Reviews of Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens (Park)

Elias Boccheciamp

This is one of top two favorites. The huge trees keep everything but the parking lot cool. There is usually a breeze off of the river. It seems cooler in the summer than the Arboretum across the river. The flowers are huge and breathtaking. I took my preschool nephews and they had fun.

Cindy Maksimow

Magical gardens rain or shine; just prepare yourself with proper supplies for the weather. I recommend bringing binoculars for the wetlands walk. Free, ample parking, picnic tables and restrooms. If visiting in the rain - you can get very pretty pictures with the water droplets on the flowers and umbrellas among the tall lotuses. Listening to the leaves fill up with water and gradually empty into the pond below is very soothing. In the sun, there are many butterflies and dragonflies. Use the timing of the Lotus and Lily Festival to determine "peak bloom" of the lotuses. I feel like the waterlilies are more prominent a week or two after the festival.

Makkah Medinah

We are Blessed to have this local Oasis! The only thing I would suggest is more activities/events for children. Get them interested and involved; from toddlers to teens!!

darshi malkan

I was there to attend the lotus and water lily festival. The flowers were at peak bloom. Beautiful scenic walk around the ponds. The cultural festival was fun to attend. The park rangers were on top service to provide water and guidance. It is a family and pet friendly spot.

Mangala Habbu

Lotus..Lotus all the way. Beautiful

John Reida

A nice bit of nature in the city.

Jeffrey S

Great place to take pictures of the flowers and migratory birds en season.

James Douthwaite

Peaceful. If you want to plan a visit, plan for mid-july and the lotus festival. It'll be much more colorful then.

Kaitlyn Rachelle

Beautiful and tranquil park! Dog friendly as well! Nice place to go and relax and enjoy nature.

J T

Peaceful and Beautiful and park! Nice place to go and relax and enjoy nature

Cody Beckley

A great little place to visit in the spring and fall. The park staff are always attentive and helpful. Watch out for the speed cameras when leaving the park (located on the side road adjacent to the main highway)

Lauren Peeler Brice

A National Park, this informal series of lily and lotus ponds borders the Anacostia River a tributary of the Potomac. It is a wild, urban park. Don’t forget to visit the ranger station to learn of the park’s history. Maintaining the park has always been a labor of love. From Spring through Fall visitors are treated to blooms of all kinds. The Lotus festival in mid July delivers peak viewing but also peak crowds. The paths between the ponds are sometimes wet and muddy. Summer weather in DC is hot and humid. The blooms love it. You will too if you come prepared. This is a photographer’s paradise. The blooms are spectacular. Tripods are welcome and often in use. The site is also great for birding and observing river-side vegetation, critters and marshes. The dragonflies here can be spectacular. Slow down. Look. There’s more here than you may realize at first. There is a marsh boardwalk that takes you out amid the grasses. On the right tide you will see wading birds like heron and egrets. The Anacostia Bike Trail can be accessed from the park. This is a family friendly place but as always with kids and water, keep a close eye on them. It’s also easy for little ones to get confused among the many paths and tall vegetation. The park used to open from 7 AM to 4 PM but during a recent visit, I saw that the hours have changed. I don’t know if early access is available for photographers. Visit the park’s website for current details. Kenilworth is a natural wonder 10 minutes from the Mall. (Ok more in traffic but it is worth the drive.)

Tamara Keyser

Even the middle of June was absolutely brilliant here, lots of flowers and very quiet. More people should enjoy this brilliant place. A true DC treasure

Jamelia Washington

I grow up in a house directly across the street from ok m this place. Still a very beautiful site to see all the flowers blooming.

Tely Tse

The largest lotus garden in DC. Nice experience.

Sarah A. Freuden

Beautiful aquatic gardens and amazing wildlife. Hard to believe you’re in the city. We saw several bald eagles and a bunch of egrets!

Dennis Zheng

A Must Go place in DC area, forget those museums. Make sure to bring long lens and snacks, it’s a huge Aquatic Garden~

John Caudle III

Enjoyable experience to go with friends and family during Lotus & Water Lily Festival in July.

