Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens: Ward 7's hidden gem

Looking to connect with nature? Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? There is a beautiful destination in Ward 7.  Nestled in Ward 7's northeast Washington, D.C., just south of the Route 50, Baltimore-Washington Parkway, Kenilworth Avenue intersection, you can metro, bike, and canoe to get to the park.  There's no cost to visit or park.

Visitors can enter the Aquatic Gardens at 1550 Anacostia Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20019. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.  

In July, most visitors come to see the lotuses and water lilies.  During the summer, visitors have little trouble with mosquitoes unlike other parts of the city since birds and dragonflies gobble them up.  As you walk among the lily pads and lotuses, you'll encounter the boardwalk that takes you to the Anacostia tributary.  It's an amazing and peaceful place.    I saw different varieties of birds including schools of geese, heron, and cranes on my stroll.  It's a great place to take family or friends on a flat hike without leaving the city's boundaries.