Thinking about taking your kids to Tall Ships Erie 2025? From a six-story rubber duck to real-deal pirate-worthy ships, this festival is one of Erie’s biggest family events of the year. But before you pack the stroller and head downtown, here’s everything parents need to know — from stroller rules and free Parade of Sail viewing spots to the best kid-friendly activities and parking tips.
🚢 Where to Watch the Parade of Sail With Kids
The festival kicks off Thursday, August 21 at 4 PM, with the Parade of Sail, when tall ships sail into Presque Isle Bay in full rig. It’s one of the most magical sights of summer.
- It’s FREE to watch! No ticket needed.
- Arrive early — families should plan ahead with chairs, water, and snacks.
Best viewing spots if you don’t want to head downtown:
- South side of Presque Isle State Park along Presque Isle Bay (including Perry Monument & East Pier)
- North Pier (note: no vehicle access except limited handicapped spots)
- Liberty Park on Erie’s west bayfront
- Lampe Marina at the foot of the Port Access Road
- Bayview Park near W. 2nd & Cherry Streets
- The foot of Holland Street
- East Avenue boat launch
- Lakeside Recreation Area in Lawrence Park
📍 See VisitErie’s map of Parade of Sails Viewing Locations:
🎟️ Tall Ships Erie 2025 Festival Hours & Tickets
👉 Planning your visit to Tall Ships Erie 2025? Here’s a complete guide to festival hours, ticket prices (including kid admission), and where to buy passes without extra fees.
- Friday–Sunday, Aug. 22–24 – Festival open daily 10 AM–6 PM
- Entrances: Dobbins Landing & Bayfront Convention Center
Ticket options:
- Single Day Pass – $12 (festival grounds only)
- Deck Tour Add-On – +$6 (access to board five tall ships)
- Children 2 & under are free. (Otherwise, general admission pricing applies — no separate child rate.)
- Weekend and VIP passes also available.
💡 Pro Tip: Skip online fees by buying in person. Families have a few options to do that:
- Purchase at the Lettie G. Howard ticket booth at Dobbins Landing before or during the festival.
- Buy in advance at the Bayfront Maritime Center (Mon–Fri, 10 AM–4 PM; call 844-542-3743 before visiting).
- Purchase at the gate during the festival.
More info and advance ticket sales here.
🧒 Things to Do With Kids at Tall Ships Erie
- Kids’ Zone – Crafts, inflatables, and maritime-themed fun.
- Ship Deck Tours – Let kids climb aboard and explore five historic vessels.
- Day Sails – 1.5-hour adventures on Presque Isle Bay (book early, they sell out).
- World’s Largest Rubber Duck (and Baby Duck!) – The six-story inflatable returns!
- Live Entertainment – Regional music and performances throughout the day.
- Maritime Marketplace – Shop nautical goodies, treats, and crafts.
More info and advance ticket sales here.
Pics from the last time the giant rubber duck (and her baby!) visited in 2022:
👶 Is Tall Ships Erie Stroller-Friendly?
- Yes — the festival grounds are stroller-friendly with paved walkways but note that the festival may be busy so stroller navigation might be difficult.
- Ships themselves are NOT stroller- or wheelchair-accessible (think ladders and steep steps). Bring a baby carrier if you want to board.
- Small coolers (5 qt or less) are allowed for baby food, formula, or medicine (plastic only, no glass).
🚗 Where to Park for Tall Ships Erie 2025
- No general parking at festival grounds.
- Park in downtown garages/lots and hop on the free festival shuttle (runs 8 AM–7:30 PM).
- Festival tickets double as a free EMTA bus pass all weekend.
- VIP & prepaid handicap parking is available at the Bayfront Convention Center lot.
- More info
🌞 Tips for Families Attending Tall Ships Erie
- Arrive early — especially Thursday for the Parade of Sail.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and one factory-sealed water bottle per guest (or an empty refillable bottle for hydration stations).
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — you’ll cover a lot of ground.
- No outside food is permitted (except with the exception of baby food/formula/medicine in a small cooler).
- Check ship tour line closures — they may close 30–120 minutes before festival end.
- Save the shuttle map to your phone for easy navigation.
✅ Family Checklist Before You Go
- 🎟️ Tickets purchased
- 👶 Stroller or baby carrier
- 🍼 Baby food or formula in a small cooler (plastic containers only, no glass). No other outside food permitted.
- 💧 One sealed water bottle per guest
- 👟 Comfy shoes
- 🚌 Parking/shuttle plan
- More info
✨ Whether you’re chasing rubber ducks, climbing aboard ships, or just soaking in the Parade of Sail, Tall Ships Erie 2025 is one of the best family events of the summer. Plan ahead, pack smart, and get ready for memories your kids will be talking about long after the sails come down.
This article was created for Macaroni KID Erie with the assistance of ChatGPT (OpenAI).
