Aerial view of Anacostia Drive and the playground

Park · Washington, D.C.

Anacostia Park

Welcome to Anacostia Park, your neighborhood national park in the heart of Washington, DC! Enjoy exercise along the river trail or relax by the water, Anacostia Park is a breath of fresh air and a space to unwind amid a bustling city.

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Things to do

  • Biking
  • Road Biking
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Playground
  • Team Sports
  • Wildlife Watching

Weather & when to go

Spring brings mild temperatures and a light breeze along with springtime flower blooms. Summer can be hot and humid. Fall cools down and changing of the seasons brings changing of the colors in leaves. Winter gets cold and temperatures may drop below freezing.

Operating hours

Anacostia Park

Open: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily

Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion

Open daily 6 am–10 pm. Free skate rentals vary by season — see rental booth hours for details.

Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion: Skate Rental Booth

Free Skate Rental: Memorial Day through Labor Day, Sunday–Wednesday 9 am–5 pm and Thursday–Saturday 9 am–8 pm. September 2–October 31, 2025, rentals will be available Tuesday–Sunday 9 am–5 pm (closed Mondays). Beginning November 1, 2025, rentals will be closed until Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026. Last skate rentals are distributed 30 minutes before closing.

FAQ

Is Anacostia Park free to visit?
Anacostia Park does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
What are the hours at Anacostia Park?
Open: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
Do I need a reservation for Anacostia Park?
No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Anacostia Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.