Thad Ferguson

Beautiful and relaxing!

Deborah Ferguson

Nice place to sit and relax

Jonathan Patterson

I recently moved to the neighborhood & wanted to explore the area. it didn't seem to be very well kept or attractive. But it is still February...

Clarence Henson

If u urban its a good change environment close to metro nice places to walk with recreation and small parks to sit and enjoy the weather nice stores nearby.

Jared Jordan

Beautiful place, even in the off season. The flora and fauna seem out of place just a short drive from DC. Camped out at Greenbelt Park and drove here. Well worth the trip. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely would recommend the guided tour for a first visit.

Jean Pettinato

Loved park ranger tour

Sarah Simmons

Absolute gem. Visited a few weeks after peak (they hold a festival then) and was still stunning.

Tyrica Hooks

I was born and raise here so it always have been a place where you can just get away and relax even if relaxing is walking. I love our park and hopefully we can get it back.....

Abbie Wood

Just love walking around seeing nature :)

Bybell

자전거 타고 다닐만함 Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Helen Shaw Fowler Helen Fowler took over administration of the Shaw Gardens from her father in 1912. Under her guidance the gardens grew into one of the most extensive water plant businesses in the nation.By 1938, Shaw Gardens encompassed 42 ponds spread over nine acres and contained 500,00o plants.Widely respected, Fowler traveled the world to collect lilies and roots.The botanist and curator of the U.S. National Herbarium gave her a letter of introduction to directors of botanical gardens in the West Indies and South America.The business was progressive for its time.In addition to Fow local African American residents.She was the first woman in employed a number of From C to Com Washington, D.C. to have a commercial driver's license.Local women's organizations such as the YWCA and the Women's Improvement Club of Silver Spring, Maryland, recognized Helen's role as a business owner and invited her to speak on several occasions.proposed Par seizure of th a 19-year leg Helen Fow in opposing governmen "Presiding over the whole establishment-ponds pools, greenhouses, studio -is a woman, pressure w the govern Mrs. Helen L. Fowler" She lived an authori advisor tountil her -1935 article in the Washington Post AQUATIC GARDENS

Tania Rosen

Absolutely fabulous and absolutely gorgeous!! Especially during the Lily and Lotus festival!!

Alex Wong

Amazing lotus ponds around July 4th. Best time to visit.

Katina Scott

Beautiful water plants and lilies! Free tour by park ranger was informative with fun facts.

Jonathan Farley

Just like the saying goes: do one thing and do it right. Yep. Lots of swamps. And toads

James Bennett

Beautiful excursion!! Bring proper clothing and enough water to deal with the heat during summer days.

Joseph Holloway

Yes, Fresh Air...

Stacy Baker

Yes, July is the best time to come with fields of lotuses and lilies in bloom. But don't miss the tranquility of a Sunday morning stroll here in late fall or winter. If you enter at 8 or 9 a.m. you will have many opportunities to see herons, red wing black birds, and waterfowl up close. Plus, you will have the place to yourself. Even when the largest aquatic plants are dormant, there are other lilies to see, as well as walking trails to the Anacostia River and the boardwalk overlooking tidal marshes. If you get the chance to take a ranger-led historical tour, do it! It is very informative and worth the time.

leatrice da conceicao

Very well taken care of. Nice place for a picnic with my kids.

Luke Reilly

This is a hidden gem. I was blown away seeing all of the flowers in bloom. Make sure you visit on a nice day in summer to see it all. Also, come earlier in the day as they close the boardwalk that takes you through the marsh in the early afternoon.

Cole Rosner

Hidden gem of DC. Lotuses are really nice, lots of wildlife to be seen.

John Costa

Love this place. There are so many lily and lotus ponds here. The trail around this park is nice to see also because it shows how the Anacostia River wetlands used to be pre-colonial period. If you have a chance take a tour of the grounds to learn the history. This place is also great four photo shoots.

Dwayne Grimes

What an awesome treat in the heart of the nation's capital. Love the bike path along the Anacostia.

