unlike the U.S. Open, hot dogs and pretzels can be had for less then cab fare to Queens.

Location: The Central Park Tennis Center is located between West 94th Street and West 96th Street, near the West Drive.

There are 30 outdoor courts: 26 clay and 4 asphalt.
When: The season begins in early April and continues through late November, during which time the Tennis Center is open daily from 6:30 am to dusk. The clay courts are closed during the winter; the asphalt courts remain open.

Requirements: All players must have season or single-play (one-time use) permits.
Smooth-soled shoes only; running shoes prohibited.

Season permits can be purchased at the Arsenal, located inside the Park at Fifth Avenue and 64th Street. Permits are issued from the last week in March and are good for use until the end of the season. The Arsenal is open Monday through Saturday in April through June, and Monday through Friday in July through November.

Single-play permits are good for one hour of tennis each day and are available both at the Arsenal permit office and the Tennis Center.

John B. Moore Tennis in Central Park