Some casual sports tend to come in and out of fashion, but it looks like one is taking real root in Austin: pickleball. The sport—which is sort of like a combo of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong—has found a home among outdoorsy (and even not-so-outdoorsy) Austinites.
Played with paddles and a plastic ball on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net, pickleball has grown in popularity over recent years. It’s easy to see why: The rules are simple, it doesn’t require pro-level skills, and it’s a great way to meet up with friends. Plus, there are several bars and restaurants with courts in Austin.
Looking to try something new? Here’s where you can play pickleball in Austin.
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Pickleball Courts
The city has 11 sites of public pickleball courts across the city, which are free to use for anyone with paddles, and no reservation is needed. Some even have indoor courts for those unbearably hot days, such as the South Austin Recreation Center, Hancock Recreation Center, and the Northwest Recreation Center. Just find your closest location, and be sure to check the hours before you go.
Multiple locations
Austin Tennis Center
Austin’s largest public center has eight lighted pickleball courts with permanent nets, so you don’t have to quit just because the sun went down. If you really want to hone your skills, join the pickleball league or take a lesson with Coach Calvin Keeney. Call 512-928-8119 or use the online court scheduler to reserve a court.
7800 Johnny Morris Rd.
Bouldin Acres
Bouldin Acres patrons can rent one of the restaurant’s two pickleball courts in half-hour increments for $10 to $20. Need some equipment? Court rental comes with two balls, and you can rent paddles for $2.50 each. Courts must be reserved online and in advance, and bookings open one week in advance.
2027 South Lamar Blvd.
Dreamland Dripping Springs
Out in Dripping Springs is a private event space with mini golf, a splash pad, sculptures scattered throughout, disc golf, and 16 dedicated pickleball courts open to the public. Open walk-in play is available Thursday through Sunday mornings for a nominal fee, or reserve a court for your group during those same days. No need to scrounge up a paddle if you don’t have one—Dreamland has rentals available for $3 each.
2770 Hwy 290, Dripping Springs
The Fieldhouse at the Crossover
The Fieldhouse at the Crossover in Cedar Park has plenty of activities—live music, volleyball, cornhole, and two pickleball courts available to rent by the hour. And on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to close, the Fieldhouse’s courts become 21 and up. Keep in mind pickleball paddles and balls are not included with your reservation.
1717 Scottsdale Drive, Cedar Park
Little Zilker Neighborhood Park
The public park has two first-come, first-served outdoor courts that are shared with the tennis courts, but you will need to bring your own net. Stop here for an afternoon of pickleball and utilize the nearby tables for a picnic.
2016 Bluebonnet Ln.
The Pitch
Located next to Parmer Field, the Pitch has two courts available for free reservations and one court open to the public. Two balls are provided, and paddles are available for rent for $2.50 per pair. The Pitch also has four restaurants and two bars to choose from after you work up an appetite.
13000 Harris Ridge Blvd.
Shalom Austin
You don’t have to be a member to take a pickleball class at Shalom Austin’s Hurt Family Tennis Center. They have four lit outdoor pickleball courts and classes and clinics for all levels. Non-members will pay a separate fee when they register.
7300 Hart Ln.
Ski Shores Cafe
MML Hospitality recently revamped the Lake Austin classic and installed special pickleball courts so you can play and sip a cocktail. You can likely expect pickleball events in the future—over Thanksgiving weekend in 2022, Ski Shores hosted their First Annual Ski Shores Doubles Classic, a three-day pickleball tournament.
2905 Pearce Rd.