FelisRandomis

Wasn't super busy, and was a nice n quiet nature walk~

Len King

Great lotus blossoms but needs much tender loving care.

Carol Delooper

Hidden gem in urban setting in Dc. Peaceful, beautiful lotuses and unusual plants I have never seen along with many types of birds, fish and turtles. Will return during lotus fest in July. Glad I visited. No problem parking for us on a Sunday

David Ben

Easily the best kept secret in DC.

Rhed HeadDred

Brought my daughter here to experience the flowers and atmosphere. The entrance is nice but the selection of flowers is low and very repetitive. Need more variety.

Frey Sure

Each year at the time of the lotus and water lily season, we will definitely go visit the festival with whole family, friends and neighbors. We enjoy the flowers in the ponds in their natural form meanwhile walking around different ponds to pick up the high lighted spots as a good exercise to all of us, too. Of course we can’t stop taking photographs on each spots and sharing them in our different social media circles for the beauty of the flowers, our appreciation of it and the happy leisure and relaxing off from the secular vanities we have experienced during the time!

Cheri V

Splendid experience at the Lotus & Water Lily Festival! The many ponds and wetlands were in full bloom with a sampling of various varieties of aquatic plants in bloom. Be prepared though - it truly IS a wetlands. Come prepared! Shoes that can get wet/dirty and won’t get sucked off your feet in the mud!

Sekayi

Beautiful and lush, however more chairs or benches are needed along the paths for older visitors and anyone who needs a rest-- especially on hot summer days. Yesterday someone fell out on the trail and paramedics had to be called. Tip: bring water or buy a bottle from the visitor's center. Positive note: we really enjoyed it, the flowers seemed to glow.

In-May Liu

A pleasant surprise to see many painted red Adirondack chairs and picnic tables near lily and lotus ponds for viewing or doing field trip painting! What a delight.

Kay Rudo

Gorgeous! Flowers, plants, trees, and wildlife.

Lauren Finkenthal

The annual festival here is one of my favorite parts of summer in DC. It's just so beautiful.

Wanda Smith

I go to the park 3 to 4 days every week They have a good work out room and several classes I attend at night

Vicki Green

It's very beautiful, relaxing

Alicia Lindsey

Best place on earth!! Hands down!!!

Trippy Pupz

For traveling to DC the travel time leaving Manassas was fairly reasonable and for leaving during rush hour in the morning was impeccable timing as I had a timeline to work on a project and then travel back home to work. Parking and location was easy to navigate . Everything was swamped so the roads leading into the garden were closed but I brought my lunch and trusty companion with me to paint. I set up camp at the picnic area and let her enjoy the sunshine and let her energy unwind as I did too. Beautiful scenery and quiet for the most part .

Robert Garrett

An underused national park. Offers a beautiful display of aquatic plants and wildlife. Great learning opportunities for families with kids. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Little shade, so wear a hat. Be sure to visit observation decks for water and Marsh views.

Ken Wilcox

Historical property built from a swamp into a beautiful garden.

Maheshwari Neelam

Beautiful! The park is kept clean and well maintained.

Tim Van Hoecke

Hidden gem in DC. This is a National Park!

Enoc Acevedo

It’s okay not great ,but not bad it needs more maintenance

李 (LI)展謀 (Jan-Mou)

Blossom of lotus around the 4th of July was amazing. Highly recommended.

Tommy Davis

The water Lily 's are in bloom right now

Mark Rother

Free, beautiful lot uses, and lilies.

Elvis Martinez

Great place to go for a walk and enjoy nice weather

Vasanthi Vittal

The lillie and lotus are gorgeous! Did not know that such a beautiful park exists right in the middle/around DC !

LD Hoang

Incredible beauty in mud!

Sean McCarty

Absolutely recommend going here. Visiting at the right time to see flowers can be tricky, but even without many in bloom, it is still worth walking the trails. I especially recommend going to the path over the water and the small hard sided ponds by the visitor center.

Fred McGary

Beautful quiet place in a big city

Matthew Straubmuller

This place was awesome!!

