Pickleball has been America’s fastest-growing sport for multiple years straight, rivaling tennis, golf and more traditional sports. The boom can largely be explained by the lower barrier to entry, for example, as a result of a slower ball, smaller court size and fewer stroke types. It also happens to be incredibly fun (and social) while doubling as a great workout, so it’s no wonder this cross between tennis, badminton and ping-pong has exploded across the country.
In fact, cities have been racing to build more courts amid zoning battles to keep up with the unprecedented demand. Luckily for us, Houston is home to a range of pickleball courts, spanning from fully-equipped recreation centers to pickleball entertainment complexes. And many of these courts are indoors, an added bonus for year-round pickling.
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Regarded as the largest indoor pickleball club in Texas, PALA Pickleball is home to 11 climate-controlled indoor courts and eight state-of-the-art outdoor courts with permanent professional nets. PALA hosts open play, clinics, drills, tournaments and special events, and there’s even an on-site restaurant and bar.
Houston’s largest recreational outdoor sand volleyball and pickleball court facility has something for everyone. Families can enjoy food and drinks, corn hole and ping pong, and the more serious picklers can join some of the leagues on offer. The facility’s nine courts are available for open play or reservations.
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Riverhouse Houston along East River 9 may appear to be a restaurant and patio bar synonymous with the sprawling new nine-hole, Par 3 golf course, but it has also recently become a pickleball destination with the addition of six courts with LED lights.
Freed’s three pickleball courts are available for open play on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Dabble in open play at Moody Community Center’s two courts, available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Other activities at Moody Park include basketball and volleyball, plus a weight room.
North Wayside is a 35,000-square-foot multisport activity center with a gym, group fitness studio, swimming pool, youth baseball field, youth athletic training and more. Its three pickleball courts are available Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. and Thursday from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
Tidwell Community Center offers an adult open gym, walking club and card game sessions, as well as three pickleball courts available for open play.
Highland Park, Fleming Park and Willow Park all boast public outdoor courts that are free to use on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Photography by: Jennifer Smith/Getty Images; halbergman/Getty Images
