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Have you noticed pickleball courts popping up everywhere lately?
If you haven’t played, trust me – you want to get to a court. Pickleball is easy to learn, surprisingly addictive, and way more fun that it has any right to be. Once you try it, you’ll probaly wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
People of all ages can play and enjoy, and it even makes for a great date night.
West Michigan is leaning in to pickleball’s mega popularity (it’s like more popular than yoga pants or dog photos). So lace up those sneakers, grab a paddle and let the dinking begin!
This article is brought to you by Dinks & Dingers.
5080 Broadmoor Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
West Michigan’s premier indoor playground—where games, food, and fun come together.
From pickleball, wiffleball, and yoga to private parties and corporate events, Dinks & Dingers Social Club delivers year-round entertainment with full-service hospitality and stress-free event planning.
In Michigan, where our four seasons are almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, playing pickleball indoors is a great option.
Lucky for us, there are oodles of indoor pickle courts for us to get our game on.
Dinks & Dingers Social Club has indoor and outdoor pickleball courts and Wiffle® Ball fields for fun play in a lively atmosphere.
Want to just spectate? No problem – grab a table, pull up a barstool, or rent a cabana to enjoy the full restaurant and bar—open daily for lunch and dinner.
This is the place for friends to hang out, socialize, and have fun! In addition to pickleball, there is cornhole, shuffleboard, and Ping Pong.
Check out their facebook and plan a time to drop in.
MVP Athletic Club has six indoor and six outdoor courts.
If you’re looking for a lesson – you’re in luck, their pickleball programming is led by certified professionals who deliver top-tier instruction.
They also host exciting tournaments & other events open to both members and non-members.
GR Racquet & Fitness’s facility features eight premium, stand-alone pickleball courts, setting the stage for thrilling games and competitive play.
Their flexible booking system allows for both individual and group reservations, so you can reserve a court for a quick match or host a private event with friends.
They also hold community events like Picklefest, The Midwest Open and The Salty Elf, and serve as the official indoor rain backup for the prestigious Beer City Open.
Ace Pickleball Club specializes in developing and operating indoor pickleball clubs.
They have thirteen courts in a climate-controlled environment, with on-court technology for instant replay and live streaming for an ultimate pickleball playing experience.
Ace offers daily open play, clinics, tournaments, social events, and glow-in-the-dark events.
Broadleaf Brewing is a contemporary brewpub with Asian-style street food, arcade games, and guess what else they have….a pickleball court!
If you’re looking for a laid back night out but also want to play some pickle – here’s your stop.
Pickle & Pin offers three Pickleball Courts, three Golf Simulator Bays, and training sessions.
Both members and non members are welcome to snag a court, order from local food deliveries and enjoy the full bar.
Added fun – on Friday & Saturday nights from 9 – 11 PM they have glow ball, a blacklight picklebaall experience.
ALL IN did just that on their courts, and went all in.
They have two locations both with fully dedicated Pickleball courts with premium court surface, tensioned nets, and full ball containment netting.
Here you can find ladder leagues, kids training, tournaments and a pro shop.
When the sun’s out and the air’s fresh, every good shot feels even better.
When Michigan’s weather turns brighter, there’s nothing better than being on an outdoor court, soaking up the day and squeezing in a few games before sunset.
Here are some spots around town to play pickle outside.
Belknap Park is home to one of the largest Pickleball scenes in West MI, largely run by the Grand Rapids Pickleball Club.
They have twenty one courts that are divided for different levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and include a stadium/challenge court.
Added bonus – playing at sunset!
Hudsonville is home to twelve beautiful pickleball courts for open play.
The Hudsonville Pickleball Club organizes majority of the play here.
The city invested in the sport to help promote a safe, friendly, and fun way to build community.
Old Farm Park is one of the most popular places to play pickleball in Kentwood, MI.
There are four outdoor hard courts. These are dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets.
The courts are free. Players have access to restrooms and water.
Elevate your game on the fourth floor and visit Grand Rapids’ pickleball hotspot.
Whether you are a top-tier player or new to the sport, it is mega fun to play at Rooftop Pickleball.
Grand River Riverfront Park is the place to play pickleball in Lowell, MI.
There are eight acrylic outdoor courts. The lines and nets are permanent.
The courts are free. Players have access to lights.
Cannon Township Park has eight courts with lights.
Players have access to water and restrooms.
Another hot spot to play pickle outside is Ada Township Park in Ada, MI!
There are six outdoor hard courts. These are dedicated courts with permanent lines and nets. Pickle players have access to water and restrooms.
Whether you are dinking indoors to escape the snow, or racing outside the moment the forecast hits 60 degrees, West Michigan has a pickeball spot for every day, season and every level of optimism.
The real skill isn’t your serve or your drop shot, its knowing when to bring a sweatshirt, sunscreen or hit the indoor courts. If you need additional assitance finding a game, try the Pickleheads, to get your ball rolling.
No matter where you play, on thing’s guaranteed: you’ll leave sweaty, smiling and already planning your next game. Enjoy West MI!
Kate is a Grand Rapids native. After graduating from MSU, she landed there to raise her three boys with her husband of over 20 years. She loves to travel, especially to new spaces and places. Her teenage sons keep her schedule busy and her fridge empty. But when she's not rooting for them in sports, she's usually skiing, playing golf, hanging around the lakeshore, and trying to catch a view of sunset.
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