Duckling Day Parade

Boston's Duckling Day Parade provides the perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day when your child reaches a certain age - perhaps 18 months - and even younger if you're want to carry your little duckling or push them in a stroller.

The Duckling Day Parade commemorates Robert McCluskey's classic children's book, Make Way for Ducklings, set here in Boston and made even more special by our Make Way for Ducklings statues in the Public Garden.

The parade begins in Boston Common and traces the path taken by Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their flock of eight recently hatched ducklings as they search for the perfect place in the city to bring them up, which turns out to be Mallard Island in the middle of the Lagoon in the Public Garden.

As a doting mom or dad, you get to dress up your own offspring in something yellow and fuzzy, and parade with them.

For parents, there's no sweeter Mother's Day treat than seeing your own adorable baby duckling march - or toddle - in this annual parade.

More about Mothers Day Events in Boston

Duckling Day Parade in Boston, Massachusetts, (c) Boston Discovery Guide

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How Old Should Your Children Be for Boston's Duckling Day Parade?

the Make Way for Ducklings statues in Boston

You need to be part of the Duckling Parade while your children are still young because once they're old enough to realize what they look like while wearing yellow fuzzy outfits, they'll rebel and refuse to participate.

You'll probably have the best success in getting your children to dress like baby ducks when they're about 5 or under - although you'll see plenty of 7, 8, and perhaps even 9 or 10 year olds gamely marching along with their younger siblings in the parade.

Once they reach that age, you may want to take pity and settle for letting them wear a yellow t-shirt.

More things to do in Boston on Mother's Day

What to Expect at the Duckling Day Parade

Duckling Day Parade - Harvard Brass Band leads the march — Harvard Brass Band, playing before the march

Before the Parade Starts: Playtime on the Common

Duckling Day Parade participants assemble near the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common, typically at 10am on Mother's Day (you can confirm the time and other details by checking the Boston Event Calendar for May).

You need to register and pay a small fee, which covers the cost of music, snacks, and a goodie bag with duck-themed gifts for each child in the family. Registering in advance will save you a few dollars.

Proceeds benefit Friends of the Public Garden, a local organization that helps support care of Boston Common and Commonwealth Avenue Mall in addition to the Public Garden.

While this is going on, you'll hear some great music by the Harvard Marching Band as well as other entertainers such as jugglers, circus games, and more.

Back this year: Special Lion Dances performed by young dancers.

As a special treat, you'll also hear readings of the book, Make Way for Ducklings.

(If you want your own copy of this beloved children's classic, you can get one at Amazon.)

Duckling Day Parade - Officer Michael greets the children — Officer Michael greets the children dressed as ducklings on Duckling Day

During some years, you can look for an appearance by Officer Michael, portrayed by a member of the Boston Police Force.

If you haven't registered in advance, you can also sign up and pay the participation fee once you arrive - although the event is usually limited to about 1,000 participants, advance registration is strongly suggested.

The Parade Starts!

Duckling Day Parade - ducklings and their parents start lining up for the parade — Some of the smallest ducklings trying to line up

Lining up for the parade usually takes awhile, since toddlers are involved.

The parade begins its journey across Boston Common at about noon.

Just like in the book, Officer Michael stops the traffic on Charles Street so that you can safely walk across to the Public Garden.

Duckling Day Parade - Park Ranger on horsback and admiring fans — Park Ranger on horsback and admiring fans

As an extra highlight, you may see police officers on horseback mingling with the crowd - always a huge hit!

The parade continues (fairly slowly) to the Lagoon.

Once the parade ends, each child gets a goody bag full of Duckling-Day themed items.

Ducklings Ride the Carousel!

Duckling Day Parade - Carousel on Boston Common after the parade — Ducklings riding the Carousel on Boston Common after the parade

After the parade finishes, you can walk back over to Boston Common with your duckling and go for a ride on the carousel.

Q & A: Where to Buy Duckling Costumes for the Parade

Question: I'm planning to come to the Duckling Day Parade. Where can I get Duck outfits for my children?

Thanks, Sandy

Boston Discovery Guide's Answer: Check out these adorable duckling costumes available on Amazon (#ad). They make cute Halloween costumes too!

Kids grow up fast - so enjoy the opportunity to dress them up like adorable ducklings while you still can.

Hotels near the Duckling Day Parade on Boston Common & the Public Garden

Coming into Boston for the Duckling Day Parade on Mother's Day?

Turn it into a weekend celebration by staying at one of the luxury hotels overlooking Boston Common and the Public Garden, such as the beautiful Newbury Hotel:

View from The Newbury Boston Hotel — View from The Newbury

Not only will you get some serious pampering along with gorgeous views, but your children will have the joy of playing in these beautiful parks just steps from your hotel lobby.

More luxury hotels across from the Public Garden and Boston Common:

More about hotels near Boston Common and the Public Garden

For hotels only a block away, where you typically may find lower rates, try these: