What a class looks like
Small children learn tennis by playing, not by standing in a line. A class mixes movement games — running, stopping, balancing a ball on the racket — with the first real strokes: a forehand, a backhand, a first serve, a first rally over a low net. Red and orange balls are slower and bounce lower, so a short swing still sends the ball over.
The same coach runs the group every week, so children know the faces and the routine. Around age seven a child moves up to the 5 PM Social Tennis group, where the ball gets bigger and faster.
Is my child ready?
If your child can follow a simple instruction and is happy to stay with a group for an hour, they are ready at three. A two-year-old usually does better with a private lesson first. We provide a racket of the right size for the first class; bring sneakers, comfortable clothes and water.
Days and parks
Patrick J. Meli Park
2901 SW 52nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Preschooler at 4 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Directions ↗Frost Park
300 NE 2nd St, Dania Beach, FL 33004
Preschooler at 4 PM on Tuesday and Thursday
Directions ↗
4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Preschooler Ages 3-7
TueThuFri
Frost Park
Brother or sister aged 7–13? Their Social Tennis class starts at 5 PM at the same park, straight after.
Prices
Pick how many days a week; your child comes on any weekday. Per child, per month:
1 class a week
$120.60/month
with autopayOne month: $134
2 classes a week
$219.60/month
with autopayOne month: $244
3 classes a week
$306/month
with autopayOne month: $340
- Special · until Oct 31
Unlimited (one class a day)
$369/month
with autopayOne month: $410
Brothers and sisters save 10% on the second child and 15% on the third. Drop-in class $35. The registration fee is $50 per participant for 2026 (it becomes $70 on 1 January 2027), once a year. Step Up For Students accepted.
Families come from
- Hollywood — about 9 min to Frost Park
- Fort Lauderdale — about 11 min to Melaleuca Park
- Davie — about 9 min to Patrick J. Meli Park
- Plantation — about 18 min to Patrick J. Meli Park
- Hallandale Beach — about 13 min to Melaleuca Park
Dania Beach is five minutes or less from every park — our home town has its own schedule on the homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 3-year-old really play tennis?+
Yes. The 4 PM Preschooler group starts at age 3, with red and orange balls that are slower and bounce lower, and with games built around the first strokes.
What about a 2-year-old?+
We coach from age 2, but the weekly group starts at 3. For a two-year-old a private lesson is the usual first step.
Does my child need a racket?+
Not for the first class: we provide a racket sized for small children. Bring sneakers, comfortable clothes and water.
Is the first class free?+
Yes. The first class in the Preschooler group is free, with no card required.
When does my child move up?+
Around age 7, or when the coach sees they are ready, children move to the 5 PM Social Tennis group (ages 7–13).