Bladensburg Waterfront Park, formerly known as Bladensburg Marina, is a newly revitalized park along the Anacostia River, nestled among the Port Towns of Bladensburg, Colmar Manor and Cottage City. The park features a public boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic pavilion, playground, a B & O Railroad caboose, community boathouse (storage facility) and historical displays. Canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals are available on weekends from May 26 to October 31. Free pontoon boat tours allow visitors to explore this surprisingly scenic river with the guidance of a naturalist. Canoeing and kayaking lessons are offered, as well as many other interesting natural and historical programs. Special events include the annual Port Towns Day, Paddlesport Regatta, and river clean-ups. The hiker/biker bridge links this park directly to the Anacostia Tributary Trail System. Contact staff at the number above for information regarding days and hours of operations, reservations, programs, and fees.

Calendar of Events

Daily, sunrise to sunset
Bladensburg Waterfront Park
Enjoy FREE use of the park, fishing pier, playground, and boat ramp. We also offer FREE interpretive pontoon boat rides on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 12 noon.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 12 noon-12:45 pm & Saturdays & Sundays, 5-5:45 pm
Anacostia River Boat Tour
Join a park naturalist on our pontoon boat to search for birds and other wildlife. No advance reservations required--sign up when you arrive at the park.
All ages welcome. FREE

Saturdays & Sundays, 10 am-6 pm
Canoe, Kayak, Paddle Boat and Rowboat Rentals
Hop into a boat to explore the river for an hour or the whole day.
Fee (per canoe or kayak): Resident $5/hour, $12/day; Non-Resident $6/hour, $15/day
Fee (per rowboat & paddle boat): Resident $6/hour $15/day; Non-Resident $7/hour $20/day

Saturday, May 10, 12 noon-4 pm
A-May-Zing Animal Fest
Enjoy this fun-filled event featuring, birds of prey, reptiles, farm animals, puppet show, food vendors, arts & crafts and exhibits.
All ages welcome. FREE

Saturday, May 17, 8-10 am
Birdwatching
Join a park naturalist to locate and identify woodland and water birds along the Anacostia River. Beginners and advanced birders welcome. Binoculars provided.
All ages welcome. (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.)
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
SMARTlink #112330

Saturday, May 17, 1-5 pm
Canoe Lesson
Learn paddling skills from a certified instructor as you paddle the scenic Anacostia River.
Ages 10 & up (Ages 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult.)
Fee: Resident $25; Non-Resident $30
SMARTlink #112342

Wednesday, May 21, 5:30-7:30 pm
Anacostia River Tour
Join a naturalist for a paddling excursion down the Anacostia River.
Ages 3 & up (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.)
Fee: Resident $10/canoe; Non-Resident $12/canoe
SMARTlink #112323

Saturday, May 24, 10 am-2 pm
Kayak Lesson
Learn paddling skills from a certified instructor, as you paddle the scenic Anacostia River.
Ages 10 & up (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.)
Fee: Resident $25; Non-Resident $30
SMARTlink #112344

Saturday, May 31, 9 am-3 pm
Canoe paddling (9-11:30 am and 12:30-3 pm)
Fishing (9-11:30 am)
Open House on The Waterfront
Learn basic canoe paddling and fishing techniques. All necessary materials provided. Refreshments served.
All ages welcome. FREE (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.)

Saturday, May 31, 4-5 pm
History Program 18th Century Bladensburg
Learn about the contributions made by African Americans in the economic development of Bladensburg and Washington, DC through a skit and presentation.
All ages welcome. FREE

Saturday, June 7, 9:30 am-12 noon
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Canoe Tour
Join a park naturalist to paddle into the Aquatic Gardens and search for wildlife. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets provided. Reservations required.
All ages welcome. (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.)
Fee: Resident $10/boat; Non-Resident $12/boat

Saturday, June 14, 10 am-2 pm
Kayak Lesson
Learn paddling skills from a certified instructor on the scenic Anacostia River.
Ages 10 & up (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.)
Fee: Resident $25; Non-Resident $30

Sunday, June 15, 6-7:30 pm
Summer Concert Series: Dr. S.O. Feelgood Sweet Soul Music Man
Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy great blues and soul music.
All ages welcome. FREE

Saturday, June 21, 9 am-12 noon
Bicycle Nature Tour
Bring your bicycle and helmet for a guided tour of park trails.
Ages 10 & up (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.)
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3

Saturday, June 21, 9 am-12 noon
River Clean Up
Dress to get dirty as we remove trash from the Anacostia River and the surrounding watershed. Students can earn community service hours.
All ages welcome.

Sunday, June 22, 6-7:30 pm
Summer Concert Series
Enjoy a performance by Daniel Burkholder and The Playground Dance Performance.
All ages welcome. FREE

Saturday, June 28, 10 am-2 pm
Canoe Lesson
Learn paddling skills from a certified instructor as you paddle the scenic Anacostia River.
Ages 10 & up (An adult must accompany children 16 & under.)
Fee: Resident $25; Non-Resident $30

Saturday, June 28, 4-5 pm
History Program: 18th Century Bladensburg
Learn about the contributions made by African Americans in the economic development of Bladensburg and Washington, DC through a skit and presentation.

Sunday, June 29, 6 -7:30 pm
Summer Concert Series - Blue Sky Puppet Theatre's Bananas
This hilarious program teaches children about the importance of fitness and nutrition.
All ages welcome. FREE