Where to Play Indoors: The Winter Tennis Guide for Philadelphia
Last updated: January 2026
When November hits Philadelphia, the nets at public parks often come down, and the wind off the Schuylkill becomes unbearable. Finding an indoor court in the city can feel like hunting for a parking spot in Center City: nearly impossible and expensive. However, there are five key spots—spread across the region—where you can keep your game alive all winter.
1. Legacy Youth Tennis (East Falls)
Located on Ridge Avenue, Legacy is the mothership of Philadelphia tennis. It features 16 indoor hard courts, making it one of the largest facilities in the region. While it is famous for producing pro players, it is surprisingly accessible to the public.
- Why it wins: Availability. With 16 courts, your odds of getting a 7:00 PM slot are higher here than anywhere else.
- Access: They offer "Spot Time" rentals without a membership, though members get booking priority.
2. Hecht Tennis Center (University City)
Tucked away on the UPenn campus, the Hecht Tennis Center features 8 indoor courts. Many residents mistakenly assume this is for students only. In reality, they offer a "Community Membership" specifically for Philly residents.
- The Vibe: Collegiate and intense. The courts are fast, and the noise level is high.
- Best For: Players living in West Philly or Center City who want a quick Uber ride to the court.
3. Northeast Racquet Club (Northeast Philly)
For players in the Northeast (near Somerton/Bustleton), this is the go-to hub. It features 8 indoor courts with a Plexi-pave surface. It has a classic "club" feel with a loyal membership base, but it remains one of the best values in the city for court time.
4. RiverWinds Golf & Tennis (South Jersey)
This is the "South Philly Secret." If you live in South Philly or Queen Village, driving to East Falls can take 40 minutes in traffic. Driving to RiverWinds (West Deptford, NJ) takes 15 minutes over the Walt Whitman Bridge.
- The Facility: 5 pristine indoor hard courts with the same surface as the US Open.
- Public Access: Completely open to the public. You pay a guest fee plus the court time, but the convenience for South Philly residents is unbeatable.
| Venue | Neighborhood | Courts | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy | East Falls | 16 | Reliability |
| Hecht (Penn) | University City | 8 | City Access |
| NE Racquet | Northeast | 8 | Value |
| RiverWinds | New Jersey | 5 | South Philly Residents |
| Radnor Racquet | Main Line | 8 | Suburban Commuters |
5. Radnor Racquet Club (The Main Line Option)
If you work in the suburbs, Radnor is a staple. Located just off the Blue Route (I-476), it is easily accessible for commuters. They offer "Open Time" reservations, allowing you to book courts up to a week in advance without a long-term contract.
Indoor tennis is an investment. Expect to pay between $40 and $80 per hour depending on the facility and time of day. To make it worth it, ensure you have a reliable hitting partner or bring a coach to maximize every minute.
Don't Waste Your Court Time
When you are paying by the hour for indoor play, you don't want to spend 20 minutes chasing mishit balls. Winter is the perfect time to rebuild your stroke mechanics in a controlled environment. Golden Racket Academy coaches can meet you at indoor facilities to turn that expensive hour into a game-changing training session.