This time of year, the excuses not to go running pile up. Fingers get frostbitten during a pickup-basketball game in the driveway after Thanksgiving dinner. Mom gets cranky as the kids wear holes in the living-room Persian rug as they run in circles, repeatedly nagged to stop swinging the Wiffleball bat indoors. Everyone either has energy to burn off or has fallen into a mashed-potato-induced food coma and really needs to get up off the couch and get their heart rate up above slug level. Being stuck inside not only can get boring, it can affect mental health.
With snow day and northeaster season upon us, we thought we’d offer a guide to some indoor sports and games facilities here on the East End.
East Hampton Indoor Tennis
174 Daniels Hole Road, Wainscott
ehindoortennis.com
Since 1995, this has been a prime destination for racquet sports. In addition to the regular outdoor courts, the facility offers six indoor Har-Tru courts, one indoor pickleball court, two outdoor platform courts (designed for winter play), and three padel courts. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., including holidays, the club welcomes members and non-members alike. Court rentals vary by day and time, with weekday morning rates at $86 per hour for members and $96 for non-members, and weekend or holiday rates ranging from $132 to $162. Winter programs include adult clinics, after-school sessions for kids, and seasonal minicamps. The club also arranges matches, making it easy to meet new opponents and enjoy the
game at any level.
The Clubhouse
174 Daniels Hole Road, Wainscott
clubhousehamptons.com
The venue grew from its indoor tennis beginnings in 1995 (see above) into the multi-activity destination it is today, where visitors can enjoy bowling on 10 lanes (up to six people per lane) with the option to have some pizza, burgers, or drinks while they play. Bowling costs $60 per hour plus $5 for shoe rentals. A pool table sits conveniently beside the lanes for extra fun, and while Air Hockey and Skee Ball might not strictly count as indoor sports, there is an arcade that kids go ape for, with more than 30 games from Willy Wonka Pinball to Crossy Road. The Clubhouse is open Friday through Sunday with extended weekend hours, making it a great spot for family outings or just a fun escape from the winter chill. Make sure to re-
serve a lane before you go.
Montauk Playhouse Community Center
240 Edgemere Street, Montauk
montaukplayhouse.org
Those who mourned the loss of the day passes for the indoor saltwater pool at Gurney’s, which became strictly restricted to overnight-guest use only a few years ago, are waiting for the imminent opening of Montauk’s fantastic new swimming pool any moment now. (In fact, it may be open between the time we go to press and the time you’re reading this, so visit the website to check!) Originally built in 1928 by Carl Fisher as an indoor tennis auditorium, Montauk’s historic Playhouse has come full circle, returning to its recreational roots as a vibrant community hub. Its latest addition, the Sarah and Maurice Iudicone Aquatic Center, will open as soon as final permits are cleared and finishing touches in place. The new facility will feature two pools: a 25-yard, four-lane lap pool for fitness swimmers and a warm-water pool for therapy and instructional swim, perfect for kids, seniors, and anyone diving into winter wellness. The Playhouse’s east wing already hosts pickleball, basketball, and yoga programs as well as BodyTech, a private gym upstairs for fitness and training. With its blend of history, health and community spirit, this spot continues to be a year-round gathering for locals to stay active and connected.
Future Stars Southampton Tennis Club
1370a Majors Path, Southampton
fscamps.com
For tennis players looking to keep their game on point no matter the weather, Future Stars Southampton Tennis Club is a great destination. The facility operates two climate-controlled bubbles from September through May, housing eight indoor courts. The club offers private lessons, open court rentals, adult clinics and leagues, seasonal bookings, and a popular Junior Development Program. For families, their holiday mini-camps are a big draw. Future Stars also runs “Lunch Bunch” discounts Monday through Thursday from noon to 3 p.m., making mid-day court time or lessons more accessible. Membership isn’t required, so players can book courts, lessons, and clinics up to a week in advance. A full pro shop offers racquet stringing, bags, and apparel, plus the club is adding local coffee and tea this season. Rates vary by program, with discounted pricing available during Lunch Bunch hours.
Y.M.C.A. East Hampton RECenter
2 Gingerbread Lane, East Hampton
ymcali.org
Some love it, some loathe it; our relationship with the YMCA building is a bit fraught. But thank heavens it’s here, right?! Winter fitness classes of all kinds — yoga, Les Mills Bodypump, core conditioning — are in full swing at the Y (as at local private gyms, of course), but if it’s sports you’re looking for, look into the indoor cycling studio here and the two recently refurbished indoor pools: one for laps and water fitness and another for swim lessons and family swim. Membership options range from about $50 to $96 per month for adults, with low-to-no-cost student memberships for kids enrolled locally.
Hub 44
44 Tan Bark Trail, East Hampton
hub44rsf.com
This 6,000-square-foot, climate-controlled baseball and softball training space, designed for year-round play, is a true godsend to East Hampton kids. Tucked away in an industrial-ish warehouse zone on the road to Springs you may be surprised to find a 52- by 80-foot indoor turf field, multiple batting cages, pitching mounds, and a HitTrax simulation system. There are fantastic clinics for kids looking to improve their swing or work on their fastball before Little League season comes around again, with private lessons, weekly clinics, and cage rentals for all ages. Rates start around $30 to $35 per session, and the facility is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.