Flaviour Shogole

I went there to volunteer. Picking up trash and cutting trees. It was such a lovely refreshing moment.

牛狮王

A beautiful garden just outside of Washington DC.

Cesse Ip

Such a hidden gem in the city! Easy parking.

Joseph Raczynski

You can come here most times of the year, but no better time is during the middle to late July when most of the lotus plants are in bloom. It's amazing and definitely something to do in DC.

Rai Burgon

A good place for kids and adult to explore nature. Today is special because of the event and it is well organized.

mark mcneary

Beautiful park in D.C. full of waterfowl, flowers and trails.park service staff is the best.

Matthew A

Very nice!!! Lotus flower were starting to fall ...get there soon!

j morton

Was there for a Pacer race, was near the track/ football field.

Wireless Solutions

One of my favorite parks in DC!!! Wish more people knew about this place!

Tatisha Mckay

This was a beautiful space! Everyone should visit once!

Theresa Duffy

Amazing. We will be going back when the Lotus is in bloom in July.

Elyse Porter

One of my favorite spots in the city!

Nizar Farsakh

Beautiful flowers and birds. Can get very crowded

Smokeejr Smokes

Nice place. Relaxing

Debbie Wilson

This place is located near my childhood neighborhood and I always love the beautiful gardens of flowers, lilies, etc. It's peaceful and serenity.

Kyle Parker

Beautiful gardens and interesting tour guides to explain the history of the gardens. We are from out of town and visiting family in NoVA, selected this place as a outdoor walk for our kids. We visited at the end of July so the flowers were slightly out of season, but still plentiful and great photo opportunities.

Phil Shaw

This was a nice excursion at a very interesting time. Experience the lovely smell of the lily and explore a highly unique ecosystem during the Lily festival. There were food trucks available, merch, painting, and other activities. Parking is a bit of a hassle but that comes with living in the DMV I suppose. Bring your rain boots since the low lying areas are muddy. Come early to get a better parking spot and avoid the blistering heat. Overall a family oriented event so bring the kids and check it out.

Allie Genia

What a treasure! My honey and I didn't make it until the end of the season, but we still got to see some lilies and some lotus pods. We also caught it on some kind of party - the atmosphere, walking around the gardens with music in the air...that was amazing. The people who work here clearly love this place too, so it's worth the trip out. Make sure to head out during peak bloom - it's breathtaking!

Sir Conrad

Great route to run. Additional signage to connect to trail to go Ikea would've been helpful but I found my way

Darius Yancey

I loved that it was outdoors and freeform. You could take a look through everything at your own pace and in your own order. The space was open and clean. The only reason i left less than 5 stars is because i came in the off season and missed a lot of fun stuff. My own fault i suppose

dawn fox

Block party free food scary ppl

Tyler James Larsen

Beautiful, quiet and nice walking trails. Easy parking nearby.

Brian Falzon

It's beautiful

Donald Harrison

One of the many hidden gym is in the district of Columbia. This part boasts biking past and running past as well as lots amounts of green space for the locals in those that know where to go. Great space for family gatherings down the summertime due to its proximity to the route 50 Corridor. One must be careful in the grasslands area after rainfalls.You will walk away with muddy shoes!

Bee

It's so beautiful, the flora are amazing. Lots of paths to walk. And pet friendly!

Adeshola Temitope Davis

First time visit. Nice serene location. The grasses needs to be trimmed down.

Azn

Went to the yearly Lotus festival on a Sunday. I think the Saturday events are better because I didn't see any special dances like I did last time, just a show with a variety of animals. Still pretty cool place to check out at least once to see a bunch of lotuses.

Dan Rosenbush

This is a great park that I've used mostly for biking. This trail connects to other trails going north west and south towards the Potomac. The trails are well maintained, great for biking, and a great break from the busy metro area.

Barbara Desch

Great hidden park.

John Vorwald

Nice flowers, pleasant walking path

Sheila Lo Monaco

A lot of fun for kids and family. Lot of plants and flowers.

Keith C.

