Whether you're an expert or a beginner, 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.
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)
2019 Hours: Open everyday from 6:30am till dusk
Tennis Permits
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 available for seniors, kids, and teens.
- 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 (by season permit holders only) 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 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. If you are interested in a child becoming involved in the game of tennis, there are after school and summer camp programs for children.
The Tiny Tots program is designed 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.
The Juniors program is for kids ages 7-16. This high energy program is 1 hour and 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.