Rate Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.
Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
Operating Hours & Seasons
Park hours
The visitor center and grounds are open daily, except January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25. Hours vary by season: April through October – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. November through April – 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Monday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Tuesday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Wednesday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Thursday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Friday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Saturday:9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $0.00 – Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to the park.
About
Where Water and Wind Dance
In an age old dance wind, water, and land combine here. Sparkling in the sun on a breezy day, this natural area of Anacostia Park has origins in a 1926 act of Congress to preserve the forests, water quality, and recreation value of the waterways of Washington, DC. The park reflects the policies that affect rivers and wetlands. Come, join the dance.
Directions
The park is located in North East Washington D.C. south of route 50 and 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.
Visitor Centers
Visitor Center
The visitor center at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is located along the main path from the entrance. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m during Winter, and open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during Summer. Here you will find park brochures, maps, and interpretive guides.The visitor center has interpretive panels and historic photos of the parks past. There is a book store located inside the visitor center where you can get your park passport stamp.
Weather
Spring brings mild temperatures and a light breeze along with new green sprouts from plants. Summer can be hot and humid with lush green plants and blooming water flowers. Fall cools down and changing of the seasons brings changing of the colors in leaves. Winter gets cold and temperatures may drop below freezing.
Own or work here?
Nearby Businesses
