Good-for-Kids Rating

Rate Peabody Ducks:

Babies

Toddlers & Pre-K

School-Age Kids

Pre-Teens & Teens

submit

Peabody Ducks Description

What started as a practical joke in 1932 has become one of Memphis' most-loved traditions for visitors and Memphians alike. Following an unsuccessful hunting trip, some Memphians were in the open-air lobby bar of the lush Peabody Hotel. A few too many glasses of Tennessee sipping whiskey led to a prank -- the hunters put their live decoys into the ornate fountain in the bar, and the guests loved it. Now, twice daily, hundreds of people flock to see live ducks parade down a red carpet, led by the formally-dressed duckmaster.

Kid Tips

Babies: Not a great place for babies, as the crowd gets thick and unintentionally pushy. If a baby is your only child, then watch the parade from the second story; cocktails are allowed upstairs as well.

Toddlers & Pre-K: The best viewing for them is right along the red carpet.

Pre-Teens & Teens: Let them act as bodyguards and viewing perches for the little ones.

Planning Notes

Kid-friendly bar. With the ducks inhabiting the lobby bar's fountain, kids are naturally drawn it. But that's okay -- they're allowed as long as they're accompanied by an adult.

Arrive early. Be in the bar area at least 45 minutes beforehand if you want to get a good viewing spot; an hour or more for an actual seat.

Fly high. You can get away from the crowds by watching the parade from the relative sanity of the second floor, but don't bring the school-age set up here, as they'll be disappointed.

Just ducky. After the parade, head into the hotel shop and let everyone pick out their own toy duck to take home.

Related Vacations