Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

📆 Still need plans this Juneteenth weekend?

Head to Anacostia Park’s roller skating pavilion on Sunday for an afternoon of celebration through creativity, community, and stories of liberation. 🎉

We’ve got art, line dancing, and more planned from 3 – 6 PM, so come on down! Did we mention you can make your own tote bag to take home, too? 😉

More information⏩ https://go.nps.gov/anac/juneteenth

Photo: NPS / Marcey Frutchey

Save the date! We’re a month away from the 2026 Lotus & Waterlily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. On July 18 and 19 we'll celebrate these beautiful flowers together with fun activities and lively musical performances. Many of the lotuses and waterlilies are already putting on a spectacular show--so mark your calendar for next month and visit us soon to get a sneak peek. We can't wait to see you there!
Photo: NPS/Kendra Barat

📍 Not all who wander are lost; in fact, they might be a Trail Ambassador! 📍

In our brand-new volunteer position, you can choose a portion of the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail to care for and maintain. 👀📝⛏️

The trail winds 6.5 miles through several Civil War-era forts in six sections from which to choose. Trail Ambassadors visit their selected segment at least once a month to check on and improve its conditions. 🥾🚶‍

Pick amongst these trail stretches:

1. Fort Place SE to Marion Barry Avenue SE (~0.6 mile one-way)
2. Marion Barry Avenue SE to Park Drive SE (~1.1 mile one-way)
*Please note: the linked map displays “Good Hope Rd SE”, the former name of Marion Barry Avenue*
3. Branch Avenue SE to Massachusetts Avenue SE (~1 mile one-way)
4. Massachusetts Avenue SE to Ridge Road SE (~1.5 miles one-way)
5. Ridge Road SE to Benning Road NE (~1.1 mile one-way)
6. Benning Road NE/Fort Mahan Park circular trail to Grant Street NE (~1 mile one-way)

See each section’s start, end, and general route with this handy map:
🗺️https://www.nps.gov/maps/full.html?mapId=8be3e5bf-585c-4c66-9c00-05b76b17a278

Craving some wanderlust on this sprawling, historical pathway? Apply today to become a Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail Ambassador ▶️ https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000NJkd1YAD

NPS photo

Tap into your creative side at Anacostia Park’s own Juneteenth celebration, “It’s Up to Us!” ✊
📍 Skating Pavilion
🗓️ June 21
🕒 3–6 PM

Whether busting moves with DMV Pressure or decorating your own tote bag, prepare for an exciting afternoon of festivities!

Get more information ➡️ https://go.nps.gov/anac/juneteenth

Photo: NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Rainy mornings in early summer see a high number of turtles on the move, looking for safe places to lay their eggs. You can help turtles by slowing your roll, watching for turtles on roads and trails, and even by creating backyard habitat for them! Check out this flier for tips on making your backyard amphibian and reptile friendly! https://ow.ly/SMQ350Z9YOM


Photo: NPS/Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Some reports mention that box turtles can live up to 100 years, but their typical lifespan is estimated at 50-80 years. That's a lot of seeds! https://www.facebook.com/PARCherps

🗺️ Choose your own adventure as a Trail Ambassador! 🗺️

Volunteer to help care for the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail—and choose the section you want to work on!

This 6.5‑mile trail connects five Civil War–era forts across southeast/northeast Washington, DC, offering a mix of scenery, history, and outdoor exploration.

As a Trail Ambassador, you’ll select, monitor, and maintain your own trail section. Tasks include trimming overgrown vegetation, removing litter, noting trail conditions, and helping visitors.

Which fort calls to you?

- Fort Stanton, with its original masonry bastions?

- Fort Davis, lined with splendid, towering trees?

- Fort Dupont, home to summer concerts and rolling hills?

- Fort Chaplin, a peaceful green pocket in a busy cityscape?

- Fort Mahan, full of hidden-gem walking paths?

Whichever you choose, you’ll play an important role in conserving the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail for everyone who enjoys it. Show your fort-itude and apply today: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000NJkd1YAD

Photo: NPS / Conall Rubin-Thomas

Come to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and join us as we begin our late hours beginning June 3rd through Sept 6th.

Wednesday - Sunday:
The parking lot is open from 8 am to 8 pm.
The Visitor Center is open from 9 am to 7 pm.
The boardwalk to the wetlands closes at 7 pm.

Monday - Tuesday:
8 am to 4 pm

Take a look at the pictures below taken after hours and come enjoy the view and listen to the frogs sing in the cattails and birds sing in the trees.

For more information operating hours, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/hours.htm

Photo Credit: NPS/J. Bucknam