Highlights from 2025’s Event

2025 KINGMAN ISLAND FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY ACTIVITIES

Activities with this symbol have dedicated times with confirmed ASL interpretation available. Additional interpreters will be available to support event attendees at other activities upon request. Stop by the DOEE tent at the RFK Lot 6 Island Entrance for more information.

  • Presented by Hill Family Biking

    Join Hill Family Biking for a pre-event community bike ride! The group will begin the day at Stanton Park at 10:30 AM for a 4-mile group bike ride to Kingman Island. Find more information and register here.

    10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

  • Presented by: Erin Palmer, Community Volunteer

    Come get crafty and make your very own pressed flower suncatcher. We’ll bring the materials. You’ll bring the creativity!

  • Presented by: Casey Trees and DDOT

    Have you ever wanted to explore the walking trails of Kingman and Heritage Islands? Are you interested in learning the difference between native and invasive trees? Join forester Alex Grieve from DDOT's urban forestry division for a 30-minute guided walking tour of the islands! Participants will learn about island restoration projects and tree identification skills. All ages welcome!

    Tree walks will depart at 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30. The 2:30 PM walk will include ASL interpretation.

  • Presented by: Casey Trees 

    Want to learn why trees are so important in the District? Join Casey Trees, who will have activities for all ages, including a Tree Bookmark Craft, Tree Bingo Game and a Scavenger Hunt using their Kingman and Heritage Islands specific tree guide. You can also learn about basic tips for tree identification while using the Casey Trees Species Guide! Talk to us about what we do in the city and how you can get free trees for your yard or community.

  • Presented by: DOEE

    Ever wonder what species are thriving on Kingman Island? Come explore this exciting ecosystem using nets and hand lenses to observe some of the smaller inhabitants up close. Guides will be available to help you along your journey of discovery!

  • Presented by: RES and Sarver Ecological  

    Ask subject matter experts your questions about the ecological restoration project currently underway on Kingman and Heritage Islands! RES and Sarver Ecological will be on hand to discuss the design principles and implementation strategies, tactics, and techniques being implemented to establish a plethora of different native plant communities on the islands.

  • Beginner-Friendly Yoga

    Presented by: Bright Bear Yoga

    Join us for a beginner-friendly yoga session in nature's studio - the great outdoors. Connect with your body and your surroundings as we flow through poses designed for all skill levels. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the soothing sounds of the surroundings, and let nature inspire your practice. Bring your mat, a water bottle, and a sense of curiosity. Don't have a mat? No problem, we have some on hand you can borrow.

    2:00 - 2:45 PM

    ASL interpretation will be available for this activity.

  • Presented by: Living Classrooms of the National Capitol Region.

    Do you want to explore Kingman Lake by water while also cleaning up our river? Guided by Living Classrooms paddling staff, participants will partner up and paddle on Kingman Lake in search of trash. Participants will be provided with basic instructions, gloves, and trash grabbers. No paddling experience is required! Age requirement: 4 years and older.  

    Not joining us on the water? Stop by our info table to play a game about marine debris and try sitting in a kayak on land!

    Session 1: 11 AM - 12:15 PM (Sign up in advance online.)

    Session 2: 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM (Sign-up day of)

    Session 3: 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM (Sign up day of)

  • Presented by: Department of Energy & Environment

    Let’s go on a leaf adventure! Discover the amazing trees that grow right here in DC and explore the cool shapes and patterns of their leaves. Then, create your very own colorful leaf collage, and bring it to life by adding local pollinator friends. A hands-on, nature-filled activity for kids of all ages!

  • Presented by: Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

    Learn about the different stages of the lotus life cycle as it grows from a dormant seed to a fully bloomed flower and how that process repeats all over again. Once you've learned a bit about this process, you'll put your knowledge to the test with a quick matching game! Visitors can then have the opportunity to create and take home their own paper lotus using a simply folding technique, similar to origami.

  • Presented by: Department of Energy & Environment

    DOEE’s Reuse DC will be offering a children’s clothing swap, as well as a stuffed animal repair clinic. Stop by our tent to drop-off or swap your donations of washed, gently-used children’s clothing from 11am-3pm. Do you have a well-loved stuffed animal in need of stitches or extra stuffing? Hold your plushie's paw while they get patched up and learn a few new skills to give your toys some TLC.

  • Presented by: Department of Energy & Environment

    In addition to providing opportunities environmental education and conservation on the Islands, DOEE also strives to make them a great place to recreate and relax. Join us for a variety of lawn games in the meadow.

  • Presented by: Department of Energy & Environment and LIVING CLASSROOMS OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION  

    Did you know that keeping our dogs on leashes while exploring the islands can benefit our ecosystem? Sign the Paw Pledge and have your dog become a Kingman Bark Ranger! Dogs will receive an official Bark Ranger bandana and will help ensure all people and creatures are kept safe and happy on the islands. 

  • Presented by: Department of Energy & Environment  

    Want to learn how to fish but not sure where to start? Join DOEE to learn basic fishing skills and practice catch-and-release fishing. Participants will have the opportunity to learn common fishing knots, how to cast a line, and about the watersheds where the real DC lunkers lurk. From fishing pros to newbies, everyone is welcome! Equipment, bait, and tackle will be provided. 

