Jumping Jack Program

Each year, an estimated 350,000 people have the opportunity to get to know Jack. Community event planners know it better as the Jumping Jack program, the popular entertainment attraction for kids. This inflatable playground, provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, is available for free, delighting children at more than 5,000 community events all summer long.

Applications for the Jumping Jack are now available. Applications must be received at least 10 days prior to the event. The Jumping Jack Program runs from May 27 through Labor Day, September 5th. The Jumping Jacks are scheduled on a first come first serve basis.

Applications for Saturdays should be submitted as early as possible. Due to the popularity of this service, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events encourages applicants to have multiple backup dates in case the original date requested is not available.
Some general rules to keep in mind include:

• The Jumping Jack is scheduled for 60 minutes within your allotted time span. An additional 30 minutes in each time span is used to setup and take down the equipment.

• One application per organization.
•  Sites located outside of Chicago city limits will not be serviced.

• The Jumping Jack is not intended for birthday parties or for private use.

• The Jumping Jack is intended for outdoor use only.

• The Jumping Jack can not be set up in rain, drizzle or on wet pavement or grass.

• It is the responsibility of the person/organization requesting the Jumping Jack to secure the necessary street closure permit from the Alderman's office, remove parked vehicles from the block, insure proper adult supervision for all children and supply electrical power to operate the equipment.

The program, established in 1969, is the longest running program of its kind.
To request a Jumping Jack Application, email the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events at dcase@cityofchicago.org