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."

Quick Facts

State District of Columbia
State Code DC
Weather 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…

Location & Map

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is located in District of Columbia.

Operating Hours

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

Wednesday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Monday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Tuesday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Friday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Activities

Arts and Culture Craft Demonstrations Cultural Demonstrations Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hiking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

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

Address 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, Washington, DC, 20019
Phone 771-208-1571

Topics & Themes

Arts Photography Native American Heritage Schools and Education Urban America Wars and Conflicts Civil War Women's History Animals Birds Tortoises and Turtles Forests and Woodlands Deciduous Forests Grasslands Meadows River and Riparian Trails Water Trails Watersheds Wetlands Marshes Swamps

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…

Participants complete a series of activities during a park visit, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an…

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…

Go birding on the boardwalk in the winter. Witness the sights and sounds that fill the park as everything comes…

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…

Come and enjoy a picnic in the gardens! We have many tables, benches and chairs where you can enjoy a…

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is an ideal place to begin your visit. Restrooms are located here as well as orientation…

Hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences

Discover Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens with expert-led tours

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

🏨 Find Hotels Near Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

Compare accommodation options for your visit

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Scroll to Top