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Baltimore's Best Tennis Courts And Clubs

Tennis is rated as one of the top sports to improve overall health, spurring both physical and mental vitality in workouts even non-athletes can get into. In fact, competitive tennis burns more calories than aerobics or cycling, and outperforms golf and most other sports in developing positive personality characteristics in kids. With benefits like these, and a trip to Baltimore's best courts and clubs, you'll be back in shape in no time.

Crosskeyscourts1
Photo Credit: crosskeystennis.com

Cross Keys Tennis
4 Hamill Rd.
Baltimore, Md. 21210
(410) 433-1800
www.crosskeystennis.com

Price: $195 membership per individual/$325 per family/$155 per student/court fees from $28 to $39 per hour depending on time and day of week

For more than 40 years, Cross Keys Tennis Club has been providing an outstanding indoor tennis program and fitness area to city residents. Friendly, helpful staff and professional trainers are always available to help players reach their tennis goals on four soft, spongy, indoor Deco II courts. Two extra fitness areas offer treadmills, stair masters, cross-training and rowing machines, and the weights that are key to staying in shape, increasing speed and improving agility on the courts. After your racket has been professionally stringed at the pro shop, choose from a variety of adult clinics and leagues, or sign up for junior instruction by highly trained, experienced tennis pros. Non-members are welcome, although guest fees and court times apply.

Related: Best Scenic Running Paths In The Baltimore Area

Barehills Racquet and Fitness
Photo Credit: barehills.com

Barehills Racquet and Fitness Club
1420 Clarkview Rd.
Baltimore, Md. 21209
(410) 823-2500
www.barehills.com/

Fee: $225 membership per individual/$410 per family

Bare Hills is home to unrivaled indoor facilities, dedicated staff and award-winning coaches to help you achieve any tennis goal. Participate in individual lessons, league games, casual play or take advantage of The Tennis Institute, Baltimore's foremost tennis academy. This training program is a great way to learn how the pros do it, straight from the source. No matter your age or skill, Bare Hills' trainers will help you build a sound foundation for the future through conditioning drills and strategic approaches to the game. With the basics under your belt, learn the topspin, underspin and other special shots to maximize your style advantages. In addition to being well-supervised, there are never more than six players allowed on the court to guarantee quality time for every player.

Pine Valley Swim & Tennis
Photo Credit: pinevlleyswim.com

Pine Valley Swim & Tennis Club
4638 White Marsh Rd.
Baltimore, Md. 21237
(410) 668-9888
www.pinevalleyswim.com

Fee: from $375 to $395 for membership

Sitting on 14 beautiful acres in a secluded area, Pine Valley's privately owned swim/tennis club and summer day camp is conveniently located a short drive from the White Marsh Mall. Four Har-Tru courts and four hard courts allow for singles, doubles and mixed doubles to play independently or on interclub leagues throughout the year. Platform Tennis, a game which is a cross between tennis and racquetball, is also an option year-round on two lighted courts. Juniors ages 5 to 18 should attend the Pine Valley tennis camps in July to learn proper warm ups, conditioning, drills, ball control skills and stroke progression to better practice and compete with some of Baltimore's best players. One of the best features of this club is that high school and college students who are on their schools' teams are eligible for a free tennis membership.

Related: Summer Camp Guide For Baltimore

Tennis Club
Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Bolton Swim & Tennis Ltd.
Dolphin Lane
Baltimore, Md. 21217
(410) 523-6110
www.boltonswimandtennis.org/

Price: $610 per single annually/$705 couples/$780 per family

Practice and compete at Bolton Swim and Tennis, home to four impressive tennis courts – two all-weather courts that are open year-round and two soft Har-Tru courts open May through October. All courts are available during regular club hours and reservations cost members nothing. The club offers a variety of events for members such as a club tournament and weekend round robins, plus two women's interclub teams (singles and doubles). Group or private instruction may also be scheduled for beginning juniors to advanced adult players.

L'Hirondelle club
Photo Credit:

L'Hirondelle Club of Ruxton
7611 L'Hirondelle Club Rd.
Ruxton, Md. 21204
(410) 825-2400
www.lhirondelle.com/

Price: Membership is through nomination by a current member; call for initiation and monthly fee

L'Hirondelle members are always the first players in the area to start playing on outdoor courts each spring, and its courts are open the first week of April through October or later, weather permitting. With clinics, lessons, leagues, summer camps, ball machines, tournaments and socials, tennis enthusiasts have the opportunity to learn and perfect their game. Additionally, L'Hirondelle hosts the area's top paddle tennis facility with six courts and a Paddle Hut complete with a pro shop. The tennis pro shop is another great place to purchase all of the latest accessories, equipment and L'H apparel for players to advance their game.

Keri Ann Beazell is a Baltimore writer following the latest developments in arts and culture, natural wonders, lifestyle and pets. She enjoys promoting thought-provoking discussions, education, new ideas and smiles among readers. Follow her on Twitter at @KtBlue16 and online at Examiner.com

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