Updated October 2026. Tennis City NYC › New York City Tennis Guides
Hudson River Park is the one free, no-permit option we could confirm in New York City. It has three hard courts, open from 6am to 1am, first come, first served, and you can’t reserve them. They’re near W Houston St, at the Pier 40 stretch of the park.
Hudson River Park rules
- One hour of play when others are waiting.
- When all courts are in use, wait at the benches by the “Line Forms Here” sign. You lose your place if you leave the line area.
- When school’s in session, permit-holding schools have the courts on weekdays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, and you must leave when they arrive.
- Up to six balls per court. No professional lessons or ball hoppers.
The park lists the M21 bus and the 1 subway as the closest lines. Restrooms and an elevator are listed for Pier 40. For questions, call its operations desk at 212-242-6427.
Courts people often assume are free
- NYC Parks courts in season: these need a permit, at $15 for a single play.
- Roosevelt Island: some older articles call the Octagon courts free. RIOC’s fee schedule now lists $25 per court per hour for individuals, and reservations are required. Email [email protected] to confirm the current fee.
- Bubbled and concession courts: indoor courts don’t need a permit, but you pay for the time.
NYC Parks courts after the season
NYC Parks states the permit requirement for the season, from the first Saturday in April to the Sunday before Thanksgiving. We couldn’t confirm that nets stay up or that courts are open afterward, so don’t plan a long trip without checking.
If Hudson River Park is too far
A single play is $15 per player, with no court fee on a walk-on. Doubles gets you two hours for that price. See single-play permits. If you’re nearby, also see tennis near Midtown.
FAQ
Can I play late at night?
The park’s listed court hours run until 1am. Check conditions before you head over.
Can I bring my coach?
No. The park doesn’t allow professional lessons on these courts.
Are they open in winter?
The park’s page lists no seasonal closure. Wet or icy courts can still stop play.
Who should I play with?
See how to find a tennis partner.
Related guides
- New York City Tennis Guides
- Walk-Up Courts and Sign-Up Sheets in NYC
- NYC Single-Play Tennis Permits: Costs and Where to Buy
- Tennis Near Midtown Manhattan and Times Square
Looking for someone to play with? Join the Tennis City NYC Slack group and post a day, time and court at your NTRP level. It is free now; new members pay $5 a year after the 200th member.