Haven't gone by boat, but I don't consider any parade, especially one celebrating our Independence, to be one worth missing.
I can think of pleanty of reasons to "drag my 5 year old"* to the parade: patriotism, flags to wave, candy to catch, antique cars, fire trucks, etc. - good times.
Start 'em young.
(*I really do have one of those too... he loved the Memorial Day parade in Alton.)