Great place to see water lilies and other aquatic flowers. Ample parking, local neighborhood is a little sketchy and when you leave, to go north you have to go about 1 mile south to get turned around. Follow Google Maps!

Annette Jackson

Very quiet, it would be because of weather. I saw some beautiful birds in the area. Some red cardinals and some ducks. The ponds are bare due to the weather. I've been here during the spring and summer and it's awesome

Saafiyah Abdul-aleem

Went w grands on pontoon boat so relaxing great captain guide n kids enjoyed playground

Anthony Montgomery

Nice calm area to see what nature is up too

Rita Abrego

So beautiful and peaceful!

Angela Williams

Very nice park

Kyle Broadnax

Biked here not know what to expect and it turned out to be a cool surprise! Who knew water lilies could be so beautiful!

Jack Gates

Visit this natural ares park several time a year to see the different plants and vibrant colors. There are so many plants and types that each visit is unique and impressive. Plenty of vegetation and a significant variety of birds in residence and traveling through.

Mr.Rickey Titus III

What a magical place to have experienced a true treasure in our nations capital, today I saw a box turtle, a badger, lots of doe, flowers.

Wesley Hopkins

Beautiful ❤️

real one

I bring my dogs here daily nice quiet trails and aquatic gardens

Heleen Raes

This is a hidden gem in DC, the only tidal marsh that’s left in the city. You can do some nice hikes in the park and enjoy all the ponds and birds. There’s never too many people so it’s very relaxing. Some areas do closes sooner than the official closing hour, for example the boardwalk already closes at 4PM which is a pity. It’s very accessible by car and only a 10-minute walk away from the orange metro line.

Ross McKinney

The time to go is June or July. By late August the water lilies are pretty much done. Still a nice place to visit.

Bridget

The aquatic gardens are beautiful year round although exceptionally so when the water lilies and lotus flowers are in bloom (July/August). Be wary that the trails can get very muddy after a rain. I recommend the boardwalk trail where you can spot herons, turtles, and frogs. This spot is such a gem and it is hard to believe you are still in DC!

Vivian Mercer

The Lollies are absolutely beautiful! And it's a nice, quiet place to walk through and escape for a while. Very peaceful and relaxing. You even get to see big frogs and fish swimming in the ponds!!! You must see this place and take lots of pictures!

Matt McMahon

very nice park. has a lot of room to grow. area is different at night. too many pot holes in that area

Dondré S

The aquatic park is really cool. I'm not sure how to get there by car but I do know they offer parking. I'm not sure if it's free or not. I access this garden through the bike path in my neighborhood. There is a lot of cool things to see here and I'd say worth a walk through.

John ODonnell

The neighborhood is much improved ove the last thirty years... Athletic fields have not improved. I came for rugby... Admittedly a.myopic assessment.

April Shrewsbury

Don't miss the annual lotus and water lily festival. Lots of fun activities and beautiful flowers!

JLP

Really interesting aquatic gardens tucked away as a little oasis in DC. Check it out during the lotus festival in the summer. Or anytime of year for a little peace and quiet. Can get muddy, so wear shoes that are appropriate.

Moshe Margalith

Swamp in the city, beautiful park

Tova Scherr

Great escape, yet still in the city. A fun place to walk around and be in nature

Chris Griffiths

Great boardwalk to walk in the off season

Hiroyuki UEHARA

Great place for a walk, picnic, and relax.

Elise Christopher

We went for the Lotus Festival and really enjoyed it. A great fun family outing.

Stephen Williams

My first visit, mid June. Water lilies partially in bloom, lotuses just beginning. It should be very nice in a few weeks.

Brenda Falkenstein

Beautiful garden, and great in the summer! I think the water drops the temperature of surrounding area a bit so it's pretty nice to walk around even when there's a heat wave. The lotus and water lilies are amazing when they're in bloom but even outside of the bloom period there are a lot of lovely flowers and plants to see. A very peaceful place for a walk.

