Perhaps a surprising fact for the nation’s fittest city: Arlington has no courts dedicated exclusively to pickleball, a sport that’s picking up speed. That’s about to change, though. Construction will soon begin on six pickleball courts in the lighted tennis court area at Walter Reed Community Center and Park. The work should be done in the second quarter of 2025, according to county officials. Until then, picklers can take a swing at playing on plenty of other area courts—and then vote for their favorite in our Best of Arlington 2025 survey. (Want tips? Ultramarathoner, Arlington resident and pickleball enthusiast Michael Wardian shares his.)
Arlington County Parks & Recreation’s Outdoor Courts
Seven county parks have outdoor pickleball courts that share space with other sports:
- Fort Scott Park, Glebe Road Park, Hayes Park and Marcey Road Park each have four pickleball courts striped on tennis courts.
- Lubber Run Park, a Best of Arlington 2023 winner for best pickleball court, has four pickleball courts that are shared with a volleyball court.
- Virginia Highlands in National Landing has two pickleball courts striped on a tennis court and a hitting wall for solo practicing.
- Walter Reed Community Center and Park in Arlington Village currently has nine pickleball courts—six striped on tennis courts and three on the basketball court.
Click here to check availability and make outdoor court reservations.
Arlington County Parks & Recreation’s Indoor Courts
Five community center gyms—Arlington Mill, Carver, Lubber Run, Walter Reed and Thomas Jefferson Community and Fitness Center—offer pickleball at designated times. Note that to play at Thomas Jefferson, adults must have a membership or pay the daily visit fee.
Baroody Pickleball
Founder Pete Baroody took refuge in pickleball during the pandemic, finding it to be ideal for staying social—at a distance—and active. A division of Baroody Camps, Baroody Pickleball offers clinics for all ages divided into three levels, from beginner to seasoned. Lessons are held at six area locations, including Meridian High School in Falls Church, and Lewinsville Park and Spring Hill Recreation Center in McLean. Take a quiz to determine your skill level, or opt for a private lesson (starting at $60). // 7777 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
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Dill Dinkers Pickleball
This growing chain of pickleball places with a name that honors the game (a dillball is a live ball and a dink is a soft shot from the non-volley zone) includes a Virginia location in nearby Manassas. With six courts, each with its own fence to contain rogue balls, the facility also offers the use of a ball machine for practicing, lessons, events and parties, and a pro shop selling paddles, clothing and accessories. Membership ($59/month to $1,150/year) has its benefits, including the ability to book a court five days before nonmembers and half-price court fees. But visitors are welcome, too. // 8300 Sudley Road, Manassas
Onelife Fitness
The McLean location of this big-box gym chain has two indoor and four outdoor pickleball courts. Gym membership is required, but guests are welcome, too. New to the sport? Take the Pickleball First Timers Class. For those with some experience, the gym offers the Dink Dynasty Class, Transition Zone Strategy, and Serve & Return with Depth. Open Play Social time is free for members and $7.50 for nonmembers. // 1800 Old Meadow Road, McLean
The Pickleball Club of Tysons
Two couples—longtime Fairfax residents—opened this facility near the Spring Hill Metro stop in May. It’s home to six indoor, climate-controlled courts that are open daily from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and until 8 p.m. on weekends. They also offer classes for all ages and abilities, with the McLean Youth Athletics Pickleball program coming this fall. A monthly membership is $79 for individuals and $139 for couples, or commit to a year for $869 or $1,529, respectively. The benefits include priority court booking at discounted rates, but nonmembers can also use the courts for $16-$32. // 8528 Tyco Road, Vienna
Pickleballerz
A 30-minute drive will take you to this indoor facility that’s open year-round and offers clinics, lessons, leagues and tourneys. A monthly membership costs $52, with open play and court reservations running an additional $6-$12. Nonmembers can play, too, for $12-$48 a pop. Bonus: If you forget your paddle, you can borrow one for free. // 14424 Albemarle Point Place, Chantilly
The St. James
This sports-lover’s nirvana set among industrial buildings in Springfield beckons picklers with the St. James Pickleball Club. Open to members and nonmembers alike, the courts in the aptly named Court House are open 7 a.m.-noon on weekdays. // 6805 Industrial Road, Springfield
YMCA Arlington Tennis & Pickleball Center
It’s fun to play at the Y-M-C-A. The Arlington Y has six pickleball courts that players of all ages and abilities may use. Tournaments and leagues, instructional clinics, and private lessons are also available. A pickleball-only membership is available for $49 per month plus drop-in and court fees. For more details on pricing, check out the membership page. // 3400 13th St. N., Arlington (Virginia Square)