St. Louis is packed with places to lob a tennis ball. From wooded surroundings to climate-controlled indoor courts, and with surfaces ranging from grass to asphalt to post-tensioned concrete, the Lou serves up a court to please every tennis player at these awesome area parks and clubs.

Photo Credit: dwightdavistennis.com

Dwight Davis Memorial Tennis Center
5620 Grand Dr.
Forest Park
St. Louis, MO 63112
(314) 2361-0177
www.dwightdavistennis.com

Prices: $10 court in spring and fall/$5 seniors and college students/$20 court in summer/$10 seniors and college students

Dwight Davis Center is the grandaddy of public tennis courts in St. Louis. This Forest Park treasure boasts 18 lighted tennis courts, and an additional stadium court that holds more than 1,000 spectators. This facility is home to the St. Louis Aces pro league tennis team, and hosted the World Team Tennis Tour in 2004. It serves up clinics, lessons, leagues and tournaments for players of all ages and levels.

Related: St. Louis Aces

Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Tower Grove Park
4256 Magnolia Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 771-4484
www.towergrovepark.org/

Price: $5 day passes for one player or $8 for two/$80 adults membership/$40 seniors and students/$110 per family (hard court rates)

Tower Grove’s tennis courts are a St. Louis favorite because of its friendly, casual tennis community, low prices and terrific facilities in a gorgeous setting. Twelve lighted hard courts, three improved grass courts and a comfortable stone clubhouse are the big draws here. It also offers a pro shop and locker facility. Tower Grove Park’s wooded, Victorian space was donated to the city in 1868.

Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Hudlin Tennis Center
Euclid and Clayton avenues
St. Louis, MO

Price: free

This center is named for Richard Hudlin, the legendary St. Louis coach who worked with Arthur Ashe. Six well-maintained courts offer brand new asphalt, paint, nets and lighting. The courts are a little difficult to find, nestled next to Barnes-Jewish Hospital, east of Kingshighway. No crowds, free access and great facilities make this one of the best tennis experience the city has to offer for true lovers of the sport.

Related: Top Jogging Trails in St. Louis

Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Kirkwood Park
111 S. Geyer Rd.
St. Louis, MO
(314) 822-5855
www.kirkwoodmo.org/

Prices: $5 per day/$4 per day for Kirkwood residents (season passes available)

Kirkwood Park offers 10 beautifully maintained courts. Two are securely wrapped in high fences — perfect for containing the stray serves of beginners. The others are more open. All were extensively renovated in 2011, when the asphalt courts were replaced with post-tensioned concrete. The courts are well-lit and stay open until 11 p.m. Other park facilities include the Kirkwood Community Center, an ice arena, an aquatic center, a playground, picnic pavilions and sites, athletic fields, horseshoe pits, handball courts, a community garden and a concession stand.

Photo Credit: forestlaketennisclub.com

Forest Lake Swim & Tennis Club
1012 N. Woods Mill Rd.
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(314) 878-2722
www.forestlaketennisclub.com

Prices: $23 to $30 per hour/$20 to 26 per hour for permanent court rates

For a private club that strikes a good balance between rates and amenities, consider Forest Lake in Chesterfield. The club boasts eight climate-controlled indoor courts and five outdoor courts. It also offers competitive leagues, clinics, camps, lessons and extensive programs for junior players. Its full-service restaurant serves up snacks and meals between sets. Its Miller Tennis Academy offers young players a chance to compete in high-level, collegiate tournaments.

What’s your favorite place to play? Tell us in the comments below.

Lauren Haas is a writer who specializes in finding the fun! Lauren was the publisher of the St. Louis Area Family Gazette for eight years, and now writes freelance articles on St. Louis events and attractions, budget travel, arts and entertainment and fitness topics. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.