Kenilworth Aquatic Gardenswildflowers
No reports yet this season for Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens.
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 10:53 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens through the year
- Summer flowersNowMay–Sep
- LotusJun–Aug
- Lotus and Water Lily FestivalJul
- Birding (leaves off the trees)Oct–Mar
Best spots around Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
- Display pond behind the visitor centerManchurian lotus, grown from centuries-old seeds and one of the first to bloom; buds begin forming in mid-June
- Marsh and the dead-end near the boardwalk entranceAmerican lotus, the only lotus native to the Americas
- Bridge over the pondsPink Charles Thomas lotus near the bridge
- The historic pondsLotus and tropical water lilies along a walk of half a mile at most
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens FAQ (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Water Lily (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Lotus (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Kenilworth Lotus and Water Lily Festival (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Fees & Passes (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Pets (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Things To Do (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens in 2026?
The National Park Service says late May through September is Kenilworth's summer flower blooming period: May 21–Sep 30. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it blooming in Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
What time of day is best?
Morning. The flowers close later in the day, and the hardy water lilies open at dawn and shut in the afternoon.Sources: National Park Service, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens FAQ ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Water Lily ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When do the lotuses bloom?
Typically June through August; the first buds form in mid-June, and each flower lasts up to 5 days. Hardy water lilies flower from about May to September.Sources: National Park Service, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Lotus ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Water Lily ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is the Lotus and Water Lily Festival?
Each summer, timed for the peak bloom. In 2026 it was Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19.Source: National Park Service, Kenilworth Lotus and Water Lily Festival ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a fee, and can I bring my dog?
It's free, no entrance pass needed. Dogs are welcome on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.Sources: National Park Service, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Fees & Passes ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Pets ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens?
Display pond behind the visitor center: manchurian lotus, grown from centuries-old seeds and one of the first to bloom; buds begin forming in mid-June; Marsh and the dead-end near the boardwalk entrance: american lotus, the only lotus native to the Americas; Bridge over the ponds: pink Charles Thomas lotus near the bridge; The historic ponds: lotus and tropical water lilies along a walk of half a mile at most.
When is the festival in Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens?
Lotus and Water Lily Festival, usually in Jul.
What is Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens like through the year?
Summer flowers (May–Sep), Lotus (Jun–Aug), Lotus and Water Lily Festival (Jul) and Birding (leaves off the trees) (Oct–Mar).