Kids' Tennis Lessons in Montreal: Where to Start

Getting Your Kids on the Court

Tennis is one of those sports that kids can start young and play for a lifetime. It builds coordination, agility, and discipline — and Montreal has excellent programs for every level, from first-time players to aspiring competitors.

Municipal Programs — Affordable and Accessible

The City of Montreal runs tennis programs through its borough sports centres during summer months. Courts at parks like Jarry, Lafontaine, and Kent are busy with kids' clinics from June through August. Prices are remarkably affordable — typically $60-100 for a multi-week session — making municipal programs the most budget-friendly entry point. Registration opens in spring through the Ville de Montréal website.

Top Tennis Academies

Tennis Montreal Academy in NDG offers year-round programs for ages 4-17. Their progressive curriculum follows Tennis Canada's development model, starting with red ball (foam balls on small courts) for the youngest players and moving through orange and green ball stages. Prices range from $200-350 per session depending on frequency and level. The coaches are Tennis Canada certified, and the small group sizes (4-6 kids per court) ensure personalized attention.

Uniprix Stadium Tennis Centre — home of the National Bank Open — runs junior development programs that are among the best in Quebec. Their camps and year-round lessons take advantage of world-class indoor and outdoor facilities. For serious young players, their competitive stream provides high-performance coaching. Expect to pay $250-500 per session.

Club de Tennis Île des Soeurs is a hidden gem with excellent junior programs. Their family membership model means parents can play too while kids are in lessons, making it a true family sport experience. The club atmosphere is welcoming and less intimidating than larger academies.

Indoor Winter Options

Montreal winters don't have to mean a break from tennis. Several indoor facilities keep kids playing year-round:

• Centre de tennis intérieur de l'Île-des-Soeurs has heated indoor courts with bubble coverings
• Tennis 13 in the Plateau offers indoor courts and private lessons
• Club Sportif MAA in Westmount combines tennis with other sports in their junior programs

What to Know Before Enrolling

Age considerations: Most programs accept children starting at age 4-5 using adapted equipment (shorter racquets, foam balls, smaller courts). This "mini-tennis" approach is fun and developmentally appropriate.

Equipment: Beginners don't need expensive gear. A basic junior racquet ($30-50) and running shoes are sufficient. Most programs provide balls.

What to look for in a coach:

• Tennis Canada certification
• Experience working specifically with children
• Positive, encouraging teaching style
• Willingness to make lessons fun with games and challenges

Cost Comparison

Program Type	Price Range	Frequency
Municipal	$60-100/session	1x/week, 6-8 weeks
Club academy	$200-400/session	1-2x/week, 10-12 weeks
Private lessons	$50-80/hour	Flexible
Summer camp (tennis-focused)	$250-400/week	Daily, full weeks

Tennis is a wonderful family sport. Many clubs offer parent-child lessons or family court time, so you can share the experience with your kids. Check out more sports programs for kids in Montreal on FamiliQC.