Chris Martin

Shhhh! It's a secret! A lovely hidden gem in SE DC. The ponds of water lily are incredible when in Summer bloom. There is also a boardwalk through the wetlands to the Anacostia River. Wonderful quiet spot in the city for watching dragonflies, turtles and many different species of birds.

Rebecca Clement

This is a great place to come for a walk or to go birdwatching. The lily pads in the ponds are so pretty and it’s not too busy. Lots of cool flying insects and birds.

Karl Young

The trails are peaceful and beautiful. There are mile markers and benches along the trails.

Darrell Wright

great place to visit

Tiffany Liu

Beautiful gardens with fields of lilies and lotus flowers

Mandy Kallal

An oasis of calm and beauty in Washington DC.

Laurie Heupel

A hidden gem the lilies and lotus plants are amazing. Take time to explore and wander the park.

Patrick Webb

Beautiful flowers.

Ronnell Fields

Lotus Flower bombs are awesome in June!!

Krystal Petitto

This was such a beautiful experience- I'm not even sure where to start. Like being inside of a Monet painting. Free to enter. Dog and kid friendly. Miles of lilies and walking- beautiful scenic walks. Alive with nature, butterflies, bees herons (towards the back end). Very friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended!!

Kevin Hogan

Great bike trails and scenery. Flat grade and well maintained. East leg from Greenbelt 193 down into DC about 12 miles

S Fernando

A tour was provided but I decided against it which I don't regret because it gave me time to really take in everything.

Jeff Tong

Great park with free parking. The lotus and water lilies are in full bloom. Lotus flowers look way better than the water lilies though. I don't know how they do it, but no mosquitoes is a huge plus

Secrett Happy Place

Beautiful! Please check out the tranquility of it all.

mickey bhatti

Beautiful location in the heart of Chocolate City

Kate Ackley Zeller

Excellent customer service and great selection.

Sheri Eastman

Beautiful Park with well kept pathways.

Cynthia Hill

It's a beautiful quiet garden. There isn't a lot of shade so plan accordingly on hot days

Ruben Stemple

Really great park with some beautiful gardens. It changes throughout the year with different flowers in bloom. Knowledgeable Rangers and a junior ranger program for kids. Lotus festival is a great event despite the rain.

Levi West

Beautiful park you're able to walk between all of the lilly ponds on small dirt paths, boardwalk through the marsh, and the Anacostia River trail as well, which you can take out of the park as far as 4-5 miles. Best of all free admission and parking. Peaceful and quiet on weekdays!

Lucky Weaver

Quiet free public park. plenty of places to sit and relax. Plenty of history about the plot of land and how the garden came about in the information center. Not recommended to ride your bike. Just enjoy the view. It is nature, so watch out for snakes, frogs, Dragon flies, and other creatures.

Ross Johnston

Really cool local resource for a quick trip to nature! We spent about an hour and saw egrets, bald eagles, and lots of lotus flowers. Plenty of parking and dog friendly.

Rigel W-H

Beautiful park that offers amazing sights and also has the anacostia riverwalk trail through it.

Tran H

I lobe this place. Should come back on Sping when all the flowers blossom would be more prettier!

Bruce Points

Beautiful! Hidden Northeast DC treasure

Patience Tonye

M sure it looks better around spring. They have picnic areas and nice romantic places. Just make sure to put on a mosquito repellant.

Christina Parsons

So pleased I took the time to visit the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. From the peaceful sounds of the frogs and turtles moving through the ponds to the swaying of the tall water lilies and giant hibiscuses, it was like walking through a Dr. Seuss book! It was super hot and muggy on the day I went. I will definitely be back on a cooler day to take the path down to the Anacostia River.

HappyWorkinMom

Family fun!

Christine Johnson

Been going to there since a kid. Love the Rangers so helpful, Summer camp awesome . I completed my high school's community service hours there. Some many cool creatures there.

Jamison Moore

Fantastic park. Great spot for kids, adults, dates, making out, you name it! Amazing water lillies, make sure to check out the boardwalk.

Gordon Gent

Hidden gem in NE DC. We came for the water lily and lotus festival