No permit needed
Hudson River Park
Near Pier 40 / W Houston St
3 hard courts / Walk-up
Join the marked bench queue and stay nearby. Play is limited to one hour when others are waiting.
Guides / New York City / Tennis
PLAYING TENNIS IN NYC
Your city.Your next court.
The practical guide to playing tennis in New York. Find your park, understand the rules, and get on court.
Public parks, explained. No account needed.
NYC / TENNIS
Find your place to play.
Public parks. Local know-how. More tennis.
Start with how you want to play.
PUBLIC TENNIS / NYC
Public tennis across NYC.
Explore public-park tennis across all five boroughs. Check each location's permit, booking and walk-up rules before you go.
Permit required
Riverside Park / 96th
Upper West Side / Hudson River
10 red-clay courts / Daily sign-up
Sign up in person for an available time that day. Two courts also accept online advance reservations.
Check access details
Astoria Park
Astoria / Queens
Courts at 21st St & Hoyt Ave
Public-park tennis in Queens. Confirm current permit and sign-up rules before you go.
Permit required
Fort Greene Park
Fort Greene / Brooklyn
6 courts / Same-day sign-up
Use the daily sign-up sheet and list every player. Arrange your partner before choosing your session.
Check access details
Van Cortlandt — Stadium
Bronx / W 242nd St & Broadway
Stadium courts / Verify access
Distinct from Woodlawn courts in the same park. Confirm permit and booking details before you play.
Check access details
Charles Kasper Tennis Courts
Staten Island / Bard Ave
Public courts / Verify access
Staten Island public-park example. Verify present operation and access rules before featuring as open.
Featured public-park courts
Showing 6 featured locations
Access guidance reviewed September 17, 2026. Rules and seasonal operations can change.
GETTING ACCESS
A permit opens the door.
Your court's booking or queue rules determine when you play.
Your permit
At NYC Parks outdoor tennis courts, a season or single-play permit is required during the permit season. Check current dates and rates.
Your playing time
A permit does not reserve a court. Follow the location's online booking, attendant sign-up or walk-up process.
Already have a permit? Check NYC Parks reservations
Some locations use different rules. Check the specific court.
KNOW THE LOCAL ROUTINE
Walk up with a plan.
01
Find the sign-up spot.
Look for the attendant, daily sheet or marked queue. Read the posted rules first.
02
Join the right way.
Some parks let you choose a time. Others require you to stay in a physical line.
03
Be ready when called.
Have your partner, equipment and any required permits ready.
04
Make room for the next game.
Follow the local session limit and rotation rules when other players are waiting.
AT HUDSON RIVER PARK
The bench is the queue.
Join the marked line by the benches and remain there to keep your place. When others are waiting, play is limited to one hour.
School permits can take priority on school weekdays from 3:30–5:30 p.m.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Make the trip count.
Check weather, court updates and the current season before heading out.
01
Check the weather
Rain and wind can change your plans. A dry forecast does not guarantee a dry court.
02
Check court updates
Look for closures, maintenance and operator updates, especially after rain.
03
Check the season
Winter bubbles and seasonal operators can change the way you book and pay.
This guide covers access rules, not live court occupancy. Availability can change before you arrive.
A few good questions.
FAQ
No. A permit is permission to play at NYC Parks outdoor courts during the applicable season. It does not reserve a time. Follow the location’s online booking, attendant sign-up, or walk-up process.
At some public operators — including Hudson River Park — regular play does not require an NYC Parks permit. NYC Parks-operated outdoor courts typically require a season or single-play permit during the permit season. Never assume one rule covers every public court.
No. Bounce explains how public-park tennis works in New York. Operators issue permits and take reservations. Booking and payment are completed with the operator — a click here is not a confirmation.
This guide covers access rules, not live court occupancy. Availability can change before you arrive. Check weather, court updates, and the location’s sign-up process, then go prepared.
Winter bubbles and seasonal operators can change how you book and pay. Do not apply summer NYC Parks outdoor rules to a winter concession. Confirm the current operator before you go.
Help keep this guide useful.
Know a rule that changed? Suggest a correction so the next player arrives prepared.
Independent guide. Confirm current rules with the operator.