With its rising popularity, pickleball may seem like a new sport, but it’s been around since 1965. In fact, according to USA Pickleball, three dads are credited with creating it because their kids were bored of their usual activities.
New to the game? It’s a combination of tennis, badminton and Ping-Pong, and given that it was invented by dads for their own children, it’s guaranteed that your kids—and you—will have a blast. The fast-paced game is fun and social, and it’s easy for beginners to learn. Plus, the smooth paddles, smaller courts and lightweight balls make it a great sport for little ones.
Give this sport a try at these top local places for playing pickleball in Dallas-Fort Worth, plus where you can find pickleball courts at your local public parks and rec centers.
Restaurant/Court Combos
If you’re looking for a fun, active weekend outing, consider one of these options for dinner and entertainment in one.
Chicken N Pickle
2965 S. Highway 161, Grand Prairie
469/943-1410; chickennpickle.com/grand-prairieChicken N Pickle is an entertainment complex and fast-casual restaurant with locations in Grand Prairie and, as of this January, in Grapevine too. The venues offer up to a dozen pickleball courts, including outdoor, covered outdoor, and indoor so you can stay warm during the colder weather months. Lessons are available if your family wants some help learning the game.
There’s also an outdoor game yard with kid-friendly lawn games like giant Jenga, larger-than-life Battleship and cornhole. Plus, there’s regular Ping-Pong if that’s more your speed. The newly opened Grapevine location is dog-friendly, too, so you can bring Fido for a full family day out.
Once you’re done playing, head to the restaurant to enjoy fried pickles, chicken options galore, and a kids menu featuring fare even picky eaters will love. The Grapevine spot also boasts a barbecue shack and pizza options.
Reservations? Not required, but highly encouraged to guarantee a spot. Register online.
Cost: Court rentals: Monday–Friday: $20 per hour 8am–5pm; $40 per hour 5pm–close. Saturday–Sunday: $40 per hour. $3 each for paddles and balls (or bring your own).
Courtside Kitchen
Courtside Kitchen also offers classes, private and small-group lessons, and special events. And if your family reallyloves pickleball, you can get the Priority Membership, which offers various perks (including the ability to reserve courts further in advance than the general public) and covers up to 4 family members living in the same household.
Reservations? While Courtside Kitchen does allow walk-ins, they recommend reserving a court via its online system to guarantee play time. You can also book via the CourtReserve app or give them a call.
Cost: Court rentals: $20 per hour Monday–Friday; $40 per hour Saturday–Sunday; $2.50 paddles (or bring your own). Memberships for up to four family members in the same household offer extra perks.
Neighborhood Courts
These neighborhood facilities offer playtime in a more focused setting. Check your local parks and rec departments for more courts at rec centers and public parks nearest you.
The Aaron Family Jewish Community Center of Dallas
7900 Northaven Road, Dallas
Outdoor pickleball: 214/239-7154; Indoor pickleball: 214/239-7147
jccdallas.org/sports/pickleball
In addition to its abundance of programming , the JCC offers open play pickleball times for members and non-members alike on its indoor and outdoor courts. Plus, it offers clinics and lessons for players of all ages who want to improve their game. The JCC also has a pickleball machine that can be rented.
Reservations? Members and non-members can reserve courts at any time. Call to make reservations.
Cost: Free for members; $10 per person for non-members. Bring your own gear. Paddles and balls are sold in the pro shop.
The Courts McKinney
3253 Alma Road, McKinney
972/547-2012; impactactivities.com/mckinney
The Courts is home to ten pickleball/tennis courts that members and non-members alike can reserve. It also offers adult and junior pickleball programs, so the whole family can develop their skills.
Reservations? Call to reserve a court.
Cost: $4 per person for 90 minutes. Free entry-level paddles; $3 professional demo paddles. Balls can be purchased for $3.50–$5. Unlimited multi-club membership is $36 per month for a family of four.
Fretz Tennis Center
6998 Belt Line Road, Dallas
469/372-6587; impactactivities.com/fretz
This center has four pickleball courts and 14 tennis courts available for members and non-members. Coaching and group classes are offered.
Reservations? Reserve courts via the Impact Activities TX app or online.
Cost: $4 per person for 90 minutes. Free entry-level paddles; $3 professional demo paddles. Balls can be purchased for $3.50–$5. Unlimited multi-club membership is $36 per month for a family of four.
High Point Tennis Center
421 West Spring Creek Parkway, Plano
972/941-7170; highpointtennis.com
In addition to its lighted tennis courts, this Plano Parks and Recreation Department facility has eight combo kids’ tennis/pickleball courts that anyone can reserve. Learning to play? They offer private lessons and clinics.
Reservations? Call to reserve a court up to two days in advance, or stop by in person.
Cost: Plano residents: $2.50 children; $3 adults. Nonresidents: $3.25 children; $4 adults. $3 paddles. Players must bring their own balls or buy them on-site. Rent a ball machine for $20 per hour.
LB Houston Tennis Center
11225 Luna Road, #3113, Dallas
214/670-6367; impactactivities.com/lbhouston
LB Houston is home to 12 pickleball/tennis courts. Open to members and non-members alike.
Reservations? Call to reserve.
Cost: $4 per person for 90 minutes. Free entry-level paddles; $3 professional demo paddles. Balls can be purchased for $3.50–$5. Unlimited multi-club membership is $36 per month for a family of four.
McLeland Tennis Center
1600 West Seminary Drive, Fort Worth
817/921-5134; impactactivities.com/mcleland
McLeland has two designated pickleball courts and four hybrid courts—and you don’t need to be a member to reserve and play here.
Reservations? Call to reserve multiuse courts. Reserve pickleball courts via the Impact Activities TX app or online.
Cost: $4 per person for 90 minutes. Free entry-level paddles; $3 professional demo paddles. Balls can be purchased for $3.50–$5. An unlimited multi-club membership is $36 per month for a family of four.
Samuell Grand Tennis Center
6220 East Grand Ave., Dallas
469/250-7887; impactactivities.com/samuellgrand
This tennis center has four pickleball-only courts and eight pickleball/tennis courts open to members and non-members. Junior pickleball programs begin in February 2023.
Reservations? Reserve pickleball courts via the Impact Activities TX app or online. Call to reserve hybrid courts.
Cost: $4 per person for 90 minutes. Free entry-level paddles; $3 professional demo paddles. Balls can be purchased for $3.50–$5. Unlimited multi-club membership is $36 per month for a family of four.
The following cities have pickleball courts in their public parks or recreation centers:
- Addison
- Allen
- Arlington
- Azle
- Carrollton
- Colleyville
- Dallas
- Flower Mound
- Frisco
- Grand Prairie
- Grapevine
- Highland Park
- Hurst
- Lewisville
- McKinney
- Melissa
- Mesquite
- Plano
- Richardson
- Rowlett
- Sachse
- University Park
Denton County is also home to a several pickleball courts, where you can participate in open play and classes, or reserve a court for your family. You’ll find pickleball courts at Wagon Wheel Tennis and Pickleball Center in Coppell, at Unity Park in Highland Village, at Hackberry Park in Prosper, at the Colony Recreation Center and Bridges Park Tennis & Pickleball Courts in the Colony, and at Harmony Park in Trophy Club.
RELATED: 29 All-Abilities Sports & Activities
Top image courtesy of Chicken N Pickle
