Where to Play Indoor Tennis in NYC: The Winter 2026 Guide
Last updated: December 2025
When the city parks pull their nets down in November, New York tennis doesn't stop—it just gets more expensive. Finding an indoor tennis court in NYC is a competitive sport in itself. From the bubbles of Roosevelt Island to the hidden courts inside Grand Central Terminal, here is where you can keep your game alive this winter (and how to make the price tag worth it).
1. Roosevelt Island Racquet Club (The Gold Standard)
Located right next to the Tram, this is one of the most accessible indoor spots. It features 12 Har-Tru (clay) courts under a climate-controlled bubble. It’s a favorite because it feels like a real club, not just a gym.
- Surface: Red Clay.
- Vibe: Country club in the city.
2. Sutton East Tennis Club (Upper East Side)
Hidden under the Queensboro Bridge, Sutton East is legendary. It has 8 red clay courts. It is open to the public, but prime-time hours sell out days in advance.
- Location: 59th & York.
- Best For: Serious players living on the UES.
3. Sportime Randall’s Island (The Flagship)
This is the biggest facility in NYC. Home to the John McEnroe Academy, it features 20 courts (hard and clay). It’s a trek, but they offer a shuttle bus from Manhattan. If you want league play or tournaments, this is the hub.
4. Vanderbilt Tennis Club (Grand Central)
Yes, there is a tennis court inside Grand Central Terminal. It is expensive, it is exclusive, and it is a bucket-list experience. It features one main hard court and two practice courts.
- Wow Factor: 10/10. Look up at the giant windows overlooking 42nd St.
5. McCarren Park Tennis Center (Brooklyn)
For Brooklynites, the McCarren bubble is the go-to. It covers the public hard courts during winter. It is generally more affordable than the Manhattan clubs but requires an online booking scramble.
| Venue | Approx Rate (Hr) | Surface |
|---|---|---|
| Sutton East | $100 - $225 | Clay |
| Roosevelt Island | $80 - $180 | Clay |
| McCarren | $60 - $110 | Hard |
| Vanderbilt | $200+ | Hard |
How to Justify the Cost
Let's be real: paying $150/hour just to hit around with a friend is painful if you spend the whole hour picking up balls.
The Pro Strategy: If you are booking an indoor court, bring a coach. We maximize that expensive hour with high-volume drills, feeding, and strategy. You get 5x the ball strikes compared to a casual rally.