Updated October 2026. Tennis City NYC
The simplest way to play on a short trip is a $15 NYC Parks single-play permit, which covers one hour of singles or two hours of doubles on any city court from early April until the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Hudson River Park has three free courts with no permit, and private indoor clubs take bookings all year. You don’t need to live here for any of these.
Where to play
| Option | Surface | Cost | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Park Tennis Center, 93rd St near West Drive | 26 fast-dry clay, 4 hard | $15 per player; $15 more to reserve | The classic New York tennis morning |
| Hudson River Park, cross at W Houston St | 3 hard | Free, no permit | Downtown stays and late play (open until 1am) |
| Riverside Park, W 96th St and W 119th St | Clay at 96th, hard at 119th | $15 per player; $15 more to reserve | Upper West Side stays |
| Vanderbilt Tennis Club, Grand Central Terminal, 4th floor | Indoor | Varies by day and time | Midtown hotels and bad weather |
| USTA National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, Queens | Outdoor and indoor hard | Check when booking | Playing where the US Open is held |
Planning your trip
- Check your dates first. The NYC Parks permit season runs from the first Saturday in April to the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Outside it, start with the indoor options.
- Bring smooth-sole tennis shoes. NYC Parks requires them, and Central Park does not allow running shoes on its clay courts.
- Bring photo ID. Central Park asks for it, along with your permit, when you sign in.
- Keep the gear small. Central Park allows only a small backpack on court and no more than three balls per court. Citywide, the limit is six balls.
- Allow for the light. Most city courts run from 8am to dusk. At Central Park the last hour of play ranges from 2-3pm to 7-8pm depending on the month.
Booking as a visitor
Online reservations cost $15 per court per hour and must be made at least the day before. Central Park takes them 1 to 30 days ahead; other sites take them up to seven days ahead. Only some courts are held for reservations, so the rest stay open for walk-ons. Every player still needs a permit, and reservations are non-refundable. See how single-play permits work for the cost and where to buy one on the day.
At Central Park, you can also turn up with no reservation. In-person sign-up starts at 6:30am during the season, and all courts not reserved are first come, first served. Single-play permits sold there are cash only.
Coming for the US Open?
The US Open is held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, so public court time there is affected around the tournament. Check the booking page before you plan around it, or book a city court instead. A September 2026 visitor guide reported bookings opening 48 hours ahead and outdoor courts at $42 an hour; confirm both when you book.
Finding someone to hit with
Travelling alone is a real obstacle at Central Park, which requires at least two players on a court and doesn’t allow serving practice alone. Hudson River Park doesn’t state that rule, but you’d still be hitting by yourself. Post in the Tennis City NYC Slack group with your dates, level and the court you can reach. Give a couple of days’ notice if you can, and try to name a backup time. See how to find a tennis partner for what to say.
FAQ
Do visitors need a tennis permit in NYC?
Yes on NYC Parks outdoor courts during the season, and non-residents can buy the same single-play permit as anyone else. No at Hudson River Park, which is run separately and says permits aren’t required for regular play.
Are there free tennis courts in Manhattan?
Yes. Hudson River Park’s three courts are free and first come, first served, with a one-hour limit when others are waiting. On weekdays from 3:30 to 5:30pm when school is in session, permitted school teams get priority. Published guides disagree on whether the East River Park courts need a permit, so read the sign when you get there and carry a permit if you can.
Where can I play if it rains?
Indoor clubs such as Vanderbilt Tennis Club in Grand Central. If rain cancels an online NYC Parks reservation, the system gives you a code to rebook it during the same permit season, which may not help on a short trip.
Can I rent a racquet?
We haven’t confirmed rentals at any of these courts. Call ahead, or pack your own.
Related guides
- NYC Single-Play Tennis Permits: Costs and Where to Buy
- Tennis Near Midtown Manhattan and Times Square
- Winter and Indoor Tennis in New York City
- How to Find a Tennis Partner in New York City
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.