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  • Things To Do
    • Lotus and Lily Festival
      • Peak Week

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Peak Week

Enjoy Peak Week at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

The lotuses and lilies reach peak bloom in late July and into early August. You can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the gardens all summer but during Peak Week, the National Park Service will host special daily activities that highlight the historical, cultural and environmental significance of the gardens.
See the schedule below to plan your visit.

 

Monday, July 23: Healthy Parks Healthy People

9 am - 11 am Enjoy a guided bike ride along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and learn the natural history behind D.C.'s last remaining natural tidal marsh. Bring your own bike or use a free bike that will be provided. Registration required. Click here to register for the event.

6 pm - 7 pm Take a brisk walk through the aquatic gardens and learn from fitness guru Charles Taylor how to use the outdoors to stay fit.

Tuesday, July 24: Kids Day

10 am Enjoy a live reptile program with Reptiles Alive and learn about some of the animals that call the aquatic gardens home.

11 am - 2 pm Craft your own lotus flowers, conduct a science experiment and learn about the natural environment of the gardens with fun educational hands on activities.

Wednesday, July 25: River Ride

5:30 pm & 6:30 pm Take a ride on the Anacostia River and learn about the natural environment that surrounds the gardens. Tours start at both 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm from Kenilworth Park and are done in partnership with Anacostia Watershed Society. Registration is required. Click here to register for the event.

Thursday, July 26: From Veteran to Water Gardener

10 am - 2 pm Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens was created by Civil War veteran W.B. Shaw who came home from the war without his right arm. He started water gardening as a theraputic hobby that later grew into a thriving business. Veterans are encouraged to join us for an honorary day of fun at the gardens.

10 am - 11 am	Ranger-led tours, water gardening activities and lotus making crafts
12 pm - 1 pm	Military band performance
1 pm - 2 pm	Ranger-led tours, water gardening activities and lotus making crafts

Friday, July 27: Park After Dark

7 pm - 9 pm Enjoy a unique ranger-led experience through gardens. See night blooming lilies, hear and spot wildlife that visit the park at night and experience the park after dark in this rarely held ranger program.

Saturday, July 28: Jazz and Lily Pads

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Take in the fragrance of the flowers in full bloom as you enjoy sweet jazz melodies in the park. Bring a picnic and a blanket for a lovely evening of jazz at the gardens.