Each season at Kenilworth is something to behold! In winter, you'll see an open expanse and a swamp in quiet rest. Spring starts to bring greenery and new life. Summer is a steamy explosion of tall and colorful lotuses, lillies and more! Egrets, herons, deer, turtles, fish, insects and more can be found here, especially if you come during the day when it is more quiet. This National Park is a secret oasis in Washington, D.C. - bring your visiting family and friends for a walk through the ponds and across the boardwalks on the Anacostia River. You can even connect to walk on the DC trail system. In summer, be sure to come for the VERY popular lotus festival, filled with world crafts, foods and so much more. A very kid-friendly place with helpful park rangers, a little gift shop and summer programming. Be mindful of the closing time and plan for at least an hour to walk these grounds. It can be really hot or get swampy after rain (lots more critters to see as the flooding means fish are moving around and herons are hunting!) I like to wear my waterproof + secure sandals and a big hat.

Oh boy, let me tell you about the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in DC—it's a hidden gem that's filled with surprises! If you're tired of the usual sightseeing spots, this place will have you saying, "What the shell?!" in the most delightful way. First, let's talk about the lotus flowers. These magnificent blooms are like nature's fashion show, strutting their stuff in vibrant colors and elegant poses. Walking among the lotus ponds, it's hard not to feel like you've stumbled into a secret garden of extravagant couture. Be warned, though: they might make you question why you ever thought a sunflower was impressive! I wear long sleeves even though it's hot out in July. The bugs are intense! And let's not forget about the turtles. These little critters are like the laid-back cool kids of the aquatic world. As you stroll along the garden's pathways, you'll spot them sunbathing on rocks or leisurely paddling through the water. They're the epitome of zen, always reminding us to slow down and take life at a turtle's pace. Just be careful not to mistake one for a floating rock, or you might end up with a surprise splash! In all seriousness, though, the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a unique and beautiful escape from the bustling city. It's a place where lotus flowers dance, birds sing their hearts out, and turtles remind us to embrace tranquility. So, grab your camera, put on your silliest hat, and prepare for a whimsical adventure that will leave you smiling and saying, "Well, that was a shell of a good time!"

This is a little-known yet beautiful spot in northeast DC. There are acres of shallow ponds with water lilies and locusts which bloom from May to September. The peak blooming season is late June-early July. Short walking trails take you through the park. There's plenty of free parking and no entry fee but be sure to return to your car before they lock the gates promptly at 4:00. Public restrooms are available, and there is a small gift shop and educational displays in the Visitor Center.

A lovely experience with beautiful lilies, lotuses and the birds and animals that call the ponds home. Free entry and there is both car and cycle parking. It was quite nice to walk around the garden. All the plants are not in phase, so you will get to see each of the flowers at different stages which was unique and enjoyable. Allot about 45 minutes to explore it well.

While we visited Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in February, the sun was shining, and it was still a wonderful visit. There is still lots to see, but we will surely return in the Spring. We have been visiting DC/VA for some time, and as avid bird watchers, we are always on the hunt for new spots. The Aquatic Gardens did not disappoint. Once you leave the parking area, you will walk past a series of smaller pools from the parking lot that are part of a former water plant business older than the park itself. If you keep walking west, you will come to the boardwalks that take you into the marsh or along the pond fed from the Anacostia River. Here, it's much easier to see the wildlife at play. While there, we saw a red-chested hawk, a peregrine falcon, a heron, and a host of ducks and geese. Also around to be heard but not seen were a Tufted Titmouse, an Eastern Bluebird, Swamp Sparrows, a House finch, and at least one Carolina Wren.

This place is a hidden gem, whether or not the lotus are blooming. The gardens are enchantingl at any time of year and the boardwalk in the back leads to some playground overlooking huge and beautiful wetlands teeming with birds.

Lotus lotus lotus. Came here for lotus got lotus. Come in rain boots or hiking boots if you don't want your sneakers to get ruined. I saw people taking the pods that fell and collecting them presumably to eat them. They are very tasty. This is also next to the Anacostia River which also- is a national park - and you can get the stamp for that close by. Also by a marsh that has a nice bridge over it. Worth a visit, it's free, makes you feel away from whatever is going on, and pretty. Also turtles!

Located near DC, Maryland border. Plenty of parking and not so crowded when we visited during long weekend. Place is great for Beautiful nature walks, picnic tables and fresh air. We have spotted Turtles, baby Turtles, Cranes, various birds while doing boardwalk. Garden closes at 4pm and the entry is free. Restrooms located at welcome center

Small and quiet love nature have to come out here in the summertime and spring. Came out here with my sister foe a nice fall walk

Beautiful and unique, both the history and nature. It is a bit muddy, depending on the path you take, also, it’s clear there is not a lot of funding beyond the very basics. If you want to see a spot in DC that most visitors nor locals have seen, this is the spot!

Absolutely gorgeous! Our toddler had an amazing time exploring and seeing all the flowers and frogs and lizards and turtles!!!! Will definitely be back!

