
Maybe spring was a little slow arriving. All the more reason summer needs to go big this year.
That starts with the annual turning on of the iconic Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. This year, Chicago Parent is teaming up with ComEd, The Playground Games and many local museums to kick off summer with an afternoon packed full of family fun.
The Playground Games is bringing its new inflatable Connect 3 Basketball, a life-size basketball version of Connect 4. Plus, 18-foot-tall Giant Kick Darts, Human Foosball Field and 25-foot Giant Foot Pool Table.
Between the jumping, kicking and dart throwing, introduce the kids to the best songs from the ’80s with the band 16 Candles.
Of course, ComEd will be on hand with interactive games to teach us all a bit more about saving money and energy. Learning how we can all conserve and be better to the earth is a definite win for summer.
At 2 p.m., Meteorologist Tom Skilling officially helps switch on the fountain. Make sure to stand downwind if it is a windy day to soak up that familiar Buckingham Fountain cooling mist!
If you go
May 6, noon-3 p.m.
Buckingham Fountain
301 S. Columbus Drive, Chicago