Tennis


Location: MAP | Enter the park at 93rd Street near the West Drive
Phone: (212) 316-0800 (main office) / (212) 360-8131 (permits) / (212) 280-0205 (weather conditions and court availability)
Hours: Open everyday from 6:30am till dusk

NY Tennis at Central Park 

Whether you're an expert or a beginner, a NYC resident or a visitor, the Central Park Tennis Center is a fantastic place to play in one of its 30 outdoor courts (26 clay and 4 hard). The courts are surrounded by some of the most beautiful foliage in Central Park.  Located at 96th St. and Central Park Drive.

Visitors to NYC - FAQ for tennis:

Can I play tennis in Central Park while visiting NYC?

Yes!  First you will need to get a permit for the day and second, make a reservation, or you can try your luck walking on. (which can be done)

How and Where can I obtain a permit to play for one day?

You can purchase a single day permit online, in person, or by snail mail.

  • Online: Create an account online at nycgovparks.org . You will need a photo of yourself (similar to passport photo) and a photo id to create the account. Same day permits are not available online, It is difficult to say how long the process of creating an account online will take. To receive a same day as you apply permit, you would need to go in person. Once the account is created, you can purchase a single-play permit.
  • In Person: Central Park Tennis Center, The Arsenal, or download locations of multiple Tennis Permit Offices in NYC. In-person applicants receive their permits shortly after their applications are reviewed and/or photos are taken (same day). Cash only at the Central Park Tennis Center.
  • By mail: Download a form and mail to: The Arsenal, Central Park, New York, NY 10065 attn: NYC Parks Dept. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery via mail.

You must have your permit with you in order to play tennis on an outdoor court during tennis season. Once purchased, tennis permits cannot be refunded or transferred.

How much do single day permits cost?

$15 per person, which allows for one hour. For doubles play, permits are good for two hours of tennis. 

OK, I got the permit, How do I reserve a court?

You can reserve a court online or in person at the Tennis Center, if there is an open court. You may make up to two reservations online per day - but play only one game per day.

Can I reserve a court by phone?

No, but you can find out more by calling: (212) 280-0205 ext. 2 on Mondays - Fridays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

What if it rains?

For weather conditions and court availability, please call (212) 280-0205 ext. 1. If you booked your reservation online, you will receive an automated email to rebook.

For more information and guidelines about playing tennis in Central Park, click here.

In summary, the tennis courts at Central Park are very popular and for good reason. If you are visiting New York, all you need to do is a little planning ahead and you can have a grand NYC experience to remember! 

Seasonal Tennis Permits

Sign up is available for Spring 2023 Adult, Junior, and Tiny Tots programs. 

A permit is needed to use an outdoor court from the first Saturday in April to the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

  • Full-Season Permits: $100 per year for adults, ages 18 to 61. Discounts are available for seniors ($20) and juniors ($10).
  • Single-Play Permit: $15 for a single-play permit (cash only). A single-play permit allows you to play at any tennis court in any borough for one hour.

Tennis permits are available at the Arsenal Building located at 830 Fifth Avenue (East 64th Street in Central Park). You can also call the Arsenal at (212) 360-8131 for more information about Central Park tennis permits.

Reservations and Walk-On Play

Advanced reservations for Central Park courts can be made online and cost $15 per court, per hour. Click here to make an online reservation.

Walk-on play is available when courts are not in use.

  • No Show List: If there are no courts available, you can sign up on the No Show list, which is called 10 minutes to the hour for courts that have opened up due to no shows.
  • Repeat List: If you have just played for an hour and would like to continue playing, you can sign up on the Repeat List, which is called after all the players on the No Show list have been assigned court time.

Tennis Rules & Regulations

Before heading to a court, make sure you’ve read all rules and regulations. If you break the rules your permit will be cancelled. Some examples are: No more than six balls permitted on the court, only smooth sole tennis shoes permitted (no running shoes allowed), minimum two people required to play, maximum four people allowed on the court, and no tennis lessons permitted by outside pros. Please see the complete list of rules before heading to a court to play.

Weather Conditions and Cancellations

For weather conditions call (212) 280-0205. Rain checks will be issued for reserved courts if the courts are closed due to inclement weather.

Locker Rentals

You can rent a locker for $20 for the season. Click here to rent a locker.

Tennis Lessons

Private and semi-private tennis lessons are available for all ages and levels (no permit necessary). Call (212) 316-0800, ext. 3 or 4 for more details, or visit www.centralparktenniscenter.com.

Group Programs and Summer Camps

If you are looking for a group environment you can sign up for weekend camps and clinics offered just for adults.

After school and summer camp programs:

  • Tiny Tots program for kids ages 4-7: Instructors focus on hand eye coordination and basic skills. This course is held on a smaller court using mini-nets and foam balls.
  • Juniors program for kids ages 7-16: This 1 hour high-energy program focuses on technique, stroke, and movement.
  • Adult Mini-Camps are also offered throughout the season.

Call (212) 316-0800 for more details, or visit www.centralparktenniscenter.com.