Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens: A Different Kind of Waterpark!

Written by a Moms with Tots Correspondent

We found ourselves nearby on a recent rainy day, and decided there was no better time to visit a “water park!” Thank goodness I had a change of clothes in the car for my daughter, because she stomped and splashed to her heart’s content. It was our first visit to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and though most of the water lilies had already perished for the season, we enjoyed examining the minnows, unique seed pods, and other local wildlife.

The National Park Service website describes the numerous activities available throughout the changing seasons, from birding to early morning lotus blossom viewing. Kenilworth Gardens is located on the Anacostia River and a bike trail is currently being constructed, allowing for breathtaking views by bike or canoe. Sport fields and a playground are located just down the street at Kenilworth Park, at the corner of Kenilworth Ave NE and Burroughs St).

Open 362 days a year (the park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day), Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take the entire family for some fresh air and remarkable floral displays. Trails are very family-friendly, each under a mile long. Keep your eyes open for turtles, frogs, fish, and birds of all sorts. Consider doing some photography, painting, or other nature-inspired art with your children while you are there. There are several picnic table near the visitor’s center, so pack a lunch and make a day of it!

My daughter thoroughly enjoyed sloshing among the ponds to find lilies in bloom (rare for this time of year), searching for animal tracks, observing several types of ducks and geese, and watching schools of fish dart about. We look forward to visiting again in the Spring and Summer to see what other seasonal beauties these aquatic gardens have to offer. We have heard many wonderful things about the annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival held each July. Not to be missed, the Festival is FREE to the public, and serves the perfect opportunity to see a colorful display of lotus and water lilies in full bloom, enjoy gardening workshops & traditional Asian & African dancing performances, participate in hands-on activities including painting and lotus tea tasting!

Visiting: Entry to the Gardens is FREE, as is parking. There was ample parking, and trails were clearly marked. Well-maintained bathrooms are available on site. While most pathways are grass and gravel and get very muddy after some rain, there are some lovely boardwalks with benches to sit quietly observe the wildlife. Rangers lead garden walks every day, meeting at the visitor center/gift shop. Rangers also hold a monthly storytime and craft appropriate for ages 4-7.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
1550 Anacostia Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20019