Things To Do

A blue heron in front of the bridge and tree in a lotus pond

Tim Ervin

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens lends itself to the imagination when it comes to the activities that are possible. With each season comes a different change of pace and new wonders to explore.

Birding, wildlife viewing, photography, water gardens, leisure walks, relaxation, painting, art, picnics, yoga, dates, or even a nap in the shade; whatever your reason may be, come enjoy a day in your national park.

Explore

With the longest route being a half mile loop it's easy to explore all the park has to offer. Check out the historic ponds, filled with 500 year old lotus and vibrant tropical lilies. Discover the sights and sounds of the ponds as frogs call and turtles bask in the sun. Look out across lush aquatic vegetation and see shore birds wading and hunting for food. For the truly adventurous there's a .25 mile dirt path, leading out of the gardens to the River Trail. Here you can follow the Anacostia River, taking a right will lead you towards Bladensburg Watershed, while a left will take you towards Anacostia Park.

Birding

Birding has always been a good reason to come to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. With aquatic, marsh, and wooded habitat, Kenilworth is home to a reported 248 species of birds year round. In spring and summer catch the song birds as they whip through the air. In the Winter seasons find ducks and the winter migrators from up north.

 

NPS park ranger giving a tour of the aquatic gardens.

NPS Photo

Ranger Programs

Ranger Tours of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are on Saturdays and Sundays at 11am. Tours meet at the visitors center and last for 30 minutes, finishing at the end of the boardwalk.

Group Visits

Please call 202-692-6080 to scheudle a group or school visit.