Stop reading the reviews and go out to these gorgeous gardens yourself! Whether you manage to catch the lotus blooms or not, the gardens themselves are beautifully maintained and peaceful. A cool history of its origin too. Every season brings something new to see, don’t miss the chance to get out there.

It was a nice winter/early spring walk along the ponds and boardwalk. Nothing was blooming, but we saw turtles, frogs, and fish. Seems like summer is the time for the flowers.

It took us back to the old country side of Cambodia with large lily pads and fragrant flowers. Very peaceful nature walk with my 10 and 7 yr old kids. They enjoyed the sites and sounds of frogs and turtles.

As of about two weeks ago (7/17), the lotus and lilies were about 60% bloomed and I’d say all of them should be good for viewing now until mid-August. Beautiful flower blooms all around, so don't miss your chance this summer! 🤙

This is a unique aquatic garden in the DC area. Best time to visit is in the morning. The water lilies and the lotus are spectacular. There are different small ponds where they grow the lilies and the lotus. Bring your cameras!!! There is also a boardwalk and trails along the river.

Things got interesting in late June 2023 of Kenilworth Aquatic Garden, not only early blooming of lotus and water lilies but also dragon flies, little pond turtles, frogs…refreshing scent in the early morning, dogs always on leashes are allowed. Fully prepared for wetlands after a few thunderstorms, I brought a pair of rain boots for walking around with ease. It’s a peaceful teaser visit of the astonishing season to come.

This is a hidden gem in Washington DC. It’s something that’s beautiful when in full bloom (last week of June through mid July). Costs nothing! Make sure to see the smaller landscaped ponds behind the visitors center as those have the Brazilian lily pads with the upturned edges - if you’re lucky you’ll see a frog or a baby turtle resting on one of these pads.

Biked here from Bladensburg Waterfront Park. Gorgeous ride and fun to walk along the boardwalks, even though there weren't any flowers in the pools at this time of year (late April). Nice picnic tables in the shade.

Free to get in and free parking. Parking lot available and free street parking available when parking lot is full. Very pretty and extensive aquatic gardens. Great for families and dogs. Trails are flat and wide, with boardwalks that oversee the tidal basin. It also connects to the Anacostia River trail.

Beautiful space tucked away in the city. The wildlife is always visiting and the flowers are gorgeous when blooming. A great escape to get your outdoor time when you've just been sitting for too long. Great history and great science involved here

One of my all-time favorite parks: so much beauty. You can look at the plants around the ponds, or the ones growing in the ponds, and you can try to spot wildlife in the water and the trees. There are bike paths on the far side of the park (if you drive). Plan to go early, the park closes at 4pm.

What lovely gem of a place. Beautiful water lilies as far as the eye can see, along with lotus flowers and other beautiful flora. Fun to watch the turtles and spot a blue heron, too!

Beautiful gardens with blooming water lilies and lotus flowers. Trails can be muddy at times, with some of the interior ones flooded. We even saw a family of beavers! Remember to get your national park passport stamp here.

Beautiful free park. Come pain plain air or just enjoy looking at all the aquatic flowers or wildlife. Benches and picnic area available. Bathrooms at visitor center.

Beautiful place... quiet, serene, and just amazing beauty. Wonderful opportunity for nature photos. Easy to get to and it's free! The lollies are past peak now but still plenty to enjoy in their different stages from buds to full flower to seed pods.

A pleasant, well-kept park with plentiful picnic tables in cool shaded spots, plenty of water lillies, a boardwalk through the swamp, and excellent birding. Sadly not easily accessible by metro, but you can get here from 295, and there is plenty of parking. There is a small visitors center describing the history of the park as an aquatic plant nursery and displays about the history of the Kenilworth neighborhood. If you have a limited time in dc, I would recommend one of the flashier attractions, but if you live here, it is well worth a visit.

Strolling through the Lotus and Water Lily Gardens was akin to stepping into an age-old painting, where time seems to still and nature serenades your soul. Every step taken felt like a gentle caress from Mother Nature herself, with the delicate petals of lotus and water lilies forming a mesmerizing tapestry beneath the azure sky. Dragonflies, with their iridescent wings, danced gracefully above the water's surface, each one seemingly narrating tales of old. The soft hum of bees, tirelessly working amidst the blooms, added a rhythmic undertone to this tranquil symphony. The world outside felt miles away, as if these gardens were shielded by a cloak of serenity. In an age of relentless hustle and bustle, this Eden offered solace to the weary traveler. It was a gentle reminder of the simple, undiluted joys of life, and a testament to the peace that can be found when one takes a moment to truly commune with nature.

I came to the gardens with a group of students and it is a beautiful Park to visit. I will admit though that it was tough for us to find. We AR not from the area and it is not easy with all the construction to get here. The park is worth the navigation woes. There are lots of things to see and do.

It is best to come in the morning fewer people for a nice walk & photos. The month of July is when these beautiful lotus flowers are in full bloom.

This was a very fun trip there is not much in terms of what to see during the time of year I wrote this review but there were lots of lily pads and tadpoles I would say don't take young kids unless you have a stroller because this is a good walking place