The Orlando area is a hub of pickleball enthusiasm, drawing in families, retirees, and tourists alike. With major sports complexes investing in dedicated pickleball courts, Orlando has become a prime location for tournaments and training camps. Pickleball here is often played in large community centers, country clubs, and parks, with leagues forming across different neighborhoods. Thanks to Florida’s theme park culture, some resorts even offer pickleball as an activity for visitors, further growing the sport’s appeal.
Five years ago, if you had asked me about pickleball, I probably would have laughed and said, “Pickle-what?” Fast forward to today, and I can’t imagine my life without it. As a midlife newbie to the game, I’ve found pickleball to be more than just a sport, it’s a community, a workout, and a whole lot of fun. And lucky for me (and you!), Central Florida is a pickleball paradise.
So, if you’re curious about this fast-growing sport, let me share what I’ve learned, where to play, and how you can get started!
Why Pickleball?
Like many, I found myself looking for something new, something active, social, and, most importantly, easy to pick up. When I was younger I played racketball and more recently I love playing ping pong! So when I found pickleball, I fell in love with the game.
Here’s why I’m hooked:
✔️ Easy to Learn – Within an hour, I was playing a real game. No years of training needed!
✔️ Social & Fun – The people are friendly, and laughter is guaranteed.
✔️ Great Exercise – It’s a workout, but it doesn’t feel like one.
✔️ Perfect for All Ages – I’ve played with people in their 20s and in their 80s—everyone fits in.
Where to Play in Central Florida
After a bit of research (and a lot of trial and error), I’ve found some of the best places to play across Central Florida. Whether you’re looking for public courts, private clubs, or competitive play, there’s a spot for you!
Orange County (Orlando & Surrounding Areas)
Fort Gatlin Recreation Complex – Indoor & outdoor courts, great for beginners.
Barnett Park – Free public courts, but they fill up fast!
Pickleball at The Wellborn – A social and fun downtown Orlando option.
Seminole County (Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs)
Seminole Recreation Division – Three indoor courts & one outdoor.
Lake Mary Sports Complex – Popular and well-maintained.
Red Bug Lake Park – A great mix of casual and competitive play.
Osceola County (Kissimmee, St. Cloud)
Oak Street Park & Community Center – 16 outdoor courts!
Crush Yard Orlando – A brand-new indoor pickleball club with food and drinks.
Gaylord Palms Resort – 18 private courts if you’re looking for a resort-style experience.
Lake County (Clermont, Leesburg, Mount Dora)
P.E.A.R. Park – A pickleball hotspot with 12 dedicated courts.
Donnelly Park – Six lit courts, perfect for evening play.
Country Club of Mount Dora – Six courts with a country club feel.
Sumter County (The Villages & Surrounding Areas)
The Villages – The ultimate pickleball destination with over 200 courts!
The Pickleball Club (Coming Soon) – A new 16-court indoor facility is on the way.
Polk County (Lakeland, Winter Haven)
Kelly Recreation Complex – A favorite for both beginners and pros.
Simpson Park Community Center – Four indoor courts with air conditioning (yes, please!).
Lake Eva Park – Scenic courts in Haines City.
Highlands County (Sebring & Avon Park)
Highlands County Tennis Center – Eight dedicated pickleball courts.
Sebring Heartland Games – A fantastic annual pickleball tournament.
Hardee County (Wauchula & Surrounding Areas)
Limited Public Courts – Check with local parks and recreation centers for pop-up games!
Okeechobee County (Okeechobee)
Okeechobee Sports Complex – Four outdoor courts with free play.
Silver Palms RV Village – Ten dedicated courts with lighting.
Okeechobee KOA Resort – Six courts in a fun, social setting.
Finding Games & Pickleball Partners
When I started, I didn’t know where to find games or who to play with. Luckily, there are amazing tools to help:
✅ PlayTime Scheduler – The best free tool to find and join games in your area.
✅ Pickleheads – A great site for finding courts, clubs, and local events.
✅ PicklePlay App – A mobile app for court locations, game scheduling, and score tracking.
✅ Places2Play – USA Pickleball’s official court directory.
I personally love PlayTime Scheduler because I can see when and where people are playing. It’s an easy way to meet new players without the awkward “mind if I join?” moment.
Tips for New Players
If you’re just getting started, here are a few things I wish I knew sooner:
Invest in a Decent Paddle – You don’t need a pro-level paddle, but skip the cheapest ones. A solid beginner paddle ($40–$80) makes a difference.
Learn the Basics – Check out our guide here on pickleball rules and scoring.
Join Open Play – Most courts have designated times for open play. It’s a great way to meet people and improve fast.
Have Fun! – Pickleball is competitive, but at the end of the day, it’s all about having fun.
Come Join the Pickleball Craze!
If you’re in Central Florida and haven’t tried pickleball yet, what are you waiting for? There are courts everywhere, players of all levels, and plenty of ways to get involved. Whether you’re looking for a fun workout, new friends, or just an excuse to get outside, pickleball has something for everyone.
So grab a paddle, find a court, and I’ll see you in the kitchen (don’t worry, you’ll learn what that means soon!)
