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Peabody Ducks
See Memphis, Tennessee family vacation
Peabody Ducks
Downtown Memphis
view website149 Union Ave
Peabody Hotel
Memphis, TN 38103+2696
800-PEABODY
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Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
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.
Historical Landmark
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: They'll want to be the duckmaster, but probably won't make the cut (it might be a good idea to keep this info to yourself). The best viewing for them is right along the red carpet.
School-Age Kids: The most-likely-to-be-duckmaster set. Dress them up a bit and tell them to put on their best smiles to improve their chances.
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.
- Be aggressive. Twice a day a child is chosen to be honorary duckmaster, which includes the chance to lead the ducks. Competition is fierce so be sure to chat up the duckmaster, who is always in the area beforehand, or at least make eye contact with him.
- Just ducky. After the parade, head into the hotel shop and let everyone pick out their own toy duck to take home.
Just the Facts
Hours: 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily
Fees: Free
Recommended Time: Less than 1 hour
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What's Nearby?
- Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art 119 S Main St.
Memphis, TN 38103
901-523-2787 35.14187888888889 -90.05417083333333
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