Buckingham Fountain switches on summer in this fun family event

Face painters, music and bounce houses usher in the start of a summer of fun in Chicago.

With a human foosball field and Connect 3 basketball, Playground Games will help highlight the Chicago Parent Kids Zone at ComEd’s huge Switch on Summer event May 5.

As WGN Meterologist Tom Skilling and ComEd turn on Buckingham Fountain at 2 p.m. to officially open the summer season in Chicago, kids can have their faces painted, take photos with costumed characters and climb the American Ninja Warrior Wall.

Live entertainment and music from bands Sixteen Candles and Today’s Trade will keep kids of all ages rocking while learning about saving money and energy.

ComEd will be on hand to teach parents about discounts and recycling as they learn about conservation techniques in their own homes.

The kickoff to summer is loaded with giveaways and other family activities.

Museums, such as Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and the National Museum of Mexican Art, are scheduled to have booths to highlight their summer schedules.


If you go

Switch on Summer

May 5, Noon-3 p.m.

Buckingham Fountain, 301 S. Columbus Drive, Chicago

Learn more about the event at comed.com/switchonsummer. 


This article originally appeared in the May 2019 of Chicago Parent. Read the rest of the issue.

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