Park · DC

Things to do in Anacostia

The National Park Service lists 7 things to do at Anacostia Park. 7 have no extra fee, 7 need no reservation, and 5 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated Oct 28, 2026, 3:52 AM EDT · NPS Data API

All (7) Hands-On (2)Road Biking (1)Arts and Culture (1)Paddling (1)Picnicking (1)Team Sports (1)

A ranger on a bicycle — Photo: NPS Ranger Haddy

Bike the Anacostia River Trail

3.5 mile bike trail along the Anacostia River. This trail continues North into Maryland and across two bridges into downtown D.C.

1-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Road Biking

Two National Park Service interns show their passport stamp collection at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens — Photo: NPS / Gabby Napolitano

Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps

Start your stamp collection and celebrate every park you visit! Explore historic sites and scenic parks managed by National Capital Parks - East and collect a unique stamp at each one.

5-10 Minutes Year-round

Hands-On

Go Roller Skating

Visit the National Park Service's only roller skating pavilion!

Year-round

Arts and Culture

Two Junior Rangers display their Junior Ranger badge collections at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens — Photo: NPS / Gabby Napolitano

Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East

Become a Junior Ranger at parks across National Capital Parks – East! Explore, complete a booklet, and earn badges and certificates along the way!

30-90 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Hands-On

Paddle the Anacostia Water Trail

Discover the natural abundance of the Anacostia River as it threads through the heart of Washington, DC. Watch birds on Kingman Island or dock at the National Arboretum and roam the forest.

1-6 Hours Pets allowed

Paddling

The winding riverwalk trail stretches along the Anacostia River and is a great place to picnic. — Photo: NPS Photo

Picnic at Anacostia Park

Relax and enjoy a picnic at Anacostia Park. The park has plenty of recreation activities to build up your appetite for a nice picnic while enjoying the view of the Anacostia River and downtown D.C. skyline.

1-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Picnicking

Several people play basektball at sunset in Anacostia Park — Photo: NPS Marcey Frutchey

Sports and Recreation at Anacostia

Come play basketball or tennis on one of our courts, or start a game of frisbee or soccer on one of our open fields that is along the scenic Anacostia River!

1-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed

Team Sports

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Anacostia. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

Things to do at nearby parks

Fort Dupont Park (DC)
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (DC)
National Capital Parks-East (DC)
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens (DC)
National Mall and Memorial Parks (DC)
Ford's Theatre National Historic Site (DC)

Sources

National Park Service Data API — things to do, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026. Descriptions are short excerpts; photos are NPS photos shown from nps.gov with their credit.
Anacostia Park — things to do on nps.gov