Parents on the lookout for a new activity have the opportunity this month to introduce their kids to tennis—for free.
Every year, the United States Tennis Association hosts the USTA Free Tennis Play Events in celebration of Nickelodeon's Worldwide Day of Play, a national effort to get kids off the couch and engaged in a physical activity.
More: 5 Tips to Get Kids Excited About Tennis
These free tennis play events will run through Sept. 30, 2013 in cities and small towns across the United States. Each hosting venue puts their own spin on the free tennis play events. Generally, the events aim to give kids and their parents a chance to try and sample tennis. They are open to all ages and abilities; tennis experience is not required.
During the event, kids can play tennis and participate in a variety of tennis skill and game challenges that can be done individually or in teams. Parents are encouraged to join in.
More: Junior Tennis: Training, Tips & Drills
Below are five USTA Free Tennis Play Events being held in late September. For a complete list, or to search for an event in your zip code, go to YouthTennis.com. Be sure to click on "free tennis play events" in the event type drop down menu.
Los Gatos, California
USTA Free Tennis Play Event will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at Los Gatos High School, 20 High School Court, Los Gatos, California.
Midland, Michigan
USTA Free Tennis Play Event will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Midland Community Tennis Center, 900 E. Wackerly Road, Midland, Michigan.
Bensalem, Pennsylvania
This free event, dubbed Family Affair Under the Stars, will be held Sept. 27 at Bensalem Community Park, at Richlieu and Galloway roads. This is an overnight event featuring a movie and two hours of tennis between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at an outdoor hockey rink in the park. For more information and to pre-register, email buckscountytennis@verizon.net.
Austin, Texas
USTA Free Tennis Play Event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29 at Shipe Park, 4400 Ave. G, Austin, Texas.
Greenville, South Carolina
This junior play event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 28 at the Kroc Center, 205 Gibbs St., Greenville, South Carolina.
More: The USTA's 10 and Under Tennis Rules
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