Beltway Bambinos

What: The Yards Park, Capitol Riverfront

The Yards Park, provides green space and water features for all to enjoy the outdoors along the Anacostia River. The Canal Basin and Waterwall pay homage to the historic canal that once ran from the Anacostia River to the U.S. Capitol Building. Visitors enjoy splashing, wading, and cooling off in the fresh water of this decorative water feature on hot summer days. The Great Lawn is a large open green space framed by shading trees, unique wooden benches, and a scenic pathway to the Riverwalk Trail Bridge, leading to Diamond Teague Park and Nationals Park. This lovely spot is ideal for quiet picnics, tossing a ball, and generally enjoying the outdoors. The sculptural bridge is the architectural icon of Yards Park, spanning the Canal Basin as it connects the Great Lawn and the Overlook. The bridge also serves as a landmark link on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, a scenic destination for runners, bikers, and strollers to enjoy our river. The Terraced Lawn Steps provide four levels of seating in the park leading down to the boardwalk. These green steps create a natural amphitheater-like space to read, people-watch, and enjoy the river view. If you have a dog, there is also a Dog Run. 

Cons:

• Limited shade
• Very slippery surfaces alongside the water (many, many people fell)
• When we went on a weekend, kids had squirt guns spraying everyone and everything

Pros:

• Less then 12 inches of water
• Free
• Located near Ice Cream Jubilee and many other places to grab a bite or drink
• Dancing Fountains up above on a separate level (above the waterwall)
• The water is DC city water and is chlorinated through the fountain pump and filtration system. The chlorine and pH levels are monitored daily.
• Kids in Canal is a 12-week series of kid-friendly entertainment every Wednesday 10:30 am – 11:30 am beginning June 7th!

Keep in mind:

The park opens at sunrise and closes 2 hours after sunset.

Parking lots are located between Yards Park and Nationals Ballpark, managed by ABM Parking. Availability is first-come, first-served. The rate is $2 per hour for a maximum of 3 hours, then a daily rate charges apply. These prices rise to a flat fee of $35 or more during Washington Nationals home games or other special events.

Two public restrooms are located in the Lumber Shed building that houses restaurants Agua 301, Osteria Morini, Due South, and Ice Cream Jubilee. These restrooms can be accessed via a door on the west side of the building, between Agua 301 and Due South.

No cloth diapers – only swim diapers allowed.

There is no lifeguard on duty so use at your own risk.

This award-winning park is an ideal place for recreation, special events, and festivals throughout the year. Follow Yards Park on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They offer workout classes, summer movies, festivals and children’s events throughout the year.

Where: 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003