  • Presented by: RES 

    Come get your hands dirty and help seed and plant native plants in meadow habitat on Kingman Island!

  • Presented by: Department of Energy & Environment

    Are you curious about wetlands? Join us for the launch of a new self-guided habitat tour on the Islands, plus learn about our plans to restore and enhance wetlands within Kingman Lake. DOEE and NPS are currently working on designs for over 50 acres of wetland restoration and enhancement within Kingman Lake. Stop by and see the designs.

  • Do you want to learn about current and future plans for Kingman and Heritage Islands? Want to share your thoughts and feedback? Come by to learn about design improvements on the Islands that prioritize conservation and restoration of the natural ecology and focus on education opportunities for visitors of all ages.

  • Presented by: Urban Adventure Squad 

    Whose footprints are those--raccoon, groundhog, or river otter? Join outdoor learning organization Urban Adventure Squad (UAS) to explore the animal tracks of neighborhood critters that live along the Anacostia River. Participants of all ages can use pre-carved stamps made by UAS educator Randi Jones to make their own take-home tracker or create a postcard to share the outdoor learning fun with friends and neighbors. 

  • Presented by: Department of Energy & Environment

    Explore the diverse habitats of Kingman Island with our wildlife biologists. Grab a data sheet and set off an adventure around the Islands, making scientific observations about what you find!

  • Presented by: Department of Energy and Environment

    DC has lots of goals for making the city a better place to live now, and into the future. But we need your help! Come by the Sustainable DC station to share what kids and adults can do to make DC a healthier, greener, and more livable city.

  • Presented by: Anacostia Riverkeeper

    Anacostia River Explorers Tours discuss all things Anacostia River. In our 30-minute tours, our experienced captains will discuss topics like: the history of the Anacostia and its surrounding communities, environmental threats, river wildlife, infrastructure along the river, and anything else you’d want to know!

    Anacostia Riverkeeper will be doing walk-up, same-day registration in the Kingman Island Meadow. There is no pre-event registration option. Spots are limited.

    ASL Interpretation will be available for the 12:30 tour.

  • Presented by: DC Bird Alliance

    Kingman Island is home to an impressive variety of native and migrating bird species. Let's take a mini bird walk to see what feathered friends we might find!

    ASL interpretation will be available for the 12:00 walk.

  • Presented by: The Grandsons, Jr.

    Listen to 4-time WAMMIE winners, The Grandsons, Jr. perform family-friendly live music on the Islands. Event attendees will dig the upbeat mix of rock, swing, New Orleans R&B, country, Latin music we call Americana.

    11:30 - 12:30 PM

    ASL interpretation will be available for this activity.

  • Presented by: Department of Energy & Environment

    Join DOEE staff to remove invasive plants near the entrance of Kingman + Heritage Islands and the Anacostia River Trail.

    DOEE will provide tools, gloves, and instruction. Please wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

    Advance registration is required here.

    10:00 - 12:30 PM

  • Presented by: Lando Dulce

    Put on your dancing shoes and join professional Latin dancer and instructor Orlando Machuca for a fun and energizing line dancing class.

    1:00 - 2:00 PM

    ASL interpretation will be available for this activity.

  • Got a question about the history of the islands? Want to know how the islands are being maintained and restored? Kingman Island Rangers are here to help and happy to answer any of your questions. Rangers will be wearing Kingman and Heritage Island blue Ranger shirts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

  • For directs by metro, bus, streetcar, foot or bike, and car visit: kingmanisland.com/visit. Parking will also be available but may be limited. We recommend you bike, walk, or take public transit if possible. 

  • Yes, J&J’s Mex-Taqueria will have food available for purchase, including vegetarian options.

    You are welcome to pack your own snacks. Bonus points if it is zero-waste!

    Bring a reusable water bottle. There will be water stations available to refill.

  • Yes, there will be accessible bathrooms available in three locations:

    • Kingman Island Boat Dock (near the Benning Rd. NE entrance)

    • Kingman Island Meadow (where most event activities will take place).

    • At the Fields of RFK Campus (near the Oklahoma Ave NE/RFK Lot 6 entrance to the Islands).

  • Yes! All activities are designed for kids and adults.

  • Dogs on a leash are welcome on the islands. Please keep in mind that there will be children and activities that might create a stressful environment for your dog. Be sure to stop by the Bark Rangers table to sign a Paw Pledge and receive a Bark Ranger dog bandana and pet waste bag!  

  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes appropriate for outdoor activities like paddling, yoga, and walking through nature. All activities will be outside.

  • The Department of Energy and Environment is committed to making our events accessible to all District residents.

    ASL interpretation will be available for performance-based activities and guided tours. Look for the ASL sign on the activity icons above as activities are confirmed.

    To request an accommodation or inquire about accessibility, please contact Marissa O’Neill at marissa.oneill@dc.gov. This page will be updated with further accessibility information as more activities and logistics are confirmed.