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National Mother Goose Day

Celebrate National Mother Goose Day with your family - share the timeless tales of nursery rhymes and make lasting memories!

Saturday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 1

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFun

SUBCATEGORYFantasy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to celebrate National Mother Goose Day on May 1! This day is dedicated to the magical and whimsical world of Mother Goose, an iconic figure from children’s literature. It is a celebration of the stories that have delighted generations of children with their imaginative characters and funny rhymes. The day was first established in 1987 to honor the legacy of Mother Goose and her beloved tales. So invite your family and friends over for some fun activities, such as story-telling, singing nursery rhymes, or baking your favorite Mother Goose-inspired treats!

TIMELINE

National Mother Goose Day Timeline

Origin of Mother Goose

The term "Mother Goose" starts gaining traction in the English-speaking world as a writer of fairy tales and nursery rhymes.

Mother Goose in Ragland Road

Artist and writer Randolph Caldecott illustrates the seminal Mother Goose nursery rhyme collection, 'The Diverting History of John Gilpin.'

"Real Mother Goose"

The "Real Mother Goose", a collection of traditional nursery rhymes, is published and solidifies the popularity of these stories in mainstream culture.

Disney Animation Feature

Disney produces an animated short film based on 'Mother Goose Rhymes' adding to the popularity of the childhood nursery tales.

First Mother Goose Day

Founded by Gloria T. Delamar in conjunction with the publication of her book 'Mother Goose: From Nursery to Literature,' National Mother Goose Day is celebrated for the first time.

Modern Celebrations

People worldwide celebrate Mother Goose Day every May 1, honoring the enduring charm and creativity of these classic nursery rhymes.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Mother Goose Day

Read a Mother Goose Book

Pick up your favorite book of Mother Goose rhymes and enjoy some classic tales.

CREATE

Create a nursery rhyme craft

Search online for nursery rhyme crafts that you can make with your children. From paper plate sheep to three little pigs puppets, the possibilities are endless.

SING

Sing Mother Goose songs

Gather the family together and sing your favorite Mother Goose songs. Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Jack and Jill, and Humpty Dumpty are all popular favorites.

DRESS

Dress up as your favorite character

Whether it's Little Bo Peep or Mary Quite Contrary, dress up as your favorite character from a Mother Goose story and put on a show for your family.

VISIT

Visit a Mother Goose museum

Visit a museum dedicated to Mother Goose and explore the different stories, art, and memorabilia from the past.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Mother Goose Day

It encourages creative expression

Not only are Mother Goose stories full of fun and adventure, but they also provide an opportunity for children (and adults) to express their creativity. From making up new verses for an old rhyme to writing a modern take on a classic story, National Mother Goose Day is a great way to get those creative juices flowing!

It celebrates the joy and bond of motherhood

National Mother Goose Day is a day for honoring not just mothers, but also the love and connection between parent and child. It's a time to celebrate the deep bond that exists between mother and child, as well as the stories, songs and rhymes passed down from one generation to another.

It honors classic stories

Mother Goose rhymes are some of the most beloved stories in the world. They bring us back to our childhoods with their simple rhymes and whimsical tales. Whether you prefer "Little Miss Muffet" or "Humpty Dumpty," these tales have captivated generations of children with their charm and wit!

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