Indoor Tennis in Howard County

With the cold weather upon us, you may be looking for indoor activities to keep you warm, fit or just have fun. If tennis is your game, you have three choices in the county and two more nearby.

Each of these facilities usually has some open court times available, but you typically have to be a member to reserve them, and for some you need one member playing to bring guests. Each also has kids and adult clinics that can offer a less expensive way to get your foot in the door. Definitely call ahead to check availability, restrictions and costs.

The Columbia Association has two indoor tennis facilities: four courts at the Athletic Club (410-720-0149) and five at the Owen Brown bubble (410-381-7255). The Athletic Club courts are a little nicer and have better temperature control than the bubble. You have to be a CA member to reserve them, typically around $30/hour.

The Circle D Farm (301-854-6651) in western Howard County (in Woodbine, near the Western Regional Park), is a private facility that has four indoor courts in a warehouse-type building. Non-members can play for $8 per person in addition to the court time, which runs $34-38 per hour.

Just outside the county in Catonsville, the Forty West Racquet Club (410-747-5683) has four indoor courts, also in a warehouse-type building. Prices run between $24-31 per hour, and members can bring guests for $7/person.

South of the county in Laurel, the Fairland Tennis Bubble (301-362-6060) has six courts operated by the Prince George's County Department of Parks & Recreation. Prices vary depending on time and your residency (PG and Montgomery County residents pay less). Prices for Howard County residents range from $26-34/hour.