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Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

Pink lotus flower blooms in a pond.

Lotus flowers bloom in many ponds during the hot humid summer months.

Photo: NPS Photo/Miguel A. Marquez

About

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."

Activities

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

Directions

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.

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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 afternoon. July and August are the warmest months. The coldest month is January, with average daytime highs in the low 40s and overnight lows in the upper 20s.

News

Step Into a World of Lotus, Lilies, and Culture at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens July 18 and 19
Jul 7, 2026

Step Into a World of Lotus, Lilies, and Culture at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens July 18 and 19

On July 18 and 19, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens will transform into an enchanted escape. For this one summer weekend, music, dance, art and family activities will carry visitors through a landscape inspired by Asian gardens and the living wetlands of the Anacostia River, where water lilies float like lanterns across quiet ponds and towering lotus blossoms rise in shades of pink, cream and green. The National Park Service invites visitors of all ages to attend the free Lotus and Water Lily Festival on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20019.