The Friends of the Public Garden, in association with the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department, celebrates Mother’s Day with Boston-area families during its annual Duckling Day event.

A beloved tradition for more than 30 years, Duckling Day celebrates the children’s classic book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. Every year, over 1,000 people meet up and parade through Boston’s most picturesque parks, dressed like characters from the story. Led by the Harvard Marching Band, the parade will begin on the Boston Common at the Parkman Bandstand and end in the Public Garden near the famous Make Way for Ducklings sculpture. Bring your camera – the parade is possibly the most adorable thing you’ll ever see!

Prior to the parade will be Playtime on the Common, a vibrant array of family entertainment including crafts, face painters, a magician, circus games with Esh Circus Arts, and climbing and jumping with the Knucklebones crew. All families are welcome to decorate their wagons or strollers, bring a picnic, and enjoy springtime in Boston’s most beloved parks!

10:00 a.m. – Registration/check-in begins
10:00 a.m. – Playtime on the Common begins
11:45 a.m. – Executive Director Liz Vizza greets families
12:00 p.m. – Parade begins

Registration fee: $35 per family in advance (before May 11th); $40 per family at the event.

Each registered family will gain free access to all the activities in the Playtime on the Common, and they will receive a special goody bag filled with Duckling Day themed items for each child in their party. Event will be held rain or shine, and there are no refunds. To register visit http://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/2018/02/05/13may2018-ducklingday/