Free tennis events serve up fun for keiki

Children can try their hand — and swing — at tennis at two free events offering an opportunity to sample the sport with games and prizes.

TennisFest! Powered by Net Generation takes place Monday at University of Hawaii at Manoa Tennis Complex and Dec. 1 at Central Oahu Regional Park Tennis Complex.

Net Generation is a new youth initiative of the U.S. Tennis Association designed to help kids stay active and healthy through tennis.

TennisFest! offers activity stations that all children can participate in, regardless of their tennis skill level, said Madeleine Dreith, director of community tennis at U.S. Tennis Association, Hawaii Pacific.

“One of the most popular activities is called ‘lobster claws,’ where we give each child two racquets — the ‘claws’ — and ask them to pass the ball to each other using both claws,” Dreith said. “The kids always have a blast pretending to be lobsters while learning the basics of tennis.”

Participants need to bring water and wear athletic clothes and sunblock. Rackets and balls will be provided.