Boson Common is the oldest park in the country, and the starting point for the Freedom Trail. Take pictures of the kids on the bronzed statues of Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings — a tribute to Robert McCloskey’s “Make Way for Ducklings” about a duck family who found their home in the Public Garden. Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack’s real-life descendents are in the pond nearby. To get a good look, take a ride on the foot-paddled swan boats ($2.75 for adults, $1.50 for kids). If the kids haven’t read the book, make sure to pick up a copy to read as a bedtime story tonight. The book is available at nearly every gift shop in Boston and at the Barnes and Noble and Borders book stores, both on Washington Street in Downtown Crossing.