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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Public art

Yards Park Dancing Fountains

A vibrant riverfront splash pad at the entrance of The Yards Park, featuring interactive water jets and color-changing lights to cool off in the heart of DC's Navy Yard.

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What are the Yards Park Dancing Fountains?

The Dancing Fountains are a splash pad at the entrance of The Yards Park, a 5.4-acre waterfront destination in Washington, D.C. They feature playful water jets and color-changing lights.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, the splash area is free to use.

What are the hours?

The park is open daily, opening at sunrise and closing two hours after sunset.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, it is a favorite DC attraction for families and visitors. The splash area is shallow (less than 12 inches of water) and the park has hosted kid-friendly programming such as 'Kids in Canal'.

Where is it located?

The dancing fountains are located at the entrance of The Yards Park at 355 Water Street, Washington, DC 20003.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Yards Park Dancing Fountains serve as a playful, interactive gateway to a premier 5.4-acre waterfront destination. Located at 355 Water Street, these fountains function as a splash pad at the entrance of the park, welcoming visitors with playful water jets and color-changing lights. The installation is part of a larger fountain sequence that includes the Canal Basin and Waterwall, which are designed to recall a historic canal that once existed on the site. Built as part of the first phase of a three-phase urban redevelopment project that began in 2008, the fountains are situated in one of Washington's earliest industrial neighborhoods. The park is positioned west of the Washington Navy Yard and east of Nationals Park, effectively reconnecting the city's grid to the Anacostia River. As a notable family-friendly attraction, the water-play area incorporates a waterfall display, scrim features, and interactive jet features. The shallow water, measuring less than 12 inches, makes it a safe and accessible space for children to play. The site is managed by the nonprofit Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District (BID) and is open daily from sunrise until two hours after sunset.

Visitor tips

  • The splash area is free to use and shallow, making it easy for children to navigate.
  • Plan your visit between sunrise and two hours after sunset to ensure the park is open.
  • Grab a treat from nearby Ice Cream Jubilee to enjoy while watching the fountains.
  • Wear comfortable, water-resistant footwear if you plan to let the kids splash in the jets.

Nearby context

The Dancing Fountains are the entrance to The Yards Park, a centerpiece of the The Yards and Capitol Riverfront area. The park is located in a historic industrial neighborhood, nestled between the Washington Navy Yard and Nationals Park.

Sources

Evidence and links