Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

Pink lotus flower blooms in a pond.
Lotus flowers bloom in many ponds during the hot humid summer months.
Aquatic ponds during the fall with trees displaying orange and yellow colors.
As the seasons change, so do the colors around the ponds which can be seen as reflections on the water.
Turtles basking in the sun.
As the temperatures warm up during spring and summer months many reptiles including turtles can be seen basking in the sun on logs, tree stumps or the banks of the ponds.
A woman taking a photo of lotus flowers
The summer blooms in and around the ponds attract many photographers and artist from around the world.
Great Blue Heron in flight over the ponds during the fall.
The wetlands and marsh habitat many shore birds and they can be seen wading in and around the ponds for food.
Photos: National Park Service

About Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

Deep within Kenilworth lies an oasis, hidden behind trees and cattails. It's a place where beavers build their homes and turtles sleep on logs. Lotus blooms rise from the muck and lilies sit on the water. The wind dances with the dragonflies, rustling through the trees, carrying the song of the birds until it brushes across your face, fading to a whisper, saying "come join."

Plan a Visit

Park State / Territory MembershipDistrict of Columbia
Current Alerts1
Visitor Centers1
Campgrounds0
Things To Do7

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

June-September expect warm and humid weather. Average high temperatures are in the 80s, though often in the low 90s. On humid days, showers and thunderstorms often build in the late afternoon. July and August are the warmest months. The coldest month is January, with average daytime highs in the low…

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: District of Columbia. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

Operating Hours

Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday8:00AM - 4:00PM
Monday8:00AM - 4:00PM
Saturday8:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday8:00AM - 4:00PM
Thursday8:00AM - 4:00PM
Tuesday8:00AM - 4:00PM
Wednesday8:00AM - 4:00PM

Activities

Arts and CultureCraft DemonstrationsCultural DemonstrationsFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Current Alerts

Vehicle Weight Limit at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Entrance

Due to structural conditions at the driveway entrance, access to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens main entrance and parking lot is limited to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 16,000 pounds or less.

Getting There

The park is located in North East Washington D.C. south of route 50 and just off the Baltimore Washington Parkway. The park is also within the D.C. Kenilworth community and the Anacostia river runs along the park boundary. Interstate 295 runs parallel to the park. The park is within half a mile from the Deanwood Metro station on the orange line. There is free parking at the park.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed Address1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, Washington, DC, 20019

Topics & Themes

ArtsPhotographyNative American HeritageSchools and EducationUrban AmericaWars and ConflictsCivil WarWomen's HistoryAnimalsBirdsTortoises and TurtlesForests and WoodlandsDeciduous ForestsGrasslandsMeadowsRiver and Riparian

Things To Do

Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East

Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East

Become a Junior Ranger at parks across National Capital Parks – East! Explore, complete a booklet, and earn badges and…

Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps

Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps

Start your stamp collection and celebrate every park you visit! Explore historic sites and scenic parks managed by National Capital…

Orange Line - DC Metro

Orange Line - DC Metro

Discover lotus and lily flowers at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, or explore the many memorials just a short walk…

Take a walk through Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

Take a walk through Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

Sparkling in the sun on a breezy day, this natural area of Anacostia Park has origins in a 1926 act…

Become a Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Junior Ranger

Become a Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Junior Ranger

Kids of all ages can become a junior ranger at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Find a park ranger or stop by…

Picnic at Kenilworth

Picnic at Kenilworth

Relax and enjoy a picnic at Kenilworth Park! Continue the tradition of having a picnic breakfast or lunch that has…

More Things to Do

Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.

Go Birding At Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens!

Open year-round, Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens offers an excellent opportunity for birdwatching. The river, marshes, and hardwood trees offers a diverse…

Visitor Centers