Balboa Park Activity Center

Showed up on a Saturday afternoon with little prior knowledge of this center, but wanting to play ping pong. The table tennis space was filled with tables and players but there was still space for us to play. Since we didn’t know how it worked, we were very thankful to be approached by a regular who explained the rules and how to set up a table. If you arrive and nobody helps you, here’s what we were told: bring your own paddles and ping pong balls. First time players can play for free but after that, it’s $5 per day or $50 for a yearly membership and access to free lessons. Then, find a table storage room and wheel it out to an open space on the floor (make sure your table has a net attached). Set up your table, make sure the wheels are locked and you’re good to go! The level of competitiveness and intensity is very high, but we were just there to have fun. It seems like most of the players here are very skilled and experienced which can be a little intimidating but there are barriers between tables which keeps the balls from rolling all over the place and it gives you a nice space to yourself. I recommend wearing athletic clothes and shoes. Non-athletic shoes aren’t allowed on the courts. You can find more info online with schedules of open play, tournaments, and other helpful stuff. There’s also other activities in the gym besides table tennis that we will check out in the future!

Lots of great players and people are friendly. Their yearly membership is affordable, plenty of tables and players to play with. Love the Thursday tournaments!

Came here for the annual rummage sale. Huge space, very clean and organized.

Went to watch my volleyball team play at the San Diego Sr Games. This center is located in Balboa Park. There is plenty of parking and a short walk to the center. The entrance doors are above the parking lot, which has a few steeper inclines to walk up. Some handicap spots, closer to the entrance but limited in number. Center was set up for a volleyball tournament, so 6 courts and some seating on the side areas. It was 83 degrees that day, so much more humid and muggy inside the center. No A/C, but did have some larger fans circulating air, but still warm inside. Restrooms are available inside the lobby area before you enter the main area. I spent 4 hours there, watching the tournament and my team.

If you like volleyball, pingpong, bad mitten, or pickle ball you should checkout Balboa Park Activity Center. They have a schedule you can pickup and find out al their planned tournaments and events. It’s huge and open to the public